Lakshya: A Tale of Finding Your Aim Returns to Theaters for its 20th Anniversary

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JUNE 19,2024

Two decades ago, Farhan Akhtar's "Lakshya" (meaning "aim" in Hindi) hit the silver screen, captivating audiences with its portrayal of a young man's journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of the Indian Army. The film, starring a young Hrithik Roshan alongside Preity Zinta and Amitabh Bachchan, continues to resonate with viewers even today, prompting a re-release on June 21st to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Hrithik Roshan talks about working on Lakshya on its 20th anniversary

Hrithik Roshan, in a heartfelt Instagram video, reminisced about his experience playing Karan Shergill: "I was really young. I was hardly an actor. And Farhan was a friend who has suddenly become this incredible mind." Roshan credits Farhan's vision for recognising his potential, stating, "Perhaps the director's mind could see through and understand a person's countenance and know that this human has been through certain things that are going to make him the perfect cast for this film."

"Lakshya" transcends the typical war movie. It's a coming-of-age story that explores themes of ambition and self-discovery. Karan Shergill, initially portrayed as a directionless youth, embarks on a transformative journey in the Indian Army. He initially backs out after facing the harsh realities of army life, leading to conflict with his girlfriend, Romi Dutta (Preity Zinta), who yearns for a driven partner. Fueled by a desire to prove himself and win back Romi's respect, Karan rejoins the army.

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Why Lakshya still stands relevant 20 years later

The film takes pride in its authenticity. From meticulously depicting army uniforms and ranks to showcasing realistic operational procedures, "Lakshya" avoids the trope of exaggerated dialogues and action sequences. Instead, it crafts a subtle yet impactful narrative that delves into the complexities of war, both on the battlefield and for those left behind.

Despite its enduring popularity, "Lakshya" did not achieve immediate box office success upon release. However, it has garnered a devoted following over the years, emerging as a cult classic. Many consider Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of Captain Karan Shergill to be his career-defining performance. The film masterfully portrays Karan's transformation from an aimless youth to a dedicated soldier.

Some fun facts about Lakshya

Adding to the film's charm is its captivating soundtrack. Melodies like "Main Aisa Kyun Hoon" (sung by Shaan) and "Agar Main Kahoon" (sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik) remain etched in the memory of fans. Notably, Hrithik Roshan's training sequences were filmed at the prestigious Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. The production also roped in actual Indian Army officers for non-speaking roles, which undoubtedly added to the film's realism. Preity Zinta herself admitted to being momentarily confused between actors and real officers on set!

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Farhan Akhtar, reflecting on the film's inception, shared how the idea stemmed from a conversation with his father, Javed Akhtar. Javed shared a story about a young man who joined the army not just for a career but on a quest for self-discovery. "This was just a story idea, but the core of it really spoke to me," explained Farhan.

He connected with the sentiment, mirroring his own journey of finding his calling in filmmaking. "Lakshya" is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's true aim, resonating with audiences of all generations. The re-release on its 20th anniversary provides a perfect opportunity to revisit this timeless classic or for a new generation to experience it for the first time.