David Dhawan, affectionately called the "King of comedy", is probably one of the most commercially successful directors of today. With an enviable record of having the highest number of box-office successes, he is a hot favourite with the filmi janta. His films are unpretentious, and made with the sole purpose of entertainment.
David Dhawan, a product of FTII , Pune, directed Ankhen, a film that had a stupendous stint at the box-office, with a record that almost challenged the earlier blockbuster, Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). Ankhen, witnessed the revival of popular cinema in the 1990s. This was followed by another box-office smash, Shola Aur Shabnam.
For David Dhawan uses fun, family and nation as a formula for success. The tomfoolery, the slapstick, the preponderance of catchy songs, dance, bonhomie and the simple one-line story, all seem to be a quintessential part of a David Dhawan Film.
David doesn't believe in a grand narrative in Shola aur Shabnam a bunch of worthless collegiates are the main protagonists, while in Raja Babu, a yokel saves a family from falling apart. Coolie No 1, shows a commoner crossing class barriers, while Hero No 1 (1997) depicts a rich hero's escapades as a cook to win over his girlfriend's family. In Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan (1998) two small-time tricksters from a village pre-empt two look-alike cops who are protecting a key witness. The romantic plot, family feuds and mistaken identities, all have that special David Dhawan touch of comedy.
David Dhawan's cinema carries forward the mode of popular story telling. He weaves escapist yarns, which are a welcome respite from all the violence and melodrama of the other movies. The audience always knows what he is going to get from a David Dhawan film – pure, unadulterated entertainment and total paisa vasool.
