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In a typical college in a typical Indian city, the hostel boys Madan Sharma (Aamir Khan) and his friend are a rowdy lot. The teaching staff suffer from the common apathy of most teachers in similar colleges. The administration has the usual problems, with ill-paid employees periodically going on strike. On the whole, the college is a very normal place. But on this particular day, when Madan and his friends rise from their slumber, some with the customary hangover, they are not so perturbed to find no water in the taps again, as when they hear that it is not going to be a holiday after all. Instead there will be a lecture in the auditorium by the Chairman of the Board (Dr. Shriram Lagoo), on the day of the festival of fire, Holi, and the boys decide not to attend the classes. The hostel superintendent Professor Singh (Naseeruddin Shah), the only lecturer with some human links with the students, watches with apprehension their growing restlessness. A notice announcing a further postponement of examinations adds to the bitterness. A fight erupts out of nowhere between principal Phande’s (Om Puri) nephew and another student, in which the principal’s nephew is hurt and the other boy is promptly rusticated. It is an unjustifiably drastic punishment, and the news spreads like wildfire. Resistance is organized in the library, in the laboratory, in the classrooms and the college grounds. In the auditorium, the first egg hits the Chairman, and pandemonium follows. To save his own job, the principal decides to track down the culprits. Professor Singh politely refuses to help. The principal now blackmails one of the hostel boys, whose father he knows, and who is in any case a loner, and a butt of jokes in the campus. Imbued with a false sense of power, the boy walks into the principal’s trap. A large group of boys, all from the hostel, are immediately rusticated, and asked to vacate their rooms by the morning. The boys, not all of them actually guilty of rebellion, are now all in a rage. They make a bonfire of the hostel furniture and their textbooks. Feeling impelled to share his sense of triumph, the informer confides in the boy whom he hates and fears the most, and whose name he has kept out of the list. As a result he is mercilessly humiliated by everyone, and just about manages to rush away from his tormentors and lock himself in his room. In the gathering dusk, the young rebels sit listlessly on the steps of the hostel, their anger giving way to depression, when one of them discovers the informer hanging from the fan in his room, quite dead. Madan and his friends confront faceless policemen who come to investigate the suicide. In the morning, the police van carrying the boys away, is caught in the midst of a rowdy, jostling crowd of merrymakers, playing with colours. Madan and his friends stare blankly, hopelessly, out of the barred windows at the shouting revelers, as the van edges its way out.
Duration: 120 min
Released: 1985
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 (284 Votes)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Hindi Movies
Stars: Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Rahul Ranade, Sanjeev Gandhi
Directors: Ketan Mehta
Writers: Hriday Lani, Ketan Mehta, Mahesh Elkunchwar
Year: 1984
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Holi (1984): A Heartwarming Tale of Youth and Friendship
Released in 1984, Holi is a Hindi-language comedy-drama that captures the exuberance and complexities of youth. Directed and written by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film marks one of the earlier works of this now-renowned filmmaker. Featuring a stellar cast with a young Aamir Khan in one of his early roles, Holi is an engaging narrative focusing on college life, camaraderie, and the inevitable rites of passage that come with growing up.
Plot Overview
Set against the vibrant backdrop of college campus life, Holi explores the dynamics of friendship, misunderstandings, rivalry, and romance among a group of students. The film deftly portrays the spirited and often tumultuous phase of youth when emotions run high and relationships are tested. The backdrop of the Holi festival, with its colors and revelry, perfectly symbolizes the chaos and beauty of this formative period.
The story centers around a youthful protagonist (played by Aamir Khan), navigating his way through the excitement and challenges of college, dealing with love interests, friendship tensions, and personal growth. The film’s comedic elements bring lightness and charm to the narrative, while its dramatic moments lend emotional depth.
Main Cast and Crew
Though the film also features other supporting actors who contribute to the rich tapestry of campus life, it is the lead performances and direction that stand out distinctly.
Direction and Writing
Ashutosh Gowariker penned the script reflecting his experiences and observations about youth and friendship. His direction brings out relatable emotions and humorous scenarios with a naturalistic touch—a style that would later define his signature in filmmaking. The balance between comedy and drama, crafted by Gowariker, keeps audiences engaged and invested in the characters’ journeys.
Music and Songs
Unlike many Bollywood films that feature elaborate song and dance sequences, Holi focuses more on narrative and character development; the music takes a subtle but effective role in enhancing the mood and setting. Unfortunately, Holi does not have a widely celebrated soundtrack or hit songs associated with it. Nonetheless, the film’s soundscape complements its youthful, lively atmosphere, underscoring key moments without overpowering them.
Critical Reception and Legacy
While not a major commercial hit, Holi garnered appreciation for its fresh take on college life and youth culture in mid-1980s India. The film is often noted for launching Ashutosh Gowariker's career and providing a platform for Aamir Khan, who would go on to become one of Bollywood’s most influential actors.
The movie resonates with audiences for its authentic portrayal of friendships and the emotional rollercoaster of growing up. It is a nostalgic journey for viewers who experienced similar stages in life, marked by innocence, rebellion, and the quest for identity.
Conclusion
In summary, Holi (1984) is an enjoyable and heartfelt exploration of youth, friendship, and the colorful chaos of college days. With Ashutosh Gowariker's insightful writing and direction, coupled with Aamir Khan's charming performance, the film remains a notable part of Hindi cinema history. While it may not boast the grandeur or musical extravaganza typical of Bollywood, its honest storytelling and endearing characters make it a worthwhile watch for fans of coming-of-age stories and classic Indian films.
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