Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Jimmy Shergill, Zarina Wahab,Director: Karan Johar. Music Director: Shankar-Ehasaan-Loy
Rating: ***

Most of you have heard about this film by now. Either you have seen the promos, the posters or the numerous interviews with its stars. Its quite possibly the most over-hyped Bollywood film in recent years. The intent of the film is noble as the film deals with a Muslim man's life (SRK as Rizvan Khan) and the impact the tragedy of 9/11 has on him and his family.

There are numerous sub-themes that have been made into films in the past, for example: SRK plays an autistic man much like Anil Kapoor's role in Eeshwar (don't remember that film? GO RENT IT). SRK as Rizvan and Kajol as Mandira face opposition to their relationship due to their respective religions (too many films to name on this topic). In addition, Rizvan's relationship with his mother and the impact on his brother mirrored the film Ram Lakhan. Basically, you realize 5 minutes after intermission that Karan Johar has glued together the plots of a few successful films (including the recent New York) and repackaged it as My Name Is Khan.

SRK as Rizvan is shown holding up a sign that says "Fix Almost Anything" - how appropriate as SRK, with his spot on depiction of an Autistic adult, is the only "fix" to this otherwise hodge pogde of a film. Of course, Kajol steals the limelight every time she graces the screen - we have come to expect that from her. The most impressive in the film was Zarina Wahab. I wish she was given more screen space!

I admit it, I cried for parts of the film. The film does have its moments - especially if you are a mommy like me, but the film fails to keep the viewer engaged. Recapping the plot would spoil the film for most- as its too predictable.



Yeah, I was proud when the Indian characters in the film were helping the hurricane victims in Georgia - but I was angry at the film maker for showing most of the Americans as racists. I hope that viewers in India are smart enough to realize that middle class America is not the way it is shown in the film. Of course, I've grown to realize that Bollywood creates a fantasy world for most with fancy cars, designer clothes and coordinated background dancers but now, I'll need to carefully explain to my cousins in India that my friends and I do not face daily racism or attacks in America - just like they don't dance around trees.

On a positive note, I hope the film helps the Indian community understand and accept Autism as a disorder. Having an Autistic niece, I've seen family & friends behave as though the disorder is contagious or caused by "negligent" parents. Maybe this film will help these people, who are all college educated, gain a better understanding of the disorder and the impact it has on the loved one's family. They could not have asked for a better teach that Shah Rukh!

Review by - Avani