Nikhil, mon frère

After Phir Milenge comes another touching film that sheds light on one of India's most misunderstood problems, AIDS. It is a pity that in the 21st century, AIDS is still thought of as a homosexual disease. I was shocked to see that people think it is extremely contagious and that there are no effective laws to protect patients. I couldn't believe that they're literally treated like dogs. Throughout the movie, I kept on wondering how the protagonist contracted the disease. I realized afterwords that the cause isn't revealed for a reason. People always assume how an AIDS patient contracted HIV, and they have no right to assume the cause and accuse the person for it. They are human beings and have an equal right to life. This movie also sheds some light on the extremely misunderstood gay relationship. Juhi Chawla does a wonderful job as does Sanjay Suri. However, I liked Phir Milenge more. It is much more positive and upbeat. MBN is rather depressing.

After "Black", "My Brother Nikhil" is another movie that can be added to the "Must See list" or a collection at home. A great film with outstanding star cast and a brilliant script. The one song in the movie "Le Chale" was really good and is perfectly set in the movie. It is not a movie that will appeal to everyone, but its for those who enjoy differeent kind of cinema. Juhi is a really good actressand must do more movies because she is definitely one of the good ones.Sanjay acted very well as well. Liletter Dubey was just fantastic (she is good in every film). There isn't much I can spoil because the movie is about AIDS and how Juhi helplessly watches her brother die but at the same time but at the same time she is the only one who stands by him. The movie deals with family conflicts, social issues in a different way. A MUST SEE! 10/10

This movie is a classic example of how Indian society was at the time of 80's and 90's. It clearly portrays the emotion of the protagonist. Apart from the drama part, we have to discuss about the movie and it's social content.

I just came back from a special screening of this movie.

As a rule, I try avoid sentimental films- those with an extra doze of emotions, life, et al.So, i was avoiding this one, until today when I was invited for a special show.

And I must say, what a movie! It tocuhed me deeply, throughout.

The basic premise of the movie is that Nikhil Kapoor, a National level swimming champion, is tested HIV positive. And fearing the deadly disease AIDS, the society neglects him. The very people who could not let go of him, start shunning him, and this includes his parents. The only people who stand by him are his sister and most important person in his life, Anamika (Anu), her fiancé Sam, and Nikhil's partner, Nigel. The film has an important message: not HOW a person gets AIDS (or HIV virus) ; but how the life of one with AIDS gets affected. Shot beautifully in the picturesque Goa, the story is told from view points of all people important to Nikhil's life, and his legacy beyond death.

Must watch! Nothing too revealing. Its something WE ALL KNOW these days. Just that its hard for most to accept. The movie got a standing ovation at the screening . Very well and differently made, it gets slow and dragging at times, but is so heart warming, one can let go of this minor drawback.

Go watch it!

MY BROTHER NIKHIL ***1/2 out of 4 Stars

Is it another Philadelphia? No. Another AIDS awareness movie? No. Another offbeat movie? No, I wouldn't call it that. A must watch? Yes.

Sanjay Suri plays a character called Nikhil who is a State swimming champ and has a loving sister played by Juhi Chawla. I love Juhi. She acts marvelously and also uses her presence as a refreshing treat for your eyes. Victor Banerjee and Lilette Dubey also shine in their roles and even Purab Kohli delivers. Sanjay Suri plays his character, as it should be. Very well made and this film also boasts off a wonderful screenplay which is the highlight of the film (apart from the performances).

Just the kind of AIDS movie we needed. But you can see some shades of Philadelphia which are ignorable because of the brilliance of the film. And there are some flaws which make you go ''Did they have the knowledge of all this in 1994?" which are again ignorable just like the ones in 'Black' but it has one thing in common with Black that it is one of the best films of the year. It is a tear-jerker but does not dwindle with this genre for long a la K3G. Despite its flaws, it was indeed a great film.

And to top it all, it has an amazing amazing song called 'Le Chalein' which is interwoven in the film and adds to quality of the film. Awesome song!