In 2001, Dil Chahta Hai introduced in a recent perspective in Hindi cinema that diverged from the mainstream melodramatic and action-packed movies that dominated the large display throughout its time. Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut was one among its form. It adopted three bachelors – Aakash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan) and Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna) navigating the complexities of life that paved the way in which for enjoyable and banter in addition to a significant fallout. Whereas a couple of moments bend barely in the direction of the melodramatic, the movie units the benchmark for coming-of-age movies that commemorate friendship in its best mild.
Hailed as a cult basic for its nostalgic attraction by millennials ever since its launch, it’s price asking whether or not the movie holds the identical standing amongst Gen Z or has time dimmed its appeal?
Dil Chahta Hai (DCH) skipped the slow-motion working sequences in fields or gravity defying vehicles in addition to the quintessential melodrama overload. As an alternative, we noticed Goa journeys, espresso store conversations, commencement events, seaside sports activities and humour that will get one by means of heartbreak. That is the place the movie can be interpreted as a post-modern piece. Put up-modernism thrives on breaking established norms and DCH did the identical with excluding the formulaic love triangles and one singular ethical ending. It embraced the characters’ journey that was messy and unapologetically actual.
It’s inconceivable to not point out the movie’s cultural successors – Ayan Mukerji’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, that are a lot beloved amongst right now’s technology and rightfully so. However there positive are distinct methods by which DCH retains its individuality right now, even after 24 years. Sure elements of the movie keep related up to now, because of the common themes. The three bachelors, recent out of faculty are plunged into the pool of uncertainty with the essential query of – What’s subsequent? One thing Gen Z can wholeheartedly relate to, whether or not we’re job-hunting, switching jobs or planning a facet hustle.
Javed Akhter’s Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe sung by Shaan, KK and Shankar Mahadevan, superbly embodies the spirit of early maturity. In reality, the primary half of the movie will be encompassed with this very track. The lyrics Bigade Duniya, Bigadne Bhi Do / Jhagade Duniya, Jhagadne Bhi Do / Lade Jo Duniya, Ladne Bhi Do, Hum Apni Dhun Mein Gaao exemplify the free-spirited nature of contemporary children. It is a refusal to evolve and dedication to dwell on their very own phrases.
After which there’s the Jahaaz metaphor at Chapora Fort – Sid declaring a ship that can quickly disappear over the horizon, simply as pals finally drift aside. It’s a foreshadowing of their fallout and eventual reunion, and a comforting reminder that actual pals at all times present up and keep. In an period the place ghosting is the norm, this sentiment nonetheless hits. And that’s extraordinarily comforting to understand in right now’s technologically clogged actuality.
We dwell in a world outlined by hyperreality and therefore the movies’ potential to be indifferent from the fabric is refreshing. Though the kids might come from a rich background, the main target of the narrative is on the feelings – Aakash, somebody who goes from not believing in like to unexpectedly falling for Shalini (Preity Zinta), Sam and his a number of “I feel I like her” ventures and Sid, along with his advanced but mature understanding of his emotions for Tara (Dimple Kapadia). With our digitally pushed lives, DCH affords good leeway to observe one thing relatable but discrete.
Though among the humour in DCH may really feel very … 2001. Akash decreasing Sid’s emotions for Tara to a crude MILF-driven feeling triggers their greatest fallout, a second that makes us ponder upon the insensitivity and query whether or not the movie will romanticize bromance above all. Fortunately, it does not.
One poignant ingredient the movie superbly encapsulates is having all three characters as equally necessary particular person personalities – Aakash brings within the important comedian aid within the movie be it the proposal scene or the speedboat scene the place he jumps straight into the ocean to keep away from being chased by Deepa, Sid, the quiet, introverted man who expresses himself by means of his artwork, and Sameer affords goofy sensibility. Watching the boys evolve from being one name away at each minor inconvenience to hesitating earlier than exhibiting up for a buddy at hospital however finally giving in are the intricacies that friendship calls for and a shift that one experiences in grownup friendships – making the narrative much more relatable.
For a technology thriving on on the spot gratification and escapism, Dil Chahta Hai may not maintain as a cult basic (no offense to millennials), but it surely nonetheless highlights friendship, love, and self-discovery in essentially the most uncooked and actual mild, making it an ideal snug-in-bed one time watch even for Gen Zs.
Additionally learn: Farhan Akhtar Posts Some Memorable Dialogues from Dil Chahta Hai
