19 years of Dil Chahta Hai: A timeless classic

 

Dil Chahta Hai is one of those films which you can watch repeatedly and never get tired of it. This was a film that proved to be an instant classic and is still remembered as a product one for ages. It was released way back in 2001 when films like this did not really have a market. But why did this movie go on to become what it did? Why is it regarded as one of the best movies Bollywood has produced in the 2000s? Let us discuss some of the points that make Dil Chahta Hai distinctive yet special:- 

Characterization

When you look at the other films belonging to the same era, you would know how melodramatic the characters go on to become. The directors and the producers of the films firmly believed that there's a set criterion to make characters and film successful at the box office. Dil Chahta Hai proved everyone wrong. The characters in this film seem so much like you that you cannot help but fall in love with each one of them. Which one is your favourite character in the film? Let me know in the comment section.

Screenplay

You might be wondering what is so good about the screenplay in Dil Chahta Hai, right? The answer is simple, it is an emotional rollercoaster ride. This is the normal Bollywood formula. You laugh, cry, dance, sing, shout throughout the running time of a movie. But what makes the screenplay of this film so special is how much it teaches you, it is a no-nonsense film and as I have already said, it is a very relatable concept. 

The Goa trip 

Where did this craze for a Goa trip really start from? Yes, Dil Chahta Hai has played a huge part in making this a, so to speak, "trend". Early on in the film three friends go on for a trip after Saif Ali Khan's character faces from a breakup and then the iconic title track plays as all three characters and audiences are immersed into the vacation for Goa. It makes a trip to Goa so freaking cool that you cannot help but dream about going there, at least once. I have been there, with my friends of course and it is definitely worth it. This amazing saga of a film never lied to you! 

"Koi kahe kehta rahe"

Tell me you didn't dance after looking down at the heading? For starters, this is one of the songs in Dil Chahta Hai. It happens to be one of the best party tracks Bollywood has ever executed but what makes it even more special is that all three actors are not really trained dancers. In fact, each one of them is a pretty average dancer. But you instantly fall in love with the dance steps, you get impressed by the work of three main leads in the film. 

It has a lot to do with the choreography of Farah Khan who has always been great at her job but hasn't gotten enough credits for her work as a choreographer. Go listen to this once again, this is everyone's jam for sure. 

Simple yet unique 

What's the story like for this project? Three college friends have a lot of fun together, they disband due to a dispute, they go through hardships of life to reunite and make amends with each other.

  Dil Chahta Hai sounds really simple on paper but this is where Farhan Akhtar got it right. He didn't try to go the normal Bollywood formula neither did he try to make things difficult to understand for the audiences. This project would have been a hell lot different if it was made today instead of 2001 since fans have become much more mature now. This is why revisiting this film will always feel special! 

Memorable performances

This movie was special for each of the actors as it helped in catapulting and changing careers of the majority of them. Aamir Khan had last done Mela which was a huge blunder and he came back with a bang. Saif Ali Khan's acting capabilities were finally noticeable and if it wasn't for Dil Chahta Hai, there wouldn't be so many of the exceptional performances from the most underrated Khan.

 But the highlight and surprise package of the film was Akshay Khanna. It is said that he did not go on to make as much name for himself as Saif or Aamir but there's no doubt in my mind that he was the best performer of the film. Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, Dimple Kapadia were all really impressive, especially Dimple who featured in some of the best scenes from the film. 

A timeless classic

You can watch this film for a dozen times and you're still going to be in awe with the product in hand. Farhan Akhtar has produced amazing films sitting on the director's seat but in my opinion, the debut direction happens to be THE best of him too. 

What is your opinion of the film after 19 years of its release? Do comment down what you feel about it!