Ya man, a movie like Lage Raho Munna Bhai is not the typical run-of-the-mill product. And one does not need to be a ‘tough cookie’ to make this. All one needs is a little sensitivity, the will to enlighten or bring a change, extreme optimism, patriotism, sheer brilliance, and the power to present the ordinary in an extra-ordinary manner.
To possess such caliber is to have a gift. I guess Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Raju Hirani have once again displayed that they can create fire with ideas so humane, belonging to the common and every inch indigenous. If Munnabhai MBBS was amazingly good then its sequel is miles ahead. I guess with this film (an films being made in the present days – Omkara, RDB, etc.) Bollywood is just sticking out its neck too far in the world cinema. But don’t you guys worry. There is no danger of being run over. Because the speed with which the Indian film industry is making such fantastic creations there is no chance of being overtaken.
LRMB is of the same breed. I mean the thoughts and ideas portrayed in Munna Bhai are simply taken to a higher plane in this sequel. Because of the given lineage there are many similarities but the difference between these two is planetary. How? Let me explain.
Arre, pehle to these guys created a character like Munnabhai MBBS. And as if that’s not enough to cause laughter aches on our sides they bring in the old Bapu! Man if that’s not sheer brilliance then what is it?
I guess we do need Bapu today albeit re-fashioned. Just the way Raju Bhai has presented to us.
You know what, I believe Chopra and Hirani made this sequel not just for the heck of making another hilarious blockbuster. If I am not mistaken and what I believe is true, the duo created this work simply because they belived it will work. When I say work I mean commercially as well as socially. So do not be surprised if a la RDB like scene flashes on your TV screen in a few days. In fact do not be pulled back if you see a repeat of Gandhigiri in real life.
Man, this is the power of films. Creating mass movements. In my opinion the now declared tax free LRMB has earned itself a place in history. Not because it has brought alive Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi alive, but trust me because it has taken us back to the Gandhiji era in an extremely magical way.
I loved watching LRMB. Its total fun. Every moment was just too good. And this time despite high expectations I was not disappointed. And that I guess is an achievement in itself. You laugh and you learn.