Helmed by Rajkumar Hirani, '3 Idiots' stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi in lead roles.
Renowned film critic Subhash K. Jha wrote in one of his articles, "... cinema can make you feel life is worth living." Well, Rajkumar Hirani's comedy-drama '3 Idiots' is just an example of that. The film is a rollercoaster ride of laughter and emotions, and delivers a strong message (about education, love, friendship, parenting, or simply about life as a whole) in a very light-hearted tone. What particularly works so well is despite being a satire on India's flawed education system, the film never becomes preachy at all. And it makes you smile throughout, making you reminisce all the good old days in college, and giving you hope that "All Is Well".
The 3 Idiots – Rancho, Farhan, Raju
'3 Idiots' was released in 2009, and that's arguably the peak of Bollywood. The film emerged as a massive critical and commercial success and went on to gain a 'cult' status along the way. And even after nearly 15 years since its release, it continues to make waves and how! The Academy recently posted an iconic scene from the Aamir Khan-starrer on its social media handle with the caption, "Rancho's presence of mind was at 100% here.” Can you guess the scene? Well, it’s the one that takes place in the exam hall!
Oh Bhaiyaaaa… All Is Well!
This is yet another achievement for the film. As a celebration, we share an interesting fact about it that you probably didn't know.
Yes, you read it right! The Rajkumar Hirani directorial received a total of 58 Indian film awards. The list includes six Filmfare Awards (including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor) three National Film Awards (including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment), ten Star Screen Awards, seventeen IIFA Awards, two Apsara Awards, five GIMA Awards, and seven Bollywood Hungama Surfers Choice Movie Awards.
Zoobi Doo… Pa Ram Pa
And as far as international awards are concerned, '3 Idiots' won the Grand Prize at the 4th Videoyasan Awards, Japan. In 2011, it was nominated for the Best Foreign Film award at the first Beijing International Film Festival. It was nominated in the Best Outstanding Foreign Language Film category at the 37th Japan Academy Awards in 2014.
Made on a budget of around ₹55 crores, '3 Idiots' collected over ₹460 crores at the box office worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film at that time.
Kareena Kapoor, Mona Singh, and Aamir Khan in a still from ‘3 Idiots’
In the United States, the film collected $6.5 million throughout its theatrical run. It was a success in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan as well.
Shah Rukh Khan was the first choice of Hirani for the role of Rancho. The 'Jawan' actor turned the role down for some reasons, and then it went to Aamir Khan.
The roles of Farhan and Raju were initially offered to John Abraham and Saif Ali Khan respectively. Arshad Warsi was also considered for Farhan but it didn't materialize. R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi eventually played the roles, and the rest is history!
Sanjay Dutt, who had previously worked with Hirani in the 'Munna Bhai' series, was offered the role of Virus. It was eventually played by Boman Irani.
Boman Irani as Viru Sahastrabudhe aka Virus in ‘3 Idiots’
Aamir Khan's character, Phunsukh Wangdu, is reportedly based on Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer from Leh.
The legacy of '3 Idiots' goes far beyond its critical and commercial success. Precisely, the film has had a strong impact on the education system in India and other Asian countries.
