Movie Review: MY NAME IS KHAN by FENIL SETA

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Written by Fenil Seta

Monday, 15 February 2010 16:59

Which era are we living in? We consider ourselves educated, smart and ‘broad-minded’ but still typecast people on the basis of their nationality, race, religion, caste and even sub-caste! My Name Is Khan mirrors this sickening trend that is prevalent throughout the world and gives a very very important teaching that is the utmost need of the hour-there are only two kinds of people in this world: good people and bad people. Wonderfully made and marvelously performed, My Name Is Khan deserves not applause but a respectful standing ovation!

The story of the movie: Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) suffering from Aspergers Syndrome moves to San Francisco from Mumbai with his brother (Jimmy Shergill) and sister-in-law (Sonya Jehan). Here he comes across Mandira (Kajol) and instantly falls for her. She also falls for Rizvan’s honesty and childlike-innocence. Both marry and start a new life together. Soon, 9/11 incident occurs which changes the way of the world in perceiving Muslims. At this point, disaster strikes in Rizvan’s happy family life. Rizvan and Mandira get separated as Rizvan undertakes a journey across the length and breadth of the United States. His motive-to meets the US President. To find out what tragedy struck in their lives and why Rizvan wanted to meet the Prez, please watch the film!

Although it’s a Karan Johar film, it’s drastically different from his previous works like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham etc. In fact, at certain points, it became difficult to believe that the film is directed by the same Johar guy who has previously given some emotional dramas. In My Name Is Khan, Karan Johar takes charge in a way which is very unlike his trademark filmmaking style.

The film engrosses from the first scene itself. The initial sequence between Rizvan and his mother is beautifully touching. The film gets better when Rizvan starts leading a happy life in SF by working in his brother’s company. But the best was yet to come and it happens as soon as Kajol enters the narrative. The number of sequences between SRK and Kajol in the 1^st half is amazing. The 9/11 angle was wonderfully treated too. The intermission arrives unexpectedly. The shocking tragedy was also sensitively handled. And the entire journey of SRK is undoubtedly the best part of the enterprise. The film begins in a flashback mode and the way the film goes back and forth is worth appreciating.

One of the most touching scenes was when SRK lands up at a villageGeorgia fully inhabited by blacks and visits it again when it is ravaged by a hurricane. These 2 sequences add to the length of the film but were very beautiful and soul-stirring scenes! in

Another plus-point of the film is Rizvan Khan’s characterization. Although he isnt normal, he has a very sharp mind, is funny, sensitive and very honest and innocent. Man, I wish we all were like him! World today would have been a better place!

And lastly, the film deserves a bow for giving some much-needed teachings about love, compassion and humanity which have been forgotten gradually in today’s world. Let’s view all humans as humans first-is what film beautifully preaches!

As for the performances, Shah Rukh Khan wins hands down! What a brilliant and outstanding performance! In fact, even the words ‘brilliant’ and ‘outstanding’ fall short of doing justice to his incredible job! He just amazes you with his work. And let me tell you, from the first scene itself, you’ll forget that you are actually watching SRK on screen. You’ll forget that he’s the same guy who mesmerized one and all in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chak De! India, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi etc. At the same time, he’ll make you fall in love with his character Rizvan Khan just the way he did as Raj in DDLJ! My Name Is Khan is a mooh-tod jawaab to all those who feel that SRK isnt open to different and unconventional roles! Hats off Baadshah! Keep rocking!

Kajol looks stunning and pitches in a stupendous performance as well. She compliments SRK very well and as usual, it was great to see them together. Let’s hope we can see more of her! With her looks and talent, she can still easily give the current lot of actress a run for their money!

Jimmy Shergill was great but Sonya Jehan leaves a better mark. Arjun Mathur who got a lot of flak for his performance in Barah AanaZarina Wahab as SRK’s mom is extremely likeable. Tanay Chheda, last seen in Slumdog Millionaire, plays younger Rizvan in the film and leaves you awe-struck with his bravura performance! At the same time, the other child actors in the film-Yuvaan Makaar (as Sameer, Mandira’s son), the actor who plays Sameer’s neighbor and ‘Funny Hair Joel’ were terrific. Vinay PathakParvin Dabbas on screen. Sugandha Garg, Navneet Nishan and Sumeet Raghavan were okay. From the American actors’ lot, the actors who played the neighbours and Mama Jenny leave incredible mark. Christopher Duncan plays Obama in the film. He doesn’t exactly look like the US President but does a great job! impresses a lot here. was funny in special appearance. It was as everytime great to see

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music didn’t impress me much when I heard it. But I have started loving it after watching the film. The songs do have soul and are wonderfully placed in the film. Sajda, Noor E Khuda and Tere Naina are the best songs of the lot. The trio’s background scoreRavi K Chandran’s cinematography is visual treat. Some of the scenes are breathtaking. is fabulous too!

Shibani Bathija and Niranjan Iyengar’s dialogues were perfect. Shibani disappointed in Kidnap but does a great job here not only in writing dialogues but also in story and screenplay. She has single-handedly written the script and has done an awesome job undoubtedly and it’s her best work so far!

Finally, Karan Johar is fabulous as the director this time. Making this kind of film is no easy task but KJo does it convincingly. He also presents the other side and nicely exposes how people misconstrue religious teachings and spread hatred. Also, the film has so many characters and handful of additional tracks too. But Johar is cautious to see to it that the film doesn’t deviate from its central character Rizvan. Lastly it’s an achievement that KJo manage to make a great film that is so Un-Joharish and that too of just 2.40 hours duration! Also, the past films of his production, Kurbaan, Wake Up Sid and DostanaSo think twice before next time you want to be label KJo as ‘candyfloss film wala’ or anything of that sort! have been different from his trademark films.

Some of the best scenes of the film:
1.       Rizvan and her mom
2.       Rizvan selling beauty products and giving their description to the sellers
3.       Mandira’s entry
4.       Rizvan introduces himself to Mandira and her colleagues
5.       Mandira proposes to Rizvan, which makes the latter blush!
6.       The entire 9/11 incident
7.       Sameer gets bashed up
8.       Mandira’s outburst
9.       The entire journey of Rizvan
10. Rizvan’s sequences with Mama Jenny and Funny Hair Joel (beautiful scenes!)
11. The last 15 minutes

On the whole, My Name Is Khan is without a shred of doubt, one of the finest films churned out of Bollywood. The USP of the film is SRK and its message, both of which you can’t afford to miss! Contrary to beliefs hold by some people, My Name Is Khan is not based on terrorism like New York and Kurbaan. It’s a humane film and such flicks are the need of the hour! It’s great to see that the film has got a huge release worldwide. The film will be seen by more people and its message will thus have a far-reaching impact! Book your tickets, FEAR NO ONE and go for it!!

My rating-**** ½ out of 5!