Little Known Films: 3 Idiots (2009) India 171 minutes.
Bollywood has finally come to Palisades but don’t let the title mislead you - yes, the film is about three people, but idiots stands for ‘I’ll do it on my terms.’ With a wicked twist at the end, it charts the journey of three engineering students with a perfect balance of pathos and gags. Told in retrospect, it features constant clashes with their college dean and concludes with the three friends meeting up as adults.
Based on the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat, two friends embark on a quest for a lost buddy. On this journey, they encounter a long forgotten bet, a wedding they must crash and a funeral that goes impossibly out of control. As they make their way through the perilous landscape another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend - the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho [Aamir Khan] who, in his unique way, touched and changed their lives. And then one day, suddenly, he vanishes.
Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave? The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them three idiots, has now reduced them to two idiots. Where is the original idiot now? Finally, in misty mountains of unparalleled beauty, the friends find the key to the secret.
The director (Rajkumar Hirani) balances the rough and smooth incidents in their lives beautifully. The interval point is a shocker and will leave you stunned. One of the unique aspects of the film is that just when you think the story will be solved, a new one begins.The musical score is also very catchy. Give Me Some Sunshine, All Izz Well and Zoobie Doobie are three tracks that will grow on you after you’ve watched the film.
3 IDIOTS belongs to everyone. Do yourself and your family a favor and see it. It’s emotional, it’s entertaining and it’s enlightening. It will be shown at the Palisades Library on Saturday, March 12, at 5:00 pm and it is advisable to wear your dancing shoes, since you will leave on a cloud.