Tom Hanks hails Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha, calls it a ‘glorious thing to behold’, says it needs to be ‘celebrated’

Tom Hanks said that Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha, the remake of Forrest Gump, was "extraordinary".

Mumbai | November 1, 2024 09:10 AM IST

3 min read

Tom Hanks- Aamir Khan- laal Singh Chaddha- Forresh Gump

Tom Hanks has lauded Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha, the remake of his film Forresh Gump. (Photos: Tom Hanks/ Instagram, movie still)

Veteran Hollywood star Tom Hanks recently shared his thoughts on the Bollywood remake of his iconic 1994 film Forrest Gump, titled Laal Singh Chaddha and starring Aamir Khan. Hanks called the film, also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, a “glorious thing to behold,” and emphasised its impact. “I saw that. Extraordinary,” Hanks exclaimed, praising the Indian adaptation. “I think it’s a testament to how film grows on film. I think all of us have seen movies that have been incorporated into the rest of our creative process, sometimes bleakly, but sometimes very specifically,” Hanks told Zoom.

Hanks reflected on the global appeal of films like Forrest Gump, highlighting their ability to transcend cultural boundaries. “Every now and again, there is a film that enters the worldwide consciousness that you cannot forget, that you cannot escape.”

He noted the fascinating similarities and differences between the original and its remake. “Look at the difference and yet look at the similarities despite the filmmakers and the cultures that they were in. In many ways, those films were saying the same thing but with the added prospect of the new perspective that came along with it.”

Hanks concluded by celebrating the beauty of cinematic adaptations. “I just, I think it’s to be celebrated. It was a glorious thing to behold.”

Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha offers a unique perspective on the classic tale, blending Indian culture and sensibilities with the timeless themes of Forrest Gump.

Also read | Laal Singh Chaddha movie review: Aamir Khan falls back on easy crutches in a meandering tale

However, despite Hanks’ praise, Laal Singh Chaddha faced a different reality in India. The film underperformed at the box office, receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many felt that the adaptation failed to resonate with Indian audiences, with some criticising the film’s pacing, dialogue, and Aamir’s central performance.

Aamir Khan, known for his perfectionism, took full responsibility for the film’s failure. He recently said that the failure of Laal Singh Chaddha was due to his performance and other shortcomings. He said his performance in the film was “weak and that he pitched it too high”.

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