We divide people by certain factors. We first divided people by continents, then countries, then states and then cities and within those nations, states and cities, people are divided by gender, race, and religion. Rizwan Khan saw only 1 of 2 things in people: Their goodness and their badness.
I actually want to thank Karan Johar for finally proving that he’s the "candy floss" director and that he can make REAL films. (Not that there’s anything wrong with KKHH, K3G or KANK) This time he’s a film which deserves half of the points for its sincerity and message. So what is MNIK? It’s fun, it’s emotional but most of all, it’s a film that’ll touch your heart in many of its scene. This is the story of Rizwan Khan, an abnormal man who’s probably the most normal person on the planet. He sees things in black and white, as in, he only sees good or bad and nothing else. He has a very simple belief: Good things happen to good people. There are many things in this world he never understands and there are some parts of him that the world wont understand. He moves from India to San Fransico, U.S.A. He moves in with his brother and sister in law, and then meets Mandira. Then starts Rizwan and Mandira’s love story, they get married and they are now leading a happy life until the day that changed everything. This is probably Karan Johar’s most honest attempt and that honesty shows in many parts. The honesty shows especially in Rizwan Khan.
There are a number of sequences that touch you, either on your heart or your funny bone.
Young Rizwan’s talk with his mother
Rizwan’s meeting with Mandira
The whole Tere Naina song
Rizwan asking Mandira to have sex (LOL)
Attack on Sameer
Mandira’s verbal attack on Rizwan
Rizwan with Vinay Pathak
The Mosque Scene (Just brilliant)
Scene at the church where Rizwan’s donation is not accepted
America being inspired by Rizwan Khan
Climax
There are more awesome sequences, these are just a few. Any flaws? Of course. Firstly, I didn’t like how they showed a scene with an American teacher teaching children on how violent Islam is - nobody in America does that. Also, Sameer’s murder could’ve been more convincing. The film also tends to get a bit slow in some parts but quickly and thankfully picks up later.
Writing - It’s excellent for the most part. The dialogues are fresh, screenplay is wonderful. I was a little afraid because Karan’s co writer wrote Fanaa, Kidnap and KANK (Kjo’s most ciritcized film) I was pleasently surprised.
Music - It’s not a K3G with Shava Shave or anything but it’s still really good. Agreed it’s not classic, but it goes with the flow of the film. There are no forced or unwanted songs. Tere Naina comes out as the favorite. While Noor e Khuda and Sajda are awesome also.
Direction - Karan Johar once again proves that he’s one of the finest storytellers of Indian Cinema. MNIK is a serious subject but I love how all his films are a mix bag. There are emotions, not doubt, but he fills the screen with the right amount of light moments. Don’t expect a K3G, KKHH, or even a KANK. MNIK is Karan’s most real film till date. Jimmy Shergill is good. The girl who plays his wife is also excellent. Vinay Pathak is first rate in a small but mildly significant role. The Americans who’ve acted in the film are good. The kids also do a good job.
SRK-Kajol Chemistry - This is one thing that’ll always need special mention and they’ve still got it. It’s not an all out love story, so some may feel disappointed, but I wasn’t. Wish to see more of them in the future, I missed Bollywood’s best onscreen couple. Kajol is, as always, brilliant. Not to forget she looks like a million, no a billion bucks. Her scenes with SRK and her son are excellent. One negative thing is that she’s missing in a major chunk of the first half.
This film belongs to SRK. Every scene, every expression, it’s just perfect. It’s a tough act and only a brilliant actor like SRK can do it with ease. His comic timing is perfect, and we all know he’s the best when it comes to expressing emotions. Note the scene in the Mosque. This is amongst his best acts and will come in the same league as films like Baazigar, Darr, DDLJ, Swades and Chak De India.
Overall - It’s a brilliant watch with a moving message. One cant help but give a smile in the end for Rizwan Khan’s victory. Watch it for Karan’s excellent direction, SRK-Kajol’s chemistry, a wonderful message but most of all, watch it for Rizwan Khan.
4.5/5