Upon its release on December 25, 2009, "3 Idiots" received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, humor, and performances. It became the highest-grossing Indian film of its time, earning over ₹460 crore (approximately $90 million) worldwide. The film also had a significant impact on attitudes toward education in India and other Asian countries, sparking discussions about the pressures faced by students.
The film's success led to remakes in other languages, including the Tamil film "Nanban" (2012) and the Mexican film "3 Idiotas" (2017). It also won numerous awards, including six Filmfare Awards and three National Film Awards.
The Times of India
The Times of India lauded the film for its humor and depth, stating, "The film is a laugh riot, despite being high on fundas." The review highlighted the film's ability to blend comedy with meaningful life lessons, emphasizing its critique of India's competitive and rote-based education system. The performances, particularly by Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, were praised for their authenticity and chemistry. The review also commended Rajkumar Hirani's direction, noting that he "says so much, and more, without losing his sense of humour and the sheer lightness of being."
Metacritic
On Metacritic, "3 Idiots" holds a score of 67 out of 100, based on 4 critic reviews, indicating "Generally Favorable" reviews. The user score is notably higher, standing at 8.4 out of 10, based on 213 ratings, reflecting "Universal Acclaim." Critics appreciated the film's enjoyable narrative and emotional depth, while users praised its blend of humor and drama, memorable moments, and impactful dialogues.
Variety
Derek Elley of Variety noted that "3 Idiots takes a while to lay out its game plan but pays off emotionally in its second half." He highlighted the film's ability to balance humor with emotional depth, ultimately delivering a satisfying cinematic experience
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times praised the film's inherent joyfulness and the charm of its performances, stating, "There's an unavoidable joie de vivre (symbolized by Rancho's meditative mantra 'All is well') and a performance charm that make this one of the more naturally gregarious Bollywood imports." The review emphasized the film's universal appeal and the effectiveness of its storytelling.
Overall, "3 Idiots" is celebrated for its insightful critique of the educational system, heartfelt performances, and its seamless blend of humor and drama, making it a standout film in Indian cinema.
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