Koi... Mil Gaya [DVD] [2003] by Hrithik Roshan

Okay, after flirting with the idea of trying to curb the obsession rapidly taking control of my life I've submitted to a severe relapse. Forget the Borg when it comes to Hrithik Roshan, "Resistance is Futile." The only thing to do is sit back and just let it ride. Anyway my only vices are films, music, and chocolate. At least This won't make me fat. Okay, I'm not sure why but I kept tearing up all through this movie. Even more so than when I watch Guzaarish (English Subtitles) I think it's because I start crying from the happy moments and the heartbreaking ones.Okay, Okay, I admit it, this movie is A LOT like ET. But with all due respect to Mr. Spielberg, (whom I have a great deal of respect and admiration for) I like this one better. First of all, the kids aren't quite as bratty and mean. They pull a few mischievous pranks and parents be warned the munchkins do beat up some grownups. I'll be tossing out a few lectures to my Nephews and the soon-to-be-born Niece about how such behavior WILL NOT fly with their Auntie so they shouldn't bother.Second, Jadoo is so much cooler than ET. Not because he's cute, blue, and a little like the tadpole in that old children's show Gulla Gulla Island, but because he has such a distinct personality. You don't have to depend on the human's actions and reactions to know what Jadoo's all about.Third, ET doesn't have Rohit. Once again the Jr. Roshan has cooked up a bit of enchantment. Yes, dad is responsible too but I'll get to him later. To be fair there is ONE other actor who could have pulled this off well, and that's Aamir Khan. Still, I can't imagine anyone else in this role. I love watching a movie when it's so obvious that the actor LOVES not only his job, but the character as well. Rohit is special character to play and Mr. Roshan doesn't just play the role to his typical standards of perfection, he infuses his own enthusiasm for the character in every frame. Playing characters with any disability is a challenge for a "normal" person. There's the risk of being patronizing, or worse insulting, then there's the risk that the audience will only see the "disability" and not the person. (Something I know well in my own life)There are three things Mr. Roshan does that prevents these things from happening...1. He never once manipulates the audience into pitying Rohit. He doesn't pity Rohit, so we don't pity Rohit. When we meet Rohit pre-Jadoo, he's not unaware that he's different, but he lives the life he has to the fullest. Wisely, Mr. Roshan never goes for "cute" or "pathetic" when it comes to Rohit's personality or his challenges. Rohit is innocent, sweet, and good-hearted, but he is not saintly, or foolish. Post-Jadoo, he's very much the same, only develops a much keener sense sarcasm and confidence. The thing to remember is that Rohit isn't stupid and Mr. Roshan makes sure we know that.2. Rohit isn't hung up on being normal in the sense that he wants to be like the other young men in his city, (and since the men in his city are jerks this is evidence of his good sense) however, his frustration with the injustices he faces is palpable. Even post-Jadoo he's still a bit awkward, and his attempts at being a stud are comical. The beauty of Rohit is that healed or not, he's always true to himself, and that is a beautiful thing.3. As I mentioned before, Rohit isn't saintly, and when he does wrong it's dealt with properly. He has a temper, he's impatient, and he's impulsive. The easy thing to do is let these flaws slide because of all the other stuff he deals with. Thankfully they do no such thing!All in all, it's no wonder that out of a career jammed with exceptional roles, and exquisitely crafted performances it's this one that propelled him from Hearthrob hunk to the most serious threat to the Khan Triumvirate B-Town has seen in the last 25 years. And this was just the first step.So now that we've got the obvious out of the way, time to move on to the ladies...Rekha, the mysterious and eccentric superstar, no make that legend of Hindi films. Man oh man, if *half* of the rumors are true she could give Bette Davis, Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, and Greta Garbo a run for their money. But the lady adores her privacy so we fans can only speculate. One thing is certain she takes a great deal of pride in the fact that she babysat a tiny Hrithik and changed his diapers! No lie look it up on youtube, she presented his award for Jodhaa Akbar (Three-Disc Collector's Edition) she even told the whole story! He took it with exceptionally good grace. Still, I can't help but think that she used it in her powerhouse performance. She blends tenderness, sternness, vulnerability, strength, and fear into a complete package.Preity Zina, well she's her usual spunky, spirited, take-no-crud or prisoners self. I admit, sometimes I wish she'd switch it up a bit, but it works here to great effect. As the wonderful reviewer Mr. H. Bala mentions in his own exquisite review, Nisha is never patronizing with Rohit, and gives him all the dignity and respect he deserves. She never hides the truth from him, and treats him like a man, even if pre-Jadoo he is a little "slow-on-the-uptake" when it comes to male/female relationships. The most wonderful aspect of her performance was her dancing! Usually, in her films dancing isn't a huge deal, but here she struts her stuff quite adequately. Of course, she plays second fiddle to Mr. Roshan when it comes to busting a move but, who doesn't, right?Kids, I adore the whole flock of them. Each had a separate and distinct personality that showed a different characteristic that attracted them to Rohit, and Rohit to them. Every last child deserves praise especially the kid who played young Rohit.Bad Guys, Don't know their names, don't really care. They did the job, and made me cry with Rohit.Production and Director, See I told you we'd get to daddy Roshan! Mr. R.R. is a very talented man, yes he rips off E.T. and several other sources too, but that's par for the course in all films. Just going off of Netflix 99% of all the Foreign Movies are rip-offs of something. What I appreciated is his ability to create a wholesome and sweet story that stays true to his culture and yet remains accessible for anyone. It's not so cloyingly sweet that an adult gets sick of it. It's not so bogged down with cultural differences that my family would be asking me to explain something every five minutes. It's got bright colors and catchy music for the babies that can't follow plots yet, but it's challenging enough for kids with more advanced minds who get bored with typical children's fare. It's not easy to make a movie for an entire family these days and yes that takes talent! Besides, just making a sci-fi movie where sci-fi isn't exactly the most popular genre takes a certain amount of guts. And here's something you might have missed. Mr. R.R. was an actor back in the day and he returned in front of the camera as Dr. Mehra, Rohit's father. Kudos, Mr. R.R.Okay I'll be honest if you're one of those special effects junkies looking for computer images to rival what we get here in the States, you'll be disappointed. Sorry but India doesn't have the cash for that kind of work. 1,000,000 rupees = 18,000 US dollars! Now I ask you, would that hire a company like LucasArts for a week? I rest my case. I'd say the special effects are on par with "The Abyss" and guess what, I love that movie and the effects too! The wirework wasn't as bad as I expected either. Also, remember this movie was made almost 10 years ago, so give it a chance and don't be snobby!Costumes, Okay Hrithik Roshan is a VERY, VERY, GOOD SON! I think this needs emphasizing because daddy put him in some truly heinous outfits post-Jadoo. Oye! I really can't possibly understand what the costume designer could have been thinking! This is when you just shrug and accept the fact that it doesn't matter what you do to Hrithik Roshan be it hair, glasses, or wardrobe, the man is The Greek God of Bollywood and will never look bad. However, there were two dresses Ms. Zina wore that I would die for. But once again the Bollywood shoe monster appeared with horrific sandals and other monstrosities. It's official, Bollywood films have only gotten truly fashionable from 2006 on.Locations, I've yet to see even one part of India on film that isn't completely breathtaking. Since a great deal of the film takes place outside we are visually spoiled as usual.Music and dance. Uncle Rajesh Roshan did extremely well with this soundtrack I like it a lot more than Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai Bollywood DVD (With English Subtitles) and Na Tum Jaano Na Hum but he's still not my favorite composer. Dancing, well what can I say Mr. Roshan had his Singing In The Rain moment, and I think Gene Kelly would have heartily approved.To sum up, I honestly didn't think it'd live up to the hype but it did!

I'm not Hindustani. But this movie and most of the Bollywood moviesmake me so jealous that I'm not! I LOVE HINDI FILMS...(or BOLLYWOOD movies!)If you haven't seen any..you are in for a treat. The dancing,the singing, the costumes, the actors...marvelous!Sometimes the style may be a bit hard for Americans to take....because they are often not "realistic". But I LOVE the way theyhighlight love and family and friendship.So many of the joys of life and the virtues that make life worth living...are in these movies!Bollywood people really know how to make movies.Hollywood movies could only dream of coming EVEN close!The actors are handsome, masculine, and absolutely entrancing...the actresses are the most beautiful in the world!And this movie stars the best actor in all of Bollywood(or Hollywood)!Hrithik is the perfect actor. He can dance better than anyone in film today.He has an amazing sculptured body, frighteningly handsome good looks,and can out act almost any actor around.He makes me laugh and cry and gasp with amazement.He and his brilliant father have made a wonderfully entertaining film.It was the first Bollywood I ever saw. It is still one of my verymost favorites. Such a sweet story... and it is NOT an Indian ET!The story is a romance. Hrithik plays two characters... the child-likebrain-damaged Rohit...and the hero Rohit. And he does it so well.The rest of the cast is great(especially the kids). But it is Hrithik's movie!If you want to try Hindi films...this is a good one to start with.It is a great movie for the whole family.[I often buy it to give as a gift...to show people what they aremissing by not watching Hindi movies.]

my family just finished watching this movie and my two sons ARE watching again. this is such a heart-warming story. imho, i love this movie better than ET (no disrespect). this movie has everything ... excellent songs and dance -- interesting plot and of course Hrithik Roshan. he is just brilliant. how can the critics tag him a one-hit wonder? we just discovered H. Roshan when we 'accidentally' stumbled on the movie KRRISH. and found out that there is a prequel when i read the reviews from other bollywood experts. ordered this prequel and watch it in one day. man, we LOVE it! even my 'worldly' american husband LOVE it. now, we're looking for all H Roshan's movies. heard that KRRISH 2 will be out this summer 2009. can't wait for the dvd! those who have not watch this prequel, must get a hold of it and watch it. you'll NOT be sorry. bollywood movies have so much heart ... than hollywood's. or maybe, lately we just cant find any worthwhile family movies on the market to sit through the session. our hats to H Roshan and many thanks to the amazon bollywood reviewers. your feedback were greatly appreciated. thanks again.

Here it is. It's got just about everything. But the one element that makes this movie so truly watchable is Preity Zinta. Whenever she's on screen (which is often), she lights it up. You can't take your eyes off her. At least, I couldn't.