When Hum Aapke Hain Koun first hit screens back in 1994, it was hailed as the film that revived audience interest in theatres. There wasn’t a pandemic keeping people away; instead, the movie industry was experiencing a creative slump, churning out lackluster films that deterred viewers. Some would argue that this downturn lasted nearly a decade. The concept of watching movies at home at one’s leisure was emerging around the same time, and satellite television was starting to establish itself in India. Yet, despite all this, the Sooraj Barjatya film, featuring Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan, became essential viewing for families of all sizes across the nation. So what was it about Hum Aapke Hain Koun that attracted millions to the cinemas?
For many millennials, Hum Aapke Hain Koun was one of their first movie experiences. This three-and-a-half-hour extravaganza portrayed people as paragons of kindness and virtue, with a fairytale-like charm. Everyone was selfless, gentle, and free of malice. For impressionable kids, this seemed perfectly acceptable. However, as they grew up, these ideals began to feel forced and artificial. The film’s portrayal of perfection started to seem unrealistic, and the characters appeared overly idealized, promoting patriarchy. Despite this, back then, Hum Aapke Hain Koun sold an idealized dream of a happy family, contributing to its massive success.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun begins with a happy family story. The eldest son gets married, and their happiness grows. Tragedy strikes when the wife dies in an accident, but the family eventually comes together to move forward. Notably, there are no villains; the only conflict is death. The film suggests that nothing but death can disrupt a family’s happiness, and everyday arguments are insignificant. It presents an ideal world where everyone loves each other and conflict is absent. Indian cinema has always been aspirational, and what’s more aspirational than a peaceful home? This dream makes the film a delightful escape for a few hours.