Why Andaz Apna Apna Remains Relevant 31 Years Later
A 2.5 hours meme, Andaz Apna Apna is a film that's seriously unserious and weirdly wise in its stupidity
For an industry currently pumping out re-releases, one film that tanked terribly when it first released in 1994 is coming back to theatres by the end of this month. Andaz Apna Apna is that comedy that refuses to grow up. Thank God for it!
It is the cultiest of cult comedies set to hit the theatres literally 31 years later with catchphrases that bamboozle. And you know what, its the only time the two Khans, Salman and Aamir, paired up for a film together! The OG freeloaders of the film, Amar (Aamir) and Salman (Prem) with their big dreams, and zero skills are coming back for goofy treat and borderline nonsense.
Starring a star-studded ensemble Karishma Kapoor ( as Karishma), Raveena Tandon(as Raveena), Shakti Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, and of course Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, the film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi is ridiculously funny and a slapstick comedy that dabbles into parody occasionally. Everyone is comical, even the dangerously serious Crime Master Gogo. Aankhein nikal kar goti khulenga.
You May Also Like: The Best Bollywood Movies of All Time Open the Door Some of Cinema's Most Spectacular Films
One the surface, the 1994 film is a tale of lovers and unexpected friendship, on the other its a parody of it all. Its replete with physical gags, pratfalls, verbal silliness, and caricatures that are far removed from the logical realms. It quite literally shoves it in the boot of the car and gives screwball sensibility the charge of the wheel. So naturally, it is hilarious, and punches up lunacy of human folly.
The liars and fraudsters Amar and Prem end up rich with their respective lovers, who are blinded by their commitment and heroic stunts to save their father (Mr. Bajaj played by Paresh Rawal), a billionaire from London.
You May Also Like: 9 Most Iconic Cinematic Villains We Can't Forget
For the socially-conscious decade, Andaz Apna Apna fits well, it quite literally mocks the cliches of Bollywood heroes, melodramatic villains, and damsel-in-distress. In fact, its damsel-in-disguise. A comedy of errors is a giddy delight with madcap confusions and identity farce. If you thought, Amar and Prem are heroes of the film, wait till you see them beaten left, right, and centre, and almost willing to kill each other to get the price- eligible bachelorette Raveena.
If the girls Karishma, the butler, and Raveena, the bachelorette, think Amar and Prem as rich, wait till you meet the villain of the film Mr. Teja. The boys are equal parts idiot and witty, the villains dangerous, oddly flamboyant and terrible executioners. They don't want the world, they want cash, clout, and respect for their hilarious threats. And the police? Naive.
Worth A Watch?
Well, apart from language and silliness, Andaz Apna Apna even after 31 years since its debut is as chaotic as it first was. For lovers of comedy, the film is a fresh breath of nostalgia that reminds you of unfiltered joy away from intentional satire and political comedy. Everything about it is organic and almost accidentally satirical about Bollywood. And by extension, popular culture has ever taken too seriously.
You May Also Like To Read: Movies That Deserve A Second Innings At The Theatre
It mocks the very formula that makes a good film. Its heroes and villains. Amar's deadpan delusion meets Prem's useless confidence. The comic foils, Raveena and Karishma are actually somewhat subversive. They are fashionable and smart enough to test the true intentions of Amar and Prem.
Also, plenty of meme -worthy moments, my personal favourite is an interaction between Teja, a goon, and Mr. Bajaj. Its a tall-tale about building an empire. For the kids growing up in the 90s, the film is heartfelt hello, reminding us of a time in cinema that brought people together for the laughs.
For Gen Z, its ironically fresh and relatable- a fantasy escape like the social-media addicts believe. and if we were to stretch a little further to see it in light of the films resonance with Gen Z and Alpha, Amar-Prem's delulu gives off that 'main character energy' in the most memeable way!
A 2.5 hours meme, Andaz Apna Apna is a film that's seriously unserious and weirdly wise in its stupidity.