Style

Style is a 2001 Bollywood high-energy comedy directed by N. Chandra, serving as an illustrative portrayal of the collision of friendship, romance, and the constant pursuit of enjoyment. The movie stands out in the Bollywood scene for its innovative way of presenting the lives of college students utilizing light-hearted humor, vivacious dance sequences, and picturesque locales.

The story primarily revolves around two good-for-nothing college friends, Bantu (Sharman Joshi) and Chantu (Sahil Khan), who are infamous for their pranks and laid-back attitude towards life. Their constant endeavors do not include academic success but are instead devoted to the pursuit of fun, friendship, and impressing girls. Both of them are the life of the party, popular amongst their peers and dwell merrily in their absurdly fascinating world that runs on wit, charm, and scams.

Their unique bond is a key highlight throughout the movie. Despite their endless tricks and fun, the duo portrays an exemplary brotherhood that tests the strength of their companionship amidst navigating their way through the various trials and tribulations of college life. Both characters significantly evolve throughout the movie in terms of emotional development, their bond of friendship serving as an equation of genuine companionship.

Their romantic exploits include pursuing Sheena (Riya Sen) and Rani (Shilpi Mudgal), two fellow students whose characters vastly differ from each other. The romantic interests of Bantu and Chantu add another layer of excitement to the plot, each romantic scene staged with a twist of comedy. While the boys try their best to impress the girls with their cunning and wit, love slowly but steadily blossoms.

However, Style is not just a light-hearted comedy or a romantic escapade, it also brings to light the often-overlooked aspects of college life such as the pressure of academics and the importance of morality. The mischievous actions of the protagonists do not always result in humorous outcomes but occasionally steer them to inevitable repercussions that introduce moments of self-realization and redemption.

The direction of Style is commendable for its time, with N. Chandra impressively showcasing a fun and frivolous plot that gradually unravels to highlight deep and profound life lessons. The director remarkably produced a movie, which is a wholesome package of entertainment with an undercurrent of morality and responsibility.

The compelling performances by Sharman Joshi and Sahil Khan significantly contribute to the movie's essence. As first time headliners, they convincingly portray the ebullience and carefreeness of college-going youngsters and substantially convey the sincerity and depth of their characters during the movie's more serious instances. The supporting cast of the movie, which includes Varsha Usgaonkar, Shakti Kapoor, and Tara Deshpande, equally contribute to the movie's charm and humor.

The music of the film, scored by Sanjeev-Darshan, resonates with the youthful theme. With chartbuster songs such as "Excuse Me," "Mohabbat Ho Na Jaye," and "Yaadein Teri Yaadein,", the movie offers a musical feast that perfectly encapsulates the youthful zest, romantic aspirations, and the ever-evolving journey of friendship shared by the protagonists.

Style enjoys a nostalgic place in the heart of the audiences for its unusual storyline based on the college environment, a less highlighted subject during the time of its release. It's a through-and-through entertainer blended with elements of comedy, friendship, romance, and coming-of-age.

In conclusion, Style is a vibrant Bollywood comedy that continues to be celebrated for its unique presentation, relatable plot, and engaging performances. The movie is a robust mix of youthful exuberance, dramatic storytelling, and impactful life lessons, making it a must-watch for fans of Bollywood cinema. A sequel, Excuse Me, was later shot, seeing the same duo in a series of fresh and exciting escapades, continuing the legacy of this memorable movie.