Bollywood cinema often gets the reputation of ‘Hollywood knockoff’ or ‘low budget Hollywood’, but I beg to differ. One of my courses this semester is called “Bollywood Cinema: Past and Present” and when I saw the topic of this week’s blog post, I felt advantaged. I’ve watched and analyzed countless Bollywood movies because of this class. The film I choose to analyze is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Produced by Yash Chopra and written by his son Aditya, DDLJ (as it’s shortened as) was released in 1995. This musical romance is a perfect example of a well-produced Bollywood film.

DDLJ takes place in London, and the two protagonists (pictured above) are graduating high school. Both have the idea to travel Europe before returning and moving on to their respective futures. The two coincidentally meet on their trip, and through multiple setbacks, are forced to spend the entire trip together. Raj, the typical player type, tries to get Simran to fall in love with him. Simran is initially annoyed with him, but realizes that he changed just for her, and had taken care of her throughout the trip. When Simran offers to take Raj to India, he rejects, as he felt his efforts weren’t enough. After being separated for a few days, they both realize their love for each other. This late ditch effort comes to late though, as Simran’s father prepares to send her to India for an arranged marriage. Raj somehow finds Simran in India, fights Simran’s father for her hand in marriage, but is not successful.

Bollywood movies typically show cultural aspects like musical skits and scenes. DDLJ is no different, adding almost thirty minutes of musical scenes. These scenes always indicate turning points in the film. For example, a musical scene happens when Raj and Simran first meet, as well as when they first realize they are both in love.

The first analysis I made was the similarities DDLJ has to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Both show forbidden love stories, just have different cultural perspectives and references.

The wardrobe department for DDLJ didn’t fit the European setting, but rather showed traditional Indian garments, besides Raj’s character. Raj’s character went for a more sportier look, donning a leather jumper and jeans. His father also wore similar attire, but Simran’s father always appeared in tradition India garments. So did Simran’s mother and herself. The clothing of the different families showed their cultural and religious views without even stating them.

I really suggest watching DDLJ if you are looking to begin watching Bollywood films. It’s a great film to show you that the movie industries aren’t different at all. The ‘one-off’ reputation Bollywood gets is really a fallacy and these often under-budgeted films can be well produced and inviting.

(I did watch it for free on NJVID because I am taking a Bollywood Cinema course, but renting it is definitely worth it)