Here comes the W.A.R. (Warrior Against Racism)

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The image of him standing on a deserted highway with a sign board that reads 'Repair almost anything' is true to the soul of this one of its kind tale of a man. -Karan Johar, My Name is Khan director.

Have you ever been so enthused about a movie that when you see its trailer, you get the feeling that it's a must movie to watch?

If you haven't, then try viewing the 2010 Bollywood movie My Name is Khan. It is a heartwarming story of an ordinary man who went through an extraordinary journey for love. The film is made with sincerity and compassion; it grapples with the most urgent and fraught issue that has always faced humanity - religious differences.

The story revolves around Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a Muslim with Asperger's syndrome, a milder form of autism which impairs the protagonist's social communication skills and gives him some odd behavior patterns. He can't stand loud sounds abd hates the color yellow. He can't also tell a lie and can barely bring himself to hug someone. Despite his oddity, he finds love and a family with a Hindu woman, MAndira Rathos (Kajol Mukherjee) and her son Sameer (Yuvaan Makar).

Unfortunately, the wheels of fate suddenly turned, and the happy home falls apart due to racism in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. After Sameer becomes a victim of an anti-Muslim attack, Mandira throws Rizvan out, and he takes her command literally. Driven by deep love for his wife, Rizvan parts with the promise not to return until he meets the U.S. President and tells him one thing: "My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist."

The film is brimming over with scenes that will encourage you and relentlessly move you to tears, not because they are uplifting, inspiring and heart-rending. My name is Khan is somewhat comparable with the award-winning Hollywood film Forrest Gump which starred famous actor Tom Hanks. Although both movies are often compared in most reviews, My name is Khan could never surpass the smooth yet creative flow of the American film because this Bollywood movie's delicate rhythm wobbles in some scenes where it jumps from one setting to another. Despite this, the contrast of cultures is a reminder that Bollywood is indeed different form Hollywood.

Still, My Name is Khan is a total character piece. Shah Rukh Khan was stupendous as he portrayed his role as an endlessly fascinating person. He never once lost grip in his character despite the mannerisms, the awkward body language, and the distinct speech style. Kajol Mukherjee was commendable as well, as she pitches in such a restrained yet dramatic act in one of the most difficult scenes of the film which will simply blow you away. Other casts like Yuvaan Makar, Zarina Wahab (Rizvan's mother), and Jimmy Shergill (Rizvan's brother) also bolted brilliant portrayals of their seemingly unnoticeable but essential roles.

More to these, the direction of Karan Johar comes of age. He tells a complex story with sparkling simplicity, without forgetting that the cinema is primarily meant to entertain. The story, music, and cinematography are expansive, brimming over with soulful, uplifting tracks creating a dreamy San Francisco canvas where the Mumbai concept remains so real, so downtown, and so back-alley.

Overall, it's a tale of triumph of this indomitable spirit of Rizvan Khan that touches you, moves you, makes you cry and enlightens you with its delightful message that no matter whom your God is, what your religion is, and where you put your faith and trust, the path of God is of love and acceptance, not of hatred and war. No human race is superior, no religion or faith is inferior. Everyone has the right to be treated fair.

The film is a total thumbs-up for it gives you the odd enthusiastic feeling that urges you for a second viewing. Oh! Before I forget, his name is Khan, from the epiglottis (read deep, inner recesses), not 'kaan' from the any-which-way upper surface but Kha-khan -- the man who repairs almost anything.


PS. This movie review is published on the FORWARD Magazine, the official student publication of the University of San Jose - Recoletos. All rights reserved. No part of this article shall be used for any purpose without prior explicit permission from the writer or from FORWARD Publications.