Hrithik Roshan is absolutely convincing as the mentally deficient Rohit. You can’t help but feel that he perhaps drew on his own personal experiences as a youth(Hrithik had a speech impediment and has two thumbs on one hand - not easy when you’re a boy). The way he composes himself ensures that Rohit is instantly believable and endearing.The performances by Hrithik and Rekha(Rohit’s mum) are powerful. The feeling of a loving mum, protective and proud of her son for being what he is is evident. Preity Zinta plays Nisha, the woman who befriends Rohit and finds his childlike wonder at the world enriches her own life. Her performance is sometimes over-the-top, but never silly. The bond between the two is one of the reasons this film is so compelling.
The film is careful to make sure that Rohit is loveable as he is, and although it’s fantastic to see him’get his own back’ when he is given powers by his alien friend Jadoo, it’s the genuineness of the character which makes him so charming.