My Name Is Khan

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.