Retro Review: Hum Aapke Hain Kaun

Hum Aapke Hain Kaun? One question that changed the face of the film fraternity. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun also known as HAHK, is one of the biggest blockbusters of all time in Indian cinema. The movie starred some of the most famous actors such as the evergreen Madhuri Dixit Nene, the "macho man" of Bollywood Salman Khan, and veteranactors like Alok Nath and Anupam Kher. The film was a Rajshri production, a remake of an earlier film they made. The movie reached unparalleled heights of success and changed the course of the film fraternity at that time.

The plot of the story revolves around two lovers, Prem and Nisha, who are fun-loving, bubbly and cheerful. They connect during the marriage of their elder siblings, something that also connects both families. The whole movie is filled with humor, jokes, laughter and also some tears. The main premise of the film is how the love Prem and Nisha have for one another survives through every obstacle life throws at them, including things like her sister's death and the responsibility of Nisha's little nephew falling on her. Nisha is faced with probably the hardest decision in anyone's life, one that holds the power to cause a 180 in her life - the decision between choosing her family, her responsibility as a daughter and sister or the love of her life.

The movie did exceptionally well in the box office in India and even worldwide. The film had it all - a good plot, great relations, popular songs and brilliant actors. The film became one of the best movies of the year and a must-see classic over the years. Before HAKH's time, the popular trend in the industry was violence filled movies, this film changed it all and showed the film fraternity that non-violent, family friendly movies could be just as successful. The film won numerous Filmfare awards along with a national award for best film for providing wholesome entertainment. This is what we call a real Bollywood movie, a perfect blend of it all!

The success was perhaps due to the extraordinary spectacle that are the wedding rituals and traditions of a large Hindu family. The family and situations presented in the film were quite relatable and also the simplicity of the was what helped the film become as much of a classic as it is! The soundtrack of the film was also quite appropriate, adding the perfect atmosphere to each function and moment. The end product, was a movie that was not only entertaining and watchable, but also one that became a cult classic.

Did you know:

• HAKH was released in a single cinema in Mumbai because the director didn't want the content to go wasted by releasing it in multiple cinemas.
• When the film was about to release, critics, analysts and distributors predicted it would be a complete failure.
• The films had 14 songs, which is the most number of songs in one movie.
• HAKH is a remake of an earlier Rajshri movie called Nadiya Ke Paar.
• Hrithik Roshan in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham sang a few lines of one of the hit songs from the movie,"Wah Wah Ramji", during an impromptu antakshri session
• The film is included in the list of the longest films in tinsel town next to movies like Lagaan and LOC Kargil.

Author: Fatima W.
Editors: Parm K. & Gunia M.
Graphics: Virina R.