The film's script was recognized by a number of critics and was invited to be included in the Margaret Herrick Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, just a day after its release.[8] The script is accessible for research purposes only; students, filmmakers, writers, and actors are among the regular patrons.[9]
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi tells a story from the point of view of an ordinary person and, most importantly, conveys a message that being 'ordinary' is cool. The filmmakers were confident that it would be able to strike a chord with millions because the film has ordinary people as its target audience:[10]
"As middle-class people, so many of us have a routine life. We wake up in the morning, get dressed, go to the office, come back, sometimes for a change we buy things to take home, watch TV, eat dinner and go to sleep. And then we repeat this day after day, week after week. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi talks about one such man who lives a routine life. It is a simple film at heart."[10]
In February 2008, Aditya Chopra announced that he will helm another film titled Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and that it will star his lucky mascot, Shah Rukh Khan. The female lead was to be a newcomer who would be chosen following a massive talent hunt for a young, demure woman with quintessential Punjabi features.[11] In May 2008, Yash Raj announced the casting of the 20-year-old model Anushka Sharma as the leading lady opposite Khan. Yash Chopra commented:
Sharma was chosen over hundreds of girls for this role and was kept hidden from the media during the filming. When asked about that, Khan said: "The idea was not to keep her a secret; we wanted her work to speak for her. When new actors come into films, it is important for people to see their work and then question them. It becomes easier after the film releases."[13] Vinay Pathak was cast to play an important role in the film, making it his first commercial outing.[14]
The soundtrack of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was released on 6 November 2008. It is the first Bollywood soundtrack to reach the top 10 album sales for the iTunes Store.[5] According to the Indian trade website Box Office India, with around 19,00,000 units sold, this film's soundtrack album was the year's second highest-selling.[21]
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was released across 30 countries worldwide on 12 December 2008 on over 1,200 screens, including approximately 300 prints for the overseas market, making it the first time a Bollywood film was released on such a wide scale.[22] Before release, the film witnessed a large volume of advance bookings.[23] Aditya Chopra, who is known for maintaining secrecy over his films and not showing them to anyone until the day of release, made an exception and held a special screening on 23 November 2008 at Yash Raj Studios. The screening was attended by Khan and his family, Karan Johar, Yash Chopra, and debutante Sharma.[24]
There was a huge debate in the industry whether Aditya Chopra's decision to go ahead with the release of the film in the wake of the terror strikes in Mumbai was the right one. With the trauma of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai city on 26, 27, and 28 November still fresh, there was divided opinion on the release schedule. While some felt that Chopra should go ahead with the release because the public, tired and depressed after watching news of the attacks and the aftermath on television screens, would be waiting for a true entertainer to divert its mind, others thought he should postpone the film release as the audiences, not just in Mumbai but all over the country, were still not in a mood to visit theatres.[25]
Joginder Tuteja of Bollywood Hungama gave the DVD of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi 3.5 out of 5 stars stating that it is a good choice if you "want to watch a clean family movie at home." The DVD includes the documentaries, The Making of the Film and The Making of the Songs ("Haule Haule", "Dance Pe Chance", "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte"), as well as a number of deleted scenes and interviews.[30] The film, was released on Blu-ray a year after its theatrical release.
The film also received some negative reviews. Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN was critical, giving it 2 out of 5 stars and stating that "Aditya Chopra's return to direction after 8 years is marked by a flawed script, which in turn spawns a disappointing film. Where's the smart dialogue and the spirited characters that defined his debut film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge? There's no trace of either in this film...the problem then, at the root of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, is that much like those artificial sets in the film, the emotions too are contrived."[36] Derek Elley of Variety argues that the film has "a huge, hollow center that sinks the project early on...A paper-thin script drags itself to the finish line amid tiresome mugging by Khan, a huge credibility gap (she never recognises him without his spectacles and moustache?), and a blah score with only one showstopper (featuring 5 famous actresses)."[37]
Yash Raj Films, Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan. The stakes were definitely high when Rab ne Bana Di Jodi was announced, but I knew I would love it, even before I saw it. I think this is a movie that you either love or hate, without much room for middle ground. For me it will, without a doubt, always be special for the simple reason it was the first, and so far the only, Hindi film I've seen in a theatre (interesting side note: I was told by the ticket counter lady that the tickets were non-refundable as I purchased them. That was a first for me.) Even with all it's questionable theories and overacting, I love everything about this film.
For me, there's nothing better than to watch Shah Rukh work his cinematic magic. Surinder Sahni was a refreshing and sympathetic character. Even behind the glasses and moustache (which, let's be honest, what was the big deal really with the look? It's not like he hasn't changed his appearance for films before - Paheli, Hey Ram, Chak De!), there was a sincerity to Suri's character that appealed to even the most hard-hearted I'm sure. Raj, on the other hand, was a hilarious and spot on portrayal of someone who tries to be what he thinks is cool, resulting in a total over the top characterization. I loved Raj for his exaggerated facial expressions, his flashy and too tight clothes (which were also at times a little to small exposing a little bit of skin. Sigh!) and his melodramatic dialogues, because underneath it all was still our sweet Suri. I think Shah Rukh shows his seasoned talent by being able to portray two such very different characters, and when I watch Suri especially I don't see SRK at all. His mannerisms are distinctively and uniquely Surinder Sahni.
Anushka Sharma (Taaniji), gives an amazing debutante performance. I am blown away by the professionalism and artistry of recent first-time leading ladies. While she doesn't appear to possess someone like Deepika's megawatt glamor, she fills the girl-next-door requirements of this film admirably, while singing, dancing and emoting like a filmi veteran.
What to say about Vinay Pathak? His portrayal of the loud-mouthed and agreeable Bobby was believable. He had some great dialogues to boast of and was a good match for SRK's Suri - the two share great comic chemistry resulting in plenty of fantastic situational comedy.
Characterizations aside, what I truly loved about this film were the little moments. Be it the scene on the dining table with the rose, the Biryani meal and the consequent self-conversation afterwards, the changing room dialogue, the celebratory dance at the salon, each left a lasting impression on me. Ultimately, the core of this film is it's message: that there is nothing stronger in this world than unconditional love, and, for a die hard romantic like me, there's nothing better. No matter how many times I watch it, the ending gets me every single time!
Not to sound like a broken record, but I adored the music in Rab Ne. I remember hearing Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai on Saavn.com well before I even saw a promo and was instantly smitten. Salim and Sulaiman did a fantastic job with the songs, and they all played an important part in the progression of the story. Haule Haule is my favorite - the yellow tiffin box and the endearment with which Suri bestows upon it is sweety enchanting and the sequence where Suri experiments with several 'hero' looks is hilarious. Even Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte is enjoyable as it pays homage to Bollywood legendary actors Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor and actresses Nargis, Nutan, Helen, Sharmila Tagore and Neetu SinghSadly.
Despite it's most obvious flaw (how can Taani not recognize Suri?), I will do as Shah Rukh Khan suggests and take a leap of faith and enjoy it for what it is meant to be. My only real criticism is with post-production and the complete elimination of subtitles during the closing credits. Suri's narration of their honeymoon to Japan, which I've read was actually penned by SRK, is supposed to be hilarious (I know the theatre was full of chuckles). As my Hindi has yet to reach that level, I sure would like to find someone to translate for me.
Bollywooddeewana - I heard the songs in the background and was trying to figure out if I knew them. Where in the film was Hum Hain Rahin?
Jules - I'm so glad you enjoyed it. For an SRK fan, I think he truly delivered.
Great review... love the pictures and your enthusiasm.
I totally agree with you on the performances - SRK did a great job with this film, and Anoushka (I agree, a fantastic debut) and Vinay complemented him so well. But somehow the film as a whole didn't work for me - and I blame that on the scripting (good in parts, lame and boring in others) and the directing (it felt to me like it was being directed by a schizophrenic who couldn't quite decide where he was taking the film). But yes, for an SRK fan, he does not disappoint in RNBDJ at all. And I share your frustration re the honeymoon pics! I think I kinda got the gist of what Surinder was saying, but I wish there had been subs - it was such a cute and sweet part of the movie!
I do know what you mean about the first Bollywood movie you see in an actual cinema - there's a certain magic about that experience - I will always love Don (2006) for that reason (actually I would love it regardless - SRK as a sexy bad boy was really all it took!)
Oh, and I believe 'hum hain rahin pyar ke' (mentioned by bollywooddeewana) is the same song referred to as 'phir milenge, chalte chalte' in your review.