🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Delhi-6” is a captivating 2009 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra. The movie follows the journey of Roshan Mehra, played by Abhishek Bachchan, an NRI who returns to India with his ailing grandmother, Annapurna, portrayed by Waheeda Rehman. As they arrive in the ancient walled city of Delhi, Roshan embarks on an unexpected inner exploration of his identity and heritage.
Upon their arrival, Roshan and Annapurna are welcomed by a diverse ensemble of characters, including Ali Beg, who had unspoken feelings for Roshan’s mother, and the Sharma family, who have matrimonial aspirations for Roshan. The neighborhood is a microcosm of Indian society, where Hindus and Muslims coexist, yet social issues and prejudices persist.
Roshan’s grandmother’s deteriorating health and the chaotic yet vibrant community around him lead him to witness the complexities of life in Delhi-6. From the feuds between families like the Madangopals and Jaigopals to the intertwining relationships and secrets of the locals, Roshan finds himself entangled in the fabric of the neighborhood.
As Roshan delves deeper into the lives of his neighbors, he uncovers hidden desires, forbidden love affairs, and societal divides. The narrative unfolds with the mysterious presence of a monkey-like attacker known as Kala Bandar, causing tensions to rise between the Hindu and Muslim communities, each fearing the other’s involvement in the attacks.
Amidst the chaos, Roshan forms connections with the residents, including Rama, played by Aditi Rao Hydari, an unwed sister, and Bittu, portrayed by Sonam Kapoor, a rebellious young woman aspiring to participate in the reality show Indian Idol. Through these relationships and experiences, Roshan undergoes a transformation, gaining a deeper understanding of his roots and the complexities of Indian society.
“Delhi-6” intricately weaves together themes of family, tradition, love, and societal issues, offering a poignant and insightful portrayal of life in Old Delhi. With stellar performances by a talented ensemble cast, including Rishi Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Atul Kulkarni, Pavan Malhotra, Deepak Dobriyal, Divya Dutta, Vijay Raaz, and Om Puri, the film captures the essence of a community grappling with its past and present.
As Roshan navigates the maze of relationships and conflicts in Delhi-6, he not only discovers his own identity but also learns valuable lessons about acceptance, unity, and the true meaning of belonging. “Delhi-6” is a cinematic masterpiece that immerses viewers in the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, inviting them to reflect on the intricacies of human connections and the power of embracing diversity.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Om Puri, Prem Chopra, Atul Kulkarni, Pavan Malhotra, Divya Dutta, Deepak Dobriyal, Sheeba Chaddha
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Abhishek Bachchan | Roshan Mehra |
| Sonam Kapoor | Bittu Sharma |
| Rishi Kapoor | Ali Baig |
| Om Puri | Madangopal Sharma |
| Divya Dutta | Jalebi |
| Tanvi Azmi | Fatima Mehra |
| Atul Kulkarni | Gobar |
| Waheeda Rehman | Annapurna Mehra (Dadi) |
| Aditi Rao Hydari | Rama Sharma |
| Supriya Pathak | Vimla Sharma |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Rajjo Bhabhi |
| Deepak Dobriyal | Mamdu |
| K.K. Raina | Haji Sulaiman |
| Pavan Malhotra | Jai Gopal Sharma |
| Amitabh Bachchan | Mr. Mehra, Roshan’s grandfather (special appearance) |
| Vinayak Doval | Bobby |
| Prem Chopra | Lala Bhairam |
| Vijay Raaz | Inspector Ranvijay Thakur |
| Akhilendra Mishra | Tantrik Baba |
| Cyrus Sahukar | Suresh |
| Geeta Bisht | Shashi |
| Daya Shankar Pandey | Kumar Kulshrestha |
| Raghubir Yadav | singer at ramleela |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Welcome to the chaotic streets of Delhi-6, where the pin code isn’t just a number but a symbol of tradition and change, much like the movie itself. Imagine a rollercoaster ride through the bustling streets, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, or in this case, the edge of your rickshaw!
Delhi-6 takes you on a journey that’s as vibrant as the colors of Holi and as emotional as a Bollywood melodrama. The movie explores themes of identity, tradition, and the dichotomy between old and new India.
Plot and Themes:
The plot revolves around an NRI who returns to India to fulfill his grandmother’s last wish. As he navigates through the narrow lanes of Delhi-6, he discovers a world filled with love, laughter, and heartbreak. The movie beautifully captures the essence of Delhi’s culture and traditions while delving into deeper themes of family bonds and self-discovery.
Acting and Characters:
The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, bringing life to characters that feel like they’ve stepped right out of the streets of Delhi. From Abhishek Bachchan’s nuanced portrayal of an NRI struggling with his roots to Sonam Kapoor’s infectious energy as the girl next door, each actor shines in their role.
Direction and Cinematography:
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s direction breathes life into every frame, capturing the chaos and beauty of Delhi-6 with finesse. The cinematography paints a vivid picture of the bustling markets, colorful festivals, and intimate moments shared by the characters.
Score and Production Design:
A.R Rahman’s soul-stirring music weaves seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing every emotion felt on screen. The production design transports you to the heart of Delhi-6, immersing you in its sights and sounds.
Special Effects and Editing:
While some may find the editing slightly choppy at times, it adds to the frenetic pace of life in Delhi-6. The special effects blend seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing key moments without overpowering the story.
Pace and Dialog:
The movie strikes a balance between poignant moments and lighthearted banter. The dialogues are witty yet profound, capturing the essence of everyday conversations in Delhi-6.
Binge-watching Tips:
- Pay attention to small details in each scene; they add depth to the storytelling.
- Immerse yourself in A.R Rahman’s mesmerizing soundtrack; it elevates every emotion portrayed on screen.
- Take note of how tradition clashes with modernity in every aspect of life in Delhi-6.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt tale set against the backdrop of a vibrant city that never sleeps, then Delhi-6 is your ticket to an emotional rollercoaster ride through love, loss, and everything in between!
Ratings: 8/10
So hop on board as we navigate through Delhi-6’s maze-like streets where every corner holds a story waiting to be unraveled!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great view of Delhi | Messy screenplay and editing |
| Engaging background score by A.R. Rahman | Scenes cut abruptly with no flow in editing |
| Naturalistic performances | Self-conscious and sprawling narrative |
| Fascinating cinematic palette | Story lacks depth and coherence |
| Interesting insights into Indian culture | Commercial failure |
Feedback
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Delhi-6 - Wikipedia
140 minutes Country India Language Hindi Delhi-6is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan as an NRI who arrives in India with his ailing grandmother (played by Waheeda Rehman) and begins discovering his roots before getting embroiled in a religious dispute involving a mysterious monkey-like attacker. The film co-stars Sonam Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rishi Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Atul Kulkarni, Pavan Malhotra, Deepak Dobriyal, Divya Dutta, Vijay Raaz and Om Puri. It marks the Hindi film debut of Rao Hydari. The number 6 refers to the Postal Index Number (PIN) of the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, a shortened form of 110006. It is Mehra’s third film after
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Delhi-6 (2009) - IMDb
I remember the time the song “Masakkali” hit our TV screens. I felt a good vibe about this movie, later found out that it was from the same director who did RDB, one of my favourites. Being a regular IMDb user, the ratings below 7 barely encouraged me to watch it though. Obviously, the movie never achieved the popularity status anywhere near to that of RDB.But for some reason, almost 4 years later, I decided to give it a try and I have to apologise Mr. Mehra for underestimating him. It is nigh impossible to emulate RDB but Delhi 6 shouldn’t have done his prospects any harm. If there was anything like an Indian Oscar, Delhi 6 would have been a strong contender, considering the paucity of quality movies that get made in the biggest film industry in the world. As someone who is relatively familiar to the ways of Indian society and mentality, it was a stark depiction of the intricacies that form the gullies and chowks. The colours and noise and the varieties of personalities just illuminates the first half or so. The latter half shows the dark side, naivety, greed, ignorance, pettiness which can quite easily ruin a society.Nothing compelled me to write something here other than the fact that moviegoers have decided to rate it 6, which is a pity. No wonder, movies like Dabangg seem to reap financial rewards and recognition and the ones like Delhi-6 are left to stray into oblivion. I loathe bollywood in general, not so bollywood music, but Delhi-6 gives me hope.
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Delhi-6 | Rotten Tomatoes
Delhi-6Where to WatchDelhi-6
Watch Delhi-6 with a subscription on Netflix.
Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
Rakeysh Omprakash MehraDirectorAbhishek BachchanRoshan MehraSonam KapoorBittu SharmaOm PuriMadan Gopal SharmaRishi KapoorAli BegWaheeda RehmanAnnapurna Mehra
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the 2009 Indian Hindi-language drama film “Delhi-6,” directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, viewers are taken on a captivating journey with Abhishek Bachchan’s character, an NRI who returns to India with his ailing grandmother, played by the legendary Waheeda Rehman. As he delves into his roots in the vibrant streets of Old Delhi, he becomes entangled in a religious dispute involving a mysterious monkey-like attacker.
The film boasts a stellar cast including Sonam Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rishi Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Atul Kulkarni, Pavan Malhotra, Deepak Dobriyal, Divya Dutta, Vijay Raaz, and Om Puri. The number 6 in the title refers to the Postal Index Number (PIN) of the Chandni Chowk area in Old Delhi, symbolizing the heart of the narrative.
Despite facing commercial challenges at the box office, “Delhi-6” received a mixed response from critics. It was lauded for its soulful soundtrack composed by A. R. Rahman and the stellar performances of the cast. However, criticism was directed towards the storytelling, screenplay, and pacing of the film.
One of the highlights of the film was its alternate ending, preferred by director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, which was showcased at select international events like the Venice Film Festival and the National Film Awards. This alternate ending, not available to the general public, added an intriguing layer to the narrative.
At the 57th National Film Awards, “Delhi-6” secured the Best Production Design award and the prestigious Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration, highlighting its thematic depth and social relevance. The film also garnered seven nominations at the 55th Filmfare Awards and clinched three wins, including Best Music Director for A. R. Rahman, underscoring the musical brilliance of the movie.
Over the years, “Delhi-6” has cemented its place in cinematic history for its evocative soundtrack and the exploration of complex themes such as identity, tradition, and communal harmony. The film’s portrayal of the bustling streets of Old Delhi and its nuanced characters continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless piece of Indian cinema.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-14
Age Rating:
Delhi-6 (2009) has a rating of Not Rated.
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity:
The movie contains mild romantic scenes with no nudity. There are a few scenes showing affection between couples.
Violence & Gore:
The film includes some intense moments depicting religious disputes and a mysterious attacker. There are scenes of verbal arguments and minor physical altercations.
Profanity:
There is minimal use of profanity in the movie, with occasional mild language.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
There are no instances of alcohol, drugs, or smoking portrayed in the film.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
Some scenes may be intense for younger viewers due to the religious tensions and conflicts depicted.
Overall Appropriate Age:
The movie Delhi-6 is suitable for viewers aged 12 years and above as it contains mild romantic themes and some intense moments that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Delhi 6 movie is available for streaming on Netflix. You can watch it with Netflix basic with ads subscription. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
God's light permeates through each and everything, look within you and you will find him there ... if you love him then love everyone, as this is how worship is practiced ... he is in you and everyone, my friend is everywhere.
Zarre zarre mein usika noor hai, jhaank khud mein woh na ... Zarre zarre mein usika noor hai, jhaank khud mein woh na tujhse door hai; ishq hai usse toh sab se ishq kar, is ibaadat ka yahi dastoor hai; is mein us mein aur us mein hai wohi, yaar mera har taraf bharpoor hai
🤖Delhi 6 Reddit Talks
Delhi 6: An Underrated Gem or a Missed Opportunity?
Released in 2009, Delhi 6, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, is a film that has garnered mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. While some praise it as an underrated gem, others believe it fell short of its potential.
Reasons for Box Office Failure
One of the main reasons cited for Delhi 6’s failure at the box office is its unconventional storyline. The film explores themes of communal harmony, religious dogmas, and the search for identity, which may not have resonated with mainstream audiences. Additionally, the film’s slow pacing and lack of a clear protagonist may have alienated some viewers.
Critical Acclaim
Despite its commercial failure, Delhi 6 received critical acclaim for its technical brilliance, particularly its cinematography, music, and performances. Waheeda Rehman and Abhishek Bachchan were praised for their nuanced portrayals, and A.R. Rahman’s music was hailed as one of the film’s highlights.
Ahead of Its Time
Some viewers believe that Delhi 6 was ahead of its time. Its exploration of communal harmony and religious tolerance is particularly relevant in today’s social climate. The film’s dense, novelistic structure and focus on character development also set it apart from many mainstream Bollywood films.
Missed Opportunity
However, others argue that Delhi 6 missed an opportunity to fully explore its potential. The film’s sprawling narrative and multiple subplots can be overwhelming at times, and some characters and storylines feel underdeveloped. The ending, in particular, has been criticized for being ambiguous and unsatisfying.
Alternative Ending
The original ending of Delhi 6 was reportedly different from the one that was released. In the original plan, the protagonist, Roshan, was to succumb to his injuries and die. This ending was later changed to a more hopeful one, but some believe that the original ending would have been more powerful and impactful.
Conclusion
Delhi 6 remains a divisive film, with passionate supporters and detractors. While it may not have achieved commercial success, its technical brilliance, strong performances, and relevant themes make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema. Whether it is an underrated gem or a missed opportunity is ultimately a matter of personal opinion.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/ybiwf0/why_delhi6_failed_at_box_office/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/asuv81/the_incredibly_underrated_delhi_6_turns_10_today/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/w8j4sl/delhi6_a_missed_opportunity_of_what_could_have/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/q57ky9/opinion_delhi_6_does_a_better_job_at_portraying/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianCinema/comments/6wsb7a/i_think_my_view_on_delhi6_has_changed/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delhi 6 have 2 endings?
Yes, Delhi 6 has an alternate ending where he is revealed to be dead after his ashes are immersed in a river through the same earthen pot his grandmother had purchased for her own ashes to be immersed after her death.
What is the meaning of Delhi 6?
Delhi-6 is a 2009 Indian musical drama film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra showcasing the culture of old Delhi, with the center of attraction being the Delhi 6 area. The film gives a glimpse of the old Delhi and its traditions.
What happens in the end of Delhi 6?
In the end of Delhi 6, the protagonist is revealed to be dead after his ashes are immersed in a river through the same earthen pot his grandmother had purchased for her own ashes to be immersed after her death, resonating with the words, “You will merge with the soil of which you are born.”
Why is it called Delhi-6?
Delhi-6 is named after the Postal Index Number (PIN) of the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, which is 110006. The number 6 in Delhi-6 refers to this specific PIN code area.
Who is the heroine of Masakali song?
The heroine of the song “Masakali” is Sonam Kapoor. The first video of the song features Sonam Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan with a pigeon.
What is the box office collection of Delhi 6 worldwide?
Delhi 6 garnered a worldwide gross box office collection of 39.36 crores, with additional overseas gross of 10.19 crores.
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