Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun Bollywood romance has occasional bad language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
What's the Story?
In KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, after reading a letter from her late mother, eight-year-old Anjali (Sana Saeed) sets her mind on reuniting her father, Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), with his college sweetheart. But have their feelings changed after all these years?
Is It Any Good?
Full of energy, humor, and a lot of heart, this 1990s Bollywood drama takes some traditional elements and merges them with a more modern college setting for a sweet, if not wildly original tale. There are stereotypical aspects to some of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai's characters, while some are played entirely for laughs. But there is enough complexity amid the three leads to maintain interest and enjoyment through the nearly three-hour running time.
Musical numbers bring humor into some dances, while others enjoy the soft-focus romantic moments of more classical Bollywood fare, full of breathy suggestion but not too much overt sexuality. There are some genuinely touching moments, particularly between father and daughter, and a likability to most characters -- even those being ridiculed -- that make it hard to ignore the pull of this colorful whirlwind that charts a love triangle through decades.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the nature of love in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. What were the differences/similarities between the different types of love portrayed in the film – such as friendship and romantic love?
Talk about the bad language used in the movie. Did it seem appropriate for a movie like this? What did it contribute to the movie?
The film centers on a love triangle, which is a plot device used in many films. Can you think of other examples from movies? How did this compare?
In what ways is gender referenced in the film? What does it say about traditional gender roles?
If Hindi is not a language you speak, how did you find the subtitles? Were they distracting or did you get used to them quickly? Has it inspired you to seek out other non-English movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 9, 2002
- Cast : Shah Rukh Khan , Kajol , Rani Mukerji
- Director : Karan Johar
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studios : Yash Raj Films , Prime Video
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 177 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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