“My name is Khan and Iam not a terrorist”, a relevant message, but sadly not compelling enough. My name is Khan is a movie, with its heart in the right place but lacks the conviction and power to steer up your emotions.

The movie from the Karan Johar camp is refreshingly different, as the director adopts a simplistic approach in dealing with a pertinent issue. The director goes beyond his trademark Grandeur and traditional family drama to describe the journey of the protagonist; an Aspergers patient, Rizwan Khan, who sets out to meet the president of the United States of America. The biggest problem with the movie is the fact that the very intent or message dilutes in the narrative. Whether the movie is a “Redemption of Love” or a “Journey for Righteousness” is left unanswered.

The movie begins on a refreshing note. The difference in screenplay is visible as the director swiftly gets into the life of Rizwan Khan and his journey to the USA. The subtle humour, varied mannerism and refreshing innocence of the protagonist hold your attention. The wonderful background score and the screen presence of the lovable Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol pair is an enjoyable fare. However an hour later you realise, that the plot of the movie is yet to unveil. As Rizwan Khan aimlessly travels from town to town, narrating is life, your left to the mercy of too many characters who converge to create a story. It is at the interval your left with a thought that the journey is because of a personal tragedy being meted out post the terror attacks of 9/11-all because of being a Khan.

The weakest link in the movie is it’s very script. The second half is entirely flawed as the director goes about describing the events in Rizwan Khan’s life post 9/11. I wish the director had adopted a more genuine approach in describing the plight of Asians post this incident. Dates have been conveniently construed in a manner to suit the narrative. The movie calls for a compelling narrative and a powerful message but sadly lacks all of it . The movie runs out on ideas as the director “fits together” various incidents. The hurricane in Willamina, the media campaign against discrimination of Muslims/Sikhs  and a mothers  valiant fight for redemption are all clobbered together  to drive the movie towards a climax.

The movie despite it’s flaws is a watchable fare, with some magical moments and wonderful messages scattered across the narrative. The church scene of   “Hum Honge Kamiyab” nicely entwined with “We shall overcome” is a treat to watch. Kajol delivers an earnest performance, though the script fails to sketch a powerful feminine character. A special mention of Zarina Wahab , who plays Rizwan’s mother. She does a commendable job, delivering a heart warming performance..

The movie is entirely shouldered by Shah Rukh Khan, who doesn’t disappoint. Khan has reinvented himself to deliver a subtle, measured and yet so graceful performance. The sheer simplicity, innocence and the screen presence of this Badshah revel even at times when the script goes awry. My Name is Khan; Shah Rukh Khan- the movie solely works because of him.

My Name is Khan is a movie that could have transcended barriers of social evil and had the potential to transform the thought process that plagues our society. Sadly, it remains just another movie that showcases the prowess of a versatile Shah Rukh Khan.

I recommend you watch this movie, once (not at a premium!) for the wonderful performance of its protagonist and a relevant message it tries to convey.

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