Review of 3 Idiots (2009) by Nakeita H — 16 Nov 2018

Three Idiots is a contemporary Bollywood film that rings true to the quintessential aspects of Bollywood films. Starring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi as the titular three idiots, this film is a coming-of-age dramedy that will have you laughing at one moment and crying in the next. Full of Bollywood staples-- including enchanting musical numbers, romance, ailing parents, disapproving authority figures and a commentary on current Indian society-this film will keep you entertained for its entirety.

Three Idiots follows two university best friends (Madhavan, Joshi) as they journey to find their estranged leader Rancho (Khan). What follows is a masterful interweaving of both past and present as the audience is taken back 10 years to the "idiots" in university. Here, we learn of the bond between the three men and their plight for success in the Indian education system. As the audience is transported between the two timelines of Three Idiots, we are given a glimpse at the triumphs and perils of the rigorous academic system and the impact it had on the three "idiots". This film, like Main Hoon Na, comments on the faults of schools in India. However, when both films end audience members are left hopeful for the future of education in India. The education system underlies everything that occurs in Three Idiots, but this film is more than just an analysis on the school system. Three Idiots is a tale of homecoming, friendship, family, and love. From the lighting to the soundtrack, Three Idiots emphasizes the joy in life and the overall message of the film is a resounding reminder that "all is well".