Koi... Mil Gaya

"Koi... Mil Gaya" is a step in the right direction for Hrithik Roshan and Bollywood in general. The former finally has found another role since "Fiza" that is worthy of his talent, a role that's neither purely fluff in a likewise fluff or worse film (AMALL,YAADEIN,MDK...) or a crass miscast (MPKDH), and the latter steps into new territory concerning suitable subjects and use of modern sfx. Both are rewarded with a superhit as a result. The film is not doing as well in UK and US as in India where it's on target to leave K3G, Devdas, Lagaan and KNPH behind. The reason is most likely that NRIs are more familiar with Hollywood films which KMG is a copy of, and stick more to mushy family/romance/love-potboilers than new Hollywood like experiments coming from the motherland. The usual description of KMG as a mix of "E.T." and "Forrest Gump" is mostly correct. The film adopts many ideas from "E.T." beyond the concept of an alien landing on earth and making friends with kids. It also borrows from several other Hollywood films. That's somewhat irritating if you are familiar with these films, but fortunately the indianisation and mixing has been done quite nicely, and there is enough material around that does not immediately ring a bell and looks fresh. Also irritating is the product placement, a necessary evil, it seems, to co-finance such a big film without banks or the Bollywood mafia. Technically the film is clearly above average for Bollywood and some of the sfx are near Hollywood quality. The alien can't compete with the original E.T.. It's too plastic and artificial for that, but it grew on me nonetheless. The wire (removal) effects in Bollywood films are usually amateurish and blatantly unrealistic. In KMG they look pretty professional, even when they are obvious (in the song "Idhar Chala") and help create a magical mood. (The song "Idhar Chala" is a little gem, by the way, an instant classic, that will surely get awards for best choreography next year.) The CGI birds look pretty fake on the other hand, and the integration of the CGI for the spaceship's landing crater is halfbaked with incorrect 3D perspective and visible seams. The performances are quite good throughout, but the film clearly belongs to Hrithik Roshan from start to finish. As a boy in a man's body he delivers a performance that can compete with good work from any actor anywhere. Award nominations galore next year are a certainty and wins hardly less. It's the kind of performance that triggers a reevaluation of what someone can and should do and it will hopefully bring him lots of good role offers beyond the stereotypical loverboy with biceps that shakes a leg before he walks into the sunset with his dulhan. KMG is quite enjoyable, not only for kids, and it will have its place in the history of Bollywood as a film that made a difference. And that is a nice achievement.

Koi Mil Gaya is a nice film for the entire family, but mostly for children. Not much does it offer to adults. It does not mean the film is bad or something, I really enjoyed it for being a very well-made movie, but it's just not a film anyone would want to watch twice. To its credit, this is one of the only sci-fi films made in Hindi cinema, and it has succeeded as such. It benefits from great music, effective special effects, but above all, Hrithik Roshan's extraordinary performance as a mentally disabled young man. It also has lovely appearances from other actors, including Preity Zinta's light yet great portrayal of a modern young woman who learns to communicate with Hrithik's Rohit, and Rekha's moving act of his mother who is in a daily struggle with her son's defect. But these ladies succeed because they are two actresses of great screen presence. Otherwise the film was clearly made by Rakesh Roshan for his son. I frankly get a bit angered that all three of his films starring his son did not give any notable scope to other actors but were mainly created to promote Hrithik. The film is considered to be revolutionary, while clearly it is not. We had Mr India in 1987 which was in my view better at its time. Koi Mil Gaya is similar to E.T, but frankly pales in comparison. This Jaadoo, while a sweet creature, is plastic. BTW, he can't act (just kidding!). Anyway, the film is worth watching for its innovative concept and light, endearingly childish script.

Just came back from seeing this film on opening day after waiting four months....and can say it was definitely worth the wait. The acting is top-notch -- Rekha is wonderful as the mother, Hrithik pulls off his character with aplomb, Preity does a splendid job as the new girl in town, and Johnny Lever has never been funnier. Even the super six do a great job! The story reworks elements from the Mahabharata into an ET-/Close Encounters-style science film story. All the production elements are terrific: music score, song-and-dance numbers (including a wonderful homage to Singing in the Rain), camerawork, lighting, and -- yes -- the spaceship special effects. One particularly amazing dance sequence has Hrithik cavorting with his own shadow. An instant classic that we'll be talking about for years to come. Congrats to all involved!

Rakesh Roshan after launching Hrithik in KNPH(2000) re-launched him literally with KOI MIL GAYAA 3 years later

The film seems inspired from ET and reminds us of FOREST GUMP, SPIDERMAN.etc but the film has strong emotional quotient which works in it's favour

You have the 90's type comedians, too much dance, some romance and a lot superficial scenes

Yet the first half is full of fun, the scenes where Hrithik are bullied, all the scenes were he is in distress move you Even his scenes with Preity are good while Rekha and he too have several good scenes

The interval point introduces Jadoo here things look too fake compared to ET like him uttering crap Hindi words but you forgive such things in Hindi Movies The film does drag towards the climax and the film is ended too too fast

Direction by Rakesh Roshan is the best in dramatics Music is good

Hrithik lives his role to the T, in fact for most of the film you forget you're watching Hrithik but Rohit instead He is brilliant in emotions, comedy and everything This film was a turning point in his flagging career Preity too does a decent job, though there are some scenes where she does her usual annoying shouting Amongst kids Hansika is a delight, so is the Jatt guy and the others Johny is funny Mukesh Rishi is alright Prem Chopra hams as usual, Rajiv Verma is as usual too Rajat Bedi is good in his part Rekha excels, Rakesh Roshan is good in a cameo

This is a thoroughly entertaining movie (except for the melodramatic scenes in the end) and Hrithik shines in the role of a mentally challenged boy. I have enjoyed the songs, the gravity-defying dances by Hrithik and how well Hrithik has captured the mannerisms of a mentally challenged boy. Some people might compare it to a range of Hollywood films, but let's just appreciate that a different sort of movie has been attempted and for goodness sake let's just enjoy it. This is a great family movie and a great treat presented by Rakesh Roshan.