Why You Should Watch Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Again and Again
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Film: A Review
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sadness), also known by the initials K3G, is a 2001 Hindi-language family drama film written and directed by Karan Johar and produced by Yash Johar under his banner Dharma Productions. The film has an ensemble cast, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, with Rani Mukerji in an extended cameo appearance. It tells the story of an Indian multimillionaire family, which faces troubles and misunderstandings over their adopted son's marriage to a girl belonging to a lower socio-economic group than them. The film score was composed by Babloo Chakravarty with the music composed by JatinLalit, Sandesh Shandilya and Aadesh Shrivastava and lyrics written by Sameer and Anil Pandey.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Film
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In this article, I will review the film in terms of its plot, themes, genres, analysis, reception, and cultural impact. I will also share my personal opinion on why I think this film is one of the best examples of Bollywood cinema.
Plot summary
The film revolves around the Raichand family, a wealthy and influential clan in Delhi. The patriarch of the family is Yashvardhan "Yash" Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan), a business tycoon who is very strict about following traditions and values. He lives with his wife Nandini (Jaya Bachchan), his two sons Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Rohan (Hrithik Roshan), his mother Lajwanti (Achala Sachdev) and his mother-in-law Rajinder (Sushma Seth). Rahul is the elder son who was adopted by Yash and Nandini when he was a baby. He is very loyal and grateful to his parents for giving him a good life. Rohan is the younger son who is very close to Rahul and admires him as his role model.
The Raichand family
The film begins with a grand celebration of Rahul's birthday at the Raichand mansion. Yash announces that he has found a suitable bride for Rahul, a young woman named Naina (Rani Mukerji) who belongs to a rich and respectable family. However, Rahul reveals that he is already in love with another woman, Anjali Sharma (Kajol), whom he met at college. Anjali is from a middle-class family who lives in a small house in Chandni Chowk with her father Bauji (Alok Nath), her younger sister Pooja (Kareena Kapoor) and her aunt Sayeeda (Farida Jalal). Yash is shocked and angry at Rahul's choice and refuses to accept Anjali as his daughter-in-law. He tells Rahul that he has to choose between his love or his family. Rahul decides to leave his home and marry Anjali without his parents' blessings. He moves to London with Anjali and Pooja, where he starts his own business.
Rahul and Anjali's love story
The film then shows how Rahul and Anjali fell in love with each other at college. Rahul is a popular and charming student who is the son of the principal Yash Raichand. Anjali is a tomboyish and outspoken girl who is the leader of a group of friends. They initially dislike each other and have many arguments and pranks. However, they gradually develop feelings for each other and confess their love on the day of their graduation. Anjali introduces Rahul to her family, who are very happy and welcoming. Rahul promises to marry Anjali with his parents' consent and invites her to his birthday party.
However, things go wrong when Yash rejects Anjali and insults her family. Anjali is heartbroken and decides to leave Rahul. Rahul follows her and convinces her to elope with him. They get married in a temple and leave for London. Anjali adapts to the new lifestyle and becomes a loving wife and sister-in-law to Pooja, who also moves with them. Pooja grows up to be a fashionable and confident young woman who calls herself "Poo". Rahul and Anjali have a son named Krish (Jibraan Khan), who is very smart and talented.
Rohan's mission to reunite the family
The film then shifts to 10 years later, when Rohan returns home from boarding school. He is shocked to learn that Rahul has left the house and his parents have not spoken to him since then. He vows to find Rahul and bring him back home. He secretly reads his father's diary and learns about Rahul's love story. He also finds out that Rahul lives in London with his family. He decides to go to London without telling his parents. He enlists the help of his childhood friend Pooja (Malvika Raaj), who is now a college student in London.
Rohan arrives in London and meets Pooja, who is surprised to see him after so many years. She agrees to help him find Rahul, but does not tell him that she is actually his sister-in-law. She takes him to Rahul's house, where he meets Anjali and Krish. He introduces himself as Yash, a friend of Pooja's, and pretends to be an orphan. He wins their trust and affection and becomes a part of their family. He also learns that Anjali has not told Rahul about his father's diary or his brother's search for him.
Rohan tries to convince Rahul to forgive his father and return home, but Rahul refuses to do so. He tells Rohan that he loves his parents, but he cannot forget how they hurt him and Anjali. He also says that he does not want to disrupt their lives or cause them more pain. Rohan respects his decision, but does not give up on his mission. He devises a plan to reunite the family by inviting them all to a cultural event at his college, where Krish is performing as a singer.
At the event, Rohan reveals his true identity to everyone and tells them that he has brought them together for a reason. He asks them to forget their past differences and embrace each other as a family. He also tells them that he loves them all very much and wants them to be happy. He then sings a song dedicated to his parents, which moves them to tears. Yash realizes his mistake and apologizes to Rahul and Anjali for his behavior. He hugs them and accepts them as his son and daughter-in-law. Nandini also expresses her joy and gratitude for seeing her sons together again. The film ends with the Raichand family reconciling and celebrating their happiness.
Analysis
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a film that explores various themes and genres, such as family, love, tradition, class, culture, music, and comedy. The film showcases the values and emotions of an Indian family, which are often influenced by their social status, religious beliefs, and personal choices.
The portrayal of family values and traditions
The film depicts the importance of family values and traditions in Indian society, especially among the upper-class families like the Raichands. The film shows how Yash Raichand is very proud of his lineage and heritage, which he considers as his identity and legacy. He expects his sons to follow his footsteps and respect his decisions regarding their marriages. He believes that marrying within one's own community and class is essential for maintaining the honor and dignity of the family.
However, the film also challenges this notion by showing how Rahul defies his father's wishes and marries Anjali, who belongs to a different class and background. He chooses to follow his heart and marry the woman he loves, even if it means losing his family's approval and support. He shows that love is more important than social norms and expectations. He also shows that he respects Anjali's family and culture, and does not look down upon them for being poor or different. He treats them as his own family and tries to make them happy.
The film also shows how Nandini Raichand is more compassionate and understanding than her husband. She loves both her sons equally and does not discriminate between them based on their birth or marriage. She supports Rahul's decision to marry Anjali and tries to convince Yash to accept them. She also misses Rahul a lot and wishes to see him again. She is the one who keeps the family together and hopes for their reunion.
The film also portrays the bond between the brothers, Rahul and Rohan. They share a strong and affectionate relationship, despite their age difference and separation. They look up to each other and care for each other. Rohan is especially devoted to Rahul and considers him as his hero. He is willing to do anything to find him and bring him back home. He also respects his brother's choice and does not judge him for marrying Anjali. He accepts her as his sister-in-law and loves her as well.
The contrast between rich and poor lifestyles
The film also depicts the contrast between the rich and poor lifestyles in India, as seen through the eyes of the characters. The film shows how the Raichands live in a lavish mansion, with all the luxuries and comforts of life. They have servants, cars, clothes, jewelry, and everything they desire. They also have a high social status and reputation, which they value a lot. They are used to a certain way of living, which they expect others to follow as well.
On the other hand, the film shows how Anjali's family lives in a modest house, with limited resources and facilities. They have to work hard to earn their living and fulfill their needs. They do not have much money or possessions, but they have a lot of love and happiness. They are content with what they have and do not envy others. They are also very humble and generous, and do not care about what others think of them.
The film also shows how Rahul and Anjali adjust to their different lifestyles after their marriage. Rahul adapts to Anjali's simple and cheerful way of living, and learns to appreciate the small things in life. He does not miss his wealth or status, but only his family. He also helps Anjali's father in his sweet shop, and becomes friends with the people in Chandni Chowk. He enjoys the festivals, celebrations, and traditions of Anjali's culture.
Anjali, on the other hand, adapts to Rahul's sophisticated and modern way of living, and learns to cope with the challenges of being a rich man's wife. She faces some difficulties in adjusting to the new environment, such as learning English, dressing up, cooking, etc., but she does not give up or lose her identity. She also faces some hostility from Naina's family, who are jealous of her marriage to Rahul. She handles them with grace and dignity.
The use of music and dance to express emotions
The film also makes use of music and dance to express the emotions and moods of the characters. The film has a total of 11 songs composed by JatinLalit, Sandesh Shandilya and Aadesh Shrivastava, with lyrics written by Sameer and Anil Pandey. The songs are sung by various singers, such as Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Amit Kumar, Sunidhi Chauhan, etc. The songs are also choreographed by Farah Khan and Shiamak Davar, with different styles and settings. The songs reflect the different situations and feelings of the characters, such as love, joy, sadness, anger, nostalgia, etc.
Some of the notable songs in the film are:
Bole Chudiyan: This is a festive song that celebrates the engagement of Pooja and Rohan. It features the entire cast of the film, except for Yash and Nandini. The song is set in a colorful and lively backdrop, with traditional costumes and decorations. The song also shows how Rahul and Anjali meet their families after 10 years, and how they express their happiness and gratitude.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: This is the title song of the film, which plays in the background during several emotional scenes. It is a slow and melodious song that conveys the pain and longing of the characters who are separated from their loved ones. The song also shows how they remember their happy moments and hope for their reunion.
Suraj Hua Maddham: This is a romantic song that depicts the love between Rahul and Anjali. It is set in a scenic location in Egypt, with the pyramids and the sunset as the backdrop. The song shows how Rahul and Anjali express their passion and devotion for each other.
Say Shava Shava: This is a fun and energetic song that shows the contrast between the Raichands and the Sharmas. It is set in a party at Rahul's house in London, where both the families are invited. The song shows how the Raichands are initially stiff and formal, while the Sharmas are relaxed and cheerful. The song also shows how they gradually mingle with each other and enjoy themselves.
You Are My Soniya: This is a peppy and playful song that shows the attraction between Pooja and Rohan. It is set in a college campus, where Pooja and Rohan are studying. The song shows how Pooja tries to impress Rohan with her style and attitude, while Rohan tries to tease her with his charm and wit.
Reception
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was a huge commercial and critical success. It was released on 14 December 2001 in India and overseas. It broke several box office records and became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2001 worldwide. It also became one of the most-watched films on Indian television.
Box office performance and records
The film had a budget of 400 million (US$5.6 million) and earned 1.36 billion (US$19 million) in India and 826 million (US$12 million) overseas, for a total of 2.18 billion (US$31 million) worldwide. It was the first Indian film to gross over 1 billion (US$14 million) in India. It was also the first Indian film to gross over 100 million (US$1.4 million) in the United Kingdom. It was also the highest-grossing Indian film ever in North America until 2006.
The film also set several records at the time of its release, such as:
The highest opening day collection for an Indian film in India with 27 million (US$380,000)
The highest opening weekend collection for an Indian film in India with 102 million (US$1.4 million)
The highest opening week collection for an Indian film in India with 200 million (US$2.8 million)
The highest single day collection for an Indian film in India with 40 million (US$560,000) on its second Sunday
The highest first week overseas collection for an Indian film with US$3 million
The highest-grossing Indian film of all time in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, South Africa, Uganda, UK, USA, etc.
Critical response and awards
The film received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised its direction, screenplay, music , performances, and emotions. Some of the critics who gave positive reviews are:
Anupama Chopra of India Today, who gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote: "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is the perfect family entertainer. It has something for everyone: grand sets, great songs, melodrama, comedy, romance, and a message. Karan Johar proves that he is a master of emotions and knows how to touch the hearts of the audience."
Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama, who gave the film 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote: "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a blockbuster in every sense of the word. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. It is a film that has a soul and a heart. It is a film that boasts of excellent performances by the entire cast. It is a film that has a chartbuster music score. It is a film that has a superb direction by Karan Johar. It is a film that deserves a standing ovation."
Rajeev Masand of The Times of India, who gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote: "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a film that celebrates the Indian family and its values. It is a film that showcases the talent and charisma of some of the biggest stars of Bollywood. It is a film that has a gripping story and a powerful screenplay. It is a film that has a brilliant music and choreography. It is a film that has a flawless direction by Karan Johar. It is a film that you cannot afford to miss."
The film also received some negative reviews from critics, who criticized its length, clichés, stereotypes, and melodrama. Some of the critics who gave negative reviews are:
Raja Sen of Rediff.com, who gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote: "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a film that tries too hard to please everyone. It is a film that is overlong, overdone, and overrated. It is a film that relies on formulaic plots, predictable twists, and unrealistic characters. It is a film that has a mediocre music and dull cinematography. It is a film that has a weak direction by Karan Johar. It is a film that you can easily skip."
Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express, who gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote: "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a film that fails to deliver on its promise. It is a film that is boring, repetitive, and superficial. It is a film that exploits the emotions of the audience with cheap tricks and manipulative scenes. It is a film that has a poor music and editing. It is a film that has an amateurish direction by Karan Johar. It is a film that you will regret watching."
Namrata Joshi of Outlook, who gave the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote: "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a film that disappoints on every level. It is a film that is pretentious, artificial, and hollow. It is a film that mocks the intelligence of the audience with illogical plots, absurd dialogues, and caricatured characters. It is a film that has an annoying music and sound design. It is a film that has an incompetent direction by Karan Johar. It is a film that you should avoid at all costs."
The film also won several awards and nominations at various national and international ceremonies, such as:
The National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
The Filmfare Award for Best Film
The Filmfare Award for Best Director for Karan Johar
The Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Amitabh Bachchan
The Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Jaya Bachchan
The Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Johnny Lever
The IIFA Award for Best Movie
The IIFA Award for Best Director for Karan Johar
The IIFA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Shah Rukh Khan
The IIFA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Kajol
The IIFA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Amitabh Bachchan
The IIFA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Jaya Bachchan
The IIFA Award for Best Music Director for JatinLalit, Sandesh Shandilya and Aadesh Shrivastava
The Zee Cine Award for Best Film
The Zee Cine Award for Best Director for Karan Johar
The Zee Cine Award for Best Actor Male for Shah Rukh Khan
The Zee Cine Award for Best Actor Female for Kajol
The Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role Male for Amitabh Bachchan
The Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role Female for Jaya Bachchan
The Zee Cine Award for Best Music Director for JatinLalit, Sandesh Shandilya and Aadesh Shrivastava
The Screen Award for Best Film
The Screen Award for Best Director for Karan Johar
The Screen Award for Best Actor (Popular Choice) for Shah Rukh Khan
The Screen Award for Best Actress (Popular Choice) for Kajol
The Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor (Male) for Amitabh Bachchan
The Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress (Female) for Jaya Bachchan
The Screen Award for Best Music Director for JatinLalit, Sandesh Shandilya and Aadesh Shrivastava
Cultural impact and legacy
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a film that has left a lasting impact on the Indian culture and society. The film has become a cult classic and a family favorite among the Indian audiences. The