My journey to watch MNIK

http://www.planetsrk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23520

By Shaimaa/Egypt

Hi My name is Shaimaa and I'm not a terrorist. First let me tell u what happened in my journey to watch the movie. I convinced two of my friends to come with me to watch the movie and they agreed because I gave them some movies before for SRK and they already know him.

We met last night and booked train tickets at 7:15 a.m train to cairo. I tried to sleep but I couldn't .....I swear may be I slept only half an hour from last night. I woke up at 5:50 and got dressed and on my toes I ate two pieces of biscuits and sneaked out of my house before my parents wake up and interrogate me

I met my two friends on the train, it was supposed to arrive at 8:30 so we will have time to take a bus to the theater to catch 10:00 a.m show. But strangely it arrived at 9:00 a.m.....I was not to catch the show on time. We took a bus and reached the street at 9:35 ......we had to go on foot to the building so we ran actually and finally got to the place at 9:50.....the theater was at the last floor so we had to literally run over the electronic stairs........ they were already going up but we couldn't waste a second......we reached the place and booked three tickets. I wanted to be in front seats but my friends didn't.....any way there were no one else in the huge hall we entered .....so they chose another seats and I sat in the front lines

Other ppl came but just a few....then the movie began and I saw Rizwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan ......It was just him and me......no one besides me or in front of me so I felt it was a private show for me.

Everything was quiet....just me and him. Strangely and sorry to disappoint many of you I didn't like the movie at all........it was the worst movie I see in my life.








LIAR LIAR LIAR

OKAY you caught me .......It was the BEST movie I watched in my life.......the least thing I can say about it is that it is PERFECT.......really no mistake in this movie......the dialogue is perfect......SRK and Kajol are perfect......KARAN is sooooooo perfect.......and the songs and background music OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGG were more than perfect even the special effects are Perfect.

We all heard the songs before but in the movie they are different, especially (Allah Rahim)


But the strangest thing really is that my two friends cried tons..... but I didn't even shed one single tear......isn't that strange?

I felt the sadness of every word, every look but deep in my heart ....may be that's why I couldn't cry.....all I felt was me shaking from inside out......don't know how to explain that actually but I felt that it's my heart which sheds tears not my eyes......I couldn't cry also because I concentrated on how shahrukh played Rizwan so may be that's another reason. or may be I am autistic too who can't shed tears

I was wearing my SRK t-shirt and I really enjoyed every scene in MNIK......

The movie then was over and I wanted to see it again but my friends said they will travel back and I'll have to go back alone.....I decided to stay and watch it again no matter what happens later. I went to the hall again but this time there were so many young ppl.....so I could hear their laughing......sighs...


Even when Kajol first appeared two guys whistled

It was the same fun may be more even though I couldn't have a break between the two shows

The man who was responsible and who offered us before to watch a movie for free .....he met me outside and asked "how was it?"

And of course you all know what I must have said.....I also added "You really must see it"

so he said "okay.....I'll call my wife and watch the show at night"

The only thing that was inside my head after the movie finished and still invading my head nonstop is the song at the church "hum honge kamyab....ek din"

I need help to GET it out of my head......I really can't.

May be because it's my first time to hear it ..I loved it soooooooo much that now I want to change my cell ring tone from "Noor-e-khuda" to "hum honge kamyab...ek din"

I really was amazed by Shah rukh acting, I felt pain for him just looking at his blank eyes......also felt so much pain in my heart for Mandira.

This part has no spoilers but the next sure will have some......Get ready.

♥Tere naina tere naina tere naina re♥

http://www.planetsrk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23508

by Shallu/singapoer

Here's a few cents worth of my thoughts on MNIK! Just saw that reviews will be collated and posted on the blog, so thought of posting my review her as well! (:


♥Tere naina tere naina tere naina re♥
MNIK Movie review by Sharmiela/Singapore.
With Spoilers
http://superwoman-c.livejournal.com/117273.html#cutid1

My Name is Khan, and I'm not a Terrorist. Yes, I've met Rizvan Khan and we definitely can learn a thing or two about humanity from him. It's ironic that so much controversy and hatred surrounded the film before its release, when all it wants is to convey goodness. It has a lot of heart and humanity. I'm so proud MNIK has a deafening opening and has triumphed in every possible way. The Mumbaikars especially has stepped up and stood tall. I wish I was in India to watch the movie, because I heard the movie was welcomed in such fun and happening ways. I know it's a whole different experience watching movies in India. Here in the theatres, you find people of different races, age and sizes and I feel good about it, that Shahrukh and Kajol is touching across the horizons. My Name is Khan is beautiful in its simplicity. And now I'm thinking if I can write a review, justifying its wonders. (:

My Name Is Khan is Karan, Shahrukh and Kajol's baby. THE PRIDE OF INDIA. It's an ambitious theme to deal with but done with such senstivity and entirety. There were some really powerful moments I thought, pertaining to Islam and emotions. It's a complete and flawless experience and journey for Rizvan. Shahrukh was AMAZING as Rizvan and nothing less. His best and most challenging performance to date!!! His speech, body posture and movements.. I couldn't find Shahrukh in Rizvan, and you come out remembering Rizvan instead. It was downpour watching the movie that I eventually let my tears flow. Shahrukh's church scene, Kajol's field scene after the death of Sam, and Rizvan's love for Mandira were deeply moving. I undeniably have a soft spot for the altitude of one's love for another. How can someone love another so much? And it's not just MNIK but other movies as well. I can't help it! I shall sheepishly admit that my first few listens of Tere Naina made me cry and it did again, during the movie.

PS: AND IS IT JUST ME, OR WET SHAHRUKH DURING THE FLOOD SCENES SEEM TO COME RIGHT OUT OF KKHH'S GAZEBO SCENE?!!!! Where Shahrukh shakes water out of his hair and runs his fingers through them!!!! Oh, EVEN autistic Shahrukh is so irresistably charming and good-looking!

Kajol was her best self and I personally can never get enough of her screen time and chemistry with Shahrukh!! Shahrukh was too adorable in Kajol's proposal scene!! There's just sparks even without an eye connection, whether it was when Mandira tried to make eye contact with Rizvan at the salon OR the after-marriage scene! Hehe. It's a movie well done really, the cinematography was perfect and the performances were wonderful. Though I know we can expect the deleted scenes (like the guitar-playing) to be available on the directors' commentary.

It's an international film, and I want people from all walks and corners to be aware of Bollywood and to know Shahrukh Khan. I've realised that I came out from the theatre for RNBDJ and OSO feeling differently and this IS a different movie experience as well, all teary-eyed and awed. ((: Thank you Karan for this beautiful film, and the three dynamic trio for staying strong and tall amidst the lows.

Also, just to add on now that my thoughts are more settled, I do believe that the second half could have been better. We all love the first half, with Rizvan and Mandira's interaction. But the flood and the sudden stabbing while it was necessary, was a little too over the top for a film that felt so real and simple. It was 3/4 awesomeness and 1/4 omg-really? moments. We still love you Karan! (:


shallu.

Everyone Likes MNIK!

http://www.planetsrk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23517

by Lia/Indonesia

Before I watched MNIK, I already promoted this movie to my friends. and 2 of my friends who even aren't Hindi movies fans feel interested to watch, and finally they watched MNIK before me. I felt so curious if they will like it or not. then.. one of them messaged me... she said... " Oww.. it's a very great movie, Lia. my tears still in my eyes". I was so glad to hear that... they who even aren't fans of Hindi movies.... LIKE MNIK !!

I watched MNIK on 14th Feb twice in a day. First, together with 60 SRK's fans from SRK FC Indonesia in Centre Jakarta area. and the second times, I watched with my sister in different theatre in South Jakarta still in the same day. In my first watched, the seats 80% full. but on my second watched, it's 100% full !! I heard, in some Premier Studio also always full booked. The audiences.. not only NRI, but I found various people. Beside NRI, lots of pure Indonesians and even chinese.. all came to watch MNIK. And lately MNIK always in the headline on my local TV, Newspapers and websites in Indonesia. I'm so happy to know MNIK gets high appreciations in Indonesia.. and also in the other overseas.

My Name is Khan.... is a very amazing movie and also a very brave movie with the social issue and religions inside. MNIK is a different movie by Karan Johar. So many messages and lessons in this movie. It’s about love, humanity, peaceful and.. making the world realize that Islam is not terrorist. Many religions in this world but they have same missions, teaching for the goodness. In this movie, we also can see the tolerations among people who in different religions and different races. This movie also teach us how to be good people. Karan has been proving that he is a great director not only for commercial movies but also for a story movie with social issue and religions. That’s very brave coz it will get high risk. How Karan try to tell the messages of this movies was so intelligent.
The screenplay, the effect, and all in technicly are awesome. Seems I was watching a Hollywood movie. The music also awesome. For the casts….. perfect !! I love to see all the casts’s acting. They all so natural. Zakir, Zakir’s wife, Sandra, Reese, Sameer, Rizvan mother… they have been doing great jobs. Kajol… wow… I love to see her as Mandira, she’s doing perfectly and I think Mandira is only for Kajol. And Shahrukh?? Once again he’s proving that He is The King.. not only The King Khan or King of Bollywood but also The King of the world. Shahrukh once again proving that he can out from Rahul or Raj image. Those who always say that Shahrukh only can do stereotype, can shut up their mouth. It’s not easy to play an autist man with a lovely heart and intelligent brain. And Shahrukh did perfectly to play Rizvan Khan. When I watch Rizvan Khan I can forget that he is Shahrukh Khan, but he is only Rizvan Khan. Shahrukh undoubtly deserves to get the best actor in all awards next year.

I’m planning to watch MNIK for the 3rd times this week with my other friends. And perhaps there will be the 4th or 5th times.

Outstanding!

http://www.planetsrk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23452

By Wafa/ USA

I went to see the film without any expectations of “falling in love again”. We have been following all updates on MNIK for a year now and everything prepared me not to expect the typical movie masala (unfortunately) that we all love to watch including the colors and dancing. It is no secret that I love Karan Johar and his movies I think he is the best story teller and this film was no different.

The first half of the film was flawless and did not waste any time unfolding with flashback story again but this time it was done by having Rizwan narrating as he begins his journey to see the president of USA. It progressed so charmingly captivating Rizwan’s endearing character and allowed him to creep into our hearts and get under our skin and Mandira’s skin as well which explained how she could develop her feelings for him. There were outstanding emotional scenes but not many romantic sequences that I would love to see SRK/Kajol pairing have in a film so I feel the chance of having the Jodi was not cultivated to my satisfaction as a fan so it was wasted maybe due to the seriousness of the theme.



I can only remember 2 romantic scenes

Spoiler:

when she asked him to marry her and the scene in bed at after the wedding

In the second half things got a bit confusing to me geographically.

Spoiler:

I know Rizwan was on a trip to go to WA DC but was chasing the president around wherever he went, but from CA or AZ desert how or why did he end up in GA? This wasn’t clear to me...

Spoiler:

I also thought the scene in GA was not necessary and the film could have done without it. It just didn’t feel realistic especially when he had to go back from CA to GA for second time. Though technically they had done perfect set to portray GA but the clothes and ambience had given me the feeling it was in early 1920 or 1930.

I wished the second half had more of SRK/Kajol scenes together although it’s understandable due to what the story and role given probably restricts this option. I loved the scene of Rizwan and Mandira in the football field it was strikingly tense and it stood out.

The film depicted a lot of what Muslims suffered post 9/11 in USA, highlighting that many innocent people had to pay the price and still do. it pointed out some injustice done by the media when selectively trying to cover the stories without attempting to get to the truth. It also touched on how quick law enforcement could be in misjudging individuals and going by their own presumptions based on race or religion.

When it comes to performances, I feel if I said SRK was awesome is like telling him how to do his job. I know that there is nothing that SRK couldn’t do, and there are no roles despite how challenging they might be that he couldn’t master. I don’t know how a person with Aspergers syndrome would act but SRK made me believe he was different and actually had that challenging syndrome, with his fixed eyes, body language, and with his impaired speech; a complex portrayal of such a simple character that cannot show emotions. After this role I challenge any idiot out there who might accuse SRK of being “srk” or doing same roles.
Kajol, as usual was fabulous and remarkable with distinctive presence. Not another Anjali or Simran in this film, skillful actress and perfect for this role.

Other casts done very well, I thought young Sameer was wonderful I liked him.

I loved the music, I think my favorite was Tere Naina but every time I hear Noor-e-Khuda or Sajda I get Goosebumps, they make my heart sing.

The movie is Brilliant I recommend it to everyone and I give it 4/5 stars.

We shall overcome

http://www.planetsrk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23458

By Jaya/USA

I have never felt this touched by a Hindi Movie – and that’s how I’ll start this review as I am not being able to start in any other way!

Life has its complications, its fast lane – it is headed towards that end where we’ll be in a day and time when nothing else will be left to be lost. Perhaps it’ll take us that day to realize that we are moving too fast – taking too many short-cuts, jumping into too many conclusions. As I sat through My Name Is Khan, all that I could think of was that I wish I could be like Rizvan Khan – I could have those eyes to look at the world through, I could have those thoughts to believe in, I could have that clarity of mind, that power of reason, and that love for life. OK! I’ll probably try making it a review and not overwhelm you all with my emotions!

The Story:
Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) was born with Asperger’s Syndrome – and in being who he was, he grew to be a person who was different, but not indifferent. Armed with power of a common man, he is no visionary – but his vision is not blurred by preconceived notions. He is not fighting against a system – but he is a part of the system in which he represents a change for the good. He is not complaining or making fun of anybody – he is just his good self. In the film, he meets and falls in love with a Hindu single mother (Mandira). An amazingly kind and just person, Mandira has fought her share and has brought up her only son Sam in a world where she had to start from nothing. Finally they get married and lead a happy contended life till a world-tragedy changes their lives altogether. Mandira tries to respect her identity as the wife of a Muslim person but circumstances push her to seclude herself from him. Therein begins the journey of Khan – a journey inspired by love, a journey to prove his innocence, a journey to stand up for who he is, a journey to instill that faith in every human heart – that yes, with truth and conviction, with goodness and clarity, each of us can overcome the obstacles that we face in life. But for that, every one of us has to believe and respect.

The Message:
I’ve probably made a big deal out of it already – because this movie has really touched my heart – beyond everything – any religion, any faith, any belief. MNIK hasn’t tried to be defensive – it hasn’t stood by one and cursed the other, it hasn’t shown undue preference to anyone. Because if one of us dies, morally that’s the beginning of the death of everybody. If one of us falls, it’s the fall of mankind, if one of us falters, it’s the beginning of the end for all of us. And that’s where I believe the strength of the movie lies – in not glorifying anybody, in not reaching out to anybody – but in being a vehicle for everybody, in being a message for everybody, in being an inspiration for everybody.

The Technicalities:
Performances: It’s beyond anything I could ever imagine. It’s another feather in Shah Rukh’s Crown, it’s another gift of love from him to all of us (fans, non-fans) – it’s probably SRK’s attempt at telling the world that we need to be good – it’s probably the best way for him to show to us that he stands up for what he teaches, for the change he wants to reflect, for the love he wants to spread and the happiness he wants to see the world brimming with. Kajol is fantastic – she’s real, she’s true blue and she is breathtakingly spontaneous. The love in her eyes – for Rizvan and for Sam are beyond words, her body-language is awesome and the way she carries herself makes her the adorable Mandira that we meet on screen. And what can I say for the chemistry, physics, mathematics between them. Watch Mandira’s eyes as he looks at Rizvan, watch her smile as she thinks of him or acknowledges him – and you’ll be overwhelmed by the love in her heart. As for the supporting cast – Jimmy Shergil, Tanay Chheda, Zarina Wahab, Soniya Jehan, Chris Duncan, Jennifer Echols, Vinay Pathak – everyone’s put in their natural best – they have suited their respective roles to the T and have made MNIK so realistic and possible. A Big Thanks to everyone.

Direction, Screenplay, Music, Cinematography etc: Are simply world class. The plot holds its strength, the camera work delivers the visual impact, the sound of the whole movie comes out as a huge strength in delivering the message. In fact, this is second time in my entire life, that I couldn’t feel the background score of the film separately. It has so well been blended with the look and feel that you just don’t ever feel that you are listening to a different sound. Karan Johar – a standing ovation for you for having made My Name Is Khan. To have picked up such a topic, handled it with so much maturity and sensitivity, and to have given it such a fine and awesome power – hats off…

Spoiler:

Scenes to watch out for:
1. Rizvan says to the Airport Authority that his message to the American President is “My Name Is Khan and I am Terrorist” – it shook me up, made me go mad inside with the urge and need to believe that the world was not so messed up.
2. Mandira proposes to Rizvan – it’s so natural and beautiful. It touches you deeply and the way Rizvan blushes leaves you hoping you knew someone so pure at heart.
3. When Rizvan asks Mandira to take him to Banville with her – the love and longing in his voice hits you very hard.
4. The “I…. for Dumbos” book, the “It’ll take more than 1minute” part cracked me up. It had so much fun – but maintained that child-like innocence. Never did it come out cheap or offending.
5. When Rizvan says that it doesn’t need a time or a place for a prayer (namaaz) – it requires the right intention.
6. Rizvan’s interactions with Mamma Jenny and Funny Hair Joel – so heart-warming and lovable.
7. Rizvan’s interactions with the person at the Desk at the Fundraiser Ceremony.
8. Rizvan’s face-off with the Extremist Doctor – education can make you a learned person but it takes an open heart and mind to be a good human being.
9. The build up to the climax and the final part – just amazing. Lot of people actually clapped at the end (including me). Especially Kajol’s voice-over at the end. What she couldn’t win with vengeance, Rizvan walked through it with love and conquered it all.
10. A special mention of the many emotionally intense scenes along with the addition of Johar’s touch of humor. My eyes welled up but I ended up knowing that I had overcome the fear and pain with Rizvan’s innocence and power.

Well – I guess I can go on and on and I will whenever I get a chance again. MNIK is an experience worth a lifetime – it’s a belief, it’s an effort at reaching out to everyone in this world, and it’s a triumph of humanity. The goodness of the heart knows no boundaries, knows no disabilities, knows no intentions of harming anyone – it knows the happiness of being true, it knows the truth of being good and it knows the goodness of being human. Go Rizvan – more than anything else, this world now needs your healing touch…

My Rating - ***** (Outstanding, Marvelous)

He's out-done himself again

http://www.planetsrk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23437

By Sonal/ NYC

I didnt get to see the first show, because it was already sold out! No surprise there, but I did get a poster of the movie

Content: Beautiful story, hands down. I loved the way the honest to god truth about Islam is portrayed with Khan's innocence. How the "other" side has been shown is mind blowing. But there was one thing I didnt agree with totally and that was Mandira's character.

Spoiler:

Mandira left Khan because she partially blames their marriage and him for her son's death. I understand because of his surname she does this, but, I dont see how its justified

.

Performances: (Main performances, SRK, Kajol, and Jimmy)

SRK: Words dont exist to describe how beautiful his performance was. You really feel for his character and I have to say, this is nothing like ever before. There was this sense of "deadness" in his eyes at the beginning...I dont know how to explain it, but as emotional as his eyes can be, this time there were stoic...he has this new look about his face which was needed for the character. Im sure he did detailed research because everything from the way he walked, to the way he held his pen was perfect in imaging Rizwan for us. His voice modulation, his emotions, facial expressions were too perfect. You feel his pain, and you feel his happiness in the film. He has won over my heart all over again.

Kajol: Honestly, I have never been a huge fan of hers, BUT, she performed with utter honesty.

Spoiler:

The scene in which she mourns her son's death has been done with such honesty you cant help but to share her pain

She has definitely matured as an actress and her portrayal of Mandira proves that...she is a very strong woman with her heart in the right place but her thoughts are scattered.

Overall: All in all this is Rizwan's story. Mandira is the medium through which the plot unfolds, but mainly this is about him. Seeing him with this form of autism, you really feel for this character knowing that he cannot emote, but realizes that his words would have meant the world to his family, had he used them, but that understanding is not there because he is not able to comprehend feelings. I felt though there were some parts or scenes of the film, where you see that SRK wanted to cry, to emote...but his character has his restrictions making it that much harder for him to do so.

Scenes: (all spoilers here)

Spoiler:

The frisking scene touched me, and partially angered me when J. Marshall mocks Rizwan's reason for seeing the president. But this is the scene where you realize how innocent Rizwan's thinking really is....leading to his autism. Even the scenes where they interrogate him near the end of the film, you feel for him because of the innocence in which he describes whats happening...the room gets hot and he cant bear it, or they freeze him and he cant deal with it so he prays. The scene which really hurt was actually the scene in which Mandira asks him to leave...as someone totally partial to srk, i didnt understand the justification of the situation...each one to their own opinion, but i didnt "like" that part...The scenes with him and Momma (forgot her name) were too cute...especially where she gives him the gown to wear because his clothes were dirty. The funniest scene had to be the night they consummate the wedding...again his innocence wins you over...

Rating: A+. Its an overwhelming film and more than that, its an experience. BEAUTIFUL film, well done. Hats off to Karan and SRK...they have proven it again...it really touched my heart, and its a lovely way of portraying the truth of humanity...will love to see it again!

My Name is Khan review by Asma

http://www.planetsrk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23463

By Asma/ Lahore

I just finished watching MNIK... I don't know whether I will be able to write my review or not but I tried ONLY FOR SHAHRUKH ...

I am totally SPEECHLESS.. A beautiful love story with a touching topic. Will definitely watch the movie again and again...It starts off as a movie but ends with a deep impact on u

Story: It revolves around an autistic man RIZWAN KHAN who went on his journey just to tell the President of USA that he is not a terrorist. His Wife Mandira (a Hindu woman & a mother of a son) marry him because of his innocence... And as the movie moves ahead it make you laugh And cry with Rizwan..It will lead you to the pain that Rizwan felt regarding the death of his son Sameer KHAN; who was killed only because his surname was KHAN

Performance:

Shahrukh : One can definitely become short of words when to describe Shahrukh’s performance but still I will try . His performance was OUTSTANDING. His way of talking, his body language, his eyes, his smile, his facial expressions... his each and every moment was MIND BLOWING. Shahrukh has done full justice to the character he played... RIZWAN KHAN; an autistic person. I believe that no other actor can portray Rizwan better than he did. He performed so fantastically that no one can deny falling in love with RIZWAN KHAN


Kajol: Back after eight years with Shahrukh .She has matured a lot as an actress as Mandira she has proved it. She performed with full honesty

Jimmy: as Zakir also did a great job..nice performance

Scenes/ dialogues

For me the most breath taking scene was the flood one where Rizwan went to save mama Jenny .Oh my God I was speechless .The most touching scene was when Rizwan talked about his son in the church & also when in front of the President .. both the scenes touched me so much that numerous tears rolled down my cheeks. The cutest scene was when Rizwan taught Sameer how to say his name .. not kan Khan KH …KH from the epiglottis. It shows RIZWAN intelligence .I don’t at all like the scene when Mandira told Rizwan to go away. How can a person tell his/her love to leave can’t really get it..

The best dialogue for me was “ Namaz jagah or logo ko dekh kr nahi parhi jati balke niyat dekh k parhi jati hai” meaning “you don't pray thinking whether the environment is suitable or not but you pray because its ur intention”

Music

The music is awesome. Each song holds a special charm in it. The theme music is outstanding. Sajda makes you join the couple in their celebration; Noor-e-Khuda makes u feel the intense pain Rizwan is going through; TERE NAIAN makes u lost somewhere in the beauty of the song & Allah Hi Reham makes your belief stronger.

Direction

Hats off to you Karan for making a beautiful perfect film..for me no mistakes at all.
A standing ovation to the whole team of MNIK from director to spot boy without whose efforts MNIK would have never been

Rating: 5/5 it’s a BEAUTIFUL film with a touching topic. And I will like to watch it again and again.

Shah my man you have proved it again
May Allah always bless you AMEEN