10/10
A brilliant gem
15 March 2007
Some movies never age, time does not cast a patina of dullness on them. Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa is one such film. The story is so simple you cannot describe what it is all about. Yet the emotions the movie invokes are so profound it turns into a huge deal. Sunil (Shahrukh Khan) is a college kid with only two desires - that he win the love of Anna (Suchitra Krishnamurthy) and that he become a successful musician. Anna love Chris (Deepak Tijori) who is a fellow band member. BTW - do not forget to watch out for Imran (Ashutosh Gowarikar), one of the other band members! Sunil makes every attempt to win Anna, some attempts are above board, others are less than ethical. Father Briganza (Naseeruddin Shah) is his compass and keeps trying to set him back on the right path. Does Sunil succeed in winning his heart's desire? Does he remain an immature young man or does he complete his journey into manhood? Can and should every human being be judged by the same yardstick? The movie answers these questions while providing us with valuable lessons about life...

Shahrukh is astounding in the role of Sunil. If you do not see yourself in Sunil then you will certainly see a friend or sibling. He is childish, spoilt, loving, mature, conniving, naive, generous, vulnerable, tragic - he runs the gamut of emotions one experienced in the yo-yo phase of youth and you feel for Sunil and identify with him at every turn. This is clearly one of the defining roles in the career of an actor who is now a mega-star. Suchitra does a fine job as the bubbly Anna, Deepak Tijori is good as the other guy, Naseer Shah is brilliant - but do we expect any less? However, this film belongs to Shahrukh and according to him remains one of his most favorite roles.

Jatin Lalit provide excellent music that grows on you quietly. Deewana Dil Deewana, Kyun Na Ham Mil Ke Pyara Kare, Anna Tere Pyar Ko, Sacchi Yeh Kahani Hai Sun Lo Meri Jaan, Woh To Hai Albela are all very pleasing numbers, but THE song of the film is Ai Kash Ke Hum Hosh Mein Aane Na Paayen. It is exquisite in composition, execution, and in the emotions expressed by the lead pair.

Kundan Shah directs with a deft hand and produces a film that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of that age of angst we all go through when life is beautiful yet every moment could be an extreme of emotions - extreme joy, extreme pain.

This movie is a keeper and worth many a repeat watch.
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