Cast
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Aamir Khan
as Kishen Pyare
Twinkle Khanna
as Roopa Singh
Faisal Hussain Khan
as Shankar Shane
Tinnu Verma
as Gujjar Singh
Johnny Lever
as Inspector Pakkad Singh
Ayub Khan
as Ram Singh
Navneet Nishan
as Bulbul
Govardhan Asrani
as Banwari Baniya
Tiku Talsania
as Murari Mukhiya
Archana Puran Singh
as Vidyavati
Omkar Kapoor
as Gopal
Tanvi Azmi
as Gopal's Mother
Parmeet Sethi
as Surendra Pratap Singh
Kulbhushan Kharbanda
as Minister
Viju Khote
as Patil
Crew
Director
- Dharmesh Darshan
Writer
- Robin Bhatt
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Mela examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Dharmesh Darshan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2000, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mela took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 156 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 189 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2000, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mela shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fighter, which focuses more on action than character development, Mela subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Saansein: The Last Breath and Meraa Ghar Mere Bacche explore similar territory, Mela stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 7, 2000
- Runtime: 2h 36m
