The cinematic world is often privy to debates that occur behind the scenes, decisions that shape the movies we come to love. ‘3 Idiots,’ directed by Rajkumar Hirani, features such a tale of creative resoluteness. Starring Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, and R Madhavan, the film is interwoven with humor and potent social commentary, earning its stature as one of Hirani’s most eminent creations. Yet, not all aspects of the film were met with immediate support, as revealed by recent insider anecdotes from the cast.
During the production phase of ‘3 Idiots,’ a pivotal scene sparked disagreement among some viewers who previewed the film. The scene in question – where a group of friends chant “all is well” to resuscitate a stillborn infant – was deemed “a little too much” by some. These critics suggested the removal of the scene for the film to maintain its artistic equilibrium. However, this was not a sentiment shared by all, and certainly not by the director.
In conversations with Connect FM Canada, actor R. Madhavan, known affectionately as Maddy, shared his recollection of the feedback session: “I remember during ‘3 Idiots’, there was a scene when the baby is born and he is stillborn and then all the boys start chanting ‘all is well’ and the baby just kicks. When we showed the film to people, so many people said that the whole film is fine, and is in a different frequency but this is a commercial scene, this is a little too much, remove this and the film will be on the same level then.”
Yet Hirani, with a visionary’s foresight and unwavering conviction, grasped the underlying pulse of his audience. Madhavan elucidated how Hirani processed the criticisms: “Raju heard everyone, but then he decided suno sabki karo apni (listen to everyone, but do what you want).” The director’s gamble paid off. At the film’s premiere, the now-iconic scene garnered thunderous applause – the kind that directors and actors dream of.
The film’s resonance with audiences was not just due to meticulously crafted scenes but also the authentic performances by the cast. Another interesting facet from the ‘3 Idiots’ production was shared by Madhavan during an episode with BeerBiceps. It pertains to the authenticity sought in a scene where the characters, filled with liquid courage, confront their strict professor. Unconventionally, the lead actors took Aamir Khan’s suggestion to heart – to not act drunk but to be drunk – a method that led to unexpected challenges.
Madhavan recounted the unique approach: “So, Aamir’s idea was that in drunk scenes, you should never act like you’re drunk. You should drink and act like you’re normal.” The actors started their festive imbibing around 8 pm, aiming for the shoot to commence at 9. However, when technical difficulties pushed back the filming, they found themselves having to sustain their inebriation. Unbeknownst to them, the breezy Bangalore air would amplify their intoxication, rendering them unaware of how inebriated they had become. Consequently, delivering lines took considerably more time than anticipated.
These behind-the-scenes insights paint a picture of a filmmaking process marked by unconventional choices and a commitment to artistic integrity. The film’s ability to stand the test of time, finding a special place in the hearts of movie-goers, can be attributed to these very decisions, often made away from the limelight but with powerful implications for the finished product.
‘3 Idiots’ remains a testament to Hirani’s directorial acumen, the actors’ dedication, and the crew’s resilience. Each revealed tidbit from its making contributes to the rich tapestry of narratives that audience members cherish, long after the credits roll. This story of overcoming skepticism and betting on the creative gut showcases the boldness required to deliver cinema that not only entertains but resonates across different spectra of the audience.
