I'm officially a fan of raju hirani's cinema now. The movie is among some of the best i have seen in recent times. Every thing is just perfect. The story, the script, the performances, the technicals and above all that the 'feel'. Everybody can relate to the movie at a very emotional level since almost all of us have shared the same experiences in our lives. All of us have been a part of the same rat race which most of us are still running. But you still remain a rat even if you win it. The movie makes the same statement (although a cliche) in a very non preachy way and thats what works.
All the points are made but in a very light hearted manner. Its a lesson but you never feel that you are being taught. Its a sermon but you dont feel sermonized. Its like a lecture of your favorite professor on whose class you never got bored and wanted to 'really' attend it. Same is the effect on me. Would wanna go back to the class.. Again.. and Again.. and Again..
Its not the movie with the best story or the best performance or the best technicals or the best music or the best anything but still comes across as the best movie. there is a synergy there. Where the sum of all parts exceeds the sum itself. More than anything you come out of the cinema hall with memories, characters and a strange happy feeling, which for me is the reason i go to movies anyways.
Plot: There is a twist here. More than 'Three' friends. Its about one guy (obviously aamir) and his relationship with other friends. Loosely based on five point someone. Some sequences are a straight lift from the book. Its about the typical engineering college (and hostel) life and adds a (slightly) preachy 'Follow your dream/ Do what you want' point. Its about love, friendship, entrepreneurship, fun. everything rolled into one.
Performances: Aamir (obviously) is very good. But i really liked Sharman Joshi and a guy called Omi Vaidya (who played Chatur) also. Omi was phenomenal in his portrayal of a guy with a think (i think) mallu accent. His Teacher's day speech is gonna be a rage and reminds me of andaz apna apna.
Technicals: Honestly, neither did i notice anything nor do i give a damn. Coz i was way too engrossed while watching.
Positives: Everything is (almost) perfect. Performances. Plot. Story. But the best part for me was characterization (although the credit here goes to Chetan and not Hirani). The 'Happy' feeling when you walk out of the cinema hall thinking you have a 'paisa vasool' here and wouldnt mind watching it again.
Negatives: Yes, i am an awe struck fan but would also mention a few flaws(Although i ignored them coz of the overall feel while deciding the final rating). The script sometimes appears as if have been taken from '101 management book' and 'quotable quotes' translated in hindi. I could so easily find out the english quotes from which quite a few dialogues were straight translaged. 'Cinematic Liberty' took a new dimension altogether some times especially when the kid's heart starts beating after hearing 'All is Well'. It was stupid and not required. And a couple of more points here and there.
Overall : Best movie of the year (Tough competition Dev D!!). Have to see it to relive those college moments once again and come back smiling.
Feel-o-meter: 10/10 (For the fulltoo 'Feeel' factor and ignoring a few negatives here and there)