Soldier (1998)

Probably the most iconic movie of Bobby's career, or at least the one that is associated with his artistry the most often. Quite rightly so, I must add, because hello?? The way Bobby encapsulates the brooding and edgy hero is phenomenal. A cultural reset, if I may say so myself. And the songs? Mashallah. Who hasn't had "Naiyyo Naiyyo" stuck in their heads for days after randomly listening to it for 20 seconds? And who hasn't wanted Preity's outfit from that song ever since they first saw it at the tender age of 4 or whatever?? 

Speaking of Preity Zinta, what was that weird dubbing for her? She looked so cute, a fashion statement in every look, but that completely unsuitable voice just threw me off. 

As for the story itself- it's a classic Abbas-Mustaan movie, and that's the best way to sum it up. I had seen it years ago, and quite truthfully, I had forgotten about most of the plot twists that constitute the plot of the movie. It could be because I was very young at that time, or more likely because it's humanly impossible for anyone to remember everything that happened in the movie. No plot just vibes, but make it Abbas-Mustaan. It has good repeat value, because I suspect that on every rewatch you'll be treated to some detail(s) that had escaped your attention earlier. Apart from all that, Soldier is high on, well, soldierly sentiments- an aggravated sense of patriotism and Hindustani sanskaar, along with large doses of ethics, and morality. The scene involving the Rakhee forehead reveal (if you know, you know) will forever occupy space in my head, rent-free. And of course, the ending is a fabulous work of art. It would be sacrilegious to use words to describe it, so I shall refrain.

In conclusion, a must-watch for those of us who swear by the Abbas-Mustaan Cinematic Universe. And of course, the Bobby Deol fandom. Can't wait for these geniuses to collab again, vv soon!