God never created a Hell. God never created a heaven too. We humans tried to create our own heavens, closed to others. In the name of country, colour and religion we take a self assigned duty to create and protect our own heavens and in turn we create a hell for others and in turn ourselves. Hell is nothing but a fight between heavens. They will assure a heaven after death for those who die in the fight for their own heavens. Killing is justified if it is in a fight for a heaven. Then, who can justify killing of innocence in this mad race of creation??
My name is Khan is the story of Rizvan Khan (Shahrukh Khan) whose life is guided by his mother’s philosophy – i.e. there are only two types of people in the world, good and bad. Intelligent, but born defective he lands in America and fall in love with Madira (Kajol) who is a divorcee with a child. 9/11 changed the attitude of Americans to the world, especially to Muslims. My name is Khan is a journey taken by Rizvan to meet the president of America to say that his name is ‘Khan’ and not a terrorist.
The movie seems inspired by few of the happenings around. First: the American interrogation of Indian film stars when they visit America especially if they are Muslims. Let it be Shahrukh or Mammootty. Two: France’s ban on wearing veil. Three: 3 Idiots Four: Tare Zameen Par.
One has to applaud the message the movie tried to convey loud and clear. ‘We should not torture the life of innocence in the name of ‘terrorism’ or religion’. The best plus point of the movie is nothing but the message. There is a story covering the message to reach to the viewers and yes, it impress partly. First 15 minutes of the movie was interesting and then slowly but steadily the interest been taken out by the loose ends in the direction. Then, just before the interval, the story arrives with a bang. It made the hopometer high for the second half. Beginning of the second half simply went to heights further in next 30 minutes, but sadly it diluted again. Only before the climax the interest is been bought back and then permitted it to loosen again. The screen play could have been better at times, so was direction. Having said this, there is some excellent moments created in the movie for which the writer and director deserves applauds. The bestest moment is soon after the interval, where Kajol gives one precious moment of acting display.
Shahurkh Khan as Rizvan Khan did a good job. Vibrant, energetic Shahrukh succeeds in creating sympathy for the character. However, I thought his character is been handicapped by the writer unnecessarily. Without the handicaps the character could have been much stronger and more pleasant. Also, the director it seems forgets to select the right emotions from the actor at times especially in the final part. We have seen this Shahrukh earlier and it could have been better. Kajol did a wonderful act in the film, especially when it is required by the character. The scene of hers with the child after interval will remain evergreen, but scenes after that, in the football ground were little overdone. The child artists were very good and other supportive cast did their roles well.
Music of the movie is good to very good. Two songs catch immediate attention and the impression remains where rests of songs are ok.
Cinematography by Ravi K Chandran is very good in general. I felt it is more of experimental in nature especially in important turning points. Some of them I liked where some I didn’t.
Editing could have been better.
There is no doubt that the movie is a well intended one with an excellent message. However, the screen play and direction could have been better. The movie is recommended for a single time watch, but for some they may able to connect to it more than I managed to do.
My rating: 3.75 stars.