Feb 14, 2010 01:42 PM
1545 Views
(Updated Feb 14, 2010 03:30 PM)
If the past two years were to be encapsulated for Dharma Productions, they would definitely be known as the year of Islam . New York , Kurbaan & now MNIK give ample proof of the production house's increasing affinity towards a much maligned religion. While the former two were taken from the immediate view of those in the firing line (and made a big hash of things at various intervals), "Khan" takes the view of an entity less covered (at least commercially), the common man.
Emotional drama being Johar's specialty, the fact that it is a tearjerker and will probably garner a big opening is a given (curiosity over SRK's performance being another clincher). However, this review analyzes the more appropriate question whether he successfully paints a modern picture of the faith without giving in to caricature.
Plot: After events in the wake of 09/11 result in a personal tragedy, which results in a separation from his wife Mandira (Kajol), Rizwan Khan (SRK) an intelligent autist travels across America to meet the President of the U.S.A. to clarify that he is not a terrorist. His journey and its impact make up the remaining plot of the movie.
Cons: While well intended and very noble, I wasn't completely over awed by the treatment and direction.over dramatic shots (panning into the Quran when 09/11 occurs, "Hum Honge Kamyaab" in English) maybe good for sentimental value. However subtlety would have given it a much more realistic feel at that point, leaving a much harder impact.
Given that this was a Karan Johar movie though, I must give thanks that it didn't turn into a typically unrealistic family melodrama.
The second half in particular tended to drag at times (more towards the end) and the entire hurricane sequence was not needed in my opinion. The movie ideally should have been around the 2 hour mark as the story could only be stretched to a point.
Pros: The biggest advantage of the story and message is that it is very relevant to situations today. My favorite scene would have to be one towards the end, when SRK stands up to a "scholar" "preaching" on Islam.
The scene effectively shows the tolerance & mercy that is a hallmark of ANY religion and what it would think of people who use its name wrongly, as is prevalently the case currently.
No lip-synch songs.
Performances across the board are very qualitative and keep in sync with the mood of the film.
Direction & Technical: I am not a fan of Karan Johars direction. To me most of his movies were OTT and too melodramatic, the nadir of stupidity being KANK. However to give credit, even though there are certain scenes where his melodramatic style indulges itself, most sequences have been shot with a remarkable toning down of hammy features. It shows the effort taken to reign himself in, along with his actors (case in point being an America which is markedly different from other K.Jo movies - Take a bow, R.K. Chandran). Music thankfully is in the background and is adequate if not extraordinary. The result is probably his best directed and performed film yet. By no means perfect (far from it), it marks hopefully the beginning of a better trend in his direction.
Performances:
The actors playing the roles of Mama Jenny, Sameer & funny hair Joel are very natural and do very well. Jimmy Shergill is alright in a role which is quite underdeveloped. Sonya Jehan does well in the time she is allotted. Zarina Wahab is graceful & does very well in her role. Her character & teachings set the tone for the movie and are touched upon at various points in the movie. This to her credit that her character is memorable throughout.
