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 (Shahrukh 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 1st 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 village in Georgia 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!
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!
(CONTINUNED IN THE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD & 6TH COMMENT)