Aal Izz Well

Fahran, Rancho, & Raju

Or 'All is Well' is one of the songs in the movie '3 Idiots'. It's also the mantra repeated throughout the story. This Indian dramedy film released in 2009 was a critical and financial success. Loosely based on the novel 'Five Point Someone - What not to do at ITT!', it tells of three engineering students' journey through college life, family pressure, and self-discovery.

I almost didn't watch this due to its duration (almost three hours!). Fortunately, Martha persuaded me. At first I thought it will be silly but found it to be funny and heart-warming. Although at times the movie is a bit 'preachy', predictable, and you have to read the English subtitle, it's tolerable. What I love the most are the production numbers. In its true Bollywood form, the actors suddenly burst into song and dance performances. It boasts of fantastic soundtrack that range from sentimental 'Give Me Some Sunshine', 'Behti Hawa Sa Tha Won' and 'Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe' to danceable tunes 'All is Well' and 'Zoobi Doobi'.

Singing in the rain, Bollywood style

I also like the road trip scenery especially the last destination called Pangong Tso. It's breathtakingly beautiful; very serene... The exact opposite of the big, loud, and bustling city I always associate with India.

So if you want to laugh, cry, and be inspired at the same time, give these '3 Idiots' a chance.

Rating: 4/5


-Faye