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Kal Ho Naa Ho

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Kal Ho Naa Ho
L to R: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byNikhil Advani
Written byNiranjan Iyengar(dialogues)
Screenplay byKaran Johar
Story byKaran Johar
Produced byYash Johar
Starring
Narrated byPreity Zinta
CinematographyAnil Mehta
Edited bySanjay Sankla
Music byShankar–Ehsaan–Loy
Production
company
Distributed byYash Raj Films(overseas)
Release date
  • 28 November 2003(2003-11-28)
Running time
187 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹220–300 million[2][3]
Box office₹860.9 million[4]

Kal Ho Naa Ho(transl. Tomorrow may never come,pronounced[kəlɦoːnaːɦoː]), also abbreviated asKHNH,is a 2003 IndianHindi-languageromanticcomedy drama filmdirected byNikhil Advaniin his directorial debut with a story written byKaran Joharwith dialogue byNiranjan Iyengar,and produced byYash Johar.The film starsJaya Bachchan,Shah Rukh Khan,Saif Ali Khan,andPreity Zinta,withSushma Seth,Reema Lagoo,Lillete Dubey,andDelnaaz Iraniin supporting roles. In the film, Naina Catherine Kapur (Zinta) and Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh Khan) fall in love, but a secret prevents him from reciprocating his feelings and results in a plan to set Naina up with her best friend, Rohit Patel (Saif Ali Khan).

Collaborating with Johar,Shankar–Ehsaan–Loycomposed the soundtrack and score.Anil Mehta,Manish Malhotra,andSharmishta Roywere the cinematographer, costume designer and art director, respectively.Principal photographytook place inToronto,New York City,andMumbaifrom January to October 2003. The soundtrack was released on 27 September 2003 to positive reviews; thetitle song,"It's The Time To Disco", "Kuch To Hua Hai", and "Pretty Woman" were particularly well-received.

Kal Ho Naa Howas released on 28 November 2003 with the promotional tagline, "A Story of a Lifetime... In a Heartbeat".The film received positive critical feedback and was commercially successful; it grossed₹860.9 million (US$18.8 million), and was thehighest-grossing Indian film of the year.The film exploresnon-resident Indians,inter-caste marriage,and homosexuality throughinnuendoandhomosocialbonding. It won twoNational Film Awards,eightFilmfare Awards,thirteenInternational Indian Film Academy Awards,sixProducers Guild Film Awards,threeScreen Awards,and twoZee Cine Awardsin 2004.

Plot

[edit]

Naina Catherine Kapur is a pessimistic, uptightPunjabi AmericanMBAstudent who lives inNew York Citywith her widowed mother Jennifer, aPunjabi Christian,disabled brother Shiv, adopted sister Jia and paternal grandmother Lajjo, aPunjabi Sikh.Jennifer runs an unsuccessful café with her neighbour, Jaswinder "Jazz" Kapoor. Lajjo is hostile to Jennifer and Jia as she believes that Jia's adoption led her son (Jennifer's husband and Naina's father) to commit suicide.

Naina has two best friends: her classmate, Rohit Patel, aGujarati American,and Jaspreet "Sweetu" Kapoor, Jazz's sister. Her life is dull and overshadowed by the loss of her father until Aman Mathur and his mother move in next door with his uncle, Pritam Chaddha. Aman's cheerfulness gradually wins over Naina's family and he slowly starts to solve their problems. He suggests that they change the café to an Indian restaurant and its success alleviates their financial burdens. Aman encourages Naina to be happy and to live life to the fullest; she ends up falling in love with him.

Rohit also falls in love with Naina and asks Aman's help in expressing his feelings. Naina tells Rohit there is something she must say to him, leading him to think that she reciprocates his feelings. Naina reveals she is in love with Aman instead. Shaken, Rohit calls Aman to tell him what has happened. Naina goes to Aman's house and is shocked to see a wedding photograph of Aman and his wife, Priya. Heartbroken, she leaves.

Aman's mother confronts him about what has happened. He says he loves Naina but has decided to hide it because he is dying from a heart condition. He is not actually married. Priya is his childhood friend and doctor. Aman vows to bring Naina and Rohit together before he dies. He believes that Rohit will be able to provide for her better than he can. He hatches a plan to transform Naina and Rohit's bond, and gradually their friendship blossoms into love. Naina discovers his plan and chides Aman for trying to ruin her friendship with Rohit. Aman takes out Rohit's diary and confesses his feelings for Naina, saying they are Rohit's. Naina forgives Aman and Rohit.

Rohit proposes to Naina, and she accepts. Lajjo and Jennifer have a serious fight regarding Jia, who calls on Aman for help. Aman had previously discovered the truth about Jia's parents and despite Jennifer's objections, he reveals to Lajjo that her son had an extramarital affair and fathered Jia. When Jia's biological mother refused to accept her, Jennifer adopted her. Unable to deal with the guilt, Jennifer's husband committed suicide. An emotional Lajjo realises her mistakes and reconciles with Jennifer and Jia. Naina gains closure after learning the truth about her father's death.

During Naina and Rohit's engagement, Aman has a heart attack. Only his mother knows he has been admitted to the hospital. Naina encounters Priya at a jewellery store, whom she recognises as Aman's wife. She introduces herself and her husband, Abhay, who reveals the truth about Aman. Shocked, Naina realises that Aman has sacrificed his love for her and leaves the mall in an emotional frenzy. Priya calls up Aman and informs him about what happened. Aman leaves the hospital and meets a frustrated Rohit, who asks why he and not Aman should marry Naina. Aman urges Rohit to marry Naina as a sign of respect for his dying wish to see Naina happy. Aman meets Naina, and they embrace while he tries to persuade her that he does not love her. Rohit and Naina's wedding, which Aman attends, takes place soon afterwards.

Sometime after the wedding, Aman is on his deathbed and says goodbye to everyone. He is left alone with Rohit after Naina leaves the room in tears. Aman makes him promise that, although Naina is with Rohit in this lifetime, he will get her in the next.

Twenty years later, a middle-aged Naina tells a grown-up Jia how Aman affected every aspect of their lives. They are joined by her daughter Rhea and Rohit, who tells Naina that he loves her as they embrace.

Cast

[edit]

Special appearances

Uncredited appearances

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

It's about smiling and being happy today because no one has seen tomorrow. That's what I believe. Live for today because you never know what's in store tomorrow.

– Johar, on the film's title[14]

Unhappy with the polarising response to his 2001 production,Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...,Karan Johardecided to make what he called "a cool film" with "a different energy" from his previous projects. He began working on the script for a film that would later be titledKal Ho Naa Ho.[14][15]Before the filming started, it was initially entitledKabhi Alvida Naa Kehna,but Johar later changed it toKal Ho Naa Ho(naming it after the song "Aisa Milan Kal Ho Naa Ho" from the 1997 filmHameshaa).[12]He used the former titleKabhi Alvida Naa Kehnafor his2006 film.[16]

Around the same time,Nikhil Advani,who had served as an assistant director forIs Raat Ki Subah Nahin(1996),[17]Kuch Kuch Hota Hai(1998),[14]Mohabbatein(2000),[14]andKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...,[14]had planned to direct aspythrillerset inKashmirfeaturingShah Rukh Khan.[18]Advani sent an initial draft to Johar and his father,Yash Johar.They felt it was controversial and did not want Advani to choose such a risky subject for his debut film. Johar describedKal Ho Naa Ho's script to Advani who agreed to direct the film if he could make it his way.[18]Johar agreed since he preferred not to direct the film to avoid repeating previous mistakes.[19][20]He later regretted the decision and thought about taking over from Advani but refrained from doing so out of courtesy.[21]Advani said that Johar "underestimated himself" thinking he could not "do justice to it."[22]In an interview with Sukanya Verma ofRediff.com,Advani describedKal Ho Naa Hoas "the story of a family which is bogged down with a lot of problems"; one man enters their lives "and solves all their problems and makes them realise how their problems are not as big as they are perceived to be."[18]

Cast and crew

[edit]
Jaya Bachchan at the V. Shantaram Awards ceremony in 2011
Shah Rukh Khan posing for the camera at the launch of srkworld.com in 2000
Saif Ali Khan at the 2014 Stardust Awards
Preity Zinta posing for the camera in 2006
Clockwise from upper left:Jaya Bachchan,Shah Rukh Khan,Preity ZintaandSaif Ali Khanplayed Jennifer, Aman, Naina and Rohit, respectively.

Jaya Bachchan,Shah Rukh Khan,Saif Ali KhanandPreity Zintawere cast in the lead roles in December 2002.[23][24]The first name of Shah Rukh Khan's character, Aman, was a departure from his previous collaborations with Johar where his first name inKuch Kuch Hota HaiandKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...was Rahul.[25][26]Salman Khan,who is not related to Shah Rukh or Saif, andKareena Kapoorwere initially offered the roles of Rohit and Naina. Salman declined the offer because he did not wish to "play second fiddle",[27]and Kapoor refused the role because of a salary dispute with Johar.[28]Saif and Zinta subsequently agreed to be part of the project.[18]

Neetu Singhwas approached for the role of Naina's mother, Jennifer, but she declined. It was then offered to Bachchan, who was initially reluctant to take on the role.[29]After Advani told her he would make the film in the style ofHrishikesh MukherjeeandGulzar,both of whom were Bachchan's favourite directors, she changed her mind immediately, accepting the part.[24]KajolandRani Mukerjimade special appearances in the song "Maahi Ve".[30]Vogue Indiafashion directorAnaita Shroff Adajaniamade a cameo appearance as Geeta Parekh, Naina and Rohit's fellow MBA candidate.[13][16]Farida Jalalwas originally offered the role of Jennifer's mother-in-law, Lajwanti, but she declined as she did not want to appear as Bachchan's onscreen mother-in-law, having recently starred with her inKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., wherein she played a character similar to Bachchan's age. Thereafter,Sushma Seth,who had played Bachchan's mother inKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., was cast in the role.[31]

Kal Ho Naa Howas the last film produced by Yash Johar before his death on 26 June 2004.[32][5]While Karan wrote the story and screenplay, the dialogue was written byNiranjan Iyengar.Anil Mehtaand Sanjay Sankla were signed as cinematographer and editor, respectively;[5]Mehta also appeared briefly as Naina's father (Jennifer's husband) at the beginning of the film.[13]Sharmishta Roywas the film's production designer.Farah Khanchoreographed the song scenes and appeared as a customer in Jennifer's café.[5][13]ActorArjun Kapoorwas an assistant director of the film.[33]

Costume design

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The film's costumes were designed byManish Malhotra.[34]Zinta said in an interview with Subhash K. Jha that she preferred "a very 'preppy' look", similar toAli MacGraw's inLove Story(1970), and wore glasses to indicate Naina's initially serious nature.[35][36]Johar wanted Bachchan to wear jeans, believing that "it would be nice" for the audience "to see her in something unusual" and "break new ground" giving her a "fresh" look. Bachchan accepted without hesitation telling Johar, "If you are making it, I'll do it".[37]Zinta designed and sewed the clothes for Gia's dolls in the film.[16]

Pre-production

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Johar and Advani were fascinated with New York City and wanted to setKal Ho Naa Hothere.[18][38]Johar went to New York City while he worked on the film's script and stayed at least one-and-a-half months[a]studying the people, their culture, how they commute and the lifestyle of Americans and thenon-resident Indians(NRI) there.[37][38]He "sat inCentral Park,stared at people, wrote the film, came back toMumbai,narrated it to everybody, selected the cast. "[38]

The city appealed to Advani, since he believed it mirrored Naina's personality. He summarised the similarity between the two: "You can be surrounded by millions of people right in the middle ofGrand Central Station.And you can be extremely lonely. "He had never been to New York City before, and used the films ofWoody Allen,Martin Scorsese,Rob ReinerandNora Ephronto learn about life there.[18]Like Johar, Advani analysed everything about the city:

When I went to scout for locations, I lived there for a month. I tried to imbibe everything there was in NY. I would just go and stand on the streets for an hour, observe people talking, make mental notes about how they walk, talk, how they don't look people in the eye. They are constantly on the move. I find that incredible.[18]

Principal photography

[edit]

Kal Ho Naa Howas made on a budget of₹220 million (about US$4,818,211 in 2003)[b]or₹300 million (about US$6,570,302 in 2003).[2][3][b]Principal photographybegan on 20 January 2003 in Mumbai.[18][22]Shah Rukh Khan became ill after four days of shooting and told Johar he would be unable to continue with the project, but Advani asked Johar to wait until the actor recovered.[22]Khan's illness lasted for six months.[22][39]Scenes with Saif Ali Khan and Zinta, including the song, "Kuch To Hua Hai", were shot inTorontoover an eight-day period in March–April 2003.[13][39][40]Johar said in an interview with Subhash K. Jha that he tried to complete the film in Toronto thinking it would be a good substitute for New York City and avoid budget problems. He came to believe the idea was unoriginal and would not work out.[14]

The 80-person production unit then moved to New York City for additional filming in July 2003, when Shah Rukh Khan joined them.[22][41]Advani and Mehta wanted to capture the city's change of seasons from winter to summer to highlight the transformation of Naina's personality,[18][20]but were unable to do so due to Shah Rukh Khan's illness. As a result, they filmed the sequences set in New York City during the summer.[20][39]

Shooting in New York City began on 15 July,[40]covering areas in and around thefive boroughsand onLong Island.The street where Aman and Naina live was filmed inBrooklyn,where the unit camped for two weeks in local houses.[18]Abody doublewas used for Zinta's jogging scene during the film's opening credits since she had injured herself while shooting it.[13]TheNortheast blackout of 2003forced the unit to cancel some filming.[12][18][37]The shooting schedule in New York City lasted for fifty-two days.[37]The final scenes, which included some songs, were filmed at theFilmistanStudios in Mumbai over about fifty days beginning in August 2003.[37][42][43]Shooting ended in October 2003, with "Maahi Ve" being the last scene and song sequence filmed.[43]According to Shah Rukh Khan,Kal Ho Naa Howas made insync soundas there were many indoor sequences in the film. He noted that sync sound "improved" his performance "considerably" describing it as "one of the biggest blessings for an actor."[44]

Johar had planned the film's climax differently, but Yash Johar persuaded him that Aman should die. Given Shah Rukh Khan's screen persona, he believed Aman's death would have a bigger impact on the audience.[45]In September 2015, Shah Rukh Khan revealed that Johar "made a special edit" of the film for his children as a favour to him; in this version, the film ends before his character dies.[46]

Thematic analysis

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Kal Ho Naa Hocontinued the trend set byDilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge(1995) in which Indian family values are always upheld, regardless of the country of residence.[47]Social and cultural analysis professorGayatri Gopinath(author ofImpossible Desires: Queer Diasporas and South Asian Public Cultures) noted how the film asserts "the essential Indianness" of its characters, and the entry of Aman Mathur gives them a sense of pride in their identity as Indians. This is seen when Aman helps overcome Jennifer Kapur's financial constraints by turning her café into an Indian restaurant and replacing the American flag with the Indian tricolour.[48]InPostliberalization Indian Novels in English: Politics of Global Reception and Awards,Maria Ridda compares the film withKuch Kuch Hota Haibecause both films depict the internalisation of Western ideologies into Indian culture. Ridda agrees with Gopinath on the impact of Aman's transformation of Jennifer's café. She notes that all of Jennifer's friends and family work together on the renovation and it reinforces "a 'pan-Indian' sense of belonging."[49]

In an extensive comparative analysis ofKal Ho Naa HowithSiddharth Anand's 2005 film,Salaam Namaste,Cleveland State UniversitySchool of Communication assistant professor Anup Kumar believes the films are similar representing "as an archetype" the "'unity in diversity'"of the characters. InSalaam Namaste,the characters are from across India—one is fromBangladesh.Kumar notes that the characters' last names "signify ethnicity and caste." InKal Ho Naa Ho,Jennifer and Lajjo are a Christian andPunjabi Sikh,respectively; Rohit is aGujarati.According to Kumar, Rohit and Naina's marriage symbolises the unity of the people of Punjab and Gujarat.[50]Both films emphasise different aspects of marriage. InSalaam Namaste,central characters Nick and Ambar's (Saif Ali Khan and Zinta) professional careers come first and they are fearful of commitment. Conversely, inKal Ho Naa Hothe tradition oflove-cum-arranged marriageis encouraged.[51]

Many critics noted Aman's resemblance toRajesh Khanna's character, Anand Saigal, in Hrishikesh Mukherjee'sAnand(1971). In both films, the protagonist is diagnosed with a terminal illness but believes in living life to the fullest.[52][53][54]Despite accepting Aman and Anand's similar personalities,Mayank ShekharofMid-Dayfelt that the film had more in common withFarhan Akhtar's directorial debut,Dil Chahta Hai(2001), "in its look and lingos".[52]Film journalists and critic,Komal Nahta,in his review ofKal Ho Naa HoforOutlook,[55]Ram Kamal MukherjeeofStardust,[56]Jitesh Pillai ofThe Times of India,and Paresh C. Palicha ofThe Hinduall agreed that the film is thematically similar toAnand.[57][58]Each felt it shared common aspects with other films starring Khanna: 1970sSafar,where terminal illness is also a central motif,[55][57][58]andBawarchi(1972), in which the protagonist mends relationships between families and friends.[56][58]Pillai also compared Shah Rukh Khan's death toTom Hanks' in the 1993legal drama,Philadelphia.[57]

Some reviewers and scholars believe thatKal Ho Naa Hohas indirect homosexual themes. Manjula Sen ofThe Telegraphand Mimansa Shekhar ofThe Indian Expressfeel there is homosexual innuendo, particularly in scenes where Rohit's servant Kantaben finds Rohit and Aman in what she thinks are compromising situations, leading her to believe they are acouple.[59][60]Dina Holtzman writes in her book,Bollywood and Globalization: Indian Popular Cinema, Nation, and Diaspora,that Aman's death was similar to the death of Jai (Amitabh Bachchan's character in the 1975 film,Sholay). According to Holtzman, their deaths broke the bond between the two male leads and were necessary to establish a normative heterosexual relationship between Rohit and Naina inKal Ho Naa Ho,and Veeru and Basanti inSholay.[61]

Music

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Kal Ho Naa Ho
Soundtrack albumby
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy
Released15 September 2003
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length38:10
LanguageHindi
LabelSony Music India
ProducerShankar–Ehsaan–Loy
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loychronology
Kuch Naa Kaho
(2003) 		Kal Ho Naa Ho
(2003) 		Rudraksh
(2004)

Johar ended his association with the composing duoJatin–Lalitafter they stated publicly they were dissatisfied with his decision to use other music directors forKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham....[62]The soundtrack forKal Ho Naa Howas composed byShankar–Ehsaan–Loy[c]in their first collaboration with Johar,[64]with lyrics byJaved Akhtar.[65]

Unlike in many previousBollywoodfilms,[66]Johar complied with international copyright laws and obtained permission to reworkRoy Orbison's 1964 song "Oh, Pretty Woman"for the film; the revised song was entitled" Pretty Woman ".[13]The music for the title song, "Kal Ho Naa Ho",was composed byLoy Mendonsa,while he and Advani were at a German Bakery inPune.Advani wanted a song thematically similar toCeline Dion's 1997 recording of "My Heart Will Go On",which he was humming at the time. When he heard it, Mendonsa came up with the tune and recorded it on his phone. After Shankar Mahadevan and Ehsaan Noorani listened to it, the trio composed the song.[22]

The soundtrack was released on 15 September 2003 under theSony Music Indialabel.[67][68]The audio launch ceremony was held two days later at theTaj Lands Endin Mumbai.[67]The album had positive reviews and the title song, "It's the Time To Disco", "Kuch To Hua Hai" and "Pretty Woman" became popular.[69]ABollywood Hungamacritic called it "a fabulous amalgamation of Indian melodies and contemporary sound."[70]Another reviewer on the same website felt that, apart from "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Kuch To Hua Hai", the rest of the songs were in the"'average' to 'very average' category ".[71]Vipin Nair ofFilm Companionranked the soundtrack 66th on his list of "100 Bollywood Albums". Nair noted that although the album "had a fairly diverse set of songs", he chose the title song as his favourite and called it "among the most moving songs produced since the start of the century".[72]It was one of the highest-selling album of the year in India, with sales of over 2.3 million copies.[73]The title track was referenced in 2015 by the German Embassy in India, which produced an eight-minute video entitledLebe Jetzt( "Live now" inGerman). The video features German Ambassador to IndiaMichael Steiner,his wife Elisse and former IndianMinister of External AffairsSalman Khurshidin the roles played by Shah Rukh Khan, Zinta and Saif Ali Khan respectively.[74]

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Kal Ho Naa Ho"Sonu Nigam5:21
2."Maahi Ve"Sujata Bhattacharya,Sadhana Sargam,Shankar Mahadevan,Sonu Nigam,Udit Narayan6:06
3."It's the Time To Disco"KK,Loy Mendonsa,Shaan,Vasundhara Das5:33
4."Kuch To Hua Hai"Alka Yagnik,Shaan5:19
5."Kal Ho Naa Ho" (Sad)Alka Yagnik,Richa Sharma,Sonu Nigam5:35
6."Pretty Woman"Ravi Khote,Shankar Mahadevan5:53
7."Heartbeat" (Instrumental)—4:23

Release

[edit]
Saif Ali Khan, Zinta and Shah Rukh Khan (l-r) at an event for the film in 2003

Kal Ho Naa Howas released on 28 November 2003,[75]and promoted with thetagline,"A Story of a Lifetime... In a Heartbeat".[67][76]Its international distribution rights were acquired byYash Raj Films.[76]The film won the Prix Du Public award when it was screened at the 2004 Valenciennes Film Festival.[77]It was also shown at theMarrakech International Film Festivalin 2005.[78]

Costumes worn by Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Zinta were auctioned in December 2003 byFame Adlabsin Mumbai.[79]The film's script was added to theMargaret Herrick Library,the main repository of theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,later that month.[80][81]

Reception

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Critical response

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India

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Kal Ho Naa Horeceived positive reviews from critics, with the direction, story, screenplay, music, cinematography and performances gaining the most attention.[82]Film critic and authorAnupama Choprapraised Advani's direction, noting in herIndia Todayreview that he "emerges as a distinctive voice". Although she appreciated its technical aspects, she criticised the film's first half and its sub-plots.[83]Mayank Shekhar calledKal Ho Naa Ho"a carefully constructed compendium of moments" which helped the audience "to feel lighter and to lighten up", concluding that "it works and is worth your entertainment bucks."[52]Komal Nahta praised the film's direction, screenplay and lead performances—particularly Shah Rukh Khan, calling his character Aman "one of the best roles of his career."[55]Ram Kamal Mukherjee described Zinta's performance as "astounding", saying that she "skillfully handled the hues of the complex character" and "walked through the character with elan." Mukherjee called Advani's and Johar's treatment of the story "unique", admiring the film's technical aspects and its treatment of homosexuality "with a dash of [humour], and thankfully by not degrading its social connection."[56]

Jitesh Pillai described Johar's screenplay as "endearing", writing that it "pinwheels with abandon from the bachelor with a heart of gold to the obdurate female lead." Pillai also praised the performances of Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan, particularly their on-screen relationship and comic timing. He called Shah Rukh Khan "wonderful", describing him as "the soul" of the film and writing that Saif Ali Khan's "joie de vivremakes it one of the most delectable performances seen in recent times. "[57]Rama Sharma ofThe Tribunethought that Shah Rukh Khan "infuses enough spark and affection", but was "overcharged" at times. He praised Mehta's cinematography for capturing nuances and "heightening the emotion."[53]

InThe Hindu,Paresh C. Palicha praised Iyengar's "witty and crispy" dialogue but criticised the characters' Indian accents.[58]AnotherHinducritic,Ziya Us Salam,agreed with Nahta that the film belonged to Shah Rukh Khan. Although Shah Rukh Khan "does the same thing over and over again", he performs his role "with such panache that all you can do is sit back and wait for that master artiste to unfold his magic again."[84]A third review inThe Hinduby Chitra Mahesh calledKal Ho Naa Ho"a smartly-made film" and praised Saif Ali Khan's performance, saying that "he has proved yet again what a wonderfully natural actor he is." However, she wrote that Shah Rukh Khan "tries too hard to impress".[85]

Rohini Iyer ofRediff.compraisedKal Ho Naa Ho's"fresh" storytelling and "spicy humour", saying that Zinta "captures the spirit" of her character. She concluded her review by saying that the film "will carry you with its exuberance."[54]According to Archana Vohra ofNDTV,Advani "seems to have come up with an innovative way to present a done-to-death plot" and added: "Irrespective of the frills, fancy clothes and well-dressed stars, the film does strike a chord". Vohra, finding Bachchan "extremely well cast" as Jennifer and Saif Ali Khan's screen presence "electrifying", criticised Shah Rukh Khan for "playing the same kind of roles" as he did inDilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,Kuch Kuch Hota HaiandKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...,but he "isn't too bad. Just needs to go easy on the histrionics."[86]

Overseas

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Kal Ho Naa Horeceived a rating of 70 percent on thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoesbased on ten reviews, with an average rating of 7.25 out of 10.[87]Metacritic,which uses a weighted average, has given the film a score of 54 based on four reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[88]

In a positive review,Dave KehrofThe New York TimesdescribedKal Ho Naa Hoas "a vigorous Bollywood blend of romantic comedy and family melodrama" and "a rich meal that may best be reserved for stomachs accustomed to such bountiful fare."[89]Writing forVariety,Derek Elleycalled the film a "slam-dunk" effort from Johar, with "a lightness of touch that sets it apart from the previous hits." Elley praised Saif Ali Khan and Zinta, noting that they "more than hold" their own "against a huge cast".[90]Manish Gajjar of theBBCfound the script "fresh and appealing", and that Advani proves "he has the natural ability to handle both the lighter and serious moments in the film." Gajjar termedKal Ho Naa Hoa "well-crafted product".[91]

David Parkinson ofRadio Timeswrote that the film "retains a distinctive Bollywood flavour", despite being inspired by "Hollywood romantic comedies". Parkinson criticised its length. He noted: "The pace slackens as plot demands take precedence over set pieces".[92]Jami Bernardof theNew York Daily Newswrote, "Bollywood musicals, those big, loud, colorful extravaganzas from India, are an acquired taste and much ofKal Ho Naa Hodoesn't translate easily "; despite this mixed review, Bernard noted that the lead cast's characters" grow on you. "[93]

Box office

[edit]

Kal Ho Naa Howas successful at the box office,[94]particularly overseas due to its New York City setting.[95][96]Kal Ho Naa Howas released on 400 screens across India and grossed₹21.7 million (US$475,000 in 2003)[b]on its opening day, the year's fourth-highest first-day earnings.[97][98]It earned₹67.1 million (US$1.47 million in 2003)[b]by the end of its opening weekend, breakingKoi... Mil Gaya'srecord for the year's best opening weekend for Hindi films in India.[99]At the end of its first week, the film collected₹124.5 million (US$2.7 million in 2003).[100][b]Kal Ho Naa Hoearned₹581.8 million (US$12.7 million in 2003)[b]in India and became the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2003 in India, behindKoi... Mil Gaya.[102]

Abroad,Kal Ho Naa Howas released in 37 theatres in the United Kingdom.[103]The film debuted in sixth place and grossed₹29.41 million (about US$644,000 in 2003)[b]over its first weekend, exceeded only byKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham....[103]In the United States, where it premiered on 52 screens,[103]it earned₹34.62 million (US$758,000 in 2003)[b]by the end of its four-day first weekend.[104]By the end of its first week, the film had grossed₹84.64 million ($1.8 million in 2003),[b]the year's highest overseas first-week gross for an Indian film.[105]In the first month after its release,Kal Ho Naa Hocollected about₹180 million (US$3.9 million in 2003) in the UK and US,[95]grossing in the UK top ten.[106]It earned₹279.1 million (US$6.1 million in 2003)[b]overseas, becoming the year's highest-grossing Indian film world wide.[107][b]Box Office Indiaestimated the film's total collections to be₹860.9 million (US$18.8 million in 2003), making it 2003's most profitable Indian film.[4][b]

Awards and nominations

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Main article:List of accolades received by Kal Ho Naa Ho

At the51st National Film Awards,Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy received the award forBest Music Directionand Sonu Nigam received theBest Male Playback Singeraward.[108]Kal Ho Naa Horeceived eleven nominations at the49th Filmfare Awards,and won eight—the most for any film that year, including:Best Actress(Zinta),Best Supporting Actor(Saif Ali Khan) andBest Supporting Actress(Bachchan).[109]The film won thirteen of its sixteen nominations at the5th IIFA Awards,including:Best Film,Best Actress(Zinta),Best Supporting Actor(Saif Ali Khan) andBest Supporting Actress(Bachchan).[110][111]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^While Johar told Lata Khubchandani ofRediff.comin 2003 that he stayed in New York City for one-and-a-half months,[37]he contradicted himself in his 2017 autobiographyAn Unsuitable Boy,where he wrote that he stayed there for three months.[38]
  2. ^abcdefghijklThe average exchange rate in 2003 was 45.66Indian rupees(₹) per 1 US dollar (US$).[101]
  3. ^Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy is a trio consisting ofShankar Mahadevan,Ehsaan NooraniandLoy Mendonsa.[63]

References

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Bibliography

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