MID-DAY REVIEW: My Name Is Khan

My Name Is Khan
U/A; ROMANCE/DRAMA
Director: Karan Johar
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Jimmy Shergill, Soniya Jehan and Zarina Wahab
Rating: 4.5/5

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When the maestro of romance teams up with celluloid's most adored pair, you know there's magic waiting to happen. Get set for the year's best offering so far. My Name Is Khan has all the gloss you expect from a KJo film -- only this time, it comes along with a new sensibility and a bolder theme. The film is about Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a birth disorder. Rizwan has problems in his social interactions. After his mother's (Zarina Wahab) death, his US-based younger brother (Jimmy Shergill) takes him to San Francisco where Rizwan starts working as a salesman. On one of his calls, he encounters Mandira (Kajol) and his life changes. Mandira is a single mother, falls in love with Rizwan in an improbable yet utterly romantic manner. They get married and, life seems till (9/11) changes it all. Rizwan and Mandira are torn apart after they face a monumental tragedy as victims of racism. To win Mandira back, Rizwan is faced with the most daunting task of all. And thus begins his journey -- across states, cultures, people, racial profiling and hatred. In his quest to rediscover his lost love, how Rizwan emerges as the most unlikely hero forms the crux of the film.

WHAT'S HOT
There's no one quite like Karan Johar when it comes to love stories and MNIK simply reinforces that. This is a difficult subject to handle -- it's multi-layered unlike his previous attempts. There's a hero with a handicap; the leading lady who is the mother of a school kid; there's a clash of cultures inspired by true events and there's some hard-hitting drama. It's commendable the way Karan interweaves all of this in his narrative, in a film which at the core is a love story with epical proportions. Even though MNIK is the director's shortest film in terms of length, it's the most comprehensive story he's ever told. The quintessential dazzle of a KJo film is all there -- from the zigzag streets of Frisco to the stark beauty of Arizona. The director scores full marks in the poignant portrayal of each of the relationships. The Rizwan-Mandira romance is captured beautifully. Rizwan's moments with her son are brilliant and the child's acceptance of the new man in his mother's life is subtle yet so effective. The second half of the film is the crowning glory -- the lead pair's parting forms the base leading to Rizwan's spectacular ride through the country and his ability to strike a chord with everyone he encounters. MNIK works because it's an uplifting tale of an underdog told in an entertaining manner. There's also that element of freshness in the film also his choice of actors -- Zarina Wahab, Jimmy Shergill, Soniya Jehan (simply superb) and Arif Zakaria. It's a delight to see Kajol back in action -- she brings Mandira alive first with her characteristic candour and then with her heartrending complexity of emotions. The distressing scene with her son is proof of why she's simply the best. But MNIK is, after all, the story of Rizwan and it is to Shah Rukh Khan's credit that Rizwan grows on you with every scene. What seems awkward initially eventually culminates into a character you warm upto want to take home -- you want to laugh at his innocent antics and cry when he's in pain. The SRK magic is at play in almost all the crucial moments -- when Mandira proposes to him; his touching camaraderie with the African-American family; the sequence in the Church where he speaks about his son; the one where he stands up to a fanatic; the scene -- MNIK is Shah Rukh

WHAT'S NOT
In a near-perfect film, the only over-the-top part is Rizwan's return to a flood-hit small town to save the African-American family. It's stands out because everything else is so understated. And then the part about the media brigade landing there followed by Rizwan's supporters is a bit unconvincing. Also, one of the highlights of all Karan Johar films has been the musical score. In MNIK, nothing impresses us much except for the Noor-E-Khuda track, which is haunting.

WHAT'S THAT
Rizwan never shakes hands with anyone -- he has a problem with that. Yet, when he meets the American President, he shakes hands not once but twice. Special treatment for special people?

WHAT TO DO: Brave the protests and head for the nearest cinema hall. MNIK is a must-watch. The Karan-Shah Rukh-Kajol combo strikes once more.

IN PICS: Abu Dhabi Premiere of My Name is Khan

IN PICS: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Karan Johar, at Abu Dhabi promoting MNIK

Why everybody should watch 'My Name Is Khan'

You may or may not be a fan of Shahrukh Khan, much less an admirer of Karan Johar’s cinema, but nothing in the world would make me believe that you aren’t a believer in freedom of thought and its expression. And if someone is castigated and vilified for speaking his mind freely in this nation we pride over as the world’s largest democracy, it’s time for the aam aadmi, you and me and a hundreds and thousands alike, to step in and show the powers-that-be what democracy truly means - “people’s rule”.

Yes, people’s rule and not the rule of autocrats or bigots.

Whether Shahrukh Khan’s comment on the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the upcoming season of IPL was right or wrong isn’t really the issue. Those who disagree with Khan’s comment have every right to protest. But protest in what way? By leaving no stone unhurled in thwarting the release of his movie My Name Is Khan? By smashing the box office windows and tearing down the posters of the film? By calling Shahrukh, whose dad was a freedom fighter, a “traitor”?

And even as the state machinery has swung into full gear, police force deployed (many a leave application shoved in the drawer) and director Karan Johar and theatre owners promised adequate security for the film, an eerie lull still prevails over the ticket counters at theatres in Mumbai.

In this situation pregnant with tension, what can the ordinary folks like you and me do? A lot, I say, by stepping out and watching the movie, which isn’t just a film anymore, not so much for entertainment or for love of SRK, but as a sign of protest against those trying to smother our basic democratic right. To start with, I’ve already got my ticket booked.

‘My Name Is Khan’ to launch Reliance BIG Cinemas in Nepal

India’s most talked-about upcoming film “My Name Is Khan” will serve as the launchpad for a new venture of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group in Nepal.

On Friday, when the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer film releases worldwide, including cinema halls here, it will also be screened at Nepal’s first multiplex under the BIG Cinemas banner — India’s largest cinema chain and a division of Reliance MediaWorks.

Reliance MediaWorks, that operates about 400 screens in India, Malaysia and the US, has now entered Nepal with a multiplex at Kathmandu’s new shopping mall, NLIC City Centre, in collaboration with Nepali company Cinestar.

The new multiplex has three auditoriums that can together seat 900 people. It is also offering “great food and beverages” at the food court at the mall, officials said.

The theatres will be inaugurated with the Karan Johan-directed “My Name Is Khan” as well as Hollywood horror flick “The Wolfman”, directed by Joe Johnston and starring Simon Merrells, Gemma Whelan and Emily Blunt.

The Nepal venture of BIG Cinemas comes within two months of it launching a multiplex in Malaysia’s Kedah. With these new theatres, there will now be seven multiplexes in Kathmandu itself with two more in the offing.

Shahrukh Khan's and Kajol's Top 5 Match-Ups

Bollywood is known for a number of things, including its romance and adorable couples. One of the couples we enjoyed watching in the 90s continues to mesmerize us.

Shahrukh Khan and Kajol are very good friends, yet when they encounter one another on the big screen, they ooze romance.

As we approach the release of "My Name is Khan" on Valentine's Day weekend, we take a look at the top 5 romantic tracks portrayed by the two stars.

Shahrukh Khan and Kajol began their journey in 1993 when they starred in "Baazigar." The thriller put SRK and Kajol on the map as a couple, but also as solo artists. The film took a love story and added a spin, and the music made it a success. The now classic song "Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein" features on the soundtrack. It shows a sexy and flirtatious side to our stars, making fans fall in love!

In 1995 the hit jodi of SRK and Kajol starred in "Karan Arjun." This family drama told the story of two brothers in conflict. Of course each hero had his leading lady and boy was Kajol a hottie! The chemistry between Shahrukh and Kajol was brewing. Their item number "Jaathi Hoon Main," shows the two flirting on a farm surrounded by haystacks and horses. For a 90s movie, this video was considered provocative and drove fans crazy!

"Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" is one of Bollywood's biggest blockbusters! The movie impressed fans around the globe and continues to get recognized. From the story to the music, everything is superb. Of course our love story, portrayed by SRK and Kajol, would not be the same had it been portrayed by another couple. With this famous pair, expectations were high, and the duo did not disappoint. The trademark love song "Tujhe Dekha" pictures Kajol running into the arms of Shahrukh in the fields. How romantic! The lyrics are sweet and this song is for lovers.

"Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" is also considered one of Bollywood's greatest love stories and it once again pairs Shahrukh with Kajol. Though in the film the couple is not always together, the romance is always in the air. At this point we see Shahrukh and Kajol as a more mature couple. Their once young and flirtatious roles have become more intense and sexy. Sure, the film was packed with great songs and elaborate dance numbers, but when it comes to our favorite jodi, one scene stands out. Shahrukh and Kajol end up in a gazebo on a dark, rainy night. Shahrukh seizes this opportunity to dance with his lady to the name of the famous theme music to "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and if these two don't symbolize love, we aren't quite sure what does!

As if Shahrukh and Kajol were not a big enough match-up, this couple was cast with four other big stars in "Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham," which hit screens in 2001. The movie follows three love stories, all with their own challenges. Shahrukh and Kajol exude in their roles! In fact the two have one of the most romantic and beautiful songs ever,"Suraj Hua Maddam." The number shows the couple in remote locations, in colorful outfits, and deeply in love. Once again the couple is mature yet sexy. Kajol's sultry eyes and Shahrukh's open arms can melt anyone's heart (sigh).

Shahrukh Khan and Kajol went from young and flirty to mature and sexy and their fan base still loves them. Each actor alone is phenomenal, but together these two complete one another. They portray some of the most moving love stories and their romantic songs make our Valentine's Day playlist every year. Which is your favorite Shahrukh Khan and Kajol flick? Drop us a line.

I miss my dad, Karan Johar tweets

His film My Name Is Khan is hitting the headlines even before it is released. And amid all the controversy, film-maker Karan Johar misses his father the most.

"Crisis can truly be an eye opener...you know who stand tall with you and realise those who don't...so much I have learnt today...(I) miss my dad," Karan posted on his Twitter account. Karan's father and veteran film-maker Yash Johar died in 2004.

My Name Is Khan was dragged into a controversy when Shiv Sena protested actor Shah Rukh Khan, the main lead in the movie, for his comment on the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Shiv Sena has been vandalising theatres since Tuesday and has said that it will not allow the film to be released unless Shah Rukh apologises.

At present, Karan, Shah Rukh and Kajol, the lead actress of the film, are in Berlin attending the premiere of the film.

Shahrukh Khan is ‘weird’

Just one day to go for the release of My Name Is Khan and Shahrukh Khan is everywhere. The man became the first Bollywood star to feature on the international magazine Esquire. Then he was on GQ and now again we see him on OK!, saying, “I am weird”.

The February issue of the magazine discloses some of the secrets of SRK - what are his dreams, fears and passions. And some real candid confessions of what he thinks of himself besides being a superstar. Though some of the latest magazine spreads featuring Khan have also done something similar, here he is talking more about his negative traits as well.

“I am complicated, I am complex, I’ve got issues, I am weird,” says King Khan.

UK PREMIERE REVIEW: My Name Is Khan

Although the Indian release of My Name is Khan has been marred by protest over actor Shah Rukh Khan’s comments about the non-inclusion of Pakistani cricket players in the Indian premier league, at the first UK screening of the film, the mood was one of excited anticipation. Enlivened fans and film critics were in attendance at the Wednesday night advance showing at Cineworld in London’s Leicester Square. Expectations are high for the Hindi film, particularly after last week’s global publicity tour of the MNIK team, which saw Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in New York ringing the bell for the NASDAQ, followed by promotional events in London including SRK’s appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

The tagline of the story “My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist” lets you know from the outset that Karan Johar’s cinematic vision has moved on from his earlier oeuvre of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham, receiving applause from the London audience the first time the line is delivered. The film starts with s flashback, looking at a young Rizwan Khan, a Muslim with Apserger’s syndrome, played initially by child actor Tanay Chheda; who you will be familiar with from Slumdog Millionaire. The plot shift locations from Mumbai to San Franciso and as an adult, we see Rizwan (Khan) marry Hindu single mother Mandira (Kajol). Hindi film fans obsess over the screen pairing between Shah Rukh and Kajol, and luckily here they do not disappoint. The two may be older and wiser than their 1995 outing Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, but the chemistry is still very much there, and their performances emit the gravitas and sensitivity required for this type of cinema. Johar has gone on record to say this film charters newfound territory, and in the first half of the movie his maturity shines through, with a focus on the narrative and a simple telling of the story. Gone are the show-stopping numbers with a cast of a hundred Russian dancers, and choreographed North Indian wedding scenes. Fans of Johar, however, need not fear, as the director still inserts his characteristic film tropes: the park bench, the sweeping skyline and a saccharine let’s-fall-in-love song picturisation. It is not until an hour into proceedings that the plot shifts genre from love story to terrorism, as the characters are impacted by the new world order following the 9/11 attacks. Like recent Bollywood releases New York and Kurbaan, the impact of terrorism on Indian Muslims is an element that is addressed You may recall Khan himself was detained for several hours arriving at Newark airport, facing ‘Muslim while flying’ discrimination by US customs officials.

Post interval, a tragic incident separates Rizwan and Mandira. Here sit up for some of the finest acting on display by Kajol, and be ready to have your heart pulled by her natural, raw emoting of grief. The narrative jumps again into becoming the all American road movie, Rizwan travelling across the epic barren landscape of the US in a quest to meet the President. In a first for Indian cinema, the film contains not one but two American presidents, as Barack Obama and George W. Bush lookalikes both make an appearance. The second half of the film suffers from the curse of Bollywood, in that a potential cinematic work of genius developing before the interval, is let down by a number of scenes that drag in comparison. Also, you may have a problem with the extended separation of Rizwan and Mandira, which breaks up the pairing of SRK and Kajol - the latter missing in action for long segments of the second half. Luckily, all is well by the end, as Rizwan comes through a battle of personal demons and social evils to be reunited with Mandira. Although, almost as if compensating for the hero’s lack of heroic behaviour in the first portion, Johar has Khan single handedly saving a hurricane ravaged town from impending doom. This I found all a bit Hollywood for my Bollywood sensibilities, and distracting from the major themes of the story – love, terrorism and Asperger’s syndrome. My Name is Khan develops into an epic film. It is not faultless by any stretch, but will have you emoting with cinematic euphoria one minute and pulling out your tissues in desperation the next.

My Name is Khan releases 12th February.

(Steven Baker is a Hindi film journalist and post graduate in Indian Cinema)