Three Idiots is a Bollywood movie released in 2009, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. The movie revolves around the friendship of three roommates during their college years, each with a different background. Farhan, Raju, and Rancho are three students of the prestigious Imperial College of Engineering (ICE), who discover that true education resides in pursuing one’s passion, not necessarily following the tedious tasks assigned by the teachers. The film explores a satirical take on the rigid education system in India that prioritizes theoretical knowledge over practical skills.
Synopsis
The story of Three Idiots takes place in two time periods, the present and the past when Farhan, Raju, and Rancho were studying at ICE ten years back. The film begins with Farhan and Raju receiving an invitation from Chatur, a former classmate, to attend a function at ICE. They agree to go, hoping to meet Rancho, their estranged friend.
Rancho, who remains elusive and doesn’t show up at the event, is remembered fondly by his friends as an eccentric genius with a love for machines and science. The past events reveal how Rancho’s rebellious nature led to clashes with the college administration, particularly in the form of the college’s rector, Viru Sashastrabuddhe, aka Virus.
The story takes a turn when one of their classmates, Joy Lobo, commits suicide, disillusioned by the pressure of academic excellence. Rancho and his friends try to convince the administration to adopt a more constructive approach to education, but their efforts result in their separation. The movie highlights how friendship can withstand any obstacle, even in the face of regressive mindsets.
The film’s climax sees Farhan, Raju, and Chatur travel to Shimla in search of Rancho. There they meet the person they believe to be Rancho but later discover that it was not him. Eventually, Raju and Farhan find the real Rancho, who has followed his heart’s calling and now leads a simple life among the people of Ladakh.
Review
Three Idiots is an emotionally moving film that entertains its audience with a mix of comedy, satire, and social commentary. The film’s cast is stellar, with actors such as Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, and Boman Irani delivering memorable performances. Aamir Khan, in particular, gave a standout performance as Rancho, the unconventional hero who walks to the beat of his own drum.
The movie’s non-linear structure may confuse audiences initially, but the skillful editing ensures that the transitions between the past and present are seamless. The symbolism used in the film is clever and interwoven into the narrative without overpowering it.
One of the central themes of the movie is the concept of pursuing happiness above all else, a central tenet of the Indian ethos. The movie deconstructs the myth of success being the ultimate goal of education and replaces it with a more empathetic approach of developing a passion for learning.
Overall, Three Idiots is a movie about love, passion, and friendship that celebrates the power of sacrifice and finding oneself. The film deserves its widespread acclaim and should be watched by all who appreciate a good story that doesn’t shy away from breaking stereotypes.
Conclusion
Three Idiots is a timeless film that continues to be relevant even a decade after its release. The movie’s humorous take on the education system and its emphasis on friendship and passion over rote learning make it a must-watch. The movie shows that real success lies in finding your calling and following your dreams, even if it means going against the conventions of society. The film’s message is conveyed brilliantly through a well-weaved narrative that also provides plenty of laughs and poignant moments.
