My name is khan review

“Repair Almost Anything.” Rizvan Khan, the protagonist of the film holds out a placard after he runs out of money during his long, arduous, circuitous journey to meet the President of the United States of America to tell him just one thing: “My Name Is Khan and I am not a terrorist”.

In the post 9/11 world when the west particularly began to judge the whole basket by a few bad apples and put a whole community under the scanner because of their religious orientation, Rizvan Khan, the man who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, the man who can’t stand loud noises and stark colours, the man who’s scared of venturing into places he isn’t used to and can barely cross a road without the risk of being hit by a speeding vehicle, trudges through the length and breadth of the US and braves racial discrimination, arrest, and even torture at the hands of the authority only because he’s driven by deep love for his estranged wife Mandira (Kajol) from whom he parted with the promise that he won’t return till he’s met the President. It’s the tale of the triumph of this indomitable spirit of the protagonist of My Name Is Khan, incredibly played by the ever-surprising Shahrukh Khan, that touches you, moves you, makes you cry, gives you goose pimples, and enlightens you with its message.

Karan Johar is known for his tearjerkers and he sticks to his format this time, too. But he also addresses an important issue, one that is tearing the world apart.

His handling of scenes is very mature and real. The interaction between young Rizvan with his mother (Zarina Wahab) and his younger brother Zakir is poignant. Zarina's obsessive focus on Rizwan drives Zakir to the wall. The crack is easy to see; his hatred for his brother easy to accept. Rizvan, in one touching moment tells his brother that at least he is able to express his sadness through tears... as for him, it's a frustrating process all bottled within.

Karan and SRK have done what they had to for the viewers and peace at large; but in the real world, can love actually be given a chance? A beautiful movie with a beautiful message not to forget powerful performances from the jodi that stormed the screens13 years ago with DDLJ.

Jimmy Sheirgill is once again proving to be a powerhouse performer. Soniya Jehan and Tannay Cheddha as the young Rizvan are fabulous. Zarina Wahab captivates with her emotions for both her sons. Yuvaan Makaar as Kajol's son is a confident actor.

Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and cinematography by Ravi Chandran is top-notch.