‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’ and its legacy

'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' and its legacy

In 1989, Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, aired a movie that would become a cult classic. The movie was called In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones and it starred a relatively unknown actor by the name of Shahrukh Khan.

The movie was set in the late 1970s and followed the lives of a group of architecture students as they navigated their way through college. The story was loosely based on the experiences of the director, Arundhati Roy, who had attended the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi in the 1980s.

The movie was groundbreaking for its time, as it tackled issues of corruption, gender politics and class struggles. It was also one of the first Indian movies to feature a strong female protagonist, played by Arjun Raina.

But perhaps the most significant aspect of the movie was the performance of Shahrukh Khan. In ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones‘, he played the role of a flamboyant and confident architecture student named Rahul. Although his screen time was limited, his performance was powerful and left a lasting impression on viewers.

What was especially remarkable about Shahrukh’s performance was that it was his first-ever on-screen role. He had been working in the industry for a few years by then, but mostly in small roles in TV shows and commercials. In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was his first chance to showcase his talent in a meaningful way and he certainly made the most of it.

The movie was not a commercial success at the time of its release, but it has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of Indian cinema. It is a testament to the power of independent cinema and the importance of giving new talent a chance to shine.

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones is a movie that continues to resonate with viewers today. Its themes of corruption, gender politics and class struggles are as relevant today as they were in 1989. And Shahrukh Khan’s performance remains a testament to his talent and his ability to leave a lasting impression, even in a small role.

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones is a movie that holds a special place in the hearts of many Indian cinema fans. It was a groundbreaking movie that tackled important issues and gave a platform to new talent, including Shahrukh Khan. And even though it may not have been a commercial success at the time of its release, its impact and influence have only grown with time.

'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' and its legacy
End credits scene with Shahrukh Khan in ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989)’

Shahrukh Khan’s Early Days in Cinema: The Role That Started It All in ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’

Despite its limited commercial success at the time of its release, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones went on to receive critical acclaim and accolades. The movie was screened at several film festivals, including the London Film Festival and the Rotterdam Film Festival, where it received a Special Jury Award.

Furthermore, the movie’s director, Arundhati Roy, went on to become a renowned writer and activist. Her debut novel, “The God of Small Things,” won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1997 and catapulted her to international fame.

The success of In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones paved the way for other independent Indian movies that tackled unconventional themes and storylines. It opened the doors for new talent and helped to establish the careers of several actors and filmmakers.

Shahrukh Khan, in particular, owes a lot to the movie for kickstarting his acting career. His performance in In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones caught the attention of industry insiders and led to more prominent roles in TV shows and movies.

Today, Shahrukh Khan is one of the most celebrated and successful actors in Indian cinema. He has starred in over 80 Bollywood movies and has won several awards for his performances. But it all started with a small role in a Doordarshan movie that gave him the chance to showcase his talent and passion for acting.

'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' and its legacy
Arundhati Roy and Arjun Raina in In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989)

The movie also featured other talented actors who went on to become successful in their respective fields. Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, who played the character of Radha, went on to become a well-known singer and writer. She has released several albums and has written a critically acclaimed memoir.

Arjun Raina, who played the character of Sunil, also had a successful career in the performing arts. He was a prominent theatre actor and director and was known for his work in experimental theatre.

Despite its limited budget and resources, the movie showcased the talents of its cast and crew and highlighted the potential of independent cinema in India. It proved that a well-crafted story and strong performances can overcome the limitations of production value and reach audiences in a profound way.

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones is a movie that deserves to be celebrated for its impact on Indian cinema and for the opportunities it provided to young and talented actors like Shahrukh Khan. It is a reminder that great things can come from humble beginnings and that passion and dedication can lead to incredible achievements.

Arundhati Roy’s Directorial Debut: ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’ and its Cultural Significance​

One of the unique aspects of In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was its depiction of the student culture in India during the late 80s. The movie captured the spirit of rebellion and idealism that characterized the youth of that era. It highlighted the challenges and frustrations that architecture students faced, such as lack of resources, bureaucratic obstacles and unresponsive faculty.

The movie also delved into important social issues, such as gender inequality, caste discrimination, and corruption. It portrayed how these issues affected the lives of the characters and how they struggled to overcome them.

Furthermore, the movie’s soundtrack, composed by the renowned musician and composer, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, was another notable aspect of the movie. The music added an emotional depth to the movie and helped to convey the characters’ inner struggles and aspirations.

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was also a significant achievement in terms of production design and cinematography. The movie was shot on location in Delhi and captured the city’s vibrant and chaotic atmosphere. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting added to the movie’s realism and authenticity.

'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones' and its legacy
Movie poster In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989)

Doordarshan’s Role in Supporting Independent Cinema: ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’ and it’s Legacy​

Another notable aspect of In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was its director, Arundhati Roy. The movie was her directorial debut, and she went on to become a celebrated writer and activist. She won the Booker Prize for her novel “The God of Small Things” in 1997, which became an international bestseller.

Roy’s unique perspective as a writer and activist added depth and nuance to the movie’s portrayal of social issues. Her ability to weave together complex themes of power, identity and resistance was evident in the movie’s script and direction.

Furthermore, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was a landmark in the history of Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster. The movie was commissioned by Doordarshan as part of a series of programs aimed at promoting independent cinema in India. Doordarshan’s support for independent cinema was crucial in providing a platform for new voices and ideas that were not represented in mainstream Bollywood cinema.

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was also significant in paving the way for Shahrukh Khan’s successful career in Bollywood. The movie showcased his acting skills and charisma, which caught the attention of casting directors and producers. He went on to appear in several TV shows and movies, slowly building his reputation and fan base, and eventually becoming one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.

In conclusion, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was a movie that broke new ground in Indian cinema. It challenged conventions and highlighted important social issues while showcasing the talents of its cast and crew. It is a testament to the power of independent cinema and a reminder that meaningful stories can be told with limited resources and a dedicated team.