Karthik Calling Karthik Movie Review

Have you ever received a call from yourself? Is it possible in the first place? There are several theories doing the rounds about the two Karthiks in this movie. So what is it? Is Karthik hallucinating? Does he have a double role? Or a split personality? For most parts of the film, you actually buy the explanation that Karthik does receive calls from, well, Karthik.

Let's accept the fact that a concept like this instinctively generates curiosity in the film. But the real test is to make the story work in those 2 hours. Also - this is vital - the identity of the caller should come as a jolt when the film concludes.

KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK works in parts, but during the penultimate part, when the story shifts from Mumbai to Kerala, the sand castle, so beautifully built by debutante director Vijay Lalwani, gets washed away.

One doesn't want to challenge the behavioural patterns of a person with a certain disorder, but when it comes to the big screen, when you are narrating a story on celluloid, you need to do a lot of spoon-feeding and make it look convincing. In this case, unfortunately, the finale is just not convincing and therefore, acts as a spoilsport.

Meet Karthik [Farhan Akhtar], an introvert by nature and shy by choice. Karthik suffers with huge confidence issues and is miserable at his average job that yields less than average results. His boss [Ram Kapoor] treats him like dirt. Shonali [Deepika Padukone], his colleague, who he secretly loves, doesn't even know that he exists. Karthik is a loser. He knows it. He accepts it.

Suddenly, one night, the phone rings. And Karthik speaks to someone he never thought he would. He speaks to a man who also claims to be Karthik. The man on the phone says he's here to change Karthik's life. Karthik accepts the phone in his life and soon it becomes his guide, his mentor, his friend, his guardian.

KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK is a love story as also a suspense fare that teases your mind. Any love story works if the chemistry and also the moments between the on-screen lovers looks real and the chemistry between Farhan and Deepika works well.

Correspondingly, a suspense film works if the viewer keeps guessing what the culmination to the story would be. The mystery only deepens when not only Karthik, but also his girlfriend and psychiatrist are engulfed in this storm. All hell breaks loose when Karthik's life goes upside down and Karthik is back to square one. But from this point onwards, the graph of the film only goes downwards.

Debutante director Vijay Lalwani knows his job well, but he's letdown by his own writing. The second hour not only looks stretched [two songs flow one after the other, with the story coming to a grinding halt], but the pace also gets excruciatingly slow at this juncture. The climax, as mentioned earlier, is a complete downer.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's musical score is an asset. The film has some lilting tunes. Cinematography [Sanu John Varughese] is perfect. Dialogues are simple mostly and at times, very witty.

This is Farhan Akhtar's third film as an actor and it must be said that he takes giant strides when it comes to acting. The story throws several challenges at him and fortunately, he emerges trumps in the most difficult moments. This is, by far, his best work.

Deepika Padukone looks bewitching and acts natural throughout. Ram Kapoor is fantastic. Why don't we see him so frequently on the big screen? Shifaali Shah is excellent. Vivan Bhatena is good. Tarana, Vipin Sharma and Yatin Karyekar are serviceable.

On the whole, KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK is a decent product with an unconvincing conclusion. Watch it for the wonderful performances of Farhan and Deepika, if you have to. Caters to the youth in metros mainly.

My Name Is Khan Sets New Highs In All Markets

My Name Is Khan set the box office on fire abroad as it set new highs in all markets. The internationl markets business was a humungous 25 crore. The business of major markets is as follow.

United Kingdom - £936,000

(Previous Best Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - £749,243)

North America US$1,860,000

(Previous Best Om Shanti Om - US$1,764,141)

Middle East - US$890,000

(Previous Best Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - US$830,000)

Australia - US$380,000

(Previous Best Three Idiots - US$350,000

My Name Is Khan more Reviews

Mayank Shekhar : Hindustan Times
A commercially successful, massively scaled mainstream film that doesn’t just make a song and dance of it all could certainly change Bollywood forever. Of all, I’m glad Johar also made that move. Sure, this movie’s a risk. Shouldn’t each be anyway?

Gaurav Malani : INDIATIMES MOVIES
Like his placard that reads ‘Repair almost anything’, Shah Rukh Khan makes up for every minor inconsistency in the film. My Name is Khan is worth a watch on his name alone.

india-server.com
‘My Name is Khan’ is definitely a movie of substance and is a must watch for both Shah Rukh’s fans and the ones wanting to see a logical nice movie!

Anupama Chopra : movies.ndtv.com
Rizwan is undeniably the best thing about My Name is Khan. Shah Rukh’s performance has little subtlety about it – for that watch Hugh Dancy doing Asperger’s in Adam – but it is heartfelt, endearing and more controlled than anything he’s ever done before. Watch him in a lovely scene in which Kajol accepts his proposal or how he restrains his tears so that his eyes brim but never well over.
I recommend that you see Khan for him. The film itself is too uneven to give us the emotional high we were waiting for.

Mihir Fadnavis : India.com
Director Karan Johar, the visionary that he is, injects new life into the stale Bollywood drama genre by introducing a mentally handicapped leading man and his loving wife, only to pull the rug from under us by transposing their roles when you least expect it. The acting is expectedly over the top, but MNIK thankfully does not completely reduce SRK, one of the best screen actors of all time, to a mugging embarrassment. Shahrukh really tries hard to dole up a studied, thoughtful performance, but the story is just terrible and written, no doubt, to accommodate several agendas. The ploy works, for SRK’s Rizwan Khan WILL melt fans’ hearts and leave them chanting, ‘Filmfare award! Filmfare award!! Get this guy a Filmfare award!!’

Taran Adarsh : Bollywoodhungama.com
On the whole, MY NAME IS KHAN is a fascinating love story, has an angle of religion and a world-shaking incident as a backdrop. It not only entertains, but also mesmerises, enthrals and captivates the viewer in those 2.40 hours. At the same time, a film like MY NAME IS KHAN is sure to have a far-reaching influence due to its noble theme. I strongly advocate, don’t
miss this one!

Shweta Parande : ibnlive.in.com
My Name is Khan is unlike any other Karan Johar-directed film, although it has glimpses of his past work. It does not have masala, no mindless song and dance, and no comic fillers. It has a very strong main message, and several others tucked in.
KJo has sure come a long way from candyfloss.

Raja Sen : movies.rediff.com
My Name Is Khan is a film that will have the galleries cheering and making sure there aren’t many dry eyes in the house. The applause will ring wild and while many might complain that Johar has simply ditched old movie cliches for more American ones, none can argue that the segue seems surprisingly seamless.
Karan Johar’s finally made his first grown-up film, and made it well. It could have been the stuff of much more, but let us leave that for another day. This is a film that will inspire, make aware, make happy.

Amit Tiwari : Samaylive.com
A fascinating love story
The film ‘My name Is Khan’ is prestigious project for Karan Johar as a director. After Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Ghum, Johar once again returned with SRK-Kajol pair on celluloid.
MNIK’s success will be proved as a landmark in Karan Johar’s directorial career.

Harshita Kohli : Starboxoffice.com

Kajol is brilliant and this time her eyes do a lot more tlaking than her words. Watch out for the change in emotions reflected so beautifully in her eyes as the film goes through its turmoils. The screenplay clearly shows that both Shibani Bathija and Karan Johar have done their research and done it well. You can see that in SRK’s mannerisms and in the bigger picture.
But the true credit of the film goes to only one person – Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan carries the story entirely on his shoulder without any crutches of make-up and prosthetics, his signature lover boy image left at the door along with the designer clothes or larger than life dialogues.

My Name Is Khan Has Huge Opening

My Name Is Khan opened to huge response with an opening of 90-100% at multiplexes. Single screens were in the 70-80% region. The film had release problems in Mumbai circuit but wherever it managed to get a screening there were huge crowds to see the film. The critics have given 4/5 stars but public reports are not at the same level. Reports are good but not outstanding like Three Idiots. Overall the film should emerge a winner and time will tell how big.


Striker had dull first week with business under 1.25 crore nett. DISASTER

Ishqiya sustained pretty well in week two with a 50% drop. The film did around 7 crore nett business for a two week total of 21 crore nett but with My Name Is Khan opening to such a huge response, Ishqiya may not be able to do much more business.

Source : http://www.boxofficeindia.com

My Name is Khan Movie Review

MY NAME IS KHAN makes two strong statements...

* The first: B.C. and A.D. are designations used to label years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. There's a third designation now - 9/11. Post September 11, the world stands divided. Terrorist outfits continue to strike in the name of religion and the common man, not even remotely associated with these groups, is bearing the brunt. The world is not a safe place anymore.

* The second statement: There're two sets of people in this world - the good and the bad. No matter how strong the evil forces are, good always triumphs.

MY NAME IS KHAN mirrors the era we live in. Not a day goes by when you haven't heard/read/watched news of terror attacks and innocents being killed. We live in turbulent times. Also, the movie states - and states very strongly, without mincing words - Not all Muslims are terrorists.

Karan Johar's cinema got more real from KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA onwards. In MY NAME IS KHAN, the storyteller attempts to make a social statement and succeeds completely. At the same time, it takes no sides. If the protagonist says 'My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist', it also exposes those who misadvise the youth with inflammatory and rabble-rousing speeches.

Karan's take on the issue deserves the highest praise, since a subject like this is difficult to attempt. Final word? MY NAME IS KHAN is Karan, SRK and Kajol's best outing to date. Do I need to add anything more?

Rizvan Khan [Shah Rukh Khan moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother [Jimmy Shergill] and sister-in-law [Sonya Jehan]. Rizvan, who has Asperger's syndrome, falls in love with Mandira [Kajol]. Despite protests from his brother, they get married and start a small business together. They are happy until September 11, when attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change.

When tragedy strikes, Mandira is devastated and they split. Rizvan is confused and upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey across America.

Let me alert you. The story unfolds feverishly from the very start itself. So if you miss a scene or two, chances are you would've missed some vital links in the story. The fact is, there's too much happening in the first half. Although the narrative tends to get leisurely-paced at times, the wheels continue to move from one episode to another.

A number of sequences are endearing. For instance, the romance between SRK and Kajol is subtle, yet charming. But it's SRK's relationship with Kajol and their kid that's one of the best parts of the movie. Your heart bleeds when an accident occurs and their lives are torn apart. Kajol's outburst - first, when her son meets with a catastrophe and second, when she confronts SRK - are truly shattering.

MY NAME IS KHAN's strength lies in the fact that you root for Khan all through. At the same time, you are weighed down when he's in a vulnerable situation, especially when he's labelled a terrorist and thrown behind bars. You don't realize it, but the fact is that you, as a spectator, have already got entwined in Rizvan and Mandira's lives.

There's a slight hitch in the second hour, when SRK returns to Georgia to save a hurricane-ravaged hamlet. Also, the media exercise tends to add to the length of the film. Nonetheless, it's a minor hiccup that doesn't rob the film of its punch.

There's just one word to illustrate Karan's direction - exemplary. One of the finest storytellers of our generation, he deserves brownie points for deviating from 'Karan Johar brand of cinema' and attempting a film that knocks on your heart and stimulates your mind. With MY NAME IS KHAN, Karan takes rapid strides as a storyteller.

Shibani Bathija's screenplay is truly arresting. Shibani and Niranjan Iyengar's dialogues are noteworthy and many a times, applaud-worthy. Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography is awe-inspiring. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music gels well with the nature of the film.

When a film stars two of the finest talents of the country, you expect nothing but the best. SRK, well, how does one describe his performance? To state that this is his best work so far would be cutting short the praise he truly deserves. In fact, no amount of praise can do sufficient justice to his portrayal of Rizvan Khan, who has Asperger's syndrome. His latest work is several notches above anything he has done before. The only compliment that I can think of is, SRK has a new screen-name now. Raj is passe, Rizvan it is.

Kajol is pure dynamite and casting her for this character was the most appropriate decision. No other actress could've matched SRK in histrionics the way Kajol has. In fact, SRK and Kajol compliment each other wonderfully well and this film only proves it yet again. It's a powerhouse performance from this supremely talented actress.

The film boasts of a number of capable actors, but the ones who leave a rock-solid impact are - in this order - Zarina Wahab, Sonya Jehan, Jimmy Shergill, Arjun Mathur, Parvin Dabas and Arif Zakaria. Sugandha Garg is confident. Navneet Nishan supports well. Vinay Pathak leaves a mark in a brief role. Tanay Chheda [young SRK] and Yuvaan Makaar [SRK and Kajol's son Sameer] are excellent. The American actors, especially the kid who plays Sameer's friend, deserves mention.

On the whole, MY NAME IS KHAN is a fascinating love story, has an angle of religion and a world-shaking incident as a backdrop. It not only entertains, but also mesmerises, enthrals and captivates the viewer in those 2.40 hours. At the same time, a film like MY NAME IS KHAN is sure to have a far-reaching influence due to its noble theme. I strongly advocate, don't miss this one!

Milenge Milenge to Hit Screen this March

It's finally time for Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor to reunite on-screen as their long delayed film 'Milenge Milenge' is set to hit theatres on March 5, 2010. The release date has been confirmed by producer Boney Kapoor who continues to be passionate about his pet project in spite of it being in the making for half a decade.

"The principal shooting of the film is wrapped up and we are neck deep in post production. 5th March has been confirmed for release and we are finalising our marketing and promotional strategy," Kapoor said.


The film's leading lady, Kareena Kapoor has meanwhile silenced detractors who raised questions as to whether the former couple will come together to promote the film.

"I can't help it if the media chooses to report things based on their whims and fancies. Did I ever say that I won't be working with Shahid? In fact I loved Shahid in 'Kaminey'. He was superb there. Our personal equation can't define our professional relationship," said Kareena.

Shahid and Kareena were last seen together in the 2007 hit 'Jab We Met' which re-energised their fizzling careers and Kapoor hopes that the film directed by Satish Kaushik will achieve similar success. Shooting for 'Milenge Milenge' had begun in 2004 and this was the time when the real life love story between Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor was blossoming. Though the film was fighting it's own production battles, there was a subsequent halt when Shahid and Kareena broke up.

Many felt that the film may never see the light of the day but Boney Kapoor as well as director Satish Kaushik were confident that 'Milenge Milenge' will definitely hit the marquee. In fact the industry was quite surprised when the first theatrical promo of 'Milenge Milenge' was unveiled a couple of months back. Kareena is now gearing up to promote the film and said that she has no problems sharing the stage with Shahid.

"When I am willing to do films with him, why would I hesitate from the promotional perspective? There were reports some time back that I had said 'No' to shooting for a music video with him to promote 'Milenge Milenge'. Now someone has to tell me where did that come from? I am there for the makers whenever they call me," said the actress.

Boney Kapoor whose last production, Salman Khan starrer 'Wanted' was a superhit is meanwhile keeping his fingers crossed. Himesh Reshammiya is composing the music for 'Milenge Milenge' and the film also enjoys the status of a solo release since there is no other film planned for a 5th March opening.