Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994)

Shah Rukh Khan himself considers this his favourite film, so who am I to disagree? Even though they were both released in 1994, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa and SRK's role in it is as different from Baazigar and the universe it occupies. Well, except for the fact that they're both cult classics and are arguably two of his best performances in his long and illustrious career. And of course, both of them have a special place in the hearts of SRK fans too.

Personally, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa is one of those movies that instantly put a smile on my face. Rewatching it as I'm going through a bit of a rough patch in life made me relate even more with Sunil than I usually did, and made me realise (quite emotionally) that it feels like I have grown up with this character, loving him through all phases of life and relating to him in different ways every time I rewatch. It's with this role that I probably first felt with full force what an enchanting performer Shah Rukh is, and how beautifully he can connect with his audience. Knowing more about this movie also makes me appreciate SRK more as a person- not only is it his favourite (he truly is the love of my life) but he also financed it when the makers had run short of money, because he believed in it so much. Back then of course, he wasn't THE superstar we know him to be today, but he still went all in for a project he was passionate about. THAT'S MY MAN, and that's the reason why I always end up un-cancelling him. He is truly one of his kind, and I don't think there will ever be another. King for a reason. 

Apart from Shah Rukh though, many things come together to make this a timeless masterpiece. The album is a bop, and special mention to one of my favourite songs of all time, "Ae Kash Ke Hum". The story itself is magical in its simplicity- it's not just Sunil who is a massively relatable character, everyone surrounding him feels like someone you know in real life. The relationships between the characters, their conflicts and resolutions, nothing feels forced. Plus, it's really funny too, with almost everyone in the cast (except Suchitra) having excellent comic timing. It also has some very touching moments, and this time I found myself crying for Anna and Chris, which is departure from tradition for me. Maybe this is what adulting feels like. Oh, and I love how wholesome the end is, and how that lively SRK-Juhi chemistry is present even in those few moments and makes you smile so wide as the credits start rolling in. This movie is just one of the best things to ever exist and I will hold it close to my heart till the day I die, probably. And also why I'll always have a special place in my heart for Shah Rukh Khan, no matter how many shitty movies he does, or how many interesting movies he walks out of (please DO NOT let the Attlee project being shelved rumours be true). 

In conclusion, I wish I hadn't opened Suchitra Aunty's Twitter account right before I watched this film, because she's deranged and unhinged. But my love for this movie is beyond even that, thankfully. Not letting anyone ruin things for me anymore- it's 2021 after all, I'm way past that shit. Now please excuse me as I wallow in all my feelings about this movie. Yes this essay wasn't enough because some things just can't be articulated okay!!

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