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3 Idiots

  • 2009
  • PG-13
  • 2h 50m
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
459K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
866
56
Sharman Joshi, Aamir Khan, and Madhavan in 3 Idiots (2009)
3 Idiots is a movie starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, and Mona Singh. Two friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them "idiots".
Play trailer1:34
2 Videos
77 Photos
Buddy ComedyComing-of-AgeQuirky ComedyComedyDrama

Two friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of t... Read allTwo friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them "idiots".Two friends are searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them "idiots".

  • Director
    • Rajkumar Hirani
  • Writers
    • Abhijat Joshi
    • Rajkumar Hirani
    • Vidhu Vinod Chopra
  • Stars
    • Aamir Khan
    • Madhavan
    • Mona Singh
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.4/10
    459K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    866
    56
    • Director
      • Rajkumar Hirani
    • Writers
      • Abhijat Joshi
      • Rajkumar Hirani
      • Vidhu Vinod Chopra
    • Stars
      • Aamir Khan
      • Madhavan
      • Mona Singh
    • 1KUser reviews
    • 59Critic reviews
    • 67Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #85
    • Awards
      • 64 wins & 30 nominations total

    Videos2

    3 Idiots trailer
    Trailer 1:34
    3 Idiots trailer
    The Rise of Ali Fazal: From '3 Idiots' to "Mirzapur"
    Clip 4:01
    The Rise of Ali Fazal: From '3 Idiots' to "Mirzapur"
    The Rise of Ali Fazal: From '3 Idiots' to "Mirzapur"
    Clip 4:01
    The Rise of Ali Fazal: From '3 Idiots' to "Mirzapur"

    Photos77

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    Top cast78

    Edit
    Aamir Khan
    Aamir Khan
    • Rancho
    Madhavan
    Madhavan
    • Farhan
    • (as R. Madhavan)
    Mona Singh
    Mona Singh
    • Mona
    Sharman Joshi
    Sharman Joshi
    • Raju
    Kareena Kapoor
    Kareena Kapoor
    • Pia
    Boman Irani
    Boman Irani
    • Viru Sahastrabudhhe
    Omi Vaidya
    Omi Vaidya
    • Chatur
    Jaaved Jaaferi
    Jaaved Jaaferi
    • Ranchoddas Chanchad
    • (as Javed Jaffrey)
    Parikshit Sahni
    Parikshit Sahni
    • Farhan's Father
    • (as Pareekshit Sahani)
    Olivier Lafont
    • Suhas
    • (as Sanjay Lafont)
    Rahul Kumar
    Rahul Kumar
    • Millimeter
    Amardeep Jha
    Amardeep Jha
    • Raju's Mother
    Farida Dadi
    Farida Dadi
    • Farhan's Mother
    Mukund Bhatt
    Mukund Bhatt
    • Raju's Father
    Chaitali Bose
    • Raju's Sister
    Jayant Kripalani
    • Campus Interview Panel Head
    • (as Jayant Kriplani)
    Arun Bali
    Arun Bali
    • Shamaldas Chanchad
    • (as Aron Baali)
    Shoaib Ahmed
    • Chhote
    • Director
      • Rajkumar Hirani
    • Writers
      • Abhijat Joshi
      • Rajkumar Hirani
      • Vidhu Vinod Chopra
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1K

    8.4459K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say '3 Idiots' is celebrated for its humor, emotional depth, and critique of the Indian education system. Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi deliver strong performances, and the film's catchphrases resonate. However, it is criticized for a clichéd plot, exaggerated scenes, and unrealistic elements. Some fault the character development and portrayal of suicide, claiming it oversimplifies complex issues. Despite these flaws, many find it entertaining and inspiring.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    9cherold

    This inspired me to watch more Bollywood movies

    Until recently my only exposure to Indian cinema was Satyajit Ray. Like a lot of Americans, my knowledge of Bollywood was based entirely on film clips and American take-offs of lavish musical numbers.

    I searched a few lists of top Bollywood films and settled on 3 Idiots, which turned out to be a wonderful decision. The movie is terrifically funny and engaging, seamlessly moving from comedy to tragedy to musical numbers.

    The story centers around a brilliant, iconoclastic technical student who spends the movie telling people to follow their dreams. While generally lighthearted, the movie strongly addresses the apparently terrible stresses on Indian college students. But in spite of some dark moments, overall this is about as feel-good as you can get. Feel-good to an absurd degree? Sure. But what's so bad about feeling good?

    When I think of Bollywood I think of big musical numbers, and there are a handful here, although they're a tiny part of the three-hour running time. Still, they are tremendous fun.

    To sum up, I saw a Bollywood movie, I laughed, I cried, and now I want to see more.

    UPDATE: I saw more. So many good movies out there!
    9joseelfabuloso45

    Very good movie!

    This is the very first time i write a review, mostly because I'm very lazy.

    However I just watched this film and i gotta admit it...

    I loved it!!!!

    At first i was like well "lets see what this movie has to offer"

    (btw its also the first Indian movie I've ever seen) and I was like okay

    its funny and then... like wow so thoughtful and reflexive! It really

    made me meditate about my career and my real dreams! Its a very good

    movie! I'll recommend it to all my friends!

    You must watch it!

    All is Well!
    9naman-avastol

    Aal izz very, very, very, very, very Well

    "Whatever the problem in life is... just say to yourself 'Aal Izz Well'.. This wont solve your problems but it will give the courage to face it.." "Chase Excellence and success will follow".. " Life is not about getting marks, grades but chasing your dreams".. These are the golden rules which 3 IDIOTS teaches you in a very light and entertaining way.. The movie makes you laugh and in the process you learn many golden rules which can alter your life in a big manner...

    3 actors from the path-breaking blockbuster RANG DE BASANTI( Aamir, Sharman, Madhvan) team up together with Rajkumar Hirani.. It couldn't get bigger! Loosely based on blockbuster novel ' Five Point Someone ' by Chetan Bhagat the movie deals with the present education system in India that whether getting more marks and better grades is better than gaining knowledge and is mugging up everything more useful than understanding it..

    The movie has many hilarious scenes and everyone in the film form Aamir to Boman Irani to Omi Vaidya were superb in their roles.. Aamir has outdone himself.. Never in the film he has looked 44 year old... Film's music sounds mediocre but when viewed on the screen then the music sounds perfect.. Cinematography is awesome and so is the direction.. Raju Hirani's screenplay(you can easily ignore a few loose points) is a masterpiece and the film will achieve cult status for engineering students in a short period of time.. It has the soul which Five Point Someone had.. It is easily Aamir Khan's finest film to date.. The film's climax is fantabulous and is a shocker.. It takes everyone by surprise...

    To conclude 3 IDIOTS has the potential to break all records and sweep all awards.. Watch it... You will Love it...

    My Rating: 9/10

    Thanks and Regards
    9donutpizza

    Wow this American loves this movie

    I asked my co-workers to recommend a Bollywood movie. I expected "Dumb and Dumber" by the title. It wasn't that at all. It is more of an inspirational comedy with some serious but good messages. A more accurate title would have been "The Legend of Rancho".

    Odd to me is that they speak in part English, part Hindi through the movie, kinda like some speak "Spanglish" here I suppose. I know none of the actors but the acting was good, and there was plenty of humor. The characters were believable. Most movie dancing I find a little silly but I even liked the dancing routines in the bathroom.

    I will be asking my co-workers for more recommendations after this one!
    Watching

    easily the best Indian movie in 2009.... and one of the best ever

    I was lucky to see the first day show of 3 idiots on Thursday in Dubai. Well the title of this post says it all. The movie is an example of classic film making. brilliant and highly entertaining.

    Watch 3 idiots for a) amir khan's incredible acting b) intelligent and highly energatic screenplay & direction (Rajkumar Hirani has done it yet again!) c) amazing chemistry among actors, d) some of the best comedy scenes coming from Indian cinema in a long time and e) a heart warming story which keeps you spell binded right till the end.

    I would rate it as among the best from amir khan (which obviously means among the very best from bollywood. I would also give a lot of credit to the director rajkumar hirani, who after this movie (and his previous munna bhai series) should rank as among the top in bollywood too. 9/10.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Although Rancho is seen as a college student for most of the film, Aamir Khan who played the character was 44 years old when the film was made. In real life, he is only 6 years younger than Boman Irani, the actor who played "Virus," the director of the college.
    • Goofs
      During the baby delivery scenes, supposedly taking place around 2003, both parties engaged in the video chat use Google Chrome web browser which was not released until 2008.
    • Quotes

      Machine Class Professor: Why are you back?

      Rancho: Sir, I forgot to take something...

      Machine Class Professor: What?

      Rancho: Instruments that record, analyse, summarise, organise, debate and explain information; that are illustrated, non-illustrated, hardbound, paperback, jacketed, non-jacketed; with foreword, introduction, table of contents, index; that are indented for the enlightenment, understanding, enrichment, enhancement and education of the human brain through sensory route of vision - sometimes touch.

      Machine Class Professor: [confused] What are you trying to say?

      Rancho: Books sir! I forgot to take my books.

    • Connections
      Featured in 55th Idea Filmfare Awards (2010)
    • Soundtracks
      Aal Izz Well
      Music by Shantanu Moitra

      Lyrics by Swanand Kirkire

      Performed by Sonu Nigam, Swanand Kirkire, Shaan

    Top picks

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    FAQ20

    • How long is 3 Idiots?Powered by Alexa
    • Which novel is this movie based on?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 25, 2009 (India)
    • Country of origin
      • India
    • Official site
      • SonyLIV (IN)
    • Languages
      • Hindi
      • English
    • Also known as
      • 3 Chàng Ngốc
    • Filming locations
      • IIM Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    • Production company
      • Vinod Chopra Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • ₹550,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $6,532,874
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $1,645,502
      • Dec 27, 2009
    • Gross worldwide
      • $60,262,836
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 50 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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