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After hearing a slew of mixed reviews about My Name Is Khan, I finally watched the film during its second running week in theatres. I have to admit, it was difficult to block out the preconceived notions fed to me by a few critical viewers, "it's terribly long, Shah Rukh over-acts, and certain scenes could have been eliminated." But you know what, I FIRMLY disagree. For me, this film hit home.

I still remember switching on the TV in my Boston University dorm room on the 11th of September while hurriedly getting dressed for class. My roommate and I fell onto our double beds in a frozen shock as we watched a second plane ram into the twin towers. Each time I think about it, my heart sinks to my stomach. And when we learned that the culprits had taken off from Logan, we felt cheated by the airport that welcomed us back from our Christmas holidays and long weekends home. As desis who had grown up in the US, 9/11 changed our world. We almost grew desensitized by the daily India Abroad reports of NRIs being harassed and vandals spray painting obscenities on their homes and cars. Though most Americans are educated enough to know "brown" people hail from countries spanning South Asia and the Middle East, we were all being lumped together. Bearded men, including turban-wearing Sikhs, were labeled as "Osama-wannabes" and hejabis were 'undoubtedly' the wives of jihadists.

I'd like to believe My Name Is Khan aimed to tell the NRIs' story. Prior to watching the film, I conducted a profile piece on screenwriter Shibani Bathija that aired on CNN-IBN (Indian Broadcasting Network). She explained that director Karan Johar wanted 9/11 to be the germ, and from that germ the growth of a love story about Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) and Mandira Rathore (Kajol). She told me she specifically chose San Francisco as the backdrop since the city became a home away from home when she moved there for her studies. I think the hamlet-like charm to Mandira's community is a memorable character in itself. Shibani's tactics are refreshingly lucid; the plot is a river with tributaries (sub-plots) flowing through and each must come full circle. Here are a few worth mentioning:

-As an Autistic kid, Rizwan has a knack for fixing things and goes on to using his handy man skills to sustain himself along his journey across the US

-In his youth, Rizwan saves his teacher from a flood outside his home and goes on to rescuing the residents of Wilhemina, Georgia from a devastating hurricane that leaves their entire city submerged

-Rizwan considers his ammi's words as law and they serve as a recurring theme, resounding in his head each time anyone tells him different, "There only two kinds of people in this world: good and bad. Nothing else matters."

-In several instances, Mandira would break into song and belt out "Hum Honge Kamayab" so Rizwan is awestruck when he hears the English version of the hymn "We Shall Overcome" sung by a church choir in Wilhemina

-Mandira's son Sameer (a.k.a Sam) loved balloons, (Rizwan even gifts them to Mandira on one occasion), so Mandira decides to let a bunch of balloons soar into the sky after Sam dies, metaphoric of her "letting go"

In addition to the uncanny 'signs' scattered about the movie, it's evident that a lot of heart was put into each scene. I teared up when Rizwan robotically hugged his brother saying "Tu mere Raja beta hai na." My nani used to console my cousin brother in the exact same way. There was significance behind Rizwan lacing up Sam's new sneakers as he embarked on his journey- it allowed him to take a part of his best friend wherever he went. I liked the fact that the videos he took of Mandira on his handy-cam provided as entertainment along his strenuous trek. What I appreciate most is that this film sheds light on the African American experience, where one can juxtapose the hurricane in Wilhemina to Hurricane Katrina. Never before has a Hindi movie revealed the warm, hospitable nature of these people and their unwavering faith during times of struggle. Mama Jenny reminded me of Rizwan's ammi and funny haired Joel was a lot like Sam.

The film also brings to attention the soldiers and journalists who lost their lives in Iraq and how newly elected President Barack Obama personified 'hope' during a time of helplessness. Channeling a mix of Dustin Hoffman's character in Rainman and Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, Shah Rukh Khan's acting should be lauded for its consistency, if nothing else. Sure, a man who keeps a fixed tilted glance and funny gait appears to have some sort of mental disorder rather than Asperger's syndrome, but his delivery is on point throughout and is only distracting in a few scenes. Kajol is a firecracker as always. I've been told that her bubbly outbursts in the first half actually mirror her true personality, and post-interval she convincingly displays the plight of a mother who has lost her son. When she held Sam's dead body in her arms, goose bumps swept over me and my toes curled as she wailed. The casting is impeccable, from the prick security guard who asks Rizwan to deliver his "Howdy" message to the president, to Reese, Sarah, Sam, Mama Jenny, and funny haired Joel. The casting directors could have relegated to hiring random foreigners found on the streets of Frisco, but instead they chose supporting actors who were capable of allowing their character's personalities to shine through. In fact, they reminded me of some of my friends and neighbors back home. Other than the novelty behind a Hindi movie depicting the sensibilities and experiences of NRIs post September 11th, the film's message rings loud and clear: HUMANITY. Creed, race, gender, and religion are divisive forces in society so we must constantly remind ourselves that above all else, we're just human beings. Only when we eliminate stereotypes and prejudices from our mindsets can we unite for a cause and galvanize change.

"My name is Kanika" (no need to engage the epiglottis) and I believe My Name Is Khan should be extolled for its gripping performances, organic storyline, and most importantly its caveat for every individual to take on the challenge to "be the change."

"Chahey Armaan hain ya Khan, hum sabse pehle hain insaan."