Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa

Being such huge fans of 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron' I still remember the excitement when we (some friends and I) went to watch this movie. It was after a gap of 10 years that Kundan Shah had come out with a movie and we couldn't wait to watch it. Though we found 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naan' to be OK but were disappointed as it was nothing like 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron'. But I give credit to Kundan Shah for his judgment on not trying to repeat 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaron' again because it is difficult to recreate magic.

Caught 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naan' on cable couple of years later and since this time I knew what to expect, I quite enjoyed the film. I watched it again and this time I enjoyed it more. That's the thing about this movie; it grows on you. It's like a friendly face in the neighborhood that the more you see the more you like. Now I consider this as one of my favorite movies that I can watch from any point and enjoy it.

It's the story of youth with all its elements; the unrequited love, the ambition to do something different, the generation gap etc. But it is the characters and situations that are so real and so delightful that you can identify with most of them from your own personal life. The humor is subtle and will make you smile and at the most chuckle. Performance wise everyone does a fine job. Jatin Lalit's music is melodious and pleasant, but I must admit that I have a bias against Kumar Sanu's voice so I would have preferred someone else to sing the songs.

of all shahrukh khan movies this is by far the best. the story itself is not original, but the ambiance that it creates is definitely distinct from any other movie. it is truly a shame that people did not enjoy shahrukh khans best performance to date. unlike all of the other characters he portrays in his movies you can make a connection to one he plays in this one. funny how people love it when shahrukh over acts and dont recognize true art when they see it. it is very discouraging to see films like this one not doing well with the main stream audience. it means that the film-makers will go back to their "formula" movies.

the songs of this movie were really spell binding. the music was a throw back to the 70's kishore kumar era, with a touch of its own uniqueness. kumar sanu voice sounds really great, and comparable to kishore's voice. all in all, the comedy, the drama, the music, and the surprise ending make this movie really exceptional.

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.

Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa is the story of Sunil (Shahrukh Khan), the girl he loves, Anna (Suchitra Krishnamurty) and the guy she loves, Chris (Deepak Tijori). Sunil, realizing the budding relationship between Anna and Chris decides to take things into his own hands by trying to create rifts between the two and taking advantage of the situations to woo Anna himself. Supporting these three are Sunil's family, his musical friends (look a little closer and you'll see Ashutosh Gowarikar among them) and also the local Father (Naseeruddin Shah) who acts as Sunil's mentor.

This may sound like a very simple and typical love triangle, which it is. What makes it different is Sunil. His character is one that is rarely seen in Indian cinema, yet not unfamiliar to us because we've met hundreds of Sunils in our lifetime. We ourselves might be a Sunil. He is that real. He has no great physical strength (Shahrukh in 93? puny!), or great intelligence (he failed the same class several times)or great wealth (his father is a mechanic). He is a regular Joe trying to get the girl he loves.

Sunil happens to be Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa's greatest asset. We see everything and everyone through his eyes which makes his world real to us. The things he does are things we might do when in love. What he ultimately does in the end might reflect on who many of us really are on the inside: simple people who love their family and friends.

A lot of people believe Shahrukh Khan became an actor with Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge in '95. The truth is that he was well on his way to becoming a legend in Indian cinema with this movie. He IS Sunil. He breathes life into the role making it much more than just a character in a story, he brings Sunil to life, he brings Sunil to us. He is brilliant. Just watch the film.

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...