My Name is Khan is a film made with sincerity and sweat, ambition and conviction. It grapples with the most urgent and fraught issue facing humanity: religion. It features a striking performance by Shah Rukh Khan.
It has some scenes, especially one involving a child’s death that will bruise you. Yet despite all this, My Name is Khan never becomes the empowering, inspiring Forest Gump-like epic. Mainly because the connective tissue tying it together is deeply flawed and in places, embarrassingly naive.
Khan is the story of Rizwan Khan, played by Shah Rukh, who has Asperger’s syndrome. This milder form of autism impairs Rizwan’s social communication skills and gives him some decidedly odd behavior patterns – he can’t stand loud sounds or the colour yellow.
He rotates stones obsessively and can barely bring himself to hug someone. Rizwan is far from crazy but he definitely moves to the beat of a different drummer. Despite this he finds love and a family with Mandira, played by Kajol.
But post 9/11, their happy home falls apart and Rizwan embarks on a grand odyssey across America so that he can tell the American president that his name is Khan but he is not a terrorist.
My Name is Khan is on firm footing as long as director Karan Johar stays with emotional drama. He opens the film skillfully with airport security searching Rizwan and then moves into flashback.
The scenes of Rizwan’s childhood are some of the strongest in the film. Zarina Wahab returns after years to give a lovely, nuanced performance as Rizwan’s mother. But the film’s delicate rhythm wobbles when we shift to San Francisco and into love story mode.
The first shaky sign is the entry of Navneet Nishan who seems like she has stepped in from some other, louder film.
The romance between Rizwan and Mandira is too designed and mawkish.
Kajol, struggling with a thin character, mostly veers between being hyper and cute.
Still, Karan, working with an ace technical team including cinematographer Ravi K Chandran and editor Deepa Bhatia, crafts some beautiful images and poignant sequences but the film loses balance irreparably as it moves into political mode.
The second half scrambles madly both literally and figuratively. Rizwan, obviously superman in another life, manages to shout down a hate-mongering Muslim doctor, have him arrested by the FBI, get arrested himself and in a ridiculous pre-climactic sequence, save the citizens of a small town when floods hit New Orleans.
Writer Shibani Bhatija squeezes in so much that by the end of two hours and forty minutes, even if Rizwan isn’t exhausted, you are.
Rizwan is undeniably the best thing about My Name is Khan. Shah Rukh’s performance has little subtlety about it – for that watch Hugh Dancy doing Asperger’s in Adam – but it is heartfelt, endearing and more controlled than anything he’s ever done before. Watch him in a lovely scene in which Kajol accepts his proposal or how he restrains his tears so that his eyes brim but never well over.
I recommend that you see Khan for him. The film itself is too uneven to give us the emotional high we were waiting for.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Aarav Akshay Kumar Wins Green Globe Award
Akshay Kumar's cute li'l son Aarav Bhatia was lauded with a Green Globe for Outstanding Contribution by a Child. Aarav is noted for being the youngest person to have sponsored a village under the Light a Billion Lives campaign. Aarav picked up the award in New Delhi with grandmother and actor, Dimple Kapadia, in tow. The Green Globe for Extraordinary work by a Public Figure was awarded to Rahul Bose for his active role in taking upon the green pledge, including his blogging and bringing upon widespread awareness on the issues affecting our earth. Bose, who was in Shanghai accepted the award from Nobel Prize winner, Dr Pachauri, via telephone.
Shahrukh Khan lands in Mumbai from NewYork amidst Tight Security - Mannat under police surveilence
Shah Rukh Khan returned from London on Saturday to Mumbai even as Shiv Sena once again threatened to block the release of his next film My name is Khan.
Refusing to bow down to Sena's threats Shah Rukh Khan claimed that he had only said what every Indian should say.
"I have not said anything wrong or dangerous to anyone. I have already explained myself. Nobody told us not to buy Pakistani players. We have only one slot left with Kolkata Knight Riders," said Shah Rukh while addressing the media in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon.
"I have met Thackerays in the past and I enjoy their company. Whenever Balasaheb has called I have always gone to meet him," he said,.
"I may have been misunderstood by some but I am what I am because of Mumbai," he added.
Sena had on Saturday morning done a U-turn on the issue of Shah Rukh supporting Pakistani players and said that the party would not oppose his film. But after a few hours the party renewed its threat.
Police personnel have been deployed in a large number at Shah Rukh's residence Mannat to prevent any untoward incident.
Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray has also called SRK a traitor in his latest article, saying the Bollywood superstar must remember that the 26/11 attackers were mostly Pakistanis.
"Mumbai has not only sheltered Shah Rukh Khan but other Bollywood stars as well. Despite this, Shah Rukh is now favouring Pakistani players. He is a traitor. His actions have hurt the sentiments of most of the Indians," Thackeray wrote in party mouthpiece Saamna.
Shah Rukh Khan has refused to apologise for his comments backing Pakistani cricketers.
"(I) would not apologise. I said what I believe in as an Indian. I haven't said anything personally against anyone. I would apologise to my director, co-stars, business partners if because of me, the film is affected. It's really sad, makes me rethink. I have apolgoised in the past if my film has caused offence – to hairstylists for (Billu) Barber. But here, what am I supposed to apologise for? It's just very sad," said Shah Rukh in London on Wednesday.
SRK has defied Sena' threats and said that even though he was a proud Indian it did not mean that he should criticise people from other countries.
The Bollywood superstar owns IPL team Kolkota Knight Riders.
Friday, February 5, 2010
M S Dhoni Turns Gladiator for his Super Woman Preity Zinta
They might come from different teams on the cricket field, but the duo came together for the photoshoot for an ad. Mahi all dressed as a gladiator and Ms. Zinta in a super-woman get-up in a body hugging silver dress shot for a cooking oil ad! The chemistry between the two is sizzling. We can't wait to catch the commercial on air!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A.R.Rahman to Remake ''Michael Jackson's - We Are The World''
Oscar winning music director AR Rahman will be a part of the remake of Michael Jackson’s We Are the World for a noble cause. Yes, the Mozart of Madras has been roped in for the song to raise funds to help those who are affected by the earthquake that hit Haiti. Interestingly, about 100 singers and stars including Carlos Santana, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Miley Cyrus, Enrique Iglesias Akon, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Usher, and William, will be a part of the song.
The remake will be recorded in the Henson Studios, the same place where MJ recorded the original. The song will be premiered on the NBC network during the Winter Olympics that is set to begin on February 12th.
My Name Is Khan - The First Indian Movie on Apple.com HD
After Aamir Khan ventured into new domains for marketing his blockbuster 3 Idiots, its time for the Badshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan to set the standards even higher. After clinching a record deal with Fox and expecting a worldwide release like none we have seen so far for an Indian movie, it is but natural that the trailers reach out to the international audience.
After innovatively world premiering the trailer in more than 50 countries My name is Khan takes a step even further. By releasing their slick International trailer in Apple.com the movie has become the first Indian movie to have done so in the reputed website. Whether the movie takes Indian films to the next level has to be seen but the 3 minute collage of the reels have surely done so.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight
/mynameiskhan/
No Apologies To Sena - Shahrukh Khan
The Shah Rukh Khan-Shiv Sena war continues with the Bollywood superstar refusing to apologise for his comments backing Paksitani cricketers after they were not picked up during the Indian Premier League auction in January.
Addressing a press conference in London on Wednesday Shah Rukh said that he has always backed what he believed in.
"(I) would not apologise. I said what I believe in as an Indian. I haven't said anything personally against anyone. I would apologise to my director, co-stars, business partners if because of me, the film is affected. It's really sad, makes me rethink. I have apolgoised in the past if my film has caused offence - to hairstylists for Barber. But here, what am I supposed to apologise for? It's just very sad," saidShah Rukh.
Shiv Sena has warned SRK that his films won't be allowed to be released and screened in Mumbai if he did not apologise for his comments on Pakistani cricketers.
But SRK has been defiant and said that even though he was a proud Indian it did not mean that he should criticise people from other countries.
"I think what I said is true of any person from any nation from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, America, England. That's how I think we've all been brought up. You say 'ok, my country is nice, I'm very proud of it, I'm very proud to have been born there and I wish a lot of people come to my country and participate in the goodness of my country.' If that is wrong then I think I need to relook (sic) at what my children are studying right now. I need to even ask people who think the statement is wrong 'do they have an issue with the schools their children are going to?' Because that's what they are being taught also," he said.
"It's not a stand or a statement against anyone. It's actually, sort of what I individually feel and normally when a film is releasing - and I won't comment on this on a larger scale, because, it's nice for a Hindi film hero who is thought of as an icon to say this, but it scares me to say anything, because our stakes are very high. I'm really sorry. I would like to apologise to Karan Johar (the director), I apologise to Kajol and I'm immensely sorry to all our business partners that because of what I say or what I believe in the film and the work is going to be affected," he added.
Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the actor that he must remember that his house was in Mumbai and not in Pakistan
"They are speaking in favour of Pakistan sitting in Mumbai and in this country. We will not let this happen. This is Congress' opinion that Shah Rukh is voicing. Shah Rukh stays in Mumbai and Mannat (his residence) is also in Mumbai, not Pakistan," said Raut.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cochin Haneefa Died of Liver Cancer in Chennai
Veteran Malayalam actor and director “Cochin” Haneefa died of a liver ailment at a private hospital in Chennai today, family sources said. He was 59 and is survived by his wife and two children.
Mostly cast in the role of villain in the initial stages of his career, he later excelled in comedy. He had acted in over 300 films since his debut film “Mamangam” in 1979. He had also acted in several Tamil films.
Salim Ahmed in real life, Haneefa started his acting career through the stage troupe Kochin Kalabhavan. Some films directed by him like ‘Valsalyam’ were box office hits and won critical acclaim.
Haneefa took easily to comedy roles and his performances were received enthusiastically by film buffs. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi expressed shock at the death of Hanifa and offered condolences to his family. “He has acted in many films, including Pasa Paravaigal for which I had penned the dialogue and he used to be very polite and respectful whenever we interacted,” Karunanidhi recalled.
Haneefa had acted in scores of Tamil movies with the Kamal Hassan-starrer ‘Mahanadi’ giving him a major break. He had essayed a role in the 2007 Rajnikanth-starrer, Sivaji—The Boss. He also was a regular in Tamil star Ajith’s films.
Haneefa is the third major Malayalam star who has passed away in recent months after Murali and Rajan P Dev. “He was a great human being, a gifted actor and good director,” veteran actress Kaviyur Ponnamma said. “As a comedian, Haneefa stood out on account of his ease and originality,” freelance film historian Balagopalan said.
Haneefa had essayed memorable roles in many Malayalam movies, including ‘Kireedam’, ‘Vatsalyam’, ‘Devasuram’, ’Mannar Mathai Speaking’ ‘Swapnakkodu’ and ‘Punjabi House’. He had also directed around 20 films, including the hit Mammotty starrer ‘Vatsalyam’ and ‘Moonu Masangalkku Munbu’. His last Tamil movie was ‘Vettaikkaran’
Haneefa had acted with almost all Malayalam heroes from the late Prem Nazir to Jayasurya and Prithviraj. In 2001 he won the State Award for ‘Best Actor’ in ’Soothradharan’ and ‘Best Supporting Actor’ award in 1999.(Courtesy Asianet India)
Tahir Hussain Father of Aamir Khan Passed Away
Tahir Hussain, well-known filmmaker and Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s father, died of a massive heart attack here Tuesday morning, sources close to the family said.
He is survived by his wife and two sons, Aamir and Faisal, and two daughters, Farhat and Nikhat.
Hussain is known for producing hits like ‘Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke’ (1993) that starred son Aamir, ‘Dulha Bikta Hai’ (1982), ‘Zakhmee’ (1975), ‘Anamika’ (1973) and ‘Caravan’ (1971).
In 1990, he made his directorial debut with ‘Tum Mere Ho’ with Aamir and Juhi Chawla.
Family sources said Hussain died at Aamir’s residence in Bandra. Aamir and his wife Kiran are in the US for the Sundance Festival and are taking the first flight home. Hussain’s grandson, Imran Khan, who made his debut with ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’, is in New Zealand and will also be coming back.
Malayalam Actor Cochin Haneefa Fighting For Life in a Private Hospital in Chennai - Condition Critical
Chennai, Tuesday, February 02, 2010: Popular Malayalam actor Cochin Haneefa is reported to be in a serious condition at a private hospital in Chennai. He was admitted to Ramachandra Hospital Chennai due to liver problem a few days back and the accurate news is that he is suffering from LIVER CANCER (Usually associated with excessive alcohol intake and smoking).
BUT ON THE OTHER HAND : TV channels created a flutter when they aired incorrect information about the death of popular Malayalam film star Cochin Haneefa.The TV channels said Haneefa, aged 58 years, died at a private hospital in Chennai Tuesday at noon.Soon condolences from Haneefa’s colleagues started pouring in.
The TV channels also started running clips of the popular films Haneefa acted in.But at 1 p.m. the channels said they regretted airing the news which they received from their sources in the hospital at Chennai where Haneefa is admitted.According to the channels, the latest news is that Haneefa is “very serious”.
ACTOR PROFILE : Born as Salim Ahmed Ghoush he adopted his stage name Cochin Haneefa in films. He was a comic member of the famed ‘Cochin Kalabhavan Troupe’. He made his film debut in 1979 in a small role in ‘Ashtavakran’ and since then rose to become a very popular actor. He kept his name Haneefa in light of a character he played in a drama
He has more than 300 films to his credit, which includes Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films. He was also very much into other area of film making which included direction and screenplay writing. As a filmmaker he is known for the melodrama Valtsalyam (1993).
Shiv Sena claims not to screen any SRK movie till he says i am sorry to the Sena - Crazy Stuff isn't it...
Well whatever may that be,i couldn't control my laugh from the day i have come to know that Shiv Sena has interest in movies also especially in Shahrukh Khan films.What do they want at last,that god alone knows.I am for sure SRK should not give up and should not bow his head to some stupid sena run by a local thief who stays in Bandra West.Mumbai belongs to India,and Marathas are the pride of our Nation, do not separate, classify, divide, our commercial capital from this country.
Well you guys read the story now, i am sure nothing can be done about India and its nasty politics,all blame the system, and i blame the people.Jaagore India - Jaagore Youth to save our country,we do not deserve to be ruled by someone who is sitting with his leg hanging into cuffin,we can't have a prime minister who is 60 and president who is 70, we need young blood to rule this country.Shutdown all political parties and start again for the betterment of the Tiranga's Pride and not some stupid lady from Italy controlling a country.I know these are controversial remarks but truth is always "KHATTAA" - Vote - But Vote unless and until your friend or a person whom you can trust is the candidate.
The Shiv Sena on Tuesday issued a direct threat to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan warning him to apologise for backing Pakistani cricketers and his 'Mumbai belongs to all' remarks.
Senior Shiv Sena leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi warned that none of Shah Rukh Khan's movies will be allowed to be released in Mumbai if he failed to apologise for his comments.
"Whether it's Shah Rukh or anyone else, the Shiv Sena says he must take back his comments, so he'll have to do it. It's better if he understands this well. Shah Rukh Khan will have to apologise or else we will not let his film release in Mumbai," said Joshi.
Earlier, Shah Rukh told CNN-IBN in New York that he won't bow down to the Sena's threats and did not regret any of his comments whether it was on Pakistani cricketers in Indian Premier League or Mumbai belonging to all Indians.
The actor said he was proud to be an Indian and had done no wrong for which he should tender an apology.
Shah Rukh, who owns IPL team Kolkata Knight Rider, had said that the IPL snub to Pakistani cricketer was not right and the entire matter could have been handelled more tactfully.
He also flayed the Sena for its anti-North Indian stand saying that an Indian has the right to settle and work in any part of the country.
SHAHRUKH KHAN REPLY TO THIS WHOLE EPISODE A BRAVE ONE : Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan refused to cow down to Shiv Sena threats to disrupt his film My Name is Khan over his support for Pakistani players in IPL. Speaking exclusively to CNN-IBN in New York, SRK said that he was a proud Indian and did nothing wrong in coming out in support of Pakistani cricketers.
Monday, February 1, 2010
A.R.Rahman Wins 2 Grammy Awards - This Is Insane,God is Great Again - Says A.R.R.
The double Oscar winner Rahman has done it once again! This time he has bagged the double Grammy awards! He won the award for best compilation soundtrack and best motion picture song for Jai Ho in Slumdog Millionaire. Lyricist Gulzar shares the award with Rahman. Tanvi Shah, who penned the lyrics in Spanish also shares the award.
The elated music director is reported to have said, “This is insane, god is great again.” Other Indians that have won the Grammy earlier are Pandit Ravi Shankar, Vikku Vinayakram, Zakir Hussain, and Vishvamohan Bhatt.
Rahman beat Steve Jordan for ‘Cadillac Records,’ Quentin Tarantino for ‘Inglorious Basterds,’ and the producers of ‘Twilight’ and ‘True Blood’ in the soundtrack category to win the coveted award.
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