My Name is Khan and I am not a terrorist.
The statement alone echoes the thoughts of many Muslims who have lived or continue to live in the post 9/11 U.S. There have been many movies that have been made on this subject, but not one has been able to treat the subject with the same degree of empathy or sensitivity as 'My Name is Khan' has managed to.
Rizwan Khan, the protagonist of the movie, is not a American Muslim, he is not a guy who can blend right in, but gets spotted due to his name. He is a devout Muslim, the kind that reads all 5 namaz on time, the kind that constantly repeats a few 'Rakats' at all times. He is the kind that will get singled out as a Muslim quite easily, and one who is proud to put up his name; Khan. This movie portrays the after effects of 9/11 on one such man.
The movie itself is quite tightly edited and there are very few unnecessary scenes, which is a part and parcel of most dramatised Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan has pushed himself to the limit to put forward a performance which is unlike any prior to this. He has managed to carry the role of Rizwan Khan with great passion and given a moving performance. The writers and directors (I am sure that SRK made a great deal of contribution of the script) have subtly tried to use many of the teachings from the Quraan, to portray the true teachings of Islam.
One such instance that comes to mind is when he goes to a mosque and hears a doctor manipulate the story of Ishmael from the Quraan, to mislead a group of individuals, Rizwan explains the true significance of the story and while telling them that it was the devil who misled, SRK throws three stones at the doctor. This is the same act that is performed by every Muslim during the Haj, where they throw stones at a rock, supposed to be the devil itself. (Some people like Anupama Chopra, who know not better assume this to be a shout fest.)
The movie moves back and forth, between the past and the present, which is presented in the form of a narrative by Rizwan Khan as he travels to try and meet the President of U.S.
The seriousness is broken at various points with funny sequences, but the movie overall remains a serious affair. Kajol's acting is good, but completely overshadowed by SRK's performance.
One of the best movies on Muslims in U.S., post 9/11. It touches the crux of the issue at hand and takes a very strong stand. There are only two kinds of people in this world; Good People and Bad People. It is important to be a good person and shun all other devides. The movie manages to get this across in an excellent manner.
Undoubtedly, My Name is Khan is one of the best movies I have seen on a serious subject in a long time.
