Romantic Movie Series #5 – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was directed by Karan Johar and released in 2001. This Bollywood movie stars famous actors and focuses on the Raichand family, notably the three following couples: Yashvardhan “Yash” (Amitabh Bachchan) and Nandini (Jaya Bachchan), Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol), Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) and Pooja (Kareena Kapoor).

I love Bollywood movies, especially the mid 90’s-mid 2000’s. It has a lot to do with the actors, because the ones before and the one since then don’t have styles that speak to me as much. I like how feelings and emotions can be so well described and at the core of the characters’ experiences in these movies, including this one. I normally don’t like musicals, save for very few exceptions. Yet, I like this aspect of Bollywood movies and I find them a visually and musically appealing way to go through sentimental expression as well.

Without getting into too much detail about this three hour long movie, I love how it pans over about a dozen year, and show character development for everyone, even those like the father, who is set in his own extremely traditional ways. I like how all the characters have to navigate through ethics, familial values, free will and finding their ways in between cultures. Beyond the three different romances – only one shown during its early stages and not beyond marriage, family is at the core of the movie, and adds to all the dynamics at play.

password: family