Film

What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases

My Name Is Khan (2010)

Director: Karan Johar

Time Out rating

Average user rating

24 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

Fox’s foray into Bollywood examines the fallout of 9/11 on NRIs (‘Non Resident Indians’) in Bush’s America. Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a Muslim man with Asperger’s syndrome, travels across the USA in order to meet the President. ‘My Name is Khan; I am not a terrorist’ is his mantra. Karan Johar, Bollywood’s biggest director, admirably addresses a sensitive topical issue within the widest commercial context. He incorporates marital strife, communal conflict, racism, bullying, a ‘mamma’ subplot, and a catchy soundtrack (frustratingly not subtitled) to convey his progressive agenda. The result is a film of tonal inconsistency which reflects its simplistic ‘good people/bad people’ view of human nature. Technically accomplished, it’s always engaging due to the credible performances from its beautiful leads, the charismatic Khan and Kajol. Worthy, but flawed.

Author: Anil Sinanan

Time Out London Issue 2060: 11-17 February, 2009

Email Tweet Share

User reviews of this film

Anna said...

Posted on Dec 30 2010 08:56 My Name is Khan is a film well worth watching. Forget about it being a "Bollywood film" as it's not at all like the stereotypical Bollywood movie. MNIK doesn't have any dancing or singing. There are a few songs that play in the background or during montages like in Hollywood.
Shah Rukh Khan gives a fantastic performance in the film, a performance light years away in style from his romantic roles in many of his films. The look of the film is excellent as well with very high production values certainly on par with Hollywood films.

Report as inappropriate
Philip said...

Posted on Dec 18 2010 23:48 Stunning film, almost too excruciating to watch at times. This film has gone into my all time top 10. Watch it!!

Report as inappropriate
maddy said...

Posted on Aug 21 2010 22:04 What's the saying you can lead a horse to water, but not make it drink. You've missed the point, this is noway a "Disney world" film. The last few scenes were a little far fetched. But anyone who suffers from Aspberger's syndrome, been th victim of bullying through race, religion or purely the fact of being "different" were all addressed. A good film hooks you in the first 10 seconds, and I was hooked. The point i if you have aheart then you'd understand. If you've been a victim you'd understand. If you beleive in humanity you'd understand. I guess you just don't fit the brief.

Report as inappropriate
Jay said...

Posted on Jul 24 2010 20:00 If you have not seen this, you have not opened your eyes.
If you are not moved by this, you should check for a pulse.

Report as inappropriate
Viewer said...

Posted on Apr 19 2010 13:50 Good film. One off movie for me. Its not a film i could watch over and over again. SRK and Kajol are great artists and look and work really well together on screen.

Report as inappropriate
haroon said...

Posted on Apr 07 2010 11:05 this movie made me cry but it was fantasic.

Report as inappropriate
Liri said...

Posted on Mar 11 2010 21:23 Fantastic film. SRK at his best. Strongly, Strongly recommended. Have been hesitant to see 3 idiots after being disappointed with Ghajani - will go see.

Report as inappropriate
syam said...

Posted on Mar 11 2010 12:26 can never compared to 3 ideots.3 ideots was the best movie i have watched recently.my name is khan is only an average movie.

Report as inappropriate
kam said...

Posted on Mar 09 2010 21:54 1st half was gud 2nd half just dragged on n on. far fetched n i was hopin film wud end! if karan johar can make films like kkkg khnh kkhh etc why cum up with this s----!

Report as inappropriate
kiran said...

Posted on Mar 02 2010 15:42 this film made me forget all my troubles for abit den lol. loved it portraits western life well i think!!

Report as inappropriate
AspieAtTheMovies said...

Posted on Mar 01 2010 20:38 I have Asperger’s, and thought this was a good movie. Khan is portrayed as having a lot of Aspie symptoms all in one person - I guess otherwise they’d be too subtle for most non-Aspies (we call ‘em “NT’s”).
.
It’s a well-scripted movie starting well before Asperger’s was known about. It has a reasonable pace, good humour, and shows with great accuracy how difficult living in the world can be when you’ve got a couple of Aspie symptoms. Life becomes all the more difficult for Khan after the World Trade Centre collapses on 9/11, and Asians are regarded with great suspicion.
.
The guy playing Khan is very good ... I thought his portrayal of someone with Asperger’s very accurate. Khan’s wife is an excellent actress, especially at the point where her son dies.
.
I agree with the 3 star rating. Go see.

Report as inappropriate
f kay said...

Posted on Feb 22 2010 19:55 both 3 idiots and my mame is khan are meaningful movies.please make more of these film.not the trash they churn out with beauty queens who cat act

Report as inappropriate
GS said...

Posted on Feb 21 2010 17:57 Valerie,
Go see 3 Idiots for a really good thoroughly enjoyable movie!

Report as inappropriate
Valerie said...

Posted on Feb 19 2010 23:51 I thought this was a wonderful film with sensitively handled subject matter and amazing performances. Perhaps a little overblown in the second half as GS has said but never less than enjoyable. Never seen a 'Bollywood' movie before but will not hesitate to in future.

Report as inappropriate
classified said...

Posted on Feb 18 2010 17:18 These films are made to distract folk from the nasties hat are really going on in the world. When you watch the the film you feel great to be be human but step outside and the truth hits you,Is it ever going to change?
and what contribution am i making thats what we should be concerned about, not just wether it was a great movie.

Report as inappropriate