Movie : My Name Is Khan
Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Jimmy Shergill, Sonia Jehan
“My Name Is Khan” is the story of Rizwan (Shah Rukh Khan) and his sincere effort to uphold the dignity of Muslims. Growing up with the mental challenge of the Asperger's syndrome, Rizwan learns the lessons of humanity from his mom as he spends his childhood amid the 1983 Bombay riots. He is taken along with his brother (Jimmy Shergill) and sister-in-law (Sonya Jehan) to the US after the death of his mother. It is here that he meets his love, Mandira (Kajol), who happens to be a Hindu single mother. Despite having some problems managing in crowded places, intimate hugs and expressing and reacting as per the outside environment, Rizwan secures a place in the heart of Mandira and they live together as a happy couple until that tragic day of 9/11 dawns.
The plot unravels
The attack triggers a series of events that shatters Rizwan and Mandira's peaceful life. Mandira alleges him to be the worst mistake in her life. This makes the innocent Rizwan to undertake a journey to meet US President and say “My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist”. The depiction of each scene is so subtle and touching that you cannot afford to miss even a single one. Innocence and honesty form the core of the story.
Rizwan in his simple and innocent manner tries to uphold humanity and teach people lessons of unity.
Commendable script
The ‘King Khan' has successfully carried out the difficult part of enacting a person suffering from the Asperger's syndrome. Completely getting under the skin of the character, Shah Rukh has picked up every single nuance of an Asperger's syndrome patient without making it appear laboured.
Shibani Bathija's script is extremely mature and dialogues by her and Niranjan Iyengar are first rate and applause; worthy at many places. The first half concentrates more on the romance between Khan and Mandira.The second half packs in a bigger punch as the film diversifies into severe sub plots as Khan's journey comes closer to meeting the newly elected American President.
Outstanding technical work
Technically the film is on par with any ‘A grade Hollywood product' with outstanding camerawork by Ravi K Chandran and editing by Deepa Bhatia. Shankar Ehsaan Loy's music elevates the film to a completely new level. With no lip sync numbers, the songs don't act as speed breakers but carry the story forward.
“My Name Is Khan” will prove to be a landmark film in the careers of Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and of course, Kajol. It's a film with a strong message and yet very entertaining at the same time. The film actually delivers more than expected.
Bottomline: A movie of substance and is a must watch for both Shah Rukh fans and the ones wanting to see a logical, nice movie!
BHAVISHEK SHAH, I Year, B.Com., Loyola College
