'Laal Singh Chaddha' Review: Aamir Khan's film is a decent adaptation but tests patience

Director: Advait Chandan

Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mona Singh, Chaitanya Akkineni, Manav Vij and others

Where: In theatres near you

Rating: 3 stars

The Hindi film industry is currently riding a sinking ship, especially after the unfortunate pandemic. A lot has been touted for Aamir Khan’s much anticipated official Indian adaptation of Forrest Gump, which starred legendary Tom Hanks in the titular role. Helmed by Advait Chandan, 'Laal Singh Chaddha' is neither a massy nor a classy film, it travels beautifully midway throughout and comes out as a clear winner for a one-time watch.

Laal (Aamir Khan), a slow child to single mother Mona Singh faces a lot of trouble during the 1984 Sikh riots. He befriends his childhood school friend Rupa (Kareena Kapoor Khan), who has an abusive father and a troubled childhood. In college, Laal, who is a noted athlete by now proposes marriage to Rupa but she chooses her career and dreams and leaves the country. He then joins the Indian Army, where he meets Balaraju (Chaitanya Akkineni), a fellow army man, who dreams to establish the business of men's undergarments post-retirement in partnership with Laal. Will Laal and Rupa reunite? Will Laal and Balaraju fulfil their dreams? Laal Singh Chaddha is like a long train of compartments with a never-ending journey.

One film old director Advait Chandan, who earlier helmed 'Secret Superstar' has beautifully adapted 'Forrest Gump' but if 'Laal Singh Chaddha' needs to hold the status of an individual film which isn’t cult, it possesses an ambiguous nature. The film is too lengthy and with no purpose in the narrative, such an aimless and episodic screenplay goes nowhere, especially in our Hindi films. However, the film is definitely rich in emotions.

For the first time in his career, Aamir pretends to be his character. Despite being an actor par excellence, he tries too hard to keep the innocence of the character alive. For the Indian adaptation, he could have easily avoided that. His eye movements and voice modulation are adding nothing but an unnecessary distraction. Stepping into the shoes of Tom Hanks and delivering a fine performance can be a task and Aamir’s attempt of an Indianised Tom Hanks is passable.

Mona Singh faced a lot of backlash for playing Aamir’s mother initially but she surprises you with her sincere portrayal of a caring mother, who ages aptly too. Kareena is just so pleasant on-screen and such a visual delight. Her journey from an abusive childhood to a struggling actor is satisfactory.

Chaitanya, who marks his Hindi film debut is tiresome. His track with Aamir in the Indian Army comprises of the weakest dialogues in the film and his dialogue delivery with the cotton stuffed in the lower lip is annoying. This portion is nothing but a boring discussion of men's undergarments amidst the serious Kargil War. Manav Vij, an antagonist turned into a good-hearted man is good.

Composer Pritam delivers great compositions after such a long time. 'Phir Na Aisi Raat Ayegi' stands out and has a pain of longing.

Watch 'Laal Singh Chaddha', only if you are a fan of the original film 'Forrest Gump', it won’t disappoint you. The film is a bit too lengthy but Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo will make it up for you.