"Dostana" is a 2008 Bollywood film directed by Tarun Mansukhani. The movie stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. The film tells the story of two straight men who pretend to be gay in order to rent an apartment from a woman, and end up falling in love with her.
The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews for its performances, music, and humor. It was also praised for its portrayal of homosexuality, which was considered groundbreaking for Indian cinema at the time.
"Dostana" was remade in Telugu as "Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India" and in Kannada as "Manasaare".
The film was produced by Karan Johar under his production banner, Dharma Productions. It was released on November 14, 2008, and became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year.
The soundtrack of the film, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, was also a huge success, with songs like "Desi Girl", "Jaane Kyun", and "Maa Da Laadla" becoming instant hits. The music video for "Desi Girl", featuring Priyanka Chopra, also gained popularity for its catchy tune and colorful visuals.
In addition to its commercial success, "Dostana" was also praised for its portrayal of a gay relationship in a positive light. The film was noted for its humor and sensitivity in dealing with a taboo topic in Indian society. However, it also faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes and for not going far enough in challenging societal norms.
Despite the criticisms, "Dostana" was widely regarded as an important milestone in Bollywood's representation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, and it paved the way for more inclusive and diverse storytelling in Indian cinema.
The film's cast was praised for their performances, with Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham's comic chemistry being a particular highlight. Priyanka Chopra's portrayal of a successful working woman was also well-received, as it challenged traditional gender roles in Indian cinema.
The film's success led to talks of a sequel, which was announced in 2019. However, it was later revealed that the sequel was cancelled due to creative differences between the producers and the lead actors.
Despite this, "Dostana" remains a beloved Bollywood film, and is often cited as a favorite by fans of the genre. Its impact on Indian cinema cannot be overstated, as it helped to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes, paving the way for more diverse storytelling in the years that followed.
The film's title "Dostana" is a Hindi word that means "friendship". This title was fitting for the film, as it explored the themes of friendship, love, and acceptance.
The movie's iconic song "Maa Da Laadla" was a remake of a Punjabi song of the same name that was originally written for the film "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro" (1983). The new version of the song was re-written with new lyrics that fit the film's storyline, and became a huge hit with audiences.
"Dostana" was shot entirely on location in Miami, Florida, and featured several famous landmarks such as the Miami Beach and the Art Deco District.
The film's portrayal of homosexuality was not without controversy, as it was seen as taboo in Indian society at the time. However, the movie helped to initiate discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and representation in India, and was applauded for its efforts to bring visibility to an often-marginalized community.
"Dostana" was a groundbreaking film that challenged societal norms and helped to push the boundaries of Indian cinema. It continues to be celebrated by fans and industry professionals alike as a significant milestone in Bollywood history.
The film was inspired by the 1983 American comedy film "Partners", which also featured two straight men pretending to be gay. However, "Dostana" put its own unique spin on the concept by setting the story in India and exploring the themes of cultural identity and acceptance.
The movie was praised for its fashion and style, with the lead actors sporting trendy outfits and designer labels throughout the film. The fashion and costumes of "Dostana" were so popular that they sparked a new trend in Indian fashion and influenced several fashion designers.
In addition to its commercial success, "Dostana" was also critically acclaimed, winning several awards and nominations. The film was nominated for several awards at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, and won the Best Comedian award for Abhishek Bachchan's performance.
"Dostana" also featured several notable cameos, including appearances by superstar actress Shilpa Shetty and Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who played himself in a brief but memorable scene.
"Dostana" was a groundbreaking Bollywood film that challenged stereotypes and helped to push the boundaries of Indian cinema. With its themes of friendship, love, and acceptance, the movie remains a beloved classic among fans of the genre, and continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.