The much-awaited and highly anticipated Indian adaptation of Forrest Gump is finally here. Aamir Khan has always been at the receiving end of social media trolls with several boycott trends over the years.
Can trolls and trends stop a good film from performing at the box office? Firstly, is Laal Singh Chaddha a good film?
Before moving forward with my Laal Singh Chaddha review, allow me to give you a backdrop of the film. Its origin lies in the 1994 Oscar-winning movie, Forrest Gump, which bagged six Oscars in the 1995 Academy Awards.
However, an interesting fact that many of you might not be aware of is that Forrest Gump was itself based on a book by the same name written by Winston Groom. The novel was released way back in 1986. It took almost eight years to adapt the original story in the American context.
Okay, so enough of my trivia, here’s my Laal Singh Chaddha review. Is it the film of the year or a dud? Let’s find out.
Laal Singh Chaddha Review Summary
In the truest sense of the phrase, Laal Singh Chaddha is a heartwarming story narrated through the eyes of a pure-hearted and humble man, Laal Singh Chaddha.
The film has everything the Indian audience can relate to, from genuinely conflicting emotions to the hurdles of life.
Laal Singh Chaddha Synopsis
When Laal Singh Chaddha (Aamir Khan) voyages through a train, he can’t help but talk about his life journey with co-passengers. Singh offers them a story full of fun, grief, and stimulating moments.
Starring Aamir Khan, Kareen Kapoor Khan, Naga Chaitanya, and Mona Singh in lead roles, Laal Singh Chaddha is directed by Advait Chandan. Furthermore, it is written by Atul Kulkarni, and the film’s music is composed by Pritam.
What Works for Laal Singh Chaddha?
Concept and Story
Adapting an enormous ‘enterprise’ like Forrest Gump in the Indian context is not easy. It needs extreme courage, detailing, and narrational abilities to pull off something like this. Since the culture of America is entirely different than India’s, the makers had to improvise as well as convert several aspects.
And they do a fantastic job toward that goal. Beginning with the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, Laal Singh Chaddha takes you through India’s historic world cup victory, attack on the Golden Temple, the assassination of Indira Gandhi followed by the Sikh Riots.
Furthermore, it touches upon several other moments like the Rath Yatra and the Babri Masjid demolition. Also, Laal Singh Chaddha details the Kargil War to some extent.
Music
I am not a big fan of too many songs in a movie unless they add value to the story. The songs must stimulate you from within in the cinema hall, which, for example, Shamshera failed to do. However, music is utilized to full extent in Laal Singh Chaddha.
Probably, Tere Hawaale is the soul of the film that stays with you as you leave the theater. I know the mellifluous and tranquil vibes of Kahaani are more popular among people but the rhythm of Tere Hawale storms your heart like anything.
Tur Kalleyan and Main Ki Karaan are the other two songs I enjoyed during my stay in the cinema hall. There’s a huge difference when we listen to a melody at home compared to a song’s effects in the theater.
If the creators can complement the lyrics with the right visuals, you are always in for a treat on the big screen. This is precisely what happens with Laal Singh Chaddha’s soundtrack. It has a moving feature waiting to envelop you.
Heartwarming Narration
The manner in which Laal Singh Chaddha’s story has been told is heartwarmingly ingenious. You would love how the surroundings in the film and the voiceover by Khan are matched with each other. Additionally, the continuous reel of some of the most pivotal moments in Indian history keeps you captivated.
Performances
Aamir Khan is the most intricate superstar of Indian Cinema. He details every bit of his actions to perfection. The way Aamir ensures the arrival of emotions in Laal Singh Chaddha is mind-boggling. His swift expressions, smooth facial movements, and, most importantly, the enticingly innocent mien leave you stunned.
Laal Singh Chaddha is what you expect from the man who gave us Lagaan and 3 Idiots. Over the years, the beauty of Aamir Khan has been his ability to connect with the audience as a character and not as a superstar. He doesn’t let the burden of his starry image overpower that connection.
As Laal, you wouldn’t see Aamir acting on the screen. You would see an innocent commoner going through the rough journey called life.
Naga Chaitanya is simplicity personified. As Balaraju Bodi, he lends a new meaning to friendliness, ushering in elements of dream and sacrifice. Maybe, it is time for Naga to make more pan-India films. His Hindi-speaking ability is way better than expectations.
Furthermore, Chaitanya skillfully maintains the humorous momentum of Laal Singh Chaddha. More than the jokes, his funny expressions were delightful.
The phenomenal Kareena Kapoor plays Rupa in Laal Singh Chaddha. Every word spoken by her character is filled with a plethora of emotions. Moreover, joy, laughter, and the ingenious personality she carries throughout are laudable.
Kareena’s pauses and astuteness while delivering dialogues strike your heart in the right place.
Mona Singh, as a supportive mother, does complete justice to her role. She successfully employs the real depth of a mother’s love for her child on the screen. One of the most dynamic and underrated actors of Indian Cinema, Mona turns out to be a boon for Laal Singh Chaddha.
Manav Vij as Mohammed is another exciting on-screen performer. There is a sublime touch of excitement in how he portrays the character in Laal Singh Chaddha.
Playing the young Laal Singh Chaddha, the adorable Ahmad Ibn Umar, makes you feel warm through his outstanding performance in the film.
What Doesn’t Work for Laal Singh Chaddha?
Pace
Laal Singh Chaddha has a well-paced screenplay. However, it might not work for the masses in the single-screen belt. Some people will find the story slow at points. Honestly, it is not easy to maintain the speed when the story revolves specifically around a central character.
Add to it the almost three-hour long duration of Laal Singh Chaddha. Still, the makers have managed to produce a cheery film.
Final Word
Laal Singh Chaddha leaves a deep essence in your senses. Barring its intermittent slow pace, you will enjoy the movie.
How’s the Goosebump Meter?
I felt hair-raising moments three to four times in Laal Singh Chaddha.
Food for Thought
In the end, do we, as a people, really deserve an actor like Aamir Khan, who has given us films like Lagaan, 3 Idiots, PK, Dangal, Secret Superstar, and many others?
Think of it in the context of Social Media hate that he receives for a remark, which was raw and authentic; for a visit that was more of a regard than anything else; and for the messages he gives through his films. All of which are presented out of context by pimps on Social Media.
By the way, do you know how many Indians left their citizenship voluntarily in the past year? Why? Rising intolerance, maybe? None of them was Aamir Khan, though.
FAQs
Is there Shah Rukh Khan in Laal Singh Chaddha?
Speculations were rife that Shah Rukh Khan would make a guest appearance in the movie. Yes, Shah Rukh has a passing cameo in Laal Singh Chaddha.
Is Laal Singh Chaddha better than Forrest Gump?
I have watched Forrest Gump twice and loved it on both occasions. Still, Laal Singh Chaddha brought an entertaining breath of fresh air. Its Indian adaptation forays into new realms to keep you involved.
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