MY NAME IS KHAN AND I AM HUMAN !
I had expected ‘ My Name is Khan’ to be yet another confusing representation of the terrorists problem post September 11 2001. Karan’s earlier film ‘Kurban’ had failed to attract audience attention being too serious terrorist matter( people prefer feel good cinema).The scepticism is understandable as the issue is so widely pervasive and deep rooted at this point in human history that no cinematic solution is satisfying. The subject is also topical as it occurs world wide with regularity; it is too hot yet to handle .
However, I was mistaken; the publicity and opposition aside it shows Karan in new form. Johar has indeed reinvented himself and has cast himself in a new mould. His earlier love ‘quadrangle’—‘ Kabhi Alvida Na kehna’ was a disappointment and was rejected by the audience for not conforming to general Indian sensibility; similar such bold attempts by his Guru ( Yash Chopra) had failed in ‘Silsila’ and ‘Lamhe’ despite being better films. Therefore I had considered him only fit to narrate teenage love tales; which was his maiden best attempt.
With ‘Khan’ it seems that he has redeemed himself, he has been successful in presenting an effective screenplay and maintained the ‘emotional bubble’ with surprising consistency. From the credits it appears that some consultation on script writing was done which has paid dividends. In fact more film makers should do so as it remains singularly neglected area; it is a better investment than spending on location and special effects!
It was not an easy attempt for primarily it is a ‘didactic’ cinema. Didactics dilutes cinematic beauty . Few can convey in commercial cinema the message boldly without compromising the cinematic flow and popular appeal. Mehbbob Khan ( Mother India. Amar),Raj Kapoor ( Awaara, Shri 420, Jis desh men ganga behti hai), Manoj Kumar ( Upkaar and Purab Pachim) are few successful directors but many failed. Karan Johar has been successful in conveying a simple message effectively. The audience weeps and smiles and nods approving the stance taken by him . The ‘mantra’ applied here is of keeping the theme simple--- there are only good people and bad people and their religion is of no consequence. The story is related through a character who suffers from ‘Asperger’s’ syndrome. It seems ironical that to convey to supposedly normal public we need assistance of a character who is autistic as in these absurd times normal characterization will fail to convey the crisis of situation and the anguish and helplessness of those who are affected. Moreover the standard means adopted to tide over the situation have failed and therefore a new perspective is required to examine the issues. The journey of ‘autistic’ Khan after he is asked by his wife to leave her to seek approval of his innocence from the President of USA is also the path of realization by all of us that we need to reconsider the cause of our hatred and pause a while to think.
The screenplay is the clinching factor in the film , the test is that the audience is not aware of the sermon on communal principles being given . They get engrossed in the story, the trials and tribulations of Rizvan --- his mother instructing him on the foundation of judging good and bad humans by drawing in his note book; being taken by her to Wadia’s house to be taught rather than to a madarsa, Rizvan exhibiting his innovative skills of pumping out water from the premises of his teacher by using bicycle as pumping mechanism are all novel scenarios on which the film stands. The peculiarity
Of this film is that the story may seem predictable the screenplay is not. The journey of Rizvan to America, he joining his brother’s cosmetic business, his meeting Mandira( Kajol) their courtship and his insistence to her to marry him are all portrayed refreshingly. Karan tries hard not to use his usual song and dance routine and so the music is essentially sufi and in background. The period of crisis where Khan is shown repeating his muslim prayer among fellow mourners of sep 11 tragedy and the rejection of his presence by them is well crafted, the plot may have dragged to its end but it was necessary for the love story to be completed. His arrest on being suspected and his interaction with the authorities wherein he faces his humiliation and torture boldly, his donating 500 dollars for the victims of famine when he is denied a paid dinner with the president owing to his identity add newness to the narration.
As I am completing this review the reports on internet indicate that after the initial surge for the film the response has receded and the halls have registered 60% fall. It is indeed sad for this was also a test of our tolerance and secular credentials as a community. Maybe it is too early for the final verdict as the movie will make a place in the minds and hearts of the people .
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