According to IMDB, Shah Rukh Khan reportedly said that this was his favorite film in which he acted. I am sure much of it was because he was young and this film helped to make him a breakout star. But when you watch it today, it's obvious he made many, many better and more timeless films.
"Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa" is a romantic comedy where Khan plays a VERY different sort of character. Instead of being his usual suave and self-assured character, here he's a bit of a goofball...VERY clumsy and not especially confident nor bright.
The story concerns Sunil (Khan) and his unrequited love for Anna (Suchitra Krishnamoorthi). This mostly seemed to be because he adores her but is afraid to tell her. But he also is a weasel as he works hard to keep his friend and bandmate from romancing Anna. He's not much of a friend. When this ruse is discovered, it tears the band apart....and they kick him out of the group. Now, friendless, you wonder if Sunil has any chance at a happy ending.
The style is pure 1990s comedy. When I sat that, I mean it has the usual cliches (such as people tripping or having accidents because it's wacky) and the music is very much like 1990s Indian music...with that tinny, canned sound that disappeared by 2000. In other words, the film lacks the sophistication and excellent technical qualities that later made Indian films the equal to Hollywood's in quality. I am not a fan of these earlier broad comedies....and it's probably since I am an American and never grew up with this style film. Instead, I didn't start watching Indian flicks until about 2000....and I really came to have high expectations for the country's films.
So is it worth seeing? Perhaps....especially if you love these older style comedies. But for folks not familiar with the country's films or Shah Rukh Khan, I suggest you instead try some of his newer films first. Now I noticed that most of the reviewers adored it...and I know I am the oddball here. Chances are they grew up with this style film and it really appealed to them....which is certainly understandable. I just found it a bit underwhelming...especially when I think of SRK in such brilliant films as "My Name is Khan", "Hey Ram", "Billu" or "Om Shanti Om" (among others).
"Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa" is a romantic comedy where Khan plays a VERY different sort of character. Instead of being his usual suave and self-assured character, here he's a bit of a goofball...VERY clumsy and not especially confident nor bright.
The story concerns Sunil (Khan) and his unrequited love for Anna (Suchitra Krishnamoorthi). This mostly seemed to be because he adores her but is afraid to tell her. But he also is a weasel as he works hard to keep his friend and bandmate from romancing Anna. He's not much of a friend. When this ruse is discovered, it tears the band apart....and they kick him out of the group. Now, friendless, you wonder if Sunil has any chance at a happy ending.
The style is pure 1990s comedy. When I sat that, I mean it has the usual cliches (such as people tripping or having accidents because it's wacky) and the music is very much like 1990s Indian music...with that tinny, canned sound that disappeared by 2000. In other words, the film lacks the sophistication and excellent technical qualities that later made Indian films the equal to Hollywood's in quality. I am not a fan of these earlier broad comedies....and it's probably since I am an American and never grew up with this style film. Instead, I didn't start watching Indian flicks until about 2000....and I really came to have high expectations for the country's films.
So is it worth seeing? Perhaps....especially if you love these older style comedies. But for folks not familiar with the country's films or Shah Rukh Khan, I suggest you instead try some of his newer films first. Now I noticed that most of the reviewers adored it...and I know I am the oddball here. Chances are they grew up with this style film and it really appealed to them....which is certainly understandable. I just found it a bit underwhelming...especially when I think of SRK in such brilliant films as "My Name is Khan", "Hey Ram", "Billu" or "Om Shanti Om" (among others).