Laal Singh Chaddha: The Story Of Indian Forrest Gump

“Meri mummy kehti thi zindagi golgappe jaisi hondi hai, pet bhale hi bhar jaave, mann nahi bharat,” is the new “My mama always said, life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get,” in Laal Singh Chaddha, the soon to be released Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan starrer. And why not, we Indians know life is not all sweet, but like golgappe it is sweet, sour, spicy and everything in between.

It is the perfect replacement for ‘chocolate’ as in Tom Hanks’ original Forrest Gump. This replacement at once tells us that yes it might be the official remake of Forrest Gump but Laal Singh Chaddha will have an Indian soul.

Laal Singh Chaddha: The Story Of Indian Forrest Gump

The trailer of the film was released during the IPL final, amid huge strength of cricket lovers, loud cheers and huge applause by the makers on May 29. The takes the audience on an emotional ride, giving a glimpse into the fascinating and innocent world of Laal Singh Chaddha. Twitterati as usual had many things to say, one user wrote, “After 4 years of waiting for Laal Singh Chaddha, it feels good to get such an exciting trailer. It’s proved again why everybody calls #AamirKhan MR Pefctionist…What an amazing trailer goosebumps can’t wait for the movie” (sic). While another user was critical and wrote, “Excuse me Aamir Khan. What a huge disappointment. Lots of expectations in creativity & originality. None. Indian version of Forest Gump is like mining masses’ trust in you. New India wants genuine shots at fresh film-making. Not serving old Western successes in new Indian bottles.”

I loved Forrest Gump and now I am waiting for the release of Laal Singh Chaddha, with Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan in the lead anything is possible. For a generation who have seen and loved Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump might try and compare the two. And the generation who hasn’t will see it with a new eye. I agree with one user when he wrote, “The cinematography is absolutely beautiful, will look (hot/fire emojis) on the big screen.”

There are two things that I would like to mention here. First, Mona Singh who plays Aamir Khan’s mother is almost half his age. I find it surprising that age doesn’t catch up or matter where male actors are concerned but young women are made to play moms of heroes twice their age and nobody utters a word. Why is this I wonder?

Secondly, through the film"> Forrest Gump we saw several decades in the life of Forrest, a slow-witted and kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century United States. What I am excited about is what will Laal Singh Chaddha depict; will it have political events, Bollywood history, which decade or decades is the film based on?

At an early age Forrest is considered to have a below-average IQ of 75. He has an endearing character and shows devotion to his loved ones and duties, character traits that bring him into many life-changing situations. Along the way, he encounters many historical figures and events throughout his life. How will the character of Laal be essayed? Even if it’s a copy, there is sure to be a twist somewhere.

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In Forrest Gump Sally Field is Mrs Gump, Forrest's mother. Field when reflecting on the character had said, “She's a woman who loves her son unconditionally. ... A lot of her dialogue sounds like slogans, and that's just what she intends.” Mona Singh has a big shoe to fill as the mother plays an important part in Laal’s life.

Everything seems exciting right now, let’s wait for the release.

The film is produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Kiran Rao, and Viacom18 Studios, the film also stars Chaitanya Akkineni and will release on August 11, 2022. And so the wait begins.

The views expressed are the author's own.