New Delhi: 'Dil Chahta Hai' in a way showcased everything that could make you an escapist. Exotic locations, designer clothes, toned and tanned bodies that can be achieved only after frequent trips to the beaches, and a world of fantasies. This film gave a good impetus to the changes taking place in the upper middle class Indian society after the economic liberalisation. It changed the world for lesser mortals who believed in smart work than hard work. Capsule crash courses replaced long duration courses.
Youngsters willingly broke the social norms in order to achieve momentary happiness and plastic smiles. This may sound like a personal ranting against Farhan Akhtar and his brand of cinema but still nobody can snatch his achievement of giving the Hindi film audiences a different way of seeing the life.
'Lakshya' extended the philosophy that one should not die with unfulfilled wishes, and for that they need to first set the goals. Hrithik Roshan represented a class that had the luxury of picking a career, however this social strata seems as confused as others. Basically the point was trying your hands at everything before you get the sweetest pie. There is nothing wrong in being impatient and satisfaction hungry but ultimately who pays the price? A group of confused college going kids that becomes more confused. The filmmaker can't be blamed for their confusion as they just presented a different idea but the damage is tough to recover.
'Don', another leap of faith by Farhan. The old aggressive common man's villain paved the way for a suave, more practical, and lesser moralistic roadside goon, who has managed to make it to the top due to his 'hard work'.
Of course the society has come a long way and one needs to accept the changes and react accordingly but moral degradation has the potential to harm in a very subtle way. More visibility will ensure wider reflection on the audiences' minds.
'Don 2' was nothing other than mere stylisation of a great opportunist. Don was always opportunist but the name Don evoked fear out of respect than just attracting loathing.
Farhan's talent is unquestionable and he has proved it through his songs, acting, and direction but he also has to bear the pressure of a filmmaker with a difference and you can't just think about money. That was always there for Farhan due to his lineage and subtle understanding of the contemporary market.
Being jack of all trades is not bad and Farhan Akhtar has successfully transitioned from an actor to a director to a singer but that is probably not his forte. Filmfare was kind enough to rate his performance as the best supporting actor but it’s high time not to get carried away. 'Rock On', 'Karthik Calling Karthik', 'Luck By Chance', and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' can be well crafted films but these are not the need of the hour. He was fabulous in 'Rock On', 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' and 'Luck By Chance' but the one film which gave a bit of insight into his personality was 'Karthik Calling Karthik', at least it seemed as such. That suggests he can detach from the market forces and still make good films with better intra-personal communication.
Isn't this the time when Farhan Akhtar as a storyteller should seek another alternate reality, just like he did in 'Dil Chahta Hai'?
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