My Name Is Khan and I can Act

I was really excited for this movie just because of the fact that I’ll be able to see an SRK movie after more than a year so maybe I am bit biased towards the movie, but the one thing with which no one will disagree is that this SRK’s finest performance ever. He is the soul of the movie and it’s nearly impossible for your heart not to melt for his character Rizwan Khan.

Rizwan is a person who is suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome. He has a problem in conveying his emotions, doesn’t likes noisy and crowded places and is scared of the colour yellow, but as he says he is not mad, he is an intelligent person who can repair “almost anything” and is a mobile encyclopaedia. But, when his marriage gets broken post 9/11 he is not able to mend it. So he travels throughout the country to meet the president and tell him that even though he’s a Muslim he is not a terrorist. In the way he faces many hurdles like getting arrested by the FBI, running out of money and helping a hurricane struck village but Rizwan overcomes all of them by his sheer goodness.

The movie’s theme on post 9/11 trauma is not new to the viewers but what is special about the movie is the way Karan Johar handles it. The movie is complete turnover from his usual candyfloss movie style and shows how the director is willing to experiment (though not completely). The movie does get emotionally manipulative and a bit too long but you are able to ignore this because of the sincerity of the director and the fact that the movie has its heart in the right place.

There are many things which make this movie specially the relation between Mandira and Rizwaan, Rizwaan and his son  bringing some of the best moments of the film like the scene in which Mandira proposes to  Rizwaan, or the scene of the first night between Rizwaan and Mandira where they are innocently discussing what should they be doing. Moments like these keep you awestruck throughout.

In terms of music this movie is an again a departure for Kjo from his routine as the movie boasts of only 3 songs and that too coming as a montage. Worth mentioning here is the song Tere Naina which shows the sweet romance between the two leads. Background music of the movie is also great which haunts you even after the movie has ended. Ravi K Chandran’s solid camerawork brings out Rizwaan’s journey beautifully.

As Rizwaan SRK is truly amazing. This performance of his is at par with his earlier performances in Chak De and Swades. Not once do you feel that he is overdoing his disorder or that he is trying to create a caricature. Notice how he always repeats his lines or coming with scientific explanation every time or the way he hugs everyone. Scenes like the one in the church where pays a tribute to his son and specially his reaction when Kajol proposes to marry him are jut priceless. His innocence and goodness make you fall in love with him unconditionally.

Kajol as SRK’s wife brings depth to the movie and is just completly lovable. Her eyes emote thousands expression and show her love for Rizwaan and the pain and anger of the loss of her son. Watch out for her in the scene where she breaks down after the death of her son.

The movie is thoroughly supported by a rock solid supporting cast Zarina Wahab as Rizwaan’s mother is truly heart warming. Soniya Jehan as Rizwaan’s sister in law is immensely likable and Tanay Chedda as the young Rizwaan is incredible in a short but important role.

All in all Karan Johar has a made a lovable love story about how a person can go to any lengths for someone he loves. The movie makes you smile and even weep a couple of times (I myself had moist eyes at least three times).He has made a commercial movie which brings out an important message which says that all you need to be is good to everyone, and nothing wrong will ever  happen to you and you can do anything. Two thumbs up for Kjo and his amazing story finally he has matured.

My Rating: ****

Reference value: Hell yeah!!!

Advice: Take some cleanex along

Special scene: Proposal Scene

My Name Is Khan: Music Review

Music: Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy

Lyrics: Niranjan Iyengar

So, finally Kjo is back with his latest flick after the lovely KANK (yes I was among the few who loved that movie). As usual the movie has lots of expectations; a) Kjo comes behind the camera after 4 years b)This is Shahrukh’s first major release since RNBDJ & c)This first time SRK & Kajol are coming together since K3G which was nine years back. Like the movie its music is also much anticipated as is the case with Kjo movie.

Many of us would have noticed a pattern which the soundtrack follows in Kjo movie. There would be 2 dance tracks one would be a disco number and the other would most probably be a shaadi type number full of Punjabi influence, then there would be one full romantic track and one sad song. But the thing with MNK is that surprisingly it doesn’t follow this pattern and comes out to be a very pleasant soundtrack. The whole soundtrack has a Sufi feel to it, be it the lyrics or the music. SEL have done another brilliant job after their successful last year. So, without wasting further time let’s go and have a look at the songs.

The album starts with Sajda. Sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who is supported by Richa Sharma. A romantic track to the core, Sajda doesn’t have anything different to offer in terms of music, but some nice lyrics by Niranjan and superb singing by both the singers makes you love this song instantly.

When you hear Shankar’s own voice reciting the words Noor-E-Khuda, you know a melodious track awaits you. The surprising element of the song is the choice of Adnan Sami and Shreya’s entrance in the song takes the song to another level. The song boasts some inspiring lyrics and amazing music. This one is surely going to move many people’s heart.

Okay, frankly speaking I didn’t like this track when I heard it the first few times, but then it really grew on me. Tere Naina is a beautiful track and all because of Shafqat’s vocals and Niranjan’s honey dipped words. This is one track you would love to dedicate to someone very special. Scintillating!!!!!

This is my personal favourite track from the soundtrack. The song starts with chants of Allah-hi-Rahem in Rashid Khan’s husky voice. A great Sufi track which brings peace to your mind.

There are some songs which are meant to celebrate joy and spirit of life, Rang De belongs to that category. Full of life, the songs has all the reasons to rise anyone’s hopes. Suraj and Shankar do a great job behind the mike and provide some zestful vocals.

The album ends with an instrumental piece by my favourite band Strings. Khan theme is a dramatic musical piece which sets the mood of the movie. The track has a feel of sadness as well as hope attached to it. The first time I heard this track I had chill bumps all over me. A brilliant way to end the album

So, SEL don’t come up with something which is very innovative but still it has that feeling of warmth which makes this an instantly likable album. With some nice words by Niranjan this album is surely going to make a mark with every one

Rating:  ***1/2

Repeat Value: Of course!!!

Personal picks: Noor-e-khuda, Allah-hi-rahem, Khan Theme