Bollywood, also known as the Hindi film industry, has given us some memorable characters over the years. From the charming Raj in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to the fearless Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg, these characters have become a part of our lives and have left a lasting impression on us. But there is one Bollywood star who has played the same character in three different films – and the outcomes have been quite different.
Yes, we are talking about none other than the talented and versatile actor, Aamir Khan. Known for his impeccable acting skills and dedication to his craft, Aamir has portrayed a diverse range of characters in his career. However, there is one character that stands out among the rest – that of the lovable Ranchodas Chanchad aka “Rancho” in the films 3 Idiots, PK, and Thugs of Hindostan.
The first film in which Aamir played the character of Rancho was 3 Idiots, released in 2009. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film was a blockbuster and became a cult classic in Bollywood. Aamir’s portrayal of the free-spirited and brilliant engineering student touched the hearts of the audience and left a lasting impact. The film not only entertained us but also gave us important life lessons, making it a favorite among people of all ages.
After the massive success of 3 Idiots, Aamir decided to bring back the character of Rancho in the film PK, released in 2014. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani once again, the film became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time at that point. However, this time, the character of Rancho was portrayed in a more serious and thought-provoking manner. Aamir’s performance was praised by both critics and audiences, and the film went on to win numerous awards. With PK, Aamir proved that he could portray the same character in a completely different light and still leave a lasting impact on the audience.
But the third time wasn’t the charm for Aamir and his beloved character of Rancho. In 2018, Aamir starred in Thugs of Hindostan, directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. The film, which was highly anticipated, failed to live up to the expectations of the audience and critics alike. The character of Rancho, this time named Firangi Mallah, was seen as a caricature and lacked the depth and charm that we had seen in the previous two films. The film was a disappointment and left audiences regretting they watched it.
So, what went wrong with Thugs of Hindostan? The film’s script and direction have been criticized, and it seemed like Aamir’s character was lost in the chaotic and lackluster narrative. Moreover, the film also faced tough competition from other releases and failed to make a mark at the box office.
But despite the disappointment, it cannot be denied that Aamir’s portrayal of Rancho in 3 Idiots and PK was nothing short of brilliant. He brought the character to life with his impeccable acting skills and left a lasting impact on the audience. His portrayal of Rancho was relatable and inspiring, and it is no wonder that the character has become a cult favorite among fans.
In conclusion, Aamir Khan’s journey as the character of Rancho has been a rollercoaster ride. From the cult classic 3 Idiots to the box office hit PK, Aamir has proven his versatility as an actor. But even the most talented of actors cannot save a film that lacks a strong script and direction. Nevertheless, Aamir’s portrayal of Rancho will always be remembered as one of his most iconic and loved characters in Bollywood. And we can only hope that he will bring back the lovable Rancho in a film that does justice to the character and its potential.
