Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow) boasts as sparkling a dream cast as Bollywood can ever hope of putting together. Director Karan Johar reunites with his three stars from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji) and then, for extra flavor, tacks on Amitabh Bachchan, his wife Jaya Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor. In India, brother, that translates to some megahuge star power. That cast alone is enough to guarantee a killing in the box office (which is in fact what happened). And, as predictable as the sun rising in the east, Kajol and Shahrukh Khan's chemistry retains its potency.

When you tune in to a Bollywood flick, brace yourself for tears and laughter, get ready to drown in vivid colors and over-the-top musical numbers. Chances are, you may even scoff at the sheer overwroughtness of the story. KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, coming out in 2001, offers the quintessential Bollywood experience. There's nothing so new about this story, which revolves around a younger son's vow to return his long vanished brother back to the fold, after a decade of estrangement. The film follows the expected beats and clobbers you over the head with maudlin family histrionics. What makes it work are the terrific performances of the actors.

Caste and breeding matter to Yashvardhan "Yash" Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan), the proud, unbending patriarch of the powerful Raichand family. So the whatsis hits the fan when Yash's marriage plans for his adopted son Rahul go awry, because Rahul (Shahrukh Khan) has already fallen in love with Anjali (Kajol), the daughter of a lowly sweetmeat shop owner. That Anjali is vivacious and captivating means diddly squat to Yash, who just can't get past the notion that her station in life falls so far beneath expectations. When Anjali's father dies unexpectedly, leaving her and her younger sister Pooja orphaned and alone, Rahul decides to marry Anjali on the spot. This, as expected, enrages Yash all to bits. He and Rahul exchange words, the result of which is that Rahul is disowned. He bitterly departs, never to return. Ten years pass.

Even though Hrithik Roshan is featured in the framing segments of the film's first half (which is mostly a long flashback to what happened ten years ago), his presence is really felt in the second half. It's pretty funny, to look at this good-looking, all-muscly dude, that the character he plays, during childhood, used to be called Fatty. Fatty's real name is Rohan, Rahul's obese younger brother. Present day finds Rohan the best player in his cricket team, and I'm guessing he's implemented a good, good diet. Rohan, having been so young when Rahul left, has never gotten a full recounting of the rift between his brother and his father. When, on visiting his grandmothers, he finally learns the truth, he promises to find and bring Rahul and Anjali home to reconcile them with their father. His search leads him to London.

Not for one nanosecond do I think that KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM improves in any way on KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, which is one of my favorite Bollywood films ever. But KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM has got its moments. First of all, the lush cinematography dazzles the bejeesus out of you, offering many stunning images and striking compositions and instantly assuring the audience that everyone involved in making this film spared no expenses and effort. There are ten songs here, some of which are impressively lavish productions, with "You Are My Soniya" and "Bole Chudiyan" showcasing Hrithik's dancing mojo. And, of course, there's that sweeping and evocative theme song. Although, I do vaguely resent that in "Suraj Hua Maddham" (the number set in Egypt) one could hear the strains of the theme song from KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI (Is it a rip-off or an homage?). Note too that the names of the lovers in both KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM are Rahul and Anjali (and that, in these two movies, they're played by Shahrukh and Kajol). Coincidence?

The film's second half mostly takes place in London and focuses much on Hrithik Roshan as he begins his subterfuge and ingratiates himself to an unwitting Rahul and Anjali, having passed himself off as the brother of Pooja's friend (Pooja, remember, is Anjali's younger sister, with whom Rohan has come clean and asked for help). Pooja is played by Kareena Kapoor, so it's no wonder that she's grown up smoking hot. Kareena does her shallow, perky bit, and it's a bit annoying, but this film's not really about her. Hrithik, on the other hand, is very good, especially when called on to produce unshed tears, an acting conceit which Shahrukh had long ago perfected.

I don't think I'll go into how very good each actor here is (okay, Kareena Kapoor doesn't totally suck). As usual, what was initially meant to be some quick comments have diarrhead into this lengthy thing. I'll say this: the actors do earn their paychecks and all that good adulation, and Kajol remains the most incandescent star in Bollywood (sorry, Aishwarya Rai). And, here, Kajol is also very funny. KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM has flaws which critics can gleefully pick at, it's true. It's certainly hammy enough. But one of the best things I admire in Bollywood is that its films aren't afraid to show unabashed emotion. No romance is so romantic, no heartache so torturous as when expressed in Bollywood. This film features two love stories, that of Rahul and Anjali and that of Rohan and Pooja (which really isn't as well developed). But, at its heart, this film means to demonstrate the significance of family, of one's roots and ties, at least in Hindi culture. Or as Director Karan Johar's introductory quote goes: "It's all about loving your parents." While I enjoyed Rahul and Anjali's interactions, I found it almost as absorbing that Anjali so desperately longs for the blessings of her father-in-law. I do wish that Kajol and Amitabh Bachchan had more scenes together. As far as the scenes between Amitabh and Shahrukh, brother, they are intense, intense stuff.

Speaking of Hindi culture, there's one neat scene in which Kajol's character, exiled to England and often prone to nationalistic moods, is gratified to hear her young son singing the Indian national anthem at a school function. Just one of the standout moments in this film, which, by the way, is three and a half hours long. So you're gonna need a whole mess of hankies.

Note: Hindi with English subtitles.

Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) adopted son of a wealthy Indian family is disowned by his Father (Amitabh Bachchan) for refusing his arranged marriage and marrying Anjali (Kajol) a poor local girl. Brokenhearted, Rahul not only leaves the family estate, but leaves India altogether taking up residence in London, England.

Ten years later his younger brother Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) goes in search of Rahul in hopes of mending the breach between father and son and restore family unity. Rohan was only a small boy when Rahul left, so when they meet again in London Rahul has no idea who he is. Rohan introduces himself saying, "Ash, my name is Ash," using his Father's name to stir his older brother's memories of home.

So begins the deception. Pretending to be a college student named Yash in search of lodging he is taken in by Rahul's family. With his disguise firmly in place Rohan begins to work on Rahul's emotions and love for family and Mother India in an attempt to breakthrough the bitterness of the past.

'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' is one of three fantastic Indian films produced in the last couple of years. While the other two, 'Lagaan' and 'Pinjar' are not normative Indian films, this one takes advantage of all the usual Bollywood formulas. However it does it so perfectly you don't care.

The sets and costumes are sumptuous beyond belief, while the music and dancing sways back and forth between mindboggling frenzy and sweet melancholy touching every human emotion imaginable. It doesn't get any better than this in Bollywood, or anywhere else for that matter!

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I was told this film got poo poohed when it hit theatres, but I really can't figure out why! All the big names save a very few were there, and they were all great. The movie is a touch epic and crazy sweet, a tale about pride, honor and what you must do for love. Most of the songs are danceable fun, and the rest are at least entertaining.

Bottom line, if you like bollywood or have even the tiniest fan crush on anyone in the cast, you will enjoy this movie.

PS, I loooove you Kajol!

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This is the first Bollywood movie I have ever watched, so I do not have a basis of comparison with other Bollywood movies. I believe this is a good thing, because watching it, I was not caught saying, "Well, this wasn't as good as Asoka", or, "This is a rip-off of such-and-such". I saw it for what it was--a fun 3 act musical that keeps you glued. The music is infecting (I just bought the soundtrack because of it), the storyline, while predictable, is enjoyable, and once you realized it was a musical the song and dance numbers didn't feel as strange. If you hate musicals, you will hate this film, but for everyone else, you really should watch it.

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My introduction to Hindi cinema came through Netflix and I am hooked! The first film I ever saw was Jodhaa Akbar and obsession quickly took hold. Bollywood has a certain reputation that isn't entirely undeserved; however, it also has something that the vast majority of western films have been steadily losing for decades... true soul! Find a good Bollywood film (and it isn't as hard as the aforementioned reputation suggests) and you find something truly special. Kahbi Khushi Kahbie Gham is my first actual purchase and it truly is something special.

As far as production values go, it's first class all the way. Amazing locations, sets, cinematography, musical numbers, costumes, and even amazing cars! Visually the only issues that truly irk me are how the make-up artist was so heavy handed with Kareena Kapoor-Khan (she just married Bollywood mega-star Saif Ali Khan), but it suited the character. The other is overuse of the bloody wind machine indoors. Nobody's hair no matter how obscenely healthy blows like that inside!

The music is extremely good, especially in the second half because it didn't take me long to get a feel for the words and start singing along. The dancing is outstanding of course, and I loved how the choreography played to each actor's individual strengths. That way, everyone shines brightly. That's incredibly hard to do when you have other men dancing with Mr. Roshan.

Nevertheless, don't be fooled despite the lavishness of the settings and the glamorous world this story takes place in this is a very simple movie and like with anything simple, from boiling an egg to changing a light bulb, if you do it wrong it's a disaster. I say this as someone who's wrecked boiled eggs and screwed up changing light bulbs! Fortunately, I think that everyone involved with this movie knows that, and this movie succeeds because of it. Karan Johar's direction is outstanding, obviously, this was a passion project for him and it shows. However, even with that this movie hinges on one thing and really one thing only... the cast!

The cast is literally the "who's who" of Bollywood both when the movie was first released and now. You've got Mr. and Mrs. Bachchan, two living legends. Mr. Khan, who if not now will be a living legend in Indian cinema soon enough. Mr. Roshan, if he ever go attempts world domination will have nearly every living person on earth eating out of his hand. Kajol, (no prefixes just Kajol) who can't help making a splash the second she comes on screen. Ms. Kapoor-Khan is actually the weakest link here but extremely good. That's only the leads... one must give hearty praise to three vitally important women but still minor characters... Achala Sachdev and Sushma Seth, play the respective grandmothers to our heroes, and Farida Jalal as DJ the beloved nanny, are simply exquisite in their tiny but memorable roles. Each lovely lady leaves you desperately wanting more!

I'm a sucker for character so I have to break these down one by one... first up is Mr. Bachchan. He's known as Big B. in India and it fits. Everything about him is massive, physically he's a skyscraper, his intelligence shoots out of his eyes like laser beams, his charisma and charm is overwhelming. This is a man who clearly loves life and *everything* about it. Mix all of the qualities in the man with an amazing talent, and a simple truth immerges. That truth is simply this, if anyone else had played Yash Raichand, you'd hate him. Yash Raichand is an Autocrat in the best and worse sense. His actions would have been completely unforgivable if he'd been played as a villain. Mr. Johar and Mr. Bachchan were very savvy making Yash a complicated man, even a hero in many ways. He's a literal and figurative giant, but one with feet of clay. Throughout the film, you watch as Yash's stubborn pride continues to eat away at his loved ones, yet you never once will feel he is a bad or malicious man. With good reason, he's a good man, even a great one. You never forget that despite the weaknesses and the lies he tells himself, he loves his family more than life. The truth is, the person most hurt by Yash Raichand, IS Yash Raichand. Kudos to Mr. Bachchan for creating a character you can be completely furious with, but still root for.

Behind every great man is a greater woman! Yeah it's a massive cliché, and not a little feminist, but in this case absolutely true! Just as nobody else but Mr. Bachchan can play Yash, nobody but Mrs. Bachchan can play Nandini Raichand. This character could easily be disliked if handled improperly, but no such thing happens. Thanks to skill, talent, and, a spine made out of pure titanium Mrs. Bachchan deftly creates a character who personifies a nearly mystical maternal love, a devoted wife, and broken woman. Not only that but if the moment calls for it, she grabs a scene from the charismatic men surrounding her and keeps it all for herself using only two lines. Then in another moment, she can take her giant of a husband and cut him down to nearly an afterthought. Don't believe me? See the movie, she can and does! I'm convinced that only a real-life wife can be capable of such a feat.

Mr. Khan I think by nature is a scene-stealer. Put a camera on the man and he does not like to let it go! For me personally, his acting style can get overwhelming. I only mention this because I have seen him act with more restraint in several films and enjoyed him more. That said, he is nothing less then brilliant in this film. He is the favorite son, he is the center of his parent's world. The family revolves around Rahul Raichand and he plays the part accordingly. During the first half, he's cocky, charming, spoiled, kind, but absolutely clueless! This is basically the character Mr. Khan perfected and patented in India as his own. During the second half, he's still cocky, charming, less spoiled, kind, and only slightly clueless. What makes his part unique here is that he isn't the hero. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say his character is the equivalent to the 'damsel in distress.' In retrospect, it takes guts to do it. I mean, this guy is referred to as "The king of Bollywood, and The king of romance" he's an icon! Rahul Raichand is in desperate need of rescuing! He makes good of every tool in his acting repertoire here. There's nothing new but sometimes it's enough just to do something incredibly well and he does. Still, in order to act with a man like Mr. Khan you cannot be a shrinking violet.

This brings me to Kajol! Thank God, they cast her as Anjali. Today in western films, the closest thing to true pairings in films I can think of is Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. Back in the golden age of Hollywood, studios would pair stars together in many films. Astaire and Rogers, Powell and Loy, Flynn and De Havilland... such things were routine. Now, something like that almost never happens. In Bollywood, they're keeping the tradition alive and well! Kajol and Mr. Kahn have done six films together to date, this one was number five. I'll confess right now I've only seen one other, the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, (if you haven't seen it, SEE IT) and I think their magic together approaches Tracy and Hepburn territory. While Mr. Khan might be a scene-stealer who can't help it, Kajol works with it. There's no confusion about who to look at here, it's simple you look at both of them looking at each other. They're completely natural as a couple or as they say in Hindi, a jodi. From the moment their eyes meet, you find yourself thinking there might be something to that kismet idea.

As I've hinted before, Rahul is a little-over-the-top. Believe me he's got nothing on Anjali! To say she's a firecracker, is putting it mildly. Tempestuous is a more apt description, but it still feels wrong. Anjali is Rahul's equal for histrionics and then some. There is nothing about the woman that isn't passionate. Restraint is not a word in her lexicon period; it doesn't matter if the lexicon is Punjabi, Hindi, or English. Kajol bites into Anjali and any surrounding scenery with gusto, even the few moments when she's calm, she's full of passion. Although her character is like a really fast roller coaster, this is a good thing. Rahul is someone easily bored, and Anjali is anything but boring! In fact, he sums her up perfectly, "she's slightly insane, actually she's completely insane." Yes she is! She also walks a pretty fine line regarding bigotry here, but Kajol and Karan Johar smartly never cross it. Kajol manages to take anything approaching offensiveness and infuse it with such a deep feeling of homesickness, that you feel like Anjali would actually get along well with everyone if she weren't hurting so bad.

In the spirit of total honesty, I probably wouldn't buy a movie just because Kajol is in it, but there's no denying she played this part to the hilt, and she did a fantastic job. She's an icon in her own right, and you've got to respect a woman who panics over the amount of Punjabi lines, a language she does not speak, nails it, and steals a scene from Mr. Bachchan!

Warning! The following will probably read like a love letter to Mr. Roshan but I am *trying* to be objective here. I can say with certainty that despite my admiration I am sticking to the facts... Rohan Raichand is the hero of this film, that's not me talking that's Karan Johar. Mr. Roshan gets 5th billing here, he's the "new guy" compared to the rest of the cast, but he's a full-fledged superstar in his own right, even at this early point. But he's up against legends and icons, and he's responsible for holding the movie together. Without Rohan there is no plot. So it isn't like there's any pressure here right?

To put it in perspective, imagine a young actor wildly popular say like... Robert Pattinson, (I've never seen any of his movies, but he's the most popular young'n I can think of) being put in a movie with Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Same principle here, only with a lot of musical numbers. Mr. Roshan never puts a foot or a tear wrong. I've watched this movie a dozen times since I got it, and every time I'm blown away by him. Rohan is a simple guy, he loves his family. That's it in a nutshell, simple right? Wrong! While the character may be simple the balancing act required by this performance would make a seasoned tight-rope walker cringe.

The thing I appreciated most about Mr. Roshan's acting is that in a movie filled with people who chew scenes he never once tries to be the center of attention. He's focusing on everyone else and that makes the audience focus with him. Oh yes, he's easily the best looking person on film and I would be lying if I said that it wasn't taken advantage of, but even with that, when the issue comes up he focuses on the other actor. I can't tell you how, that would be giving it away. The entire performance was refreshingly ego free, (I like Mr. Khan but he does have an ego) and because of that, you root for him.

You can't talk about a Hrithik Roshan performance and not spend a little time mentioning the dancing. The man might be the best dancer of his generation on film. I'm talking about in the movies here not all dancers everywhere, but even then he's still near the top. He defies the laws of physics, and he's the best dancer in the cast. Still, he never uses that to upstage anyone. During the last musical number when he's not center stage he adapts so that the group dance is in-synch. He never out-dances Ms. Kapoor-Khan and does his best to make her look sublime. It's entrancing to watch.

Some actors, are actors who can dance, others are dancers who get into acting, Mr. Roshan is neither of those. One skill isn't better than the other, both are superlative. It's so easy to fixate on his looks, I've often seen him refered to as "the Greek god of Bollywood" and frankly I'd bet he outshines the Mythical Apollo. But to write him off as just a hunk is a tragic mistake. This man still battles the stammering that's plagued him as a child yet in this film he speaks eloquent dialogue and a tongue-twister that would set my hair on fire!

He was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 21 and told that dancing well enough for movies wasn't possible. He can use swords, ride horses, and sing (check out Jodhaa Akbar for the first two, check out Kites, and Guzaarish for the singing) the man can do it all! Oh and he works hard for that perfect body, the face and eyes God and genetics took care of.

Last but not least we come to the newly wedded Ms. Kapoor-Khan! For the record she's not now related to the Mr. Khan in this film. Pooja is a wannabe "mean girl" who's really bad at it. I think Karan Johar might have watched Clueless one too many times. I swear, the first fifteen minutes with her in the movie is almost exactly like it, only they're speaking Hindi of course. My problem with that is this, while it works in a high school setting, I find it a little implausible for someone in college. Hey, I knew some rich idiots in college, none like 'Poo.' (What was Johar thinking when it came to that nickname?)

Like Mr. Khan, Ms. Kapoor-Khan practically made a brand for herself playing a type. In her case, various shallow, high glamour girls, with a secret heart of gold. But don't let that fool you into thinking she can't act. She is definitely capable of doing more tricks and the fact that she does these sweet but vain girl so well is kind of the proof. For other demonstrations of her talent, try Tashan and Mrs. Khanna (she's even more beautiful in both because she's got beautiful makeup).

She isn't a great dancer. She's certainly good, but not great, what sells it for me is that she knows she's nowhere near Mr. Roshan's level so she works hard and amps up the fun. Filming dance numbers is a torturous, grueling, undertaking so if an actor can convince you they're having a blast, it can make all the difference and she does. She has great chemistry with all the players, and her banter with Mr. Roshan is very funny. Despite being the week link in the cast, she does a good job.

Still, even with her talent and beauty I wish Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan was in the role! Why? Because, just like Mr. Khan and Kajol are the perfect on-screen jodi, Mr. Roshan and Ms. Rai Bachchan transcend great acting into something more. Oh well, if wishes were horses...

Special acknowledgement has to go to the kiddies in this movie. Young Rahul, was played by Mr. Khan's actual son Aryan! He was adorable. All of the kids do great jobs but I admit to some annoyance with Young Rohan and Young Pooja.

Young Rohan AKA Fatty is played by Kavish Majmudar. He certainly must have been everything they wanted, but the poor kid had the most annoying voice on the planet! I don't know if his voice was changing or if he was told to whine every line he had. Either way, the poor thing does tend to get on my nerves. He's a fine actor though, (would it have killed him to wear green contact lenses?)

Young Pooja played by, Malvika Raaj really didn't have anything to do but spout that wickedly sadistic tongue twister, but she deserves an award just for that! Unfortunately it was the only time she registered any charisma at all. But then again how could she in a role so small?

Ladies and Gentlemen the star of the kids, Jibraan Khan! I have no clue if he's related to any other Bollywood Khan's. He plays Krishi Raichand, Anajali and Rahul's son. This kid is AWESOME! But he's not a kid anymore, now. Out of a cast of scene-stealers he takes every one he's in! Unfortunately I can't find the name of the little girl who played Annette the little English girl next door, but she was a gem!

Finally, I can't wrap this up without saying something about Rani Mukerji! She has a special appearance and she's magnificent! She gets to show off her true dancing talent, she looks incredible, and she got a raw deal! In my fantasy world, someone played by Aamir Khan sweeps her off her feet, and makes her forget all about Rahul! Sorry for the spoiler but that one can't be helped.

The DVD itself is very good quality, especially considering the extremely reasonable price. If I had to complain about something it would be the lack of deleted scenes. I wanted to see Rohan interact more with Anjali and Krishi. Still I am NEVER lending this movie to ANYONE! It's mine, mine, mine! I'm so glad I bought it.

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