Bollywood in Review: Kal Ho Na Ho (If Tomorrow Never Comes)

Tagline: A Story of a Lifetime...In A Heartbeat

Sold Out Shows - Opening night - I was fortunate enough to get a seat. After counting down the days since knowing of the release date, I squirmed in my seat trying to get in the best position possible to enjoy it. And I must say from the outset, I was not disappointed.

Although it was a Karan Johar story, you could see the spin on things came from Nikhil Advani. There were many layers to this story and twists in it, which you couldn't have imagined. Just when I thought I figured things out, BAM, it changed and the plot thickened. I stayed riveted to my seat throughout the entire time. It is a very emotional film, which is characteristic of Karan's films (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham). It tugs very strongly at your heartstrings and doesn't let go. Kal Ho Naa Ho is a roller coaster ride of emotions for sure.

There were two sides to this story, the first half had me laughing and feeling very nice about everything. The second half however, changed the laughter into tears, back to laughter, then to tears once again. Jaya, Saif, and Preity's performances were wonderful. They kept the story moving at a fast pace. But the one who pieced all the parts of the puzzle together and kept them there was none other than Shahrukh. His performance was superb. I was so emotionally spent after watching him that I was literally shaking as I was driving home afterwards.

Usually I just watch a film to escape from my world. But tonight, as I was drawn into Kal Ho Naa Ho, it made me think about my life too. Just what did it convey to me? Exactly what it set out to do. It shows that "Life happens between the plans you make. If you are only waiting for this big, big plan, you miss out on the smaller things, which you should be enjoying. That's what the character of Shahrukh Khan stands for. He makes everyone around him understand that." Contemplating some events in my life, I realized how true that really is, because it's so easy to do when life sends a barrage of things at you every single day.