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19 out of 22 people found the following review useful: I highly recommend this movie to u all! It's a must! Please Go Support this movie!, 5 April 2005 Author: MovieFanatic23 from United States
(Sob Sob Sob)I was DYING to watch. So finally, I watched it last night. And I have never cried so much in a movie. In one word, I would have to say that this movie is BEAUTIFUL! 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 the lawyer fights for his rights. He has the freedom to live freely and lead a normal life, like any other person. Now, 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 how or why Nikhil has Aids. Movie focuses how a family and society reacts to the decease. 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. This movies hits home because, we, once in life has 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 once in our life, that have made are parents embarrassed or mad at us. Don't we all have our soul mates? 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 for his dad to tell him, please tell me this is 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 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. 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. 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… 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 AND IT'S MUSIC! 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.I simply LOVED THIS MOVIE and it's very tough to put my thoughts about this movie in words, so I had a tough time writing a review on it. So I hope I did my best to promote this wonderful movie. This movie is not to be MISSED by anyone. And for those who are arrogant and don't like gay lifestyle – only this quote can sum it up: "It's astonishing how much energy some people Waste worrying that someone else might be Enjoying life in ways that they don't Approve of"Take care, Bhumi
9 out of 10 people found the following review useful: Story of a sports champion, who gets HIV-positive,and his life turns around, 7 April 2005 Author: a_humble_movie_lover from London, England
I just came back from a special screening of this movie.As a rule, I try avoid sentimental films- those with an extra doze of emotions, life, et al.So, i was avoiding this one, until today when I was invited for a special show.And I must say, what a movie! It tocuhed me deeply, throughout. The basic premise of the movie is that Nikhil Kapoor, a National level swimming champion, is tested HIV positive. And fearing the deadly disease AIDS, the society neglects him. The very people who could not let go of him, start shunning him, and this includes his parents. The only people who stand by him are his sister and most important person in his life, Anamika (Anu), her fiancé Sam, and Nikhil's partner, Nigel. The film has an important message: not HOW a person gets AIDS (or HIV virus) ; but how the life of one with AIDS gets affected. Shot beautifully in the picturesque Goa, the story is told from view points of all people important to Nikhil's life, and his legacy beyond death. Must watch! Nothing too revealing. Its something WE ALL KNOW these days. Just that its hard for most to accept. The movie got a standing ovation at the screening . Very well and differently made, it gets slow and dragging at times, but is so heart warming, one can let go of this minor drawback.Go watch it!
12 out of 16 people found the following review useful: If you liked Black, you'll love this 1!, 26 March 2005 Author: harjotarora from Canada
After "Black", "My Brother Nikhil" is another movie that can be added to the "Must See list" or a collection at home. A great film with outstanding star cast and a brilliant script. The one song in the movie "Le Chale" was really good and is perfectly set in the movie. It is not a movie that will appeal to everyone, but its for those who enjoy differeent kind of cinema. Juhi is a really good actressand must do more movies because she is definitely one of the good ones.Sanjay acted very well as well. Liletter Dubey was just fantastic (she is good in every film). There isn't much I can spoil because the movie is about AIDS and how Juhi helplessly watches her brother die but at the same time but at the same time she is the only one who stands by him. The movie deals with family conflicts, social issues in a different way. A MUST SEE! 10/10
6 out of 7 people found the following review useful: 'My Brother Nikhil' is that rarest of movies made in India, 6 April 2005 Author: rahulbhatia from India
'My Brother Nikhil' is that rarest of movies made in India: one that presents a serious story without judgment, describing the different manners in which people react to an unfamiliar crisis; all told simply, as most truths are.A family at peace with itself - barring the usual conflicts that affect all of us - finds solace in distance and agony in nearness when their son contracts a virus. There is a dollop of melodrama when the sick son realises his new place in a social hierarchy with no space for victims of the virus. But then the movie finds its pace, subtly conveying a message through a haunting song and the son's exploration within himself.When lives are depicted, this is how they should be. When stories are told, this is how they could be.
6 out of 7 people found the following review useful: Much Better than Phir Milenge., 31 March 2005 Author: nikhilkubrick from New Delhi, India
MY BROTHER NIKHIL ***1/2 out of 4 StarsIs it another Philadelphia? No. Another AIDS awareness movie? No. Another offbeat movie? No, I wouldn't call it that. A must watch? Yes. Sanjay Suri plays a character called Nikhil who is a State swimming champ and has a loving sister played by Juhi Chawla. I love Juhi. She acts marvelously and also uses her presence as a refreshing treat for your eyes. Victor Banerjee and Lilette Dubey also shine in their roles and even Purab Kohli delivers. Sanjay Suri plays his character, as it should be. Very well made and this film also boasts off a wonderful screenplay which is the highlight of the film (apart from the performances). Just the kind of AIDS movie we needed. But you can see some shades of Philadelphia which are ignorable because of the brilliance of the film. And there are some flaws which make you go ''Did they have the knowledge of all this in 1994?" which are again ignorable just like the ones in 'Black' but it has one thing in common with Black that it is one of the best films of the year. It is a tear-jerker but does not dwindle with this genre for long a la K3G. Despite its flaws, it was indeed a great film.And to top it all, it has an amazing amazing song called 'Le Chalein' which is interwoven in the film and adds to quality of the film. Awesome song!
4 out of 4 people found the following review useful: Drama with a capital D, 21 May 2006 Author: richb01803 from Cambridge, MA
To draw an audience and gain access to distribution channels in India, the director selected an actress of considerable talent and fame. Her title role (she's the sister of the proud gay man Nikhil about whom the story revolves) no doubt adds mass-market appeal and human warmth to this film.But it's the writing, directing, and pacing of this drama that pulls you in and never lets you go. There are many aspects of Indian culture touched upon, but the central story is universal. When you watch this film, every little nuance of dialog and on-screen action will immediately resonate with some important person or event from your own life.It's exceedingly rare to find a screenplay that can accomplish so much in 120 minutes (a pleasant not-too-long length given some of the 3-hour Bollywood fare out there). The director keeps the focus on one four-letter word throughout: LOVE. The family values shown in this film should be seen and felt by everyone.When I walked into the screening here in Boston, I expected something a lot lighter. Instead I got the AIDS drama of a lifetime, it really blew me away. AIDS has never been among my favorite film topics; there are too many me-too melodramas and preachy films with cardboard characters out there. Be prepared to shed a few tears, not just of sadness but of pure joy at seeing people caring for one another in the way we all want to be loved.A young doctoral student from China wandered into today's screening by accident, and struck up a conversation to ask me what to expect. He opted to sit through the film instead of touring the art museum. Afterward I asked him if he was glad he saw it. He said no, he's seen a lot of cases (of AIDS-related ostracism) like this in his homeland: it must have been hard for him to watch. But I'll bet he'll remember this story years from now, as I surely will.This is a thinking and caring person's drama. Don't miss it!
4 out of 5 people found the following review useful: Simply Great!, 22 July 2005 Author: Hrishi S from United States
'My Brother Nikhil' is the best film I ever saw in my life. I would like to see more such films. It touched my heart and soul.The way the film dealt with the subject of Homosexuality and HIV is very nice. Indian society needs more awareness in this field. That will help GLBT people to have better social life. Hopefully with more such films HIV +ve people won't get discriminated. Gay people are also Human beings. They should not be object of fun in every other crappy Hindi movies. When Nikhil's parents eventually accept his bf as their 'beta', I couldn't control my tears.Hrishi-
3 out of 4 people found the following review useful: Superb, 8 January 2007 Author: pottermaniac_16 from India
Superbly written and conceived. It's a story with a difference. Perhaps Bollywood's first take on the twin-taboos of homosexuality and AIDS. We had had films on AIDS before but still MBN stands out.Gay relationships were always a matter of ridicule in Bollywood. This is perhaps the first Bolly flick the looks upon such palpable emotions with so much respect.This is the story of a man who falls from social grace and ostracized. This story portrays how the closest to us can backstab us at the time of crisis. This is also the story of a sister's unconditional love for her brother.Purab, the film belongs to you. He is in complete ease with the camera; he portrayed the character of Nigel perfectly.Sanjay & Juhi were great too.Last but not the least, Onir, just keep up the good work. Looking forward to see more of you.
3 out of 4 people found the following review useful: The best movie of 2005, 17 June 2006 Author: phillydesidude from United States
2005 was a very good year for quality movies. And I can safely say that 'my brother nikhil' is the best movie. I loved 'Black' and 'Iqbal', but they come only second to MBN. They did'nt touch me as much as MBN. The credit for that goes to a lot of factors-people involved, and not just the main plot line.The movie just flows. Never drags- excellent editing. As realistic as it could get- excellent screenplay. Completely devoid of subplots- excellent script writing. Music by Vivek Phillip is awesome. Has only one song that also plays along in the background. And what a song. Sunidhi chauhan and Shaan have delivered one of their best ever. Haunting is the word.Sanjay Suri plays the protoganist. And boy can he act! I was impressed with his performance in 'Pinjar'. And now this. Am just appalled that he never even got nominated for any of the awards, let alone win. I think its about time that people/film industry sit up and give him credit for his talent.Likewise, Purab Kohli deserves applause for his performance. Another talent going unnoticed by bollywood. Juhi chawla, Victor Banerjee and Lilette Dubey all come up with wonderful performances, making their characters totally believable and they are perfectly cast. Am not undermining their calibre, but they've all been recognized and established actors. So, in the end its Sanjay and Purab who got the raw deal. And of course, Onir, the director can be added to that list too. He has handled the issue of AIDS and homosexuality with utmost maturity. Basic premise aside, he deals with so many relationship situations, and all done very realistically. Keep up the good work. Cant wait for his next 'bas ek pal'.All in all, it's a sin to let a movie like this pass by. So if u have'nt already, please go watch it.
3 out of 4 people found the following review useful: Wonderful, sensitive film, 9 June 2005 Author: AishFan from Santa Clara, CA, US
After Phir Milenge comes another touching film that sheds light on one of India's most misunderstood problems, AIDS. It is a pity that in the 21st century, AIDS is still thought of as a homosexual disease. I was shocked to see that people think it is extremely contagious and that there are no effective laws to protect patients. I couldn't believe that they're literally treated like dogs. Throughout the movie, I kept on wondering how the protagonist contracted the disease. I realized afterwords that the cause isn't revealed for a reason. People always assume how an AIDS patient contracted HIV, and they have no right to assume the cause and accuse the person for it. They are human beings and have an equal right to life. This movie also sheds some light on the extremely misunderstood gay relationship. Juhi Chawla does a wonderful job as does Sanjay Suri. However, I liked Phir Milenge more. It is much more positive and upbeat. MBN is rather depressing.
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