What makes a movie hit, a high voltage drama or a multi masala? Filmmakers down the ages have struggled hard to find a universally acceptable answer to these questions. But, in reality what makes a project profitable is that it co-relates with today's audience and more importantly has the stamina to present the idea on the screen as it was conceived. There lies the big difference between a good idea and a good film. 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' is perfect in both. It has been said that 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' has been inspired by Hrishikesh Mukherjee's film 'Anand', starring Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.
Both of them fought to get more attention from the viewers. 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' is not a remake of the film. There is a vast difference between the two. It is the script written by master filmmaker Karan Johar himself that makes 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' a perfect entertainer. The film is a hat trick for Dharma Productions after 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and 'Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham', though this time Karan has handed over the megaphone to his assistant Nikhil Advani. Nikhil has fulfilled Karan's trust in handling both fun and fiesta with ease that has made 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' a visual treat.
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'Kal Ho Naa Ho' is not a film where suffering dominates the story. Pain is crux of the film though, but as in Anand here too pain is not for crying. It is pat of the life and moves on with the happiness, fun and joy. The film is set in New York. So 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' provides the watcher a clean and neat atmosphere. 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' is the story of Naina Catherine Kapoor. Preity Zinta plays Naina. She is partly Punjabi and partly Catholic. Naina lives with her mom Jennifer (Jaya Bachchan) with a clan of eccentric relatives. She has been brought up in an atmosphere where discipline is vital.
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On the opposite side is Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh). He is like a fresh breeze coming from the hills after a heavy rain. Aman cannot see any one serious around him and is always happy to help others. So he enters into the life of Naina too. Being a neighbor he thinks it is his duty to make things look rosy for each and every one in her home too. He plans with his single and ready- to- mingle friend, Rohit (Saif Ali Khan) and starts playing tricks with Naina who otherwise is mature beyond her age. But the life has its cruel part too and when destiny starts playing its own game one can only sit and watch.
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Yes, sit and watch because here is a film that can make you laugh, think and cry all in one go. And, credit goes to Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan for that. After giving last two successful films, this team again proves that it makes a perfect pair of a filmmaker and a performer. But, director Nikhil Advani's job cannot be ignored. There may have been valuable inputs from Karan. After all it was he who poured lots of money for the film, but that cannot take the credit away from Nikhil. Not even in one scene does Nikhil give the impression that he is a debutant. His finesse is marvelous and his technique to move over from one scene to another commendable. The plot is well interlinked and it leaves hardly any moment when you feel that the story is moving with jerks.
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The music part has played an important role in doing so. It is the best track after 'Dil Chahta Hai' from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Their entry to the Yash Johar camp also makes exit for Jatin-Lalit who has been instrumental in the success of their earlier two films. Shanker- Ehsaan- Loy has once again proved that they are the best when it comes to create music for the next generation. Almost each number of the film from title song, to 'pretty woman' and the disco song finds a top place in chart busters. Songs entertain the viewers.
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Technically, 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' is ahead of its contemporaries. Photography by Anil Mehta is brilliant. Manish Malhotra has again come up with some vibrant designs. There is bubbly Farah Khan whose choreography adds color to the happenings on the screen. And, as if this was not enough you get to see Kajol, Rani Mukherjee and host of other actors in special appearances. Did I forget to mention Jaya Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan? In fact, they are the bone for the film. Jaya is superb and so is Chhote nawab who is progressing as an actor from one to the other film. If Shah Rukh is the chariot driver of the film, then Saif become the axis for the movement. And what to say about sweet Preity Zinta? She was roped in this film after Kareena could not fit the bill and look what she has got in return, another super hit film in a year after 'Koi Mil Gaya', and I see Aishwarya squirming. Please make way for this darling of matured men. 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' is a perfect outing for this festive season. Eid Mubaraq!
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