Review of Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) by K N — 16 Nov 2018

Kal Ho Na Ho tells the story of a dramatic love triangle shadowed by death, family conflicts, and friendship. The film stars Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Shahrukh Khan, and Jaya Bachchan. Preity Zinta plays Naina, a pessimistic MBA student from an Indian family living in Queens New York with her widowed mother, biological brother, adopted sister, and cynical grandmother. Her life is constantly shadowed by her family's financial problems, her father's suicide, and her grandmother's spitefulness towards her sister Gia. All this changes when Aman (played by Shahrukh Khan) moves next door. He quickly captivates Naina's family and she slowly falls for him. Although he rejects Naina's love, he pledges to help her best friend Rohit win her affection. While the film touches on many grave topics, it is ultimately fun and light hearted. The song sequences are modern and catchy and include inspiration from genres such as rock and disco. They show how Aman is able to bring a fun and optimistic atmosphere to the other characters of the film. The sets of the film are colorful and vibrant in their depiction of Queens and Manhattan. The costumes complement each set perfectly and depict a range of attire from casual athletic clothes to bright red dresses and expensive suits. The film embraces the best of Bollywood in a modern setting.

This is similar to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham another film written by Karan Johar. Sangita Gopal writes in her novel Bollywood and Globalization that Karan Johar films rely on elaborate musical numbers, melodrama, and big starcast. This is certainly true of both films. Kal Ho Na Ho particularly relies on melodrama to move the audience and keep them on the edge of their seats, trying to figure out who Naina will end up with. Its unique love triangle shows how passionate love can be both romantic and friendly and how quickly it can change from one to the other. I found Kal Ho Na Ho to be a fantastic film which kept me on the edge of my seat. It made me laugh, cry, smile, and frown. I would highly recommend it to both returning and new Bollywood fans.

Citations.

Mehta, R., & Pandharipande, R. (Eds.). (2010). Bollywood and Globalization: Indian Popular Cinema, Nation, and Diaspora. Anthem Press. doi:10.7135/UPO9781843318897.