August: Bollywood’s month of reflection

As the monsoon rains batter the subcontinent, Bollywood is serving up a cinematic downpour of its own. August 2024 has become an unexpected treasure trove for film lovers, with a quartet of iconic re-releases hitting theatres across India. From star-crossed lovers to coal mafia dynasties, family dramas to coming-of-age romances, this eclectic mix of cinematic gems gives audiences a chance to relive the magic on the big screen. While our friends across the border in Pakistan may not have the chance to experience these re-releases in theatres, the timeless appeal of these films transcends geographical boundaries. So, let’s dive into this celluloid time machine and find out why these four films continue to enthrall audiences, even years after their initial release. ‘Laila Majnu’ First up on our nostalgic journey is Imtiaz Ali’s Laila Majnu, which made a triumphant return to theatres on August 9. This modern retelling of the classic Persian love story transports the story to the picturesque yet troubled valleys of Kashmir. When it first hit theaters in 2018, Laila Majnu may not have set the box office on fire, but like a fine wine, it has aged beautifully. The film marked the Bollywood debut of Triptii Dimri, who has since become one of the most sought-after talents in the industry. Paired with Avinash Tiwary’s brooding intensity, their on-screen chemistry crackles with the electricity of first love. The lovers’ struggle against familial antagonism becomes a metaphor for the larger conflicts that have long plagued the region. The film’s visual palette is a feast for the eyes, capturing the ethereal beauty of Kashmir’s landscapes. From snow-capped mountains to blossoming gardens, the landscape becomes a character in itself, reflecting the passionate highs and devastating lows of Laila and Qais’ romance. But it’s not just the visuals that make Laila Majnu worth rewatching. Ali’s screenplay deftly navigates the fine line between reverence for the original story and contemporary relevance. The inclusion of Qais’ London sojourn adds a globalized dimension to the narrative, reflecting the reality of a diaspora caught between two worlds. ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ From the delicate brushstrokes of a love story, we pivot to the gritty, blood-soaked canvas of Anurag Kashyap’s magnum opus, Gangs of Wasseypur. This two-part saga, which storms into cinemas on August 30, is nothing short of a modern classic. When it first hit the screens in 2012, Gangs of Wasseypur was a revelation. This was a film that dared to portray the Indian hinterland not as a backdrop for melodramatic family sagas, but as a complex ecosystem with its own rules, power dynamics and moral codes. Spanning three generations of a crime family in the coal-mining town of Wasseypur, the film is an intricate dive into revenge, ambition and the cyclical nature of violence. Manoj Bajpayee leads an ensemble cast that reads like a who’s who of Indian cinema’s finest character actors – Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi and many more. What sets Gangs of Wasseypur apart is its uncompromising depiction of violence, not as stylized spectacle but as a mundane part of everyday life. Kashyap’s direction eschews Bollywood glamour for a documentary-style realism that’s both jarring and strangely engrossing. The film’s sprawling narrative is anchored by its attention to detail. From the evolution of guns over the decades to the changing political landscape, every frame is packed with historical and cultural references that make it worth watching multiple times. But it’s not all grim intensity. Kashyap infuses the saga with dark humour and quirky musical interludes that provide much-needed levity. The soundtrack, an eclectic mix of folk tunes and original compositions (Hunter remains a smash hit to this day), has achieved cult status in its own right. In an age of increasing corporatisation and gentrification, the film serves as a stark reminder of the power struggles and human costs behind India’s industrial growth. ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ Switching gears once again, we come to Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, the 2001 romantic drama that returned on 30 August. Starring R Madhavan, Dia Mirza and Saif Ali Khan, the film holds a special place in the hearts of millennials who came of age in the early 2000s. On the surface, RHTDM is a classic love triangle – boy meets girl, boy lies to girl, complications ensue. But what lifted it above the typical Bollywood romance was the breezy charm of its lead pair. Madhavan and Mirza, both relatively new to Bollywood at the time, brought a relatable, boy-next-door quality to their roles that resonated with the young audience. The film’s enduring popularity comes with a caveat, however. Viewed through a contemporary lens, the film’s central premise—a man who deceives a woman about his identity to win her affection—raises serious questions about consent and healthy relationships. It’s a stark reminder of how societal attitudes towards romance and gender dynamics have evolved over the past two decades. Still, RHTDM continues to resonate with audiences, thanks in large part to its incredible soundtrack. Songs like Zara Zara and Sach Keh Raha Hai Deewana have achieved iconic status, regularly trending on social media platforms and finding new life through covers and remixes. The music, composed by Harris Jayaraj, combines melodious tunes with poetic lyrics, creating an aural experience that transcends the film’s narrative shortcomings. ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ Rounding out our quartet of re-releases is the grande dame of Bollywood family dramas, Hum Aapke Hain Koun. The film, infamous for its 3 hours and 26 minutes runtime, returned to Indian theatres on August 9 to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Suffice it to say, this Sooraj Barjatya directorial is often credited with redefining the concept of family entertainment in Indian cinema. First released in 1994, the film was helmed by the charismatic duo of Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, who wove a tale of love and family values ​​that struck a chord with audiences across generations. From elaborate wedding ceremonies to festive gatherings, the film offered a romanticized depiction of joint family life that tapped into a collective nostalgia for a way of life that was already beginning to fade in an increasingly urbanized and globalized India. But HAHK wasn’t just about tradition – it was also unashamedly romantic. Salman and Madhuri’s chemistry was electric, their playful banter and stolen glances capturing the excitement of young love. Songs like Didi Tera Devar Deewana and Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai became instant classics, their popularity undiminished even three decades later. The film’s re-release offers a unique opportunity for multiple generations to experience this cultural touchstone together. For older viewers, it’s a chance to relive the magic that captivated them 30 years ago. For younger ones, it’s a window into a different era of filmmaking – one when family values ​​and clean entertainment were valued over gritty realism or high-concept plots.