Review of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) by Rahim S — 15 Nov 2018

Rainstorms a bit heavier than real life, extensive exaggerated emotions, close up shots becoming closer, and numerous musical numbers, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna plays with Bollywoodâ(TM)s filmy characteristics. The film may not be the ideal relationship goal however, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna draws attention to the idea of adultery or love post-marriage. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna produces bold content playing with Maya and Devâ(TM)s love conflicting with their separate marriages to both a fashionista and a business idol. Rishi, the spouse of Maya, and Riya, wife of Dev, are devoted to their careers creating distance with their spouses unintentionally. The rift between the couples lead Dev and Maya to create their own happily ever after at the cost of losing their spouses and for Dev his son whom he dearly loves. Unfortunately, after confessing their affair to their spouses, the revealment did not lead to immediate unity between the two. Rather Dev and Maya âalmost give up on a future together by concealing their true situations from one another..â?(Gopal 25). One may view this as fate playing a role in Bollywood cinema however, the moral universe always rewrites itself as we have witnessed in several Bollywood films such as DDLJ and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Similarly, the fulfilling ending âthus while romantic longing might not meet its mark at first, it will do so at last (Gopal 26)â?

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna deviates from previous Bollywood films we have witnessed in Bollywood cinema. The film evidently portrays concept of love post-marriage as a positive outlook contrary to societyâ(TM)s perspective. In our film, DDLJ, Raj vows to Simran that he would not elope as elopement lacks blessings of Simranâ(TM)s parents, vital for a successful marriage in Bollywood cinema. Furthermore, the film tackles its acceptance as Samar advises Maya to go with her heart rather than ruining her own life and his sonâ(TM)s, Rishi. Taking her father-in-lawâ(TM)s advice, Maya leaves and her significant decision is a sanction for women in society.

An aspect of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna that could be slightly altered is Samarâ(TM)s extreme modernism. Samar plays a character who copes with his past by over drinking and partying. In Samarâ(TM)s attempt to fit into a crowd of modern New Yorkers, he exemplifies the theme that one can learn to move on despite a significant loss, his wife. As Sangita Gopal mentions in Sentimental Symptoms: The Films of Karan Johar and Bombay Cinema, although Samar and Kamaljit âmake a joint decision to break offâ? Maya and Devâ(TM)s âimpossible relationship and confess all to their respective spousesâ? Samar and Kamaljit âare not the enforcers of moralityâ? (Gopal 25). Even the unrealistic characters including the parents show sincere embracement of Bollywood cinema. Emotional, entertaining, and original are all aspects of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna as Karan Johar desired.