Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000)

It is astounding to me just how relevant this movie still is to the Indian socio-political context 21 years after its release. However, it is not surprising that it did not fare well at the box office, because well, no matter how GOOD a movie is, phir bhi dil hai hindustani only. I don't see many people appreciating the sharp satire, the commentary on broadcast journalism, and especially, the separation of patriotism from jingoism. I'm just glad it released when it did, because I don't see it being made today (or Juhi Chawla being involved in it, for that matter), or if being made, receiving severe backlash and even state persecution. Yeah, I wish this was hyperbole, but it really is not.

In other news though, I consider PBDHH to be one of the finest mainstream satires that Hindi cinema has ever produced. Even after so many years of first watching it, this movie is still capable of surprising me with its cleverness, and I always notice something I hadn't seen before. I also loved how they wrote Ria (Juhi) as an unapologetically ambitious and headstrong woman, without stereotyping her or making her half a villain or something. There was a lot of feminism subtly interwoven into the narrative, which makes it a delightful rewatch option. Shah Rukh plays the toxic, asshole-ish male protagonist as well as he always does, no surprises there. Ajay Bakshi is one of my favourite characters of his, and I think this movie is the biggest reason why I have never really trusted TV journalism. And as recent events show, I was so right, and so was everyone involved in this movie. Except Juhi, I guess, because she is slowly becoming one of the biggest sources of fake news these days. Man, I am so mad at her. How could you make such a brilliant film, and then go on to become the villain in it??? Math ain't mathing for real.

In conclusion, Shah Rukh's earring in this movie remains superior. I don't care about thrusting woke jargon onto an analysis of his character, I have better things to do (aka swoon over the earring and the dimples on display). Everyone say thank you Shah Rukh for being so cute and sexy at the same time and for blessing Indian cinema with your unforgettable films, you're the realest of the real Gs.

PS- the soundtrack slaps SO HARD. 




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