Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha has lessons beyond its box office fate

Bhaag Laal bhaag! These are the words of appreciation one longs to hear in a world where gratification and encouragement feel increasingly rare.

Imagine being trapped in an environment that slowly engulfs you in toxicity, stripping away your essence and shine. What can one do in such a situation? The answer lies in breaking free, embracing your individuality, and living your life with main character energy. By doing so, you can at least take some control of your narrative, shaping and twisting it according to your will.

Ahead of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s 60th birthday, I decided to watch his last film, Laal Singh Chaddha, for reasons that most people are aware of — the film’s underwhelming box office performance, despite being an adaptation of the cult classic Forrest Gump. I began watching with apathy but finished with a sense of fulfillment.

Hear me out. Laal Singh Chaddha offers valuable life lessons that transcend its lacklustre commercial success. As we step into 2025, amid a lot of confusion and a lack of motivation, this film serves as a reminder of the perseverance, stability, and calmness that this generation often lacks despite the passion and drive.

When was the last time you followed your mother’s advice to the letter? Can’t remember, right? Neither can I. But Laal Singh Chaddha did. He obediently stayed in his hostel room for two weeks because his mother warned him, “Bahar malaria phail gaya hai, kamre me hi rehna (Stay inside, otherwise you might get malaria).” If my mother told me that, I would probably dismiss it or find a way to sneak out. But Laal was truly the “laal” of his mother, and stayed true to his promise.

Laal Singh Chaddha, portrayed by Aamir Khan, is a character brimming with optimism, drive, and innocence — traits we all possess somewhere, but life gets in the way and corrupts us.

Khan does justice to the role, conveying Laal’s emotions beautifully. Throughout his life, Laal forms deep connections with three individuals: Rupa, his childhood friend (played by Kareena Kapoor Khan), Bala from the army (played by Naga Chaitanya), and Mohammad, a leader of an enemy terrorist gang.

The film beautifully captures the idea that life is a series of unpredictable events, and how we respond to those moments defines us. Laal’s unconditional love for Rupa and his ability to forgive and move forward without bitterness struck a chord with me. In a generation burdened by the pressure of perfection and social media validation, Laal’s character teaches us the power of embracing imperfections and staying true to oneself.

Moreover, the film’s portrayal of friendship and human connections is timeless. From his bond with Bala to his profound relationship with Mohammad, Laal’s journey emphasises the importance of empathy and compassion. For someone like me, who cherishes meaningful relationships in an increasingly digital world, this aspect of the film resonated deeply, offering a profound sense of what it feels like to be acknowledged by a fellow human.

Another highlight of the film was its cinematography. Laal Singh Chaddha offered a refreshing portrayal of key events without being heavy-handed. From the 1984 anti-Sikh riots to the Kargil War, the film wove real-life events into Laal’s narrative, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit. For a generation that is vocal about social justice and equality, it was relevant and inspiring.

Laal Singh Chaddha also struck a chord, thanks to its soulful soundtrack. As someone who listens to music 24/7, I can confidently say that the film’s songs are perfectly timed, adding emotional depth to the narrative. When Laal runs across the country simply because he feels like running, Arijit Singh’s voice in the background evoked something akin to an emotional release.

Adding to the magic was the soundtrack composed by Pritam. Songs like ‘Kahani’ and ‘Phir Na Aisi Raat Aayegi’ evoke nostalgia and longing, while ‘Tur Kalleyan’ inspires hope and self-discovery. The music not only enhances the storytelling but lingers in the heart long after the film ends, making it an integral part of the cinematic experience.

Laal Singh Chaddha is not just about one man’s journey but a reflection of life’s simplicity and beauty. It serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, embrace the moment, and cherish human connections, lessons that are timeless and essential for a generation like ours. Because, “Kya pata hum mein hain kahaani, ya hain kahaani mein hum.”