Karan Johar just keeps getting bolder as a director. The ambitious filmmaker who once debuted with a candy-floss romance like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai has ventured into issue-based films. It all started with his take on extra-martial relationships in his last film Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. This time, and probably for the first time, Karan's film isn't about romance. (Not the basic premise, however) MNIK is about a simple autistic man out to "Repair" the world.

The big question is, does Karan recreate the magic of his last films? For the most part, yes.

Rizwan Khan is an autistic man from India who comes to America to live with his brother after his mother's demise. Rizwan, who sees the world in either black or white, falls in love with a Hindu single-mother named Mandira. Against his brother's wishes, Rizwan marries Mandira and they are ready to start their happy life. However, the day that changed the world had come. 9/11 attacks occur which leads to the racial attack on Mandira's son. An outraged Mandira blames Rizwan's last name for the murder of her son and tells him in anger to go tell the world that he's not terrorist, tell the president he's not a terrorist. From then on starts Rizwan's journey of love, peace and realization.

MNIK is Karan Johar's strongest script, there is no doubt about it. The plot is linear and depends on defining moments in the script. The direction is compelling and the screenplay is engaging for the most part. The biggest plus of MNIK is Rizwan Khan, the character. One of the best written characters in Indian Cinema. Add to that, the production values, performances, music - the whole packaging is excellent.

Having said that, I do feel that MNIK is Karan's weakest film. (Yes, weaker than KANK) However, that isn't a bad thing since Johar has such a spectacular track record. Why I say this is because I feel the film drags in the second half more than it should. Also, the whole "Hum honge Kamyaab" and "Momma Jenny" scenes are cheesy at times. There is a scene that really angered me - it's a scene of an American teacher telling young children that all Muslims are terrorists. That is a horrible scene. I don't think that happened in most US schools during 9/11. I've grown up in the U.S. and it is much more tolerant than shown.

A significant highpoint is of course the chemistry of arguably the best on-screen couple of Indian Cinema. SRK and Kajol light up the screen as always.

There are some hair-raising moments in the film. Starting with SRK's first meeting with Kajol. One can't help but put a smile on. SRK in the mosque lashing out against a Muslim activist. The best scene, in my opinion, is when Rizwan goes to a church to have dinner with the president and is rejected. His response is applaud-worthy.

The writing is superb in the first half. As mentioned, second half could have been better. Dialogue is outstanding.

Shankar-Esaan-Loy's music is soothing and magical. Every song is terrific. Picturised well too.

Karan Johar's direction is in form, like always. It's a tough film to make and he's definitely outdone himself when it comes to executing scenes. It's a great achievement.

Kajol is looking like a million bucks. Her acting is no surprise, she never disappoints. Jimmy Shergill makes a strong presence.

MNIK belongs to Shah Rukh Khan more than anybody. Rizwan's innocence, honesty and sincerity is all thanks to SRK. Every expression, line, just mind blowing. SRK lives the role and gives a performance to remember. From the scene where he tells the church about his son to his expression when Kajol asks him to marry her. Every expression, big or small is flawless.

Overall, a film that has it's flaws here and there. Looking at the big picture, it's a film that's not afraid to be loud and clear about what it wants to say. It's surely worth a watch for brilliant moments, a great narrative and it's worth a second watch just for Rizwan Khan.