Rizvan Khan ( SRK ) is an Autistic child (, Asperger’s Syndrome ) who grows up in a typical Muslim family bought up by his mother Razia ( Zarina wahab ) with the absence of his father. She teaches him good morale, let not hatred cloud his eyes because of religion. The background of 1983 riots is gently touched upon to give the melodramatic touch. There are only two types of people one is good and another is bad is the scuttle message of the movie. Those who perpetuate hatred and voilence in the name of religion are obviously termed as Shaitan.
The movie weaves back and forth in a soliloquy format with Rizvan writing his diary and his quest to meet the Prez ? Why does he have to meet the Prez ? is the moot question around which the Plot is weaved. Mandira ( Kajol ) dons the role of a divorced beautician, who falls to the charm of Autistic Khan. Every time he comes to the point without beating around the Bush. ’ Will you marry me " How he meets Kajol ? and how his brother Zakir ( Jimmy Shergill ) engages him to sell a similar looking product like Mehanaz ( which looks to be twisted brand name instead of Shenaz Hussain ). How he goes about peddling the cosmetic brand in a missionary style which brings in peels of laughter and tears in the audience. By now the character of Khan is well sketched.
One should watch the opening sequel for the movie which lays the strong foundation for the movie ? Do not miss it, otherwise you are bound to loose the grip of the movie which can be boring in parts for want of flesh. What I mean is that in sketching the character of Rizvan lot of time and effort has gone into, from childhood to grown up and the pangs of the normal son Zakir, who tends to get ignored by mother. Once he grows up he pushes off abroad to start of his venture in cosmetic industry. His mother dies with a wish that her son Rizvan should grow up to be normal individual and lead a good married life.
So Rizvan’s life takes many a twist and turn with the background of 9/11. The jihadi issue is dealt with scuttle mention. Rizvan tells the crowd following Dr Riaz to shed hatred in a mosque. He in fact wants to reveal the information to the FBI reg some sinister plot being hatched. So and so forth the plot tosses forward. Does Kajol re-unite with Rizvan ? Does Rizvan meet the Prez ? How does Media react on issues concerning Islamic individual ?
The plot of the movie seems to somewhat inspired by Australian arrest episode of Dr Haneef and his subsequent trials, but with a mellowed approach. Nevertheless the statutory declaration that any character or event resembling the movie may be purely coincidental. So the events of 1983 riots, 9/11, Katrina Hurricane, George Bush tour, etc are used weaved effectively into the storyline. Even Barkha Dutt is on the air relaying the breaking news for the movie which is a pleasant surprise.
In conclusion the movie is a must watch to remove one’s pre-conceived notion on terrorism. To a large extent SRK has done justice to the role of Autistic character Rizvan Khan after a gap of one full year. Kajol pulls off her character in usual charismatic manner. Rest of the characters including the Prez in the form of Duncan who closely resembles Obama pull of his scene with great success. The dialouges in the movie is well penned. Hum honge kamyaab ek din rendition in English is the only song worth listening. Overall this movie is a must watch for all liberal minded citizens of the country. The SS controversy has not helped in pulling the crowds, it was only 70% opening. Hope Karan Johar recovers his investment this time around, which he failed in QURBAN. Not every KHAN is a terrorist is amply proved by the Movie ending. Remember this movie released on my Birthday how could I miss it ?