At first glance, Dil Chahta Hai is an ordinary ensemble romcom. There’s some guys, there’s some girls, and they fall in love in their own special way as befitting the general archetype of protagonists we’ve seen in other romcoms. But to the film’s credit, it’s made pretty well. Many viewers can appreciate the catchy songs, the charismatic leads, and the spectacular way writer-director Farhan Akhtar stages each number, but what makes his debut work is how in tune it was with modern Indian youth, and the way it grounds all three love stories through the friendship of three young men fresh out of college. Dil Chahta Hai balances its romantic drama with the support of friends, similar to how relationships work in real life.
Three inseparable childhood friends are just out of college. Nothing comes between them - until they each fall in love, and their wildly different approaches to relationships creates tension.
After their graduation, three friends– Akash, Sameer, and Sid– enjoy their newfound freedom, indulging in what the Mumbai nightlife has to offer, and embarking on a spontaneous road trip to Goa. However, as they each fall in love with the women they meet, they find themselves having to shift their lives once more.
Love it or hate it, Aamir Khan’s soul patch is a bit distracting. Was this just a 2000s thing?
Let the long-standing friendship between the guys inspire you to maintain yours. Male loneliness, whomst’d’ve?
