Common Sense Media Review
By Sakhi Thirani
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bollywood romance tinged with mortality and family turmoil.
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Kal Ho Naa Ho
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In KAL HO NAA HO, when nosy new neighbor Aman (Shah Rukh Khan) barges into her life, uptight Naina (Preity Zinta) can't help but fall for him. But Aman is hiding a disturbing secret.
Is It Any Good?
One of Bollywood's most-loved tragedies, this classic, directed by Nikkhil Advani, is filled with charm and sentiment. Kal Ho Naa Ho isn't the most unpredictable or revolutionary film, there are issues with it, and it's got a fair chunk of melodrama. However, a rewarding journey in its own right with tasteful performances, fun music, and heartbreaks that move, the movie is a relic of what Bollywood once was. Supporting characters like Jennifer (Jaya Bachchan), Shiv (Athit Naik), Gia (Jhanak Shukla), and Lajjo (Sushma Seth add a nuance to the film, making it more than a mere love story. The film is not without its flaws. Aman's interventions — manipulating Naina and Rohit into a relationship, however well-intentioned — are genuinely problematic. While sexism and harassment, body-shaming, and homophobia are all treated as comic fodder rather than what they are, when they could have just as easily been avoided. However, despite these issues, the film does well with how it approaches life's fleetingness, domestic strife, and heartbreak.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the mature themes addressed in Kal Ho Naa Ho. How did the film tackle suicide, terminal illness, and grief? Were they handled sensitively? Why does that matter?
Which characters displayed traits of courage, empathy, compassion, and teamwork? Why are they such important character strengths to have?
Would you describe the movie as a positive film? If so, why? What do you think it was trying to say about life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 27, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : December 31, 2003
- Cast : Shah Rukh Khan , Preity Zinta , Saif Ali Khan
- Director : Nikkhil Advani
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Yash Raj Films
- Genre : Romance
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 186 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 27, 2026
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