My Brother Nikhil... my review

(Sob Sob Sob)

I watched this movie again and thought I would post a review of it here.... I have never cried so much in a movie. In one word, I would have to say that this movie is WONDERFUL!

This movie is groundbreaking; this movie has a “realistic” look at a gay couple and handles the subject of Aids with sensitivity – which has never been in any Indian movies.

Story is simple, Nikhil is diagnosed with Aids and his parents disown him. He goes to his partner (soul mate), Nigel. He is treated like a criminal and is locked in a dirty room for months before a lawyer fights for his rights. Then, he has the freedom to live freely and lead a normal life, like any other person. But, he has no parents, no job, and no life. Only support he has is of his beautiful caring sister, Anu (Princess), Nigel (Boyfriend), and Sam (Brother In-law).

Story doesn’t focus on how or why Nikhil has Aids. Movie focuses on how a family and society reacts to the disease. Nikhil is humiliated, once who used to be a star of the town and now he is an outcast. Movie has more of a documentary touch to it (meaning people speak to the camera about Nikhil).

We can all relate to this movie. We, once in life have had the perfect life but one day everything changes – everyone you loved is gone… This is how I related to the movie. Also, haven’t we done something wrong in our life, that has made are parents embarrassed or mad at us.
Don’t you have a brother or sister who would do anything for you?

Movie is about LIFE!

Movie shows courage, strength, and weakness in all characters.
This movie is filled with beautiful moments ~ just to mention few:

1- When Nikhil’s dad comes to meet him after 2 yrs, Nikhil asks his dad to tell him, that this is all a nightmare and it’ll pass.

2- When Anu comes with a rakhi to Nikhil and the words “agle rakhi mei tumsei ..” – realizing that there might not be another Rakhi for her.

3- When Nikhil and Nigel have a fight and reconcile, then Nigel takes Nikhil to the beach…there are glimpses of the past Nikhil & Nigel hanging out at the beach, which shows a healthy Nikhil… but now, Nigel is holding on to Nikhil…Nikhil can highly walk or stand.

4-A mother says to her son, I wish you had died when you were born.
5-When Nikhil dies in Nigel’s arms.

All the actors in the movie act as if they are the characters themselves.

Sanjay Suri as Nikhil, shows his emotions flawlessly. Sanjay plays the role of a man who is gay and in the closet, a swimming champion, a guy who is so pressured by his dad, an artist, and a weak sad, strong, human being. Sanjay is one of my favorite actors and it’s sad that he doesn’t get many roles. Lillette Dubey & Victor Banerjee play Nikhil’s ashamed parents pretty well.

Juhi Chawla -She adds the smile in the movie. She oozes happiness and hope and courage in the entire screen she is present. She is one of my favorite actresses. She stands by her brother when no one is there for him.

Purab Kohli - I personally think, this movie belongs to him completely! He is the best. He is an openly gay man. He portrayed the role of a gay man who is loosing his soul-mate so well, that I had to take a double take as to if this was really happening to him. His eyes expressed more than he even spoke. His smile showed how much he misses his boyfriend. His frustration showed how he is missing having Nikhil by his side now. Like, I said about Sanjay suri, Purab is also an excellent actor – I became his fan right after Supari & Bas Yun Hi. I am looking forward to his future projects.

ONIR, the director, writer, producer
He is the best! He handled the subject of Aids very well. He showed utmost sensitivity and sincerity to a gay subject line. He showed “realistic” issues and realistic characters. I am very much looking forward to any of his future movies.

Music by Vivek Philip is so beautiful and moving that any time I hear just the “la lal lllaaa..” I get a lump in my throat. Lyrics by Amitabh Verma are so beautifully written and are so relevant. Those words will haunt you…
Chaandni Muskuraayeee
Jab Hawa Kuchh Kahe
Samjho merii sadayein
Hai tere saaath mei
Jo Ghana ho fiza mein
Andhera layenge hum sa were tere liye
Le Lei chalei
Although, there are three versions to the song, my favorite would have to be Kay Kay, he sings that song so melodiously.
When Shaan sings the song for Sanjay Suri, the song seems to be very peppy and happy. Then, when K.K. sings for Purab Kohli, the song shows a sensitive side of a lover’s caring nature towards his dying Boyfriend. And then Sunidhi Chauhan’s voice a sense of sadness to the song.

Soundtrack of the movie has several other inspired songs by the movie. If I were to choose to add some more great songs to this movie’s soundtrack, I will definitely have to recommend adding – Pal by K.K. It is a very beautiful song and is so relevant to the movie’s theme. Also another great addition would be K.K.’s Yaaron.

After you see this movie, you’ll feel like someone very close to you just left you..

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE & CD TO YOU ALL! It’s a MUST FOR Everyone! PLEASE GO SUPPORT THIS MOVIE! WE NEED THESE KINDA MOVIES MADE IN INDIA. I, for one, am very very tired of watching “masala” type movies. They are not only annoying but make you feel like an idiot sitting in the theatre watching people cry over meaningless emotionless scenes.
www.mybrothernikhil.com