Film Review #4

                Wow! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed My Name Is Khan. Karan Johar directed this very moving tale. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Devgn are the stars of the film. Khan shines brightest but all of the performances are absolutely superb. This movie encapsulates so much- a love story, lessons about Islam, features of Asperger’s syndrome, life in post 9/11 America, and the importance of humanity. This example of fine Indian cinema has a place in my personal ‘top 20’ of all time.

                My Name Is Khan details the life of Rizwan Khan, an Indian Muslim born with Asperger's syndrome. The beginning is modest- the audience watches Rizwan transition between childhood and adulthood in India. Some moments in his life are truly inspiring while others are heart-wrenching. After the death of his mother Rizwan’s successful but jealous younger brother (Zakir) invites him to live in San Francisco. Rizwan arrives frightened and unable to adjust. With the help of Zakir’s wife (Haseena) Rizwan does his best to assimilate. Life changes dramatically when Rizwan meets a Hindu single-mother named Mandira. The pair has instant chemistry and a romance ensues. They marry and life seems perfect…. Until the events of September 11^th occur. Stigmatization, discrimination, and violence rock them. In order to make amends with his wife Rizwan sets out on a journey to meet the president of the United States. What is his message? My name is Khan and I’m not a terrorist.

                Without a doubt Shah Rukh Khan is the heart and soul of this movie. He has tremendous presence throughout the film and his portrayal of a man living with Asperger’s syndrome is incredible. Hugh Dancy had a similar role in the film Adam. Dancy helped his audience understand what Asperger’s is. Khan’s performance goes beyond defining the autism syndrome. Khan’s performance allows you to empathize without feeling sorrow or pity. Kajol Devgn plays Mandira effortlessly. The supporting cast is astonishing. Jimmy Shergill, Sonya Jeha, and Zarina Wahab deserve high praise for their roles. The whole cast gave performances that were beyond my expectations.

                After learning about shot composition last week I did notice a lot of close-up shots during the more intense moments of the film. This technique helped the director convey so much emotion. This film is definitely a tear-jerker. The director also chose to have Khan narrate throughout the film. The music definitely enhanced the setting and themes of the film. If anything, the music is too dominant in certain scenes. 6 original songs were penned (all in Hindi). From reading translations they have either a spiritual or romantic nature. I thought the entire score was perfectly placed. The song "Tere Naina" is a great example:

                If I could only offer you one reason to go see My Name Is Khan I would say please go because you’re going to watch a beautiful story unfold. At its core the film is a love story. However, this movie has the capacity to arouse multiple emotions- joy, sadness, anger and so many more. The message of this film is so inspiring. On top of that Shah Rukh Khan is convincingly mesmerizing.

9.5 out of 10