A few years and a few films late, Karan Johar takes it upon himself to share the plight of Muslims post 9-11; by now, not so much a novel concept.  Kurbaan, New York, Pakistani film Khuda Ke Liye, are just a few who have already done so.  Then what is it about My Name is Khan that’s different?  Well its really a man name Khan, Shah Rukh Khan.  Completely owning the film, the actor deserves credit for carrying the film through its high and low points with balance.  While the storytelling by director Karan Johar isn’t always what’s demanded, Shah Rukh is.  If there’s one thing Johar’s made sure he’s done right, it’s extracting the right performance from Khan.  In other areas Karan falls short with his typical melodramatic style, drawing perfect emotions in love and family oriented sequences but going over the top in themes of nationalism and political justice.  The sensitive script needed a director who could handle it with less candy-floss and greater sensibility.  Many scenes could have been subtle vs. dramatized.  The film doesn’t achieve pure Bollywood entertainer status or a solid piece to share in the cross-over cinema world.  It hangs in between with a subject matter holding broad appeal but execution unclear in targeting NRI or commercial audiences.  Still, void of apparent flaws, My Nam is Khan stands tall in delivering a strong message.  The script has its heart and soul in the right place, even with an un-proportioned body. 

The first half of the film engages and forms a sweet love story where Rizwan Khan learns to establish himself and woes the one who makes his heart race faster.  There’s no doubt the chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol is the best decade after decade.  The two share a special magic onscreen.  As the story develops to finally reach the turning points, it appears well-researched and enjoyable.  It’s the second half where serious turns of events occur and every point made thereafter to hit home is over the top to where you question the validity of events.  The whole portion in the ‘South’ with mini Hurricane Katrina is overkill and its execution poor.  With the manner the film concludes it delivers a proud moment for audiences – Indian and American alike, but is half-baked.  Albeit in the midst of dramatic events there are a few shining moments. 

Writer Shibani Bhatija has carefully developed the character portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, Rizwan Khan; an individual who has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism.  The script truly demanded a character with such intricacies because only such a human being could be so genuine and innocent in all his humane endeavors.  Although a hash between Dustin Hoffman in ‘Rainman’ and Tom Hanks in ‘Forest Gump’, Khan brings his own personal touch to Rizwan with endearing qualities that make him nothing short of adorable.  My Name is Khan rests on the laurels of his affectionate appeal and hearty message.  Kajol looks mesmerizing delivering an apt performance.  The child artists in the film from Shah Rukh’s childhood character to the individuals who play the character of Sam are wonderful.  Especially young Rizwan who’s is responsible for establishing the condition of Asperger’s Syndrome; he’s absolutely brilliant.  Zarina Wahab is effective in her brief role as is Sonya Jehan enacting Khan’s sister-in-law.  Jimmy Shergill is wasted but Parveen Dabas leaves a mark.

Music by Shankar Eshaan Loy is perfectly laid out through the film.  Cinematography of San Francisco is gorgeous, art direction of scenes from the south are too staged.  Dialogues are simple but memorable and exemplify the core message clearly.

My Name is Khan has its share of flaws but is not disappointing.  It accomplishes what its set out to do, teach a message of peace and allow you to be proud of your identity who ever you are, where ever you are.  With its beautiful soul and good heart, My Name is Khan satisfies the mind with 3 ½ stars.