Movie Review: My Name is Khan

Imagine a book on climate change by J.K Rowling. An understandable painting by MF Hussain. A low budget movie by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. An uneventful press conference given by Jose Mourinho.

If this is a list of things that are just not meant to be, then topping the list would a terrorism movie directed by Karan Johar.

As a movie, My name is Khan has its moments. Lots of them, if truth be told. Excellent screenplay, taut editing, hum-worthy music, outstanding acting - the movie is vintage Johar. Unlike some other terrorism-based movies off the Bollywood mainstream, this one does not have a boring scene.

But, where another director would have had greater bite at the end or some more moral impounding through the movie, Johar falters. The first half could just as easily have been that of a candy floss rom-com. The second, although good by intention, is too imminently predictable for a movie of this genre. Excellent screenplay and storytelling, aided by outstanding acting, sees the film through. But, with a little less of the director's all too apparent touch, MNIK could have been a really memorable movie.

On the acting front, SRK delivers probably his best performance in recent memory (which would translate to 'best ever', i guess). With few hints of overacting, he brings credibility to his role and draws ample empathy. The support cast is on top of their level, as you'd expect for a movie of this scale. But the performance of the movie, undoubtedly, is Kajol's. Pure dynamite. With her array of emotions, she steals scenes left, right and centre. Apparently, we are asking too much of the current crop if we are looking for Kajol's heir apparent.

All things considered, MNIK is a must-watch just for the chemistry shared by the lead pair. An extremely likeable movie, but a touch disappointing if you are expecting anything more.

The verdict: 3 stars out of 5