User Reviews

Karan Johar's directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is one of those films you can always watch and enjoy with your family and friends. In spite of being a bit of a fairy tale, it works very well within its limitations. It is one of those beautiful Hindi romantic comedies that actually form the unique cultural and artistic style of Bollywood's most famous mainstream flicks. This is an enjoyable and charming picture which can make you laugh, cry, at times even cringe with annoyance, but then it will keep you consistently entertained.

The film introduces Johar's famous statement that the first step towards love is friendship and does it in a slightly cheesy yet rather convincing way. The film is a poignant story of two friends, a guy and a girl, who understand they actually love each other perhaps too late. And that's how it goes on. It flows well, with wonderfully composed songs, nicely written characters, several clichés here and there, many comic sequences, some melodramatic ones as well, but more importantly, a lot of Bollywood-style colour and fun.

Shahrukh Khan and Kajol work with electrifying chemistry. Their scenes together are pure magic. Both give crafted performances. Kajol is more impressive as the cool tomboy who transforms into a womanly, attractive and sensitive Anjali. She displays the pain, joy, happiness and confusion that her character goes through with great conviction. Shahrukh is fantastic as the young, cool guy, friend and boyfriend and later on as a loving and caring father who has lost his wife and suffers her loss.

Rani Mukherjee is beautiful and vibrant and makes for a very effective intelligent and dreamy girl. This is not an accomplished but very sincere performance which deserves full praise. Salman Khan is very good and surprisingly enough, manages to impress even in a brief, seemingly insignificant appearance. It may be because his character makes a great impact on the film's story and on the viewer.

I really liked the film's music, the title song being my favourite, and among other songs, the melancholic "Tujhe Yaad Na Meri Aayee" is very beautiful. Towards the end, there are some overly melodramatic sequences but they flow well enough to bring the long-awaited ending. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is overall great entertainment and a must-watch for lovers of Hindi cinema and its films. It is compelling, moving and memorable, and is always fun to revisit. I recommend.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a beautifully directed and well made film. For the first time we see love triangles to drive the story. The film was unique in not having violence or a villain and guess what it worked beautifully and wasn't needed. A first for Indian Cinema that is used to applying the same techniques and formula. The plot, cast and songs are exceptional. Everyone hits it out of the park.

This was Karan Johar's film debut and took the film world by storm with this well made film. Beside having a meaningful love story, it ended well and gave a lot of closure to the audience. The humor also pours out easily as does the drama, the film alternates well between these two. We see a great love story that was meant to be and learn of noble characters who make decisions for the greater good.

The theme is simply iconic, I will be bold and go as far to say it is as significant in Indian Cinema as Titanic was in Hollywood.

I watched this film in my cinema history class. I have never really watched many Bollywood films, but I was really impressed what I saw. It was almost like an 80's pop culture musical, with a touch of Grease in it.

What makes the film so enjoyable is that it's not only colorful in it's style and environment, but all of the characters have very colorful personalities that make the film work. In the sense of the plot it is easy to predict what is going to happen, but the movie is so well made your not really occupied with that though. Another factor is that it also has very convincing emotional content. The movie starts off very emotional when Raoul loses his wife Tina. I even almost cried at the end when I saw how heart broken Anjali and Raoul were because she was getting married to Aman.

I give this film an 8.5 out of 10. Both Shahrukh Khan and Kajol both did an excellent job in this film. If your bored with the same old crap you watch all the time, then watch this. Just be warned it's a very long film, and remember to display your subtitle on your DVD player.

I saw this film randomly the other day while at a friend's house. She comes from Indian decent and had always nagged me to watch Indian films with her but I always declined. Being a general film fanatic, I agreed to watch this film, not expecting much. But as soon as I got into the story (and got over the horrible and sometimes non-visible subtitles) I was completely hooked! Whether it was the directing or the wonderful screen presence of the actors, somethng about this film had the ability to capture the emotions of the viewer. I can say that having been used to watching generally American films, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a romance that stands out from the typical Hollywood love story -- paying attention to detail and character development in a way in which I've rarely seen before. Although I was quite new to Indian "musical numbers" in which they incorporate within their films and even found the performances in them a little bit on the cheesy side, I throroughly enjoyed some of the songs as well. Great melodies, especially the title song -- which added to the emotional impact of the movie itself. I wll definitely be looking out for more Indian films in the future.

I hadn't watched an Indian movie in years because I was unable to relate to the film and the stories were somewhat weak. When I got this movie, I procrastinated a bit; when I finally watched it, I was amazed! I was able to relate to the characters, the story was not as far-fetched as they had been, and the music was awesome. KKHH has a good mix of humor and drama, without being too over-the-top. It got my family and me watching Indian movies again. I recommend this to anyone who wants to be swept away by a good story and great actors.

This film maybe old now but it still makes me weep at the moment Anjali and Rahul finally get their chance to be together.

Kajol's transformation from school girl to a grown up woman is absolutely amazing and completely convincing. I give her acting as a school girl 100%, and every other scene she is involved in! When Rahul admits his love for Tina, Anjali's heart breaks and her reaction is showed through the emotional song TUJHE YAAD NA MERI, and is a touching part of the movie.

As usual Kajol and Shahrukh Khan shines together. Any moment which involved them both on the scene is electric and makes the viewer crave for more and more. I believe any film with these two stars together will hit the roof!

This movie is extra special for me, it marked the end of studying and walk into the real world, and what made it even more touching was that I had just completed a degree in University of Strathclyde and a lot of the outdoor and songs were shot on the University campus and surrounding Scottish locations that I could relate to.

This was the starting point of glitzy, orchestrated and professional movies in the Indian cinema. Attention was paid to the smallest of details as well as being the first to: bring designer clothes brought into the movies, modern dressing was addressed, sets were realistic and well created and most importantly the characters were well developed – we knew where they were coming from, where they were and where they were going.

SRK and Kajol are the best pairing in modern day's hero's and look wonderful together. They have the kind of chemistry that really complements each other and they know how to hold themselves against each other. Rani looks good in her role. It is clear to see that she has great potential and will accomplish a lot in the years ahead. Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal and Johnny Lever are great in their roles and really well suited.

The story is well developed with a great direction and writing credits, it can be seen that Karan Johar will be a milestone in Indian Cinema. It is really excellent the way the story in split into two halves and after the intermission one gets the feeling that they have been transported into a different world from the one we just saw before the break. I shall not indulge into the story too much but its is not your run of the mill love story.

All I really have to say is that I saw this movie again recently after a few years and it still looks fresh and modern and it still makes me laugh and cry.

This movie was a landmark film, in terms of Bollywood cinema. I remember watching it and loving every second of it. Yes, it is a melodramatic film, full of colourful song and dance numbers, but it also offers more than your average Hindi film. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Something Happens) is the type of movie that one can never get tired of watching. The jokes are fresh,the concept is new, and the characters are unforgettable.

The characters are unique and very entertaining. Shahrukh Khan is at his best, and Kajol steals the show. Rani Mukherji was given a chance, by Karan Johar, to prove herself, and she certainly rose to the occasion. Farida Jalal, as the witty grandmother, is adorable, and so is little Anjali.

Overall, this is a wonderful movie. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to see a fun and sweet movie about true love.

This a well-packaged fantasy film but has nothing else to offer. Shah Rukh Khan gives a good performance but is waste as he repeats his role in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Dil to Pagal Hai. Kajol also does a repeat performance. The plot is typical, the music like DDLJ and the ending obvious. All in all it is a predictable film catered for the student audiences in India. But credit has to be given to its Director Karan Johar who has done a good job in re-packaging old storylines from various films, and presenting it in a way that has made this film a super box office hit. The problem is that now we will undoubtedly see more films of the same type invade our cinema screens. The worst thing is the greatest Actor in Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachan is going to appear in similar films.

You won't be called a Bollywood fan if you haven't seen this classic. It casts some of the best actors in the industry at the time except Amit-ji: Shah Rukh of course, who way deserved his Filmfare, Kajol, best actress in Bollywood ever, Rani Mukherji, Salman Khan (in one of his last good performances), Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal, Reema Lagoo, ...

With very good music (the title song is a forever classic!), entertaining dance moves, a nice script, and the most beautiful Jodi ever on screen: SRK and Kajol! Though Kjo has kind of cheesy 'cliché's sometimes (like the kid sobbing 'Ma, Ma!'), it's a sweet movie you're sure to enjoy and remember!

The story begins sadly. Rahul's beloved wife, Tina, has given birth and dies soon thereafter*. But before dying, she writes a series of letters to be given to her daughter one at a time over the next 8 years. Anjali loves reading the letters and now that she is 8, she's about to receive her final letter from her deceased mother. In this letter, Anjali learns that before Tina, Rahul had a relationship with another woman...also called Anjali. But Rahul was pretty dense and didn't realize Anjali loved him so much and instead he fell for Tina and married. Now, through the letters, Tina is trying to enlist the help of her daughter to reunite Rahul with this Anjali from long ago, as Tina thinks they'd make a great couple and Anjali would make a great mother to young Anjali. There is just one problem...and I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the film.

While not all Indian movies are love stories filled with singing, these are the most popular films in the country and we do get a lot of them exported here in the States. I generally like them but also realize that there is a certain sameness about them...a sameness accepted and embraced in India but a sameness not as likely to be adored abroad. In many ways this reminds me of romance novels. The readers realize there are clichés (I do NOT mean this in a negative way) and accept them as part of the genre...but to those who don't read romance, they might be rather critical of these plot devices.

I mention all this because "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" had many of these story elements....which will no doubt be accepted by lovers of the genre but which will not sit so well with others. It's a shame, as the first portion of the film is very good and engaged me. The next, the long flashback to college days, was one plot device after another after another...like they were shoving every Bollywood cliché into it. As a result, the college portion clearly was not the best part of the movie. Shah Rukh Khan was 33 but played a goofy 20 year-old...and he played him rather broadly. While this was far-fetched, his being so clueless about the girl who loves him is embarrassingly bad. So is much of his behavior...so much so that it's easy not to like him...or you might even hate him. This is a sharp contrast to the beginning of the film when SRK breaks your heart...and it made the college portion of the movie seem trivial.

So is it worth sticking with the film and slogging through the college portion? Well, the main story line is quite good and definitely pulls at your heart...so have a few Kleenex nearby just in case. I suggest watching it but perhaps getting a snack or long bathroom break during the college section. And, for that matter, you take a break pretty much any time the camp counselor appears...he is very poorly written and more a distraction than anything else. In contrast, every time Salmon Khan appeared in the film, the movie lit up...he was magnificent as 'the other man'....and I was pulling for Anjali to get him in the end of the picture! Overall, a good film that could have been better. Worth seeing...but very uneven.

*FYI--I have never seen a woman dying who looked this healthy and beautiful in all my years watching films!

This Karan Johar's debut film, is a heartwarming beautifully woven three-way love story (or is it a four-way).

Shahrukh and his best friend Kajol (Mukherjee-Devgan) are collegiates,until the principal's daughter Tina (Rani Mukherjee) enters their lives. To Anjali (Kajol) she is just a part of their clique but to Rahul (Shahrukh) she is a lot more.

Kajol is simply brilliant as a tomboyish collegiate who transforms herself to a mature woman. Shahrukh is himself. Newcomer Rani Mukherjee is bound to go places, after Ghulam & Mehndi.Cinematography is "Abfab"; choreography & music is great,costumes are very chic, supporting cast good.

I have no personal connection to India, and no knowledge of Bollywood cinema. This is the first Bollywood movie I've seen.

My impression is that it is as if the film is made by two separate crews: the ones that make the musical numbers, and the ones that do the "prose" in between the singing. The musical numbers are catchy, fun, playful, and just sprawling with talent. I'd gladly see a few of those again. The rest of it...I found it pretty hard to watch, like a very long advertisement for gum or sports clothing. I guess it's supposed to be a kid friendly movie, so there is a lot of not-so-subtle emotions?

I gave this movie a rating of 7. If it was just the singing parts it would be an 8. If it was just the rest, it would have been lower than a 4. But I prefer to judge a movie more by its best parts.

First half is an Archie, Betty, Veronica cartoon. Second half is more meaningless manipulative drivel. Avoid at all costs.

I'm not a big fans of Hindi Movies, so when this movie come to theater near me, I was'nt interested in watching it. But, soon it become a big hit. People are talking about it. Then I wonder, what is the commotion about ? The next thing I did was come to the theater and watched it (It had played for five months and what else reason I should use ?) , and.................... I fall in love with this one. I don't know how many times I have watch it, but it never fail to entertain me.

It's a beautiful journey through love even it's nothing but just a love tale or a love fantasy or a love dream for some of us, but, it's a superb thing for me. The plot is not so original. It took from others famous movies but mixed nicely by Karan Johar and played by wonderful cast such as Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherjee. The most important thing from this movie is that this movies is remains us to always reach for our true love, and keep struggling for it.

I know it's not "suitable" for a serious audience, but I promise this movie is not that bad. Just rent it and enjoy this classic tale, and believe me, once is not enough !

9/10

Let me just say first off that this is the best introduction to Hindi films! It features 2 gorgeous women (Kajol & Rani Mukherji) and the charming actors Shahrukh Khan & Salman Khan. KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI has the best songs of any Hindi film I've seen. They are so good in fact, that you tend to forget how long and dragged out the film is! As soon as you get to a new song, it is like a complete battery recharge. There are some real moments of laughter, tears, and drama which is more than you get in most movies. Also, to set the record straight- ALL HINDI FILMS ARE PADDED OUT TO APPROX. 3 HOURS. Live with it! It means there will be stupid comedy, boring scenes, etc. You make your way through those (with the remote if you are REALLY impatient), to get to the gold (wonderful costumes, music, scenery, etc). If properly edited and released in the U.S., this could be an arthouse hit. The musical numbers rank right up there with GREASE. If you're tired of crappy American films, watch KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI. You may not love it, but you will leave the theater (or couch) humming the songs!

What an awesome movie and such a great story! Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol once again, had wonderful chemistry!

The first few minutes of the movie dragged a little, but it wasn't long until you were absorbed in the love story, not knowing which girl would end up with Rahul in college. Little Anjali was precious! She was the perfect choice to play Rahul's daughter and of course, Johnny Lever will make you laugh.

SRK was charming and witty as always, and Kajol was just as adorable in this movie as she was in DDLJ. She and Rahul had the best friendship and I thought it was great that Tina didn't expect that to end because of her. Instead, the three of them were friends, which was nice to see. Usually, the "other woman" breaks up a friendship, but not here. Tina was a kind and caring character.

I won't say much more because I don't want to spoil it for you. I will say, this movie was fun and heart warming! It's a classic love story that I'll want to watch again and again.

A very good xample of typically gr8 bollywood movies....worth seeing nd feeling the emotions....love u kajol n rani n lil anjali!

A movie which Combination of Romance, Comedy, Drama, Emotions, Family Value, Respect of Women everything in one movie.. & Made Universally best Movie.. & best part is SRK performance in that Romance & emotional & Dialogue Delivery & Face Expression beyond magic... It's just i am in heaven..

Rahul...... Anjali..... Rahul...... Anjali....

Oh dear! Time has not been kind to this film.

When I first saw this at the cinema I loved the music and was thoroughly entertained by the whole show. All 3 leads were spectacular and Salman Bhai also put in a good performance.

However 10 years on and the only enjoyable part of the movie is the song which kicks in when Anjali realises she's never gonna get Rahul.

Pros - Great for the average 10 year old

Cons - College scenes inspired by Grease, - Everyone looks 10 years older than the characters they play - Horribly dated wardrobe - Colour overload, - Cheesy plot with extra cheese, - Title song and its music cue now suck big time

Overall - Vommo