Mela - Full Movie | Amir Khan, Twinkle Khanna
|Super Hit Bollywood Movie | FULL HD
Title: Mela
Starring: Aamir Khan, Twinkle Khanna, Faisal Khan
Director: Dharmesh Darshan
Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
Release Date: January 7, 2000
Introduction
Released at the turn of the millennium, Mela is a Bollywood film that sought to captivate
audiences with a mix of romance, action, and drama. Directed by Dharmesh Darshan, who
was riding high after the success of Raja Hindustani, the movie stars the Khan brothers,
Aamir and Faisal, alongside Twinkle Khanna. Despite the star-studded cast and high
expectations, Mela ended up being a commercial disappointment, receiving a mixed response
from critics and viewers alike. However, the film has since gained a cult following for its over-
the-top action sequences, melodramatic dialogues, and its portrayal of rural India.
This review aims to analyze the various aspects of Mela, including its plot, performances,
music, direction, and overall impact on Bollywood.
Plot Summary
The movie revolves around the story of Roopa (Twinkle Khanna), a young woman from a
small village called Chandanpur. The village is known for its colorful annual fair (Mela), where
everyone comes together to celebrate. Roopa's life, however, takes a tragic turn when the
village is attacked by a ruthless dacoit named Gujjar Singh (played by Tinu Verma). During the
attack, Roopa loses her entire family, and Gujjar Singh becomes obsessed with her. Driven by
revenge, Roopa pledges to take down Gujjar Singh and his gang, but she is also deeply
scarred and emotionally vulnerable.
Enter Kishan (Aamir Khan) and Shankar (Faisal Khan), two happy-go-lucky brothers who roam
from place to place in search of adventure. Kishan is the prankster, while Shankar is the
quieter and more reserved of the two. They become Roopa’s unlikely saviors and join her in
the quest for vengeance. The movie’s plot then unfolds as the trio confronts various
challenges, including battles with dacoits, corrupt officials, and their own personal dilemmas.
Despite its promising premise, the film’s narrative often feels disjointed and oscillates
between drama, romance, and comedy without a clear focus. This lack of coherence has
been a major point of criticism.
Performances
Aamir Khan, often celebrated for his method acting and dedication to roles, delivers a
surprisingly inconsistent performance in Mela. As Kishan, he oscillates between being overly
dramatic and overly comedic, which disrupts the movie’s tone. His character, while intended
to be lighthearted and charming, often comes across as annoyingly frivolous. The chemistry
between Aamir and his real-life brother Faisal Khan is evident, but it is not enough to salvage
the film.
Twinkle Khanna, playing Roopa, portrays a character that goes through intense emotional
turmoil, yet her performance lacks the depth needed for such a role. Her portrayal seems
wooden at times, and the audience is unable to fully empathize with her plight. Despite the
trauma and vengeance that drive her character, Roopa’s moments of bravery are
overshadowed by the melodramatic storytelling.
Faisal Khan, who plays Shankar, delivers a decent performance as the more serious and
subdued brother. His presence adds some gravitas to the otherwise chaotic narrative, but his
character does not have enough screen time or development to make a lasting impact.
Tinu Verma as the antagonist Gujjar Singh is menacing and commands attention with his
imposing presence, but the character itself is a caricature of the typical Bollywood villain,
lacking complexity or motivation beyond wreaking havoc.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Dharmesh Darshan’s attempt to recreate the success of his previous films falls flat in
Mela. The screenplay lacks consistency and tries to incorporate too many elements without
proper cohesion. Scenes transition abruptly, and the film struggles to maintain a consistent
tone. While some portions are intended to be comedic, others are overly melodramatic,
making it hard for the audience to stay invested in the narrative.
Darshan’s direction, which worked well in romantic dramas like Raja Hindustani, seems out of
place in an action-oriented setting. The film’s pacing is erratic, with certain sequences
dragging unnecessarily, while others seem rushed. The emotional moments, meant to evoke
sympathy and outrage, are overdone to the point of becoming unintentionally humorous.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Mela was composed by the legendary duo Anand-Milind, with lyrics
penned by Sameer. Despite the film’s overall failure, its music stands out as one of the
stronger aspects. Songs like “Mela Dilon Ka” and “Dekho 2000 Zamana Aa Gaya” were quite
popular during the film’s release and remain memorable.
The title track, “Mela Dilon Ka,” perfectly captures the festive spirit of the movie and features
vibrant choreography and colorful visuals. The romantic number “Tumko Dulhan Banayenge”
is melodious and beautifully picturized, but the lack of strong chemistry between the lead pair
undermines its impact.
The background score, however, is inconsistent. At times, it complements the high-octane
action scenes, but it can also feel overly intrusive during emotional or romantic sequences.
Cinematography and Visuals
The cinematography by Rajan Kinagi is visually appealing and manages to capture the rustic
charm of rural India. The scenes showcasing the fair (Mela) are vibrant and colorful, reflecting
the festive atmosphere. The action sequences, while over-the-top, are well shot, and the
landscape of rural India is beautifully portrayed.
However, the film’s reliance on clichéd visual tropes, such as slow-motion shots and dramatic
close-ups, detracts from the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the use of special
effects, especially during action scenes, feels dated and unconvincing by today’s standards.
Themes and Analysis
Mela attempts to explore themes of revenge, justice, and love, but does so in a superficial
manner. Roopa’s character is driven by a desire for vengeance, yet her journey is
overshadowed by the antics of the male protagonists. The film, which begins as a story of a
woman’s quest for justice, quickly becomes a vehicle for Aamir Khan’s star power.
The film also touches upon the idea of lawlessness and corruption in rural India. The villagers’
helplessness in the face of dacoits and corrupt officials is portrayed starkly, but these themes
are not developed with the seriousness they deserve. Instead, the focus shifts to dramatic
showdowns and dialogues, reducing the film’s potential to offer any substantial commentary
on societal issues.
Cultural Impact and Reception
When Mela was released, it was met with high expectations due to its ensemble cast and
lavish production. However, it failed to perform at the box office and was panned by critics for
its lackluster script, weak direction, and overacting. Despite its failure, Mela has gained a cult
status over the years, with many fans appreciating it for its “so bad it’s good” quality.
The movie’s dialogues and scenes are often shared and parodied on social media platforms,
making it a part of Bollywood’s meme culture. Aamir Khan himself has acknowledged the
film’s shortcomings and has been candid about its failure in interviews, further contributing to
its legacy as a memorable misstep in his otherwise illustrious career.
Conclusion
Mela is a film that promised much but delivered little. Its disjointed narrative, over-the-top
performances, and inconsistent direction prevented it from reaching the heights it aimed for.
However, it remains an interesting study in how star power and high production values are not
always enough to guarantee success.
For those who enjoy Bollywood films of the late 90s and early 2000s, Mela offers a nostalgic
trip back to a time when larger-than-life villains, exaggerated action sequences, and
melodramatic storytelling were the norms. While it may not be a classic in the conventional
sense, Mela has carved out its own unique space in Bollywood history.
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