Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani is a Bollywood film released on January 21, 2000. Directed by Aziz Mirza, this movie stars Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in lead roles. The film was produced under Dreamz Unlimited, the production house founded by SRK, Juhi Chawla, and Aziz Mirza. This movie is a mix of comedy, romance, drama, and political thriller, bringing a unique take on media and politics.
Though the movie was not a huge hit at the box office, it has gained a cult following over the years. With its catchy songs, witty dialogues, and emotional depth, it remains an interesting watch even today.
Storyline (Spoiler-Free)
Ajay Bakshi (Shah Rukh Khan) and Ria Banerjee (Juhi Chawla) are two rival news reporters working for different news channels. They always try to outdo each other in getting the most sensational news for their channels. Their competition leads to many funny and dramatic situations.
However, things take a serious turn when they come across Mohan Joshi (Paresh Rawal), a common man who is falsely accused of murder. The politicians and media houses manipulate the case for their own benefits. Ajay and Ria realize that they need to put aside their rivalry and fight for the truth.
Will they be able to save Mohan Joshi? Can they expose the corruption and injustice in the system? The movie takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, humor, and suspense.
Direction & Screenplay
Aziz Mirza, known for his feel-good films, brings a different flavor to Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. While the first half of the movie is light-hearted and filled with humor, the second half shifts into serious political drama.
The screenplay balances entertainment and message very well. There are moments where you laugh out loud, and then there are moments where you feel deeply emotional about the realities of media and politics.
Performances
Shah Rukh Khan as Ajay Bakshi
SRK delivers a power-packed performance as the ambitious and charming news reporter. His comic timing is excellent, and he also shines in the emotional scenes. His transformation from a TRP-driven journalist to a responsible reporter is convincing.
Juhi Chawla as Ria Banerjee
Juhi Chawla matches SRK’s energy and gives a brilliant performance. Her character is strong, independent, and full of wit. The chemistry between Shah Rukh and Juhi is amazing, adding a lot of fun to the film.
Paresh Rawal as Mohan Joshi
Paresh Rawal delivers an outstanding performance. His character represents the struggles of the common man against the powerful system. His emotional scenes are truly heart-touching.
Supporting Cast
- Johnny Lever provides excellent comic relief.
- Govind Namdeo and Dalip Tahil play corrupt politicians convincingly.
- Satish Shah and Shakti Kapoor add to the drama with their strong performances.
Music & Songs
The music of Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani is composed by Jatin-Lalit and features some catchy and soulful songs.
- “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani” – A patriotic and uplifting song.
- “I Am The Best” – A fun and energetic number by SRK.
- “Banke Tera Jogi” – A romantic melody that captures emotions beautifully.
- “Kuch To Bata” – A soulful song that adds depth to the story.
The songs are well-integrated into the movie and help in enhancing the narrative.
Cinematography & Visuals
The movie is visually vibrant and colorful, capturing the chaotic and glamorous world of news media perfectly. The newsroom scenes are well-shot, and the way the city is shown adds to the movie’s realism. The second half has darker, more serious tones that effectively highlight the emotional intensity of the story.
Production & Behind-the-Scenes
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani was the first film produced under Dreamz Unlimited, the production house started by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Aziz Mirza. The film aimed to showcase the power of media and how news can be manipulated for political gains.
Though it was ahead of its time, the movie did not perform well at the box office. However, it later became popular on television and digital platforms, gaining a cult following among SRK fans and those who appreciate meaningful cinema.
Box Office & Critical Reception
At the time of release, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani underperformed at the box office due to competition from other films and its unconventional storyline. However, over the years, it has been re-evaluated by critics and audiences alike.
Critics praised the performances, music, and message but felt that the movie’s tone shifted too suddenly from comedy to serious drama. However, in today’s world, where media plays a huge role in shaping opinions, the movie feels more relevant than ever.
Audience Reactions
When the film released, audiences had mixed reactions. While some loved the mix of comedy and drama, others found it too experimental for that time. Over the years, however, the movie has been appreciated for its bold themes and strong performances.
Many SRK fans consider it one of his most underrated films. The dialogues and songs remain popular, and its message about media ethics continues to be discussed even today.
Comparison with Similar Movies
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani can be compared with films like:
- Peepli Live (2010) – A satire on media and politics.
- Rann (2010) – Focuses on media corruption.
- Nayak (2001) – A film about political drama and justice.
While those movies were more serious, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani blends humor with its strong social message, making it unique.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani is a film that was ahead of its time. While it might not have been a commercial success upon release, its theme, performances, and message make it a must-watch today.
Watch if you love: SRK’s performances, comedy-drama, and movies with a strong social message.
Skip if you dislike: Political themes or sudden tone shifts in movies.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Even after 24 years, the movie feels relevant and entertaining. If you haven’t seen it yet, give it a watch and see how media and politics were portrayed in Bollywood before the digital age!