My Name is Khan (2010) Movie Review

My Name is Khan (2010)

Cast : Shahrukh Khan , kajol
Director : Karan Johar
Producer : Gauri Khan , Hiroo Johar
Music Director : Shankar Mahadevan
Rating:3.4/5
There's something about My Name is Khan that will make you want to watch it. It is emotional, funny, endearing, heartening, soul-wrenching..and above all, powerful.
Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) suffers from a kind of Autism, that makes him different from other people. Loud noises scare him, the color yellow freaks him out, new places and people make him very uncomfortable, and he doesn't make eye contact when he speaks.
His emotions are not dead, it's just that he knows not how to express his feelings. He doesn't look it, but has a very sharp mind, and is as innocent as a new born baby.
He moves to San Fransisco after the death of his mother, Raziya (Zarina Wahab). That's where he meets a Hindu girl, Mandira (Kajol) and falls in love with her. She is a divorcee, has a little son, and works at a beauty salon. After lots of wooing she agrees to marry him.
Post the 9/11 attack on America, the world goes paranoid. Rizwan doesn't understand the difference between a Hindu and Muslim. For him the world is divided into good people and bad people. But the society thinks otherwise...
The film's cinematography reminds one of Kurbaan. And why not, it was also made by Karan Johar. And though Kareena gave one of her best performances, she is not half as good as Kajol.

The latter is a natural. When her big eyes fill with tears, they look real, and not glycerin-induced. When she laughs, her eyes light up with real joy. And when she's being excessively melodramatic with her son, you can't help but smile.
Agreed, there should be no close ups of her hands, for even though they are well manicured, they are drop dead ugly. She's not skinny, like most actresses of today, but that doesn't matter. Perhaps it's better, for it adds to her charm. Her acting is so perfect, that nothing else matters.
I don't know how people with Autism behave in real life, so I can't comment on whether Shah Rukh did justice to the role. All I know is that whatever he did, he was great. And I am not saying this just because I am a fan. Unfortunately for him, he did a few bad films in the recent past, but My Name is Khan is a winner.
He looks so vulnerable as Rizwan, that your heart will go out to him. At least mine did. And so did the crowd's that was watching the film with me. Every time they clapped or cheered for Shah Rukh, I wanted to join in, but didn't. And it was tough to restrain myself. He was actually that good.
For some split moments in the film he probably forgot he was supposed to be suffering with Autism. For example, there was a shot of him running his fingers through his hair, and another when he just looked into the camera, making everyone realize that he's so darn handsome and charming!

There is a reason why he is called "King Khan", and on watching the film you'll know what the reason is.
Before the film's review becomes an ode to Shah Rukh, I shall change track...The songs are good, though they aren't exemplary. But their placement is. The choreography is simple, as are the clothes and make up.

The film's start is not to be missed. It begins with a punch, as they say, but goes on to be too melodramatic. Typical Karan Johar. And is a little too long.
Though the film's storyline is based upon the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, and what Muslims had to go through as a result of their religious beliefs, the film doesn't delve too much into terrorism. It is a love story with a difference.

Plus, the film doesn't try to garner any sympathy for Rizwan's condition. There were no speeches made to that end. Mercifully.
Surprisingly, the film is a tribute to the American President, Obama. He should definitely watch the film, for he would be happy to see himself portrayed as a "good man". Perhaps KJo wants to be in his good books!
All in all, it's a good film which could have been better. Perfect acting, not-so-perfect screenplay.