Spot on

Cast Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor
Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Rating G

Looks like Aamir Khan likes playing Santa! He has successfully filled the box office with festive cheer three years in a row. After Taare Zameen Par and Ghajini, he hits another bull's eye with the extraordinary tale of 3 Idiots. Clearly a masterpiece by the winning Munnabhai team of Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra. In fact, 3 Idiots makes 2009 worthwhile.

What makes Hirani click is his incredible ability to portray the grim truth with a dollop of humour and just the right amount of Bollywood clichés. His story hints at a social message, without being preachy. And that's where his strength lies. He even tweaks the narrative with interesting tricks - like switching to a black and white mode to relay a sad sub-plot. Absolutely brilliant!

Hirani takes a potshot at the Indian education system, which prompts students to memorise notes as opposed to reflecting and thinking. Abhijit Joshi and Hirani pen some genuinely hilarious lines to paint this bleak scenario in light shades. Rohan Mapuskar does a splendid job as the casting director. Khan as the 20-something Rancho is simply exceptional. It's unbelievable how he can look 20 years younger without botox jabs or elaborate make-up. Joshi and Madhavan excel as Farhan and Hari, completing the gang of three with aplomb. Their fun escapades take us on a remarkable nostalgic trip. Boman Irani is an exemplary performer and he lisps through his lines as the grumpy college director Viru Sahastrabudhhe. Kapoor throws in a stunning performance. 3 Idiots also throws has a few gems in the supporting cast. Omi leads the lot with a superlative act as the geeky Chatur Ramalingam, while Ram Kumar follows as the affable Millimetre.

It's a perfect ending to a dull year in Bollywood, hopefully setting a higher benchmark for 2010. So head out and watch this amazing flick. It has definitely won us over!