Foreign cinema is that subtype of art that provides an experience that can be considered better in terms of uniqueness than domestic films can deliver. 3 idiots are one such foreign film, and it is filled with Indian visuals, narration, and storytelling. From a classic genre perspective, Hirani’s work can be classified as a comedy. The story of this cinematographic piece represents a traditional journey from myths or a realistic fairy tale with comedic elements. 3 idiots do not contain fantasy elements or episodes; it is a story of the maturing protagonists, Farhan, Raju, and Rancho, and their overcoming of life path hardships related to tertiary education and young adulthood (Hirani, 2009). However, the inspiration taken from Indian and other folktales is visible.
The central idea of 3 idiots is easy to understand and even basic. The story’s lesson about the fictional three Indian students is that true friendship is a source of support, opportunities, and success, and one should stick to it if they have it (Hirani, 2009). There is also an element of novelty, which is the idea that competition is not contrary to friendship and even beneficial, but only if the competition between friends occurs in parallel fields.
3 idiots is also a nearly three-hour introduction for viewers to India’s college culture and societal and gender relationships. Sociologists and cultural academics would especially be interested in the interactions between Viru, students, and his daughters and the revelation of an informal deal between the real Rancho and Phunsukh Wangdu. These plot episodes and scenes show and criticize the socio-economic hierarchy in Delhi and India that is the origin of more inequality and family tragedies such as student suicides (Hirani, 2009). Pia’s character and the micro-plot of her unhappy wedding might draw the attention of scholars of gender studies.
Reference
Hirani, R. (2009). 3 idiots [film]. Vinod Chopra Films.