3 Idiots Turns 15: A Timeless Tale of Friendship and how Rajkumar Hirani Revolutionized Cinema

3 Idiots was a monumental commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history.

The entertainment industry has become increasingly obsessed with box office numbers, with success now being largely defined by how much a film earns. However, in 2009, Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani chose to take a different approach, focusing on creating a film that would leave a lasting impact. This led to the creation of 3 Idiots—a movie that can be called a revolution in its own right. It challenged prevailing mindsets, critiqued the education system, questioned traditional career paths and ideas of success, and, perhaps most importantly, broke free from the obsession of defining a film’s worth based solely on box office earnings.

Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, the dynamic actor-director duo, truly made waves with 3 Idiots, a film that shook the nation with its thought-provoking theme. The movie told a deeply impactful story that struck a chord with everyone, making it universally relatable. Through two parallel narratives—one unfolding in the present and the other ten years in the past—the film explores the bond between three students at an Indian engineering college, all while serving as a biting satire on the societal pressures exerted by the Indian education system.

3 Idiots skillfully blends elements of friendship, love, ambition, kindness, humor, anger, and, most poignantly, the overwhelming societal expectations. It was Rajkumar Hirani's brilliant direction that infused the film with such emotional depth, crafting each character with meticulous care and delivering the emotions in a way that resonated deeply with audiences, lending the film its widespread and universal appeal.

3 Idiots features exceptional performances from its cast, with Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi delivering memorable portrayals in the lead roles. Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and Omi Vaidya also bring their characters to life in key supporting roles. However, the true brilliance of the film lies in how its characters have left an indelible mark on audiences. Characters like Rancho, Farhan, Raju, Pia, Virus, Silencer, Millimetre, Hitler Qureshi, and Suhas have become iconic, forever etched in our minds. Following the release of 3 Idiots, these characters transcended their on-screen presence, solidifying the film's long-lasting influence and cultural significance.

The film also boasts a remarkable soundtrack, with iconic songs like Aal Izz Well, Zoobi Doobi, Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh, Give Me Some Sunshine, and Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe that have become timeless. Even 15 years after its release, 3 Idiots continues to resonate deeply with audiences, offering a poignant reflection on a society relentlessly pursuing success. The music, much like the film, remains an integral part of its lasting impact.

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3 Idiots was a monumental commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history. The film's influence extends far beyond box office numbers, as it is now celebrated as one of the greatest Indian films ever made. At the 57th National Film Awards, 3 Idiots earned three prestigious accolades, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Lyrics (2010), and Best Audiography (2010).

In addition to its awards, the film received widespread critical acclaim for its depth, storytelling, and performances. Upon its release, it shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing film of its opening weekend in India. It also achieved a historic feat with the highest opening-day collections for an Indian film at the time and held the record for the highest net collections in the first week for a Hindi film.