Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa

Best Shahrukh Khan movie (swades follows closely) till date. This movie was shot during his pre-Baazigar days and you can see rawness in his acting. Even Shahrukh admits that this is his best film. He played the role of Sunil to a T. Though the character had negative shades it was loved by all. It was also Kundan's Hindi film after a long time (the first being Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron). He brought many actors of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron like Naseer, Satish Shah, Ravi Baswani into this film. The songs were also amazing. Among the best Jatin Lalit albums. Songs like Ae Kaash Ke Hum, Deewana Dil Deewana are still remembered for its freshness.

There are only very few actors who can play the ordinary man with extraordinary talent and skills. Shahrukh Khan is one such actor. While he is more known for his larger than life films (such as 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Devdas' etc) it is in roles such as Sunil, Raju (of 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman') or Rahul (of 'Yes Boss') that I prefer him most. 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' is one of his greatest achievements and among his most underrated films. He beautifully brings Sunil to life and had I not been aware that I was watching a movie, I wouldn't have known that Khan was acting.

For me, Sunil is one of the most unique and memorable characters in Hindi cinema yet he is so easily recognizable. He's not the son of a millionaire, not an A-grade student, not popular with women. He's vibrant. He's talented. He's carefree. He lies. He IS just a regular guy. One that you must have known sometime somewhere. I see a lot of myself in Sunil. His despair for Anna's love, his passion for music, his indifference towards his academic failure, have all been displayed with gusto by Mr. Khan.

Kundan Shah's direction is outstanding. He keeps everything including execution, story, props and setting, simple and that's what makes 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' so easy to relate to. His portrayal of Sunil's relationships with the people in his life that includes his family, his band members, the girl he loves, a priest and his boss is very real and down to earth. Thankfully, nothing is sugarcoated. Shah stays focused and does it all with a very subtle approach. Even the brother sister relationship which was given very little screen time, flourishes beautifully on screen and, in my opinion, it is one of the best depiction of a sibling relationship.

The background score flows very well with the film and the songs are great. My favourites include the ballad 'Sachchi Yeh Kahani Hai' and the soulful 'Ae Kaash Ke Hum', both of which have been beautifully visualized. Actually all the songs are nicely picturized including the funny 'Kyun Na Hum' and 'Anna Mere Pyar', the sad 'Woh To Hai Albela' and the romantic 'Deewana Dil Deewana'.

Though 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' is Shahrukh Khan's film, most of the supporting cast is very effective. Naseeruddin Shah as the priest/Sunil's confidant is totally awesome. Tiku Talsania and Goga Kapoor are hilarious. Of Sunil's friend Kurush Deboo stands out. However, Suchitra Krishnamurty and Deepak Tijori are merely okay.

In a nutshell, 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' is one of my all-time favourite films. It's one of the rarest of its kind, truly a gem of a movie.

Missing out this movie is like missing to pick a diamond among other polished/cut crystals. It is a very special film. Rare coming together of several veteran actors and creative people. Its a rare mix of unusual flavors.

Kundan Shah's previous film 'Jaane bhi do yaaron' is considered one of the best comedies made in Hindi films. And then this happened.

I think no one on earth can do this character better than Shahrukh. This role is meant for Shahrukh, I don't think the greatest of actors could have played it better.

The thing I like about this, it has several scenes which on the surface appear funny.. but kind of captures rare moments that everyone can relate too..

Like Sunil fidgeting about the exam results, like feeling guilty while facing the consequences of a lie, like Sunil fumbling to express his love for Anna to her parents, like moments of jealously when Sunil realizes that he is losing his girl to an apparently better looking friend, like trying desperately correct a situation that has gone all wrong ...

Its impossible to not 'feel' for the character, while on the surface its the usual flamboyant Shahrukh playing it.. I end of watching it with a smile on the face while strong feeling connected to what is happening on screen.

It captures heartache and pangs of jealously beautifully, not the dramatic in exaggerated way made with an intent to make you cry. I guess some people do not relate to the movie because they do not have a Sunil inside them - the average, bumbling, problem kid who always messes up and wishes things weren't the way they are...

All in all an entertaining film, while not so complex that subtitles are needed for those not overly proficient in Hindi. SRK is in his blustery talk-his-way-out-of-everything mood here, chasing after an Anna who looks 14 and is entirely silly -- her playback singer isn't all that great. The rivalry between him and Chris is actually well done and sincere-sounding, a rarity for Bollywood. Kind of throws you off that Udit Narayan's singing for Chris in this movie, if you've gotten used to thinking of that as SRK's voice. Father Braganza is a great character, showing interreligious cameraderie and not set up as a comedic figure (unlike Catholic priests in several other movies, both Indian and American). Goa's beauty shines through the whole thing and makes any story seem believable, even this one.

The movie was released at the time when SRK had begun his steps towards stardom. This is by far his best performance to date. The story is very simple and entertaining. Kundan Shah does a good job in direction. A simple love triangle melded with hummable numbers and some comedy makes the movie superb.

The support cast have done proper justice to their job. Whether it's Deepak or Naseerudin or Anjan or Ashutosh. But the charm of the movie is the débutante Suchitra who plays her role of Ana as beautifully as she is in looks.

And above all, SRK with his lifetime best role. Critics of SRK should watch this movie as SRK gives a Baadshah performance even though he plays the role of a simple Town guy. His act as Sunil, so simple but yet so convincing. One feels as SRK is playing their role, when he talks, when he fancies Ana, when he laughs and even when he cries. It all seems so natural. My rating - 9/10