MNIK Review

MNIK is a sincere effort put forth by Karan Johar and his two best friends, Shah Rukh and Kajol to give the audience, an important message, that not all Musalman’s are terrorists. Read on to find how well the effort paid off!

The plot is about an autism-struck individual, who is not just normal but much above normal. He can weave any machines, repair anything that is remotely motor and is highly innocent-yet-sharp!

The scene of Rizwan Khan’s childhood, where his single mother imbibes rich values pertaining to religion, by showing a simple picture of a man beating a kid and the other where a man is offering candy to the boy, moves one’s heart completely. He grows up memorising words instilled by his mother. Within minutes of the movie you feel proud of booking that seat. His habit of scripting everything reminds one of namma Ghajini sir :)

Demise of Rizwan’s mother, leads to him moving to San Francisco with his brother (Jimmy Shergill), who has an established business. His wife, a psychology professor, is tender and spiritual. She slowly understands Khan and his phobia for crowded places, loud noise and bright colours. He also joins brothers business and is responsible for marketing of beauty products. Rizwan does the needful, but not before he tries to “glow like a newly wed bride” himself. His candid nature, flow of words, expression of anger, fear and love, keeps you interested despite the slow pace. His attraction to Mandira (Kajol), a single-mom of a seven-year-old, shows another side of the man who dreams of a love life, becomes effortlessly romantic and cunningly flirty when required. Like any lover, he doesn’t hesitate to drool or ask for a date or even propose, without going down on knees.

Soon, the Hindu lady is in awe and decides to become Mrs Khan. Then starts the fall of their little world, with the terror attack on 9/11. The country turns volatile to the Muslim community. Khan's family undergoes business loss, hatred and finally a cruel moment of sheer vengeance. Mandira, erupts with anger and decides to get rid of the Khan factor in her life. Thus begins the journey of Mr Khan to meet the President of USA to pass an important message.

From here, starts a series of faulty elements in the movie and the script visibly loses its way. One will see just about anything like Hurricanes, formation of terrorist groups, US elections and the obvious scene of FBI's cruelty to Khan. The scene where Rizwan reaches the hurricane hit area, where even the sophisticated US army could not, leaves you wondering if you are still watching the same movie that moved you initially.

Karan Johar’s failure is prominent, considering he did not complete the movie with the zest, it began with. The script swayed from depicting an innocent muslim man, with very straight-forward ideologies to show a superman, minus the flying skills.

MNIK is worth a watch for the smooth and effortless acting of both Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, but definitely not for its loose storyline. For Karan Johar, it’s a good effort mate, but certainly not the best!