Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Kuch Kuch Hota Hain” & “Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham”, “New York”

The most eagerly awaited Bollywood film reunites Shahrukh Khan and Kajol with their favorite director - Karan Johar. After many attempts of working together failed, this will be their third collaboration as their last film screened was almost nine years ago.

Post 11th September 2001 attacks, Muslims around the globe went under close scrutiny as prime terrorist suspects and the result here is the story of a man named Rizwan Khan (Shahrukh Khan), who suffers from a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome. This is how he fights for dignity and love in a world that refuses to understand him. Watch his journey in his quest to meet the U.S. President and how he affects all kinds of people along the way.

Shahrukh Khan gives an outstanding performance with his challenging character. Pairing with Kajol was just perfect and added with their mesmerising chemistry, it's just magical to see them together again. Zarina Wahab (Rizwan's mother), Tanay Chedda (Rizwan as a child) and Jimmy Shergil (Rizwan's younger brother) also show some freshness. There are also several American actors who feature in the film.

Director Karan Johar together with story writer Shibani Bathija has evokes emotions and humor from culture and people, with strong overtones of racism and love. It will definitely bring tears and glee to any audience. Kudos to cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran for giving such a simple yet wonderful backdrop for the film, which mostly is shot in San Francisco and California.

Despite not having any lip sync in the film, the soundtrack which features the Sufi style kind of songs is very likeable somehow. Background songs like "Noor-E-Kudah" and "Tere Naina" will be instant hits with the audience as music director Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's beats gel well with the content and the flow of the film.

Few would contest that this is Khan's most powerful performance to date. With such a simple but effective plot, this film is a worthy watch for all ages.


Cinema Online, 15 February 2010