Released on April 30, 2004, 'Main Hoon Na' emerged as a major critical and commercial success.
"... if the term ‘paisa vasool’ didn’t exist, it would have to be coined for 'Main Hoon Na'." - Baradwaj Rangan
They don't make films like 'Main Hoon Na' anymore. You know… a wholesome entertainer that has something for everyone, whether it's comedy, romance, action, drama, thrill, or emotions. And it's a no-brainer paisa-vasool experience where you wouldn't bother to find logic, but rather immerse yourself in its magic!
Farah Khan's directorial debut, 'Main Hoon Na', came exactly twenty years ago, and is still a favorite of everyone today. It's escapism at its best, and the entertainment quotient is so high that we cannot help but revisit it again and again. Of course, there are some cliches, but you don't bother about that when everything else is absolutely spot-on! And it's one film where Shah Rukh Khan is not a typical romantic hero, and he does literally everything that would keep us on the edge of our seats. Remember the scene where he chases a four-wheeler with a cycle rickshaw?
SRK and Sushmita Sen in a still from ‘Main Hoon Na’
"... one roller coaster ride that brings back memories of the 1970s cinema when non-stop entertainment was the mantra of accomplished filmmakers like Nasir Husain and Manmohan Desai," wrote Taran Adarsh in his review of 'Main Hoon Na'.
(Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment)
Well, the blockbuster SRK-starrer turns 20 today. So, let's revisit some of the most heartfelt moments from the film.
This, without an iota of doubt, is one of the most heartwarming scenes in 'Main Hoon Na'. Ram finds out that his brother is none other than Lucky, and the next thing he finds out is that his brother is in danger. Although there is shock and disbelief at the initial moment, he quickly gets into action to save Lucky, oops sorry, Laxman Prasad Sharma. And as he rescues him, he says "Main Hoon Na", marking the beginning of a bond like no other. Also, it begins his friendship with Sanjana as well.
(Credit: Netflix India)
It's an iconic scene that we will never get bored of watching! Ram is forced by his friends to sing for the person who enters through the gate first. To everyone's surprise, it's the new chemistry teacher, Ms. Chandni, who walks in. And Ram, completely in awe of Chandni's beauty (and the "lovely saree"), finds himself singing "Chand Mera Dil, Chandni Ho Tum". Suddenly, the atmosphere turns magical with musicians appearing out of nowhere and playing instruments. Aah, it's something that one could only dream of!
(Credit: Netflix India)
All the students of the college, including Lucky, have been kidnapped. Ram gears up to go ahead and rescue everyone. And then, Madhu (Kirron Kher), Ram's stepmother and Lucky's mother, comes to him and says, "Main aapne dono bete ko wapas chahta hoon".
Well, it's an emotional moment that gets us teary-eyed. Finally, Ram gets his mother's acceptance and fulfills his father's dream of bringing their family together. Now he becomes unstoppable because he has his mother's blessings with him.
As they say, all's well that ends well. And in the ending scene of 'Main Hoon Na', Ram defeats Raghavan, while India and Pakistan become friends through the success of Project Milaap. And as it bridges the divide between the two nations, Ram and Laxman reunite simultaneously, leaving us emotional. With this, the film gives us an important message of peace, making us understand the significance of brotherhood over rivalries.
(Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment)
Well, how about another viewing today?
