Chennai Express turns 10: How Shah Rukh Khan redefined Rahul in this Rohit Shetty film

Shetty’s Chennai Express doesn’t have a unique storyline – the twain meet by chance and find love amidst the most chaotic circumstances and all the hullabaloo comes together in an action sequence leading to a happy ending.

The film’s predictability is offset by its sheer entertainment value. The first half of the film is a comedic rollercoaster, with witty dialogues that have stood the test of time. Lines like “Kaha se kharede ye bakwas dictionary” and “Don’t underestimate the power of a common man,” have seamlessly woven themselves into everyday conversations.

Chennai Express manages to be an entertaining watch, with a certain element of nostalgia attached to it. And the credit goes to Shah Rukh Khan’s impeccable comic timing which takes centre-stage in the film. His chemistry with Deepika Padukone, marked by his playful exchanges through songs and his hilarious encounters with the antagonist Tangaballi (Nikitin Dheer), adds an extra layer of excitement to the film. It’s rare for an actor to make comedy charming, but Shah Rukh, known as the king of romance, manages to achieve this rare feat with this film.

Chennai Express was the culmination of the past. For director Rohit Shetty, the film becomes a celebration of his past successes, particularly his iconic Golmaal series, which served a rare blend of comedy and action, setting a new benchmark for the genre. Likewise, for Shah Rukh Khan, Chennai Express was more than just a film, it was an opportunity to revisit his Rahul persona and redefine him at the same time. For once, It granted him the freedom to explore a character with a lighthearted demeanour, in contrast to his signature passionate lover roles.

Following the success of Chennai Express, Shah Rukh tried his hand at two more comedies Happy New Year and Dilwale, the latter being another collaboration with Rohit Shetty. Yet, none could replicate the resounding success and acclaim garnered by this 2013 gem.