My Name Is Khan 2010

As November 2007 unfolds in San Francisco, Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), an autistic individual with a unique perspective on life, embarks on a journey to meet President George W. Bush, driven by his desire to dispel the misconceptions surrounding his name and identity. His path is marked by moments of introspection, as he navigates the complexities of human interaction while struggling to articulate his thoughts due to his autism. A chance encounter with authorities at San Francisco International Airport sets off a chain of events that will challenge Rizwan’s sense of self and belonging.

Born in Borivali, Mumbai, Rizwan grew up surrounded by love and learning, courtesy of his father, Dilawar Amanaullah Khan, who worked for the State Transport workshop. His mother, Razia (Zarina Wahab), and brother, Zakir (Jimmy Shergill), played pivotal roles in shaping his early years. As Rizwan’s fascination with machinery grew, he accompanied his father to the workshop, developing an impressive understanding of mechanical repairs. The loss of his father sent Rizwan’s life into a tailspin, as he faced bullying and neglect from his peers.

Zakir, feeling ignored by their parents’ attention towards Rizwan, hired Wadia (an unemployed master’s graduate) to educate the autistic young man. Although Rizwan demonstrated remarkable intellectual prowess, Zakir felt overshadowed by the attention lavished on him. Years later, Zakir decided to relocate to the United States, where he married Hasina (Sonya Jehan), and sponsored Razia and Rizwan’s immigration to America.

Upon arrival in San Francisco, Rizwan found himself working as a door-to-door salesman for his brother’s herbal beauty products, while Hasina, a Psychology professor at Brooklyn University, diagnosed him with Asperger’s Syndrome. His interactions with Mandira Rathod (Kajol), a Hindu salon worker and single mother of Sameer (Arjun Aujila), marked the beginning of a journey that would challenge his perceptions of love, family, and belonging.

As Rizwan navigated the complexities of human relationships, he formed an unlikely bond with Mandira, a Hindu woman who had experienced her own struggles. Theirs was a union that defied societal norms, yet brought joy and stability to their lives. However, the harmony they had found was disrupted by the devastating consequences of the September 11 attacks, which led to racial profiling, blacklisting, and a sense of isolation for the Khan family.

As the news of Mark Garrick’s untimely demise in Afghanistan reverberates through the corridors of life, a senseless tragedy unfolds in the United States. A heated altercation between Sameer and Reese erupts into a full-blown brawl involving older students, culminating in Sameer’s devastating loss of life. The elder students’ threats to silence Reese only serve to further solidify the dark reality that Sameer’s surname sealed his fate.

Mandira’s anguish is palpable as she laments Sameer’s demise, her words dripping with venomous sarcasm: “You’ll never be back together until you tell the President of the United States and the world that your name is Khan, and you’re not a terrorist.” Rizwan, misinterpreting Mandira’s bitter humor, sets out on an arduous journey to meet President George W. Bush, only to be thwarted at every turn.

As the months pass, Sameer’s case remains shrouded in mystery, with the police ultimately forced to close the file due to a lack of evidence, witnesses, and suspects. Mandira’s despair is profound, her sense of helplessness palpable.

In a Los Angeles mosque, Rizwan stumbles upon a fiery sermon delivered by Dr. Faisal Rahman (Arif Zakaria), whose words are steeped in religious fervor. Undaunted, Rizwan counters the doctor’s vitriolic remarks with a passionate defense of his faith, emphasizing the Quran’s message of love and compassion.

As Rizwan waits in line to meet President Bush, he lets out a bold declaration: “My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist!” The crowd misconstrues his words, and Rizwan finds himself under arrest, accused of being a terrorist.

During his interrogation, Rizwan’s innocence is further questioned, but ultimately, the truth comes to light. A trio of Indian student reporters, Raj Burman (Arjun Mathur), Komal (Sugandha Garg), and Bobby Ahuja (Parvin Dabas), take up Rizwan’s cause, investigating his story and unearthing a web of deceit that leads them to Dr. Faisal Rahman and his cohorts.

As the truth is finally revealed, Rizwan is vindicated, and Dr. Faisal Rahman and his associates are arrested. The media, however, remains fixated on sensationalizing the story, determined to convict an autistic individual as a terrorist, further highlighting the systemic injustices that plague our society.

As Rizwan traversed the landscape, his journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself returning to the humble town of Wilhemina, Georgia, where he had once been welcomed into the home of a loving black family. However, upon arrival, he was met with a devastating sight: the once-thriving community lay submerged beneath the waves, its very existence ravaged by the fury of a hurricane. Undeterred by the gravity of the situation, Rizwan’s heart swelled with compassion for those who had shown him kindness in his time of need, and he hastened to join forces with the family he cared about deeply. As they navigated the treacherous landscape, they stumbled upon a makeshift shelter at the local church, its walls precariously perched on the brink of collapse.

As news of Rizwan’s heroic efforts spread like wildfire, his actions garnered nationwide attention, drawing in ordinary citizens who were inspired to lend their aid in the rescue and reconstruction efforts. The impact was palpable, with even the President-elect, later to be inaugurated as the Commander-in-Chief, taking notice of the remarkable work being done in Wilhemina through television broadcasts.

Meanwhile, a measure of justice was finally served as Reese revealed the identities of those responsible for Sam’s tragic demise, and the perpetrators were brought to justice. However, Rizwan’s newfound fame came at a personal cost when he fell victim to a vicious assault at the hands of one of Faisal’s followers. But even in the face of adversity, Rizwan persevered, eventually recovering from his wounds.

In a stirring moment of redemption, Rizwan found himself face-to-face with the newly inaugurated President (Christopher B. Duncan), who delivered a poignant message: “Your name is Khan, and you are not a terrorist.” As the dust settled on this tumultuous chapter in his life, Madira’s forgiveness brought solace to Rizwan, allowing him to finally lay down the weight of his past.