The movie that turned me into a salivating feral rabbit for crunchy pani puris for the rest of my life (or Golgappas, I harbour equal respect for all cultures) turns 16 today. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, you’ll always be famous. May you puzzle every first-time watcher with the absolute point (or the lack thereof) of the movie and admiringly gawk at the human equivalent of a chameleon aka Suri Sahni essayed by the oh-so-versatile SRK. He’s really good. Really.
Since there’s a lot to unpack, penning down 16 thoughts I had while watching Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is quite the herculean task. But I’ll manage, because that sounds cooler as an anniversary headline. Here we go:
1. “Love marriage is fashionable nowadays?” Okay Mr. Taani’s dad, no wonder they killed you and your delulu thinking off in the first few minutes of the movie.
2. That scene where Suri places and quickly removes the rose from the dining table is absolute cinematic perfection. Love me a shy man.
3. Given the circumstances of their wedding, Taani firmly establishes that she might not be emotionally available in the marriage and love him to the degree he may be expecting, and in my opinion, this entire scene was very well-written and ahead of its times.
4. Mr. Suri, you are SO clumsy. And it’s so CUTE. I have a crush on you. Just do away with the pornstache please. Thanks
5. Bobby Khosla, if it weren’t for the plasma screen in front of me, I would’ve reached out, rather crept in to give you the exact same smack you were suggesting Suri to give Taani. I strongly feel like Suri’s reaction should’ve been more stern and dismissive of his behaviour here. Quite distasteful.
6. Okay, dance time. A competition, cool okay. Partners and all – sounds fun, sure. Trainers from Mumbai and all, this is a big deal. But will someone please tell me why the whole practice shebang is happening from a haveli straight out of the sets of Bhool Bhulaiya? Art Director? Anyone?
7. Skinny jeans have always sucked. Even SRK couldn’t influence me to look at them for more than a couple seconds.
8. The dance cameos? Crazy. Lara Dutta, Kajol, Bipasha Basu, Priety Zinta and Rani Mukherjee – I think half the budget was just allotted for this. No complaints though, quite memorable.
9. Yes, the pani puri scene. The reason I go back to this movie. It’s just perfect. Genuinely considering opening Swiggy as I type this.
10. Taani can ride? I mean like ‘ride ride.’ At 120 mph? That was a hilarious scene, especially because of the Dhoom soundtrack playing in the back. Guess it helps to be under the YRF banner.
11. Again, a bone to pick with Bobby Khosla poisoning Suri about the ‘macho’ narrative. I despite this man and I’m convinced it’s simply just a co-dependant friendship and that Suri should look out for new friends. Like why are you changing your appearance every night sir? Punjab Power needs more devoted employees.
12. Every single song is a masterpiece. Easily one of the best albums of the late 2000s, no doubt.
13. Taani giving Suri an earful post his sumo wrestling bout was quite a satisfying scene. Setting expectations straight, scrapping the nonsense and shaking his saviour complex was long overdue at that point in the movie.
14. It’s raining and Taani is cleaning. Cleaning the clean dishes. Cleaning the clean clothes. As someone who compulsively cleans when angry or stressed, this hit home.
15. How did Taani not get the shock of her life after the big reveal during the dance? How? Girl you good? No comments on her reaction, it’s the timing and ease with which she accepted all of it that bothered me. Don’t blame her though, she’s been though enough in the movie.
16. The post credits slideshow and voiceover by SRK was hands-down the best part of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Wholesome to the T. Love it.
Also Read: 15 Things The Movie ‘Fashion’ Got Right About Our Industry According To A Fashion Journalist
