Did you like the trailer of Guns & Gulaabs by Raj & DK?
I did, but not just because it has a brilliant cast, seems like a thrilling story, and has clever humorous bits, but because of its retro treatment.
Which got me thinking – What is it about that vintage filmmaking style, the visual design and aesthetics, and old songs that makes us keep going back to classics?
As a millennial who grew up on typical Bollywood films of the 90’s and was exposed to classics from my parent’s generation, I’m extremely drawn to that generation of films and music.
And I don’t know why, but it just brings me a lot of joy and warm fuzzy feeling of nostalgia.
Recently in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, I had happy tears when Dharmendra stood up from his wheelchair singing “abhi na jao chhod kar, ke dil abhi bhara nahi”
*If you haven’t watched it yet, you’re seriously missing out on a pure gem*
Coming back to the nostaligia of retro cinema, I think genius Karan Johar also comes from that era too and knows his audience (ME), who would just melt at something like this. He knows and understands that pyaar puraane gaano pe hi hota hai.
And not just Rocky Rani; Not too long ago we watched and celebrated Jubilee by Vikramaditya Motwane and Soumik Sen, a series set in the late 40’s during Independence with very meticulous attention to detail.
There’s also the 2022 film Monica, O My Darling by Vasan Bala, that’s set in the present but has a retro storytelling style and cinematography technique, language, and songs… and it works.
There are plenty more examples of films and series with similar design and feel, executed in unique and quirky ways that serve as a form of escapism.
And those elements and aesthetics always strike a chord because they are not bound by trends and fads. Perhaps it reminds us of simpler times?
The block typeface film titles and credits, hand painted posters, minimal to no special effects and even the Ameen Sayani-esque narration.
The characters, set designs, fashion, props, acting style and even the music brings a sense of nostalgia and authenticity of an old-world charm that both makers and the audience connect with, in this complex era of AI.
