Akele Hum Akele Tum vs Kramer vs. Kramer

Akele Hum Akele Tum

Somewhere in 1995, I went to this movie theatre in Central Delhi to catch Rangeela. While waiting for the show to commence, I simply looked around and caught the glimpse of the ‘Coming Soon’ display board. A closer look at the movie poster and my reaction was – ‘this can’t be it!’

Akele Hum Akele Tum

After a few days, the local cable wallah was playing the film which made many an audience cry; because Aamir Khan cried in the movie. Uff!

Kramer vs. Kramer

So friends, presenting Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), directed by Robert Benton and starring Dustin Hoffman as Ted Kramer, Meryl Streep as Joanna, and Justin Henry as their son Billy Kramer. Jane Alexander plays the good neighbour Margaret, a single parent, the role that was played by Tanvi Azmi in the Hindi remake. Synopsis: Ted is a working man who is just not able to devote time and attention to his family. Hence, Joanna decides to leave him, and their son Billy to explore her opportunities. She succeeds and comes back to claim the custody of Billy, taking Ted to the court.

Kramer vs. Kramer

Akele Hum Akele Tum (1996) is directed by Mansoor Khan. It has Aamir Khan as Rohit Kumar, a struggling playback singer while Manisha Koirala plays his wife Kiran, who too has a strong ambition to be a successful classical singer. Master Adil plays their son Sunil/Sonu. With the passage of time, Kiran becomes a popular film star. Rest is the same; as if the previous was any different. Akele Hum Akele Tum is very, very heavily inspired by Kramer vs Kramer, so much so that many frames and dialogues are just the same. Only the ending is different, keeping in mind the Indian sensibilities. The songs are soothing with an element of ‘inspiration’ very much present. Performances are decent as would be expected from the second rung. If you desire to be a film critic then I suggest that you first get hold of the Hindi version, watch it carefully, and then go for the original one.