Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...
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Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... is a musical romantic feel-good Bollywood family drama that tackles issues of upholding tradition versus love and the hurt of a fractured family. The star-studded movie title translates as Sometimes There is Happiness, Sometimes There is Sorrow and its tagline is "It's all about loving your parents." These lay out the main themes as a young man, Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), chooses love over his family tradition and a ripple of sadness spreads through the family during the time he is disowned. Characters show many positive traits, including friendship and compassion. Characters of all genders readily show their emotions. Rahul's adoptive brother, Rohan (Hrithik Roshan), shows strong perseverance in his goal to reunite his estranged family. There's iffy body image material as an overweight child is often called "fatty" by his family and others. The movie has one use of "s--t" and some mild flirting, as well as a sensual dance number between a couple.
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What's the Story?
In KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM..., Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), a rich young man, falls for a young free spirited woman and chooses love over his father's wishes to uphold tradition. Seeing the hurt his family feels at this division, youngest son Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) vows to reunite his family.
Is It Any Good?
The star power of this brilliant Bollywood production blasts this captivating family drama into the next sphere with its heightened emotions translating directly to the viewer. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... is a joy on many levels, be it the exuberant glee of a relationship blossoming or a long-awaited reunion that is fist-pumpingly thrilling. Equally, the melodrama of a big heartbreak or a quiet yearning is devastating, in the best possible way. Injecting some nuance to a familiar star-crossed lovers story, the addition of feelings around adoption adds an interesting angle and helps further twist the knife on emotional moments. During the musical sections, the dances and performances are pure escapist bliss and the immaculate visual storytelling in these moments is something to behold.
Even among uniformly excellent performances, Kajol stands out as remarkable. As the free-spirited, sometimes clumsy but always headstrong Anjali, she has to provide a believable reason for Rahul to choose between love and his family and fortune. Her ability to roll out multiple emotions in a single scene, causing laughter and tears within a heartbeat is a performance to be relished. While the movie falters a little when the story reaches London (the U.K. cast performances are no match for the Indian cast), the culture clash comedy and eventual emotional payoff makes this detour worth it. For captivating movie magic that provides lavish escapism and gripping, emotional drama, Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Ghah... is a triumph.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the family traditions portrayed in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.... Did you think the father was right to say keeping a family tradition going is more important than love? Do you have any traditions in your own family? What are the pros and cons?
Humility, perseverance, communication, and compassion are some of the character strengths displayed in the movie. Why are these so important? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits?
The film touches on forgiveness and showing emotions. Why is it important to forgive and not bottle up your emotions? Can you think of a time when you've forgiven someone? How did you feel afterwards?
In the movie, the family celebrates Diwali. Is this a festival you celebrate? How do you do it? If you don't celebrate it, what do you know about Diwali?
How is dancing viewed in your culture? Are there any events that regularly feature dancing? Did you enjoy the dance sequences in this movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 14, 2001
- On DVD or streaming: September 2, 2003
- Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan
- Director: Karan Johar
- Studio: Yash Raj Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Humility, Perseverance
- Run time: 210 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 24, 2023
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