Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
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Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a classic Hindi-language -- with English subtitles -- Bollywood musical romantic comedy. The title translates as The Big-Hearted Will Take the Bride and it tells the story of 18-year-old British Indian Simran (Kajol) who has an arranged marriage lined up but falls in love with the cocky but charming Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) while traveling Europe. Characters show many positive traits, including perseverance, courage, and forgiveness. It features two generations of two Indian families and explores culture clashes when traditional values meet ideas from other countries. The movie is a charming comedy with strong romantic elements. There is also plenty of drama, which near the climax erupts into a bloody brawl. Language is mild, with one use of the word "s--t." Some characters drink alcohol and in a comedic scene, Simran gets drunk on brandy and loses her inhibitions, acting silly. Raj jokes the next morning that they slept together and she is mortified, though he quickly apologizes. The couple flirt but aren't overtly sexual. The film has a runtime of just over three hours.
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What's the Story?
In DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE, 18-year-old British Indian Simran (Kajol) is arranged to marry a family friend. When traveling Europe, she meets cocky young Raj (Shah Rukh Khan). After a rocky start, the pair fall in love and face a future where tradition means they can't be together. Will their plan to change the mind of Simran's stern father work?
Is It Any Good?
This epic love story has glowing romance, pin-sharp comedy, and a whole lot of twists and turns. This tale of two young lovers who can't be together is delivered with equal amounts of charm and thrills, earning Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge's place as a classic. Cocky young Raj is ridiculous and brash, but completely likable, thanks to Khan's innate wholesomeness that lies beneath the youthful antics. While Simran is portrayed by the luminous Kajol who is just as crafty and clever. Soon the pair fall in love and become a perfect movie couple to root for. Standing in the way of their happiness is Simran's father, Chaudhry. With eyes that could out-stare the sun, Amrish Puri portrays the loving but menacing father as a perfect screen villain.
The movie's serious exploration of immigrant life isn't to be understated. Adrift in the U.K., Chaudhry yearns for India and puts his whole identity into upholding its traditions. While Simran's mother, Lajjo (Farida Jalal), vows to give her the happiness she wasn't allowed under rules that gave all the power to men. Like Raj and Simran's relationship, the movie starts as a slow burn. But when it gets up to heat, the warm glow radiates throughout the whole movie and provides an epic to bask in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how love and relationships were portrayed in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. What barriers did Simran and Raj's relationship face?
Courage, perseverance, and humility are all displayed in the movie. Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits?
Discuss the violence in the movie. What impact did it have? What consequences were there? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Do you have any experience of Hindu culture? What did you learn about it from the film? Why is it important to learn about other cultures and traditions?
Had you seen many Bollywood movies before this? Has this inspired you to watch more? What did you like about the film and how did it differ from other films you've seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 19, 1995
- On DVD or streaming: August 26, 2003
- Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri
- Director: Aditya Chopra
- Studios: Yash Raj Films, Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Courage, Humility, Perseverance
- Run time: 189 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: November 3, 2022
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