I am not a terrorist.

My Name is Khan.

Shahrukh Khan plays Khan, an autistic man who is on a mission. His mission is to meet the president of the United States and say “My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist.”

That’s the premise of this amazing, thought provoking, powerful film. I suffered through an emotional roller coaster here to bring you this review. The highs of this film are great, and lows are very low. And you will get angry during this film, and you will cry and you will feel the pain of all the characters.

I don’t want to discuss the plot here, but it involves typical Bollywood style (love story), but it doesn’t have any musical numbers (there is just background music with montage sequences – no dancing). I only mention that because some who read this blog don’t care for the dancing – even though I like it. It’s not in this film because it’s not needed.

I don’t want to spoil too much for you, but I will tell you one scene – Khan finds that the president is attending a dinner service in the name of an African charity. This charity gives to the starving children of Africa. So Khan, knowing that the President will be there decides to attend, but it costs a minimum donation of $500 to attend. Khan gives the money to the receptionist (who is obviously annoyed at him – maybe because of his race, or because he is autistic – its not clear). She says “You know it’s 500 dollars to have dinner with the President.” He produces the money and she says “You know this is for Christians only – are you Christian?” He says no, and she comments “Well then you cant attend, here is your money back.” Khan says “keep the money and give it to the African children who aren’t Christian.”

That is pretty dry, but the driest thing about that is that Khan doesn’t understand that it was dry. He never means to harm anyone or hurt their feelings, but he only speaks in logical terms. He wasn’t trying to be dry. There are some great moments like that.

The message of this movie is given in the opening scene where Khan’s mother tells him that there are only two kinds of people in the world, good people and bad, and the colour of their skin and their religion has nothing to do with it.

This movie is must watch for everyone. In fact I would go so far as to make this mandatory viewing in schools too.

5/5

J-Man.