User reviews

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.

MY BROTHER NIKHIL ***1/2 out of 4 Stars

Is 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!

'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.

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!

This movie is a must watched ! I don't know what to say but it makes me emotional!....and the negative are weak direction,and the script can be much more strong !

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

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!

'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-

This is a childish attempt to tackle a serious social issue. The dialog is beyond silly and the acting is at the level of high school drama club. The script is confusing and very stereotyped. Although an old movie that deals with an era of phobia and ignorance surrounding AIDS, it's been recently picked up by a streaming service and passed off as "new". It will really only have limited, not global appeal, due to the poor level of writing and production.

Watching My Brother Nikhil truly brings out what exists in society against people who are different. Its a bold step taken by Onir to present this story and its presented so beautifully by all. All the actors, Victor Banerjee, Juhi, Lillyte, Purab, Sanjay, Diya are powerful actors and they brought each character to real life. Dailogues, emotions, cinematography, screenplay all come together beautifully to make this into a master piece.

This movie is a classic example of how Indian society was at the time of 80's and 90's. It clearly portrays the emotion of the protagonist. Apart from the drama part, we have to discuss about the movie and it's social content.

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.

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.

Forget everything you thought you knew about Indian cinema.

No matter where you live in the world, you need to see this film. Onir has taken a potentially controversial story and put it in a context that not only treats it with dignity and respect, but evaporates all of the cultural, political, socio-economic and even geographical boundaries that separate us. It would be easy to dismiss My Brother Nikhil as a "gay film" or an "AIDS Awareness film", but while both of those components are contained in the story, the movie is -- at its core -- a family drama. The crisis in this case is HIV/AIDS, but it could have just as easily been some other problem. AIDS is not the point, homosexuality is not the point. The point of the film is the impact of a tragic circumstance on a young man and his family.

Onir has managed to portray this drama in an even-handed manner that imposes no judgments on the characters. Sanjay Suri -- in this reviewer's estimation -- climbed several rungs of the credibility ladder with his performance in the title role. Juhi Chawla sparkles as Nikhil's sister Anamika, Victor Bannerjee and Lillete Dubey offer a seamless portrayal of parents whose world has been turned upside down and relative newcomer Purab Kholi shines as Nikhil's young lover.

In addition to being an "important" film, My Brother Nikhil is a masterpiece of lighting, photography and music. Which is why I titled this comment "Yeh film sab log dekhna ki hain!" (Everyone needs to see this film!)

This is again such a touching movie!!! Very well directed and all the actors justified their performances and it did touch my heart. Moreover, I watched this movie right after watching "Black" (Amitabh and Rani Mukherjee starer) and these both movies had me on an emotional roller coaster ride. So if you cannot handle a lot of emotion in one go, so I suggest you take a break in watching these movies.

The movie is very well done. The locations are well chosen. Makeup is also very good considering the situations. Juhi plays a very good role as a loving sister. Sanjay Suri has his own grace and seemed to have really put in all his efforts. Especially the scenes towards the ending of the movie are very touching. A definitely worth watching movie, if you are attached to your family.

MBN was a simple straight forward from the heart film about the love between siblings - told from the POV of Anu (Juhi Chawla) whose state champion swimmer brother Nikhil (Sanjay Suri) becomes HIV positive. Yes there was the usual over-emotionalism associated with a dying loved one, but still this was a rather restrained film. I liked Lillette Dubey in the role of the mother who loves her son but also her husband, and the conflict within and without her that causes the parents to abandon Nikhil is well portrayed. Victor Bannerjee was believable for me as the hardliner father whose dreams are shattered and who cannot face the shame of having a son with "that disease". I think there were a few places where MBN strayed from the message a tiny bit. It was brave to show that Nikhil had a boy friend - the logical conclusion would be that the HIV infection came from this association, but then the BF is shown to not be +ve. This "excuses" the homosexuality from any "blame". From that point on, the association between Nihkil and his BF is most underplayed to further remove that factor from the equation. Perhaps the point was that it does not matter how it happens, but once it does then do not shun these people. However, I felt that maybe a stronger message could have come from the homosexual nature of their relationship being responsible.

The acting was very good all around, special honors go to Juhi for an excellent performance. Sanjay Suri was competent throughout, and then excellent in the end moments. Music was real and emotional. A nice effort by Onir.

Even though I'm a guy, I can admit that this is one of those movies that will make you cry. The title music and the song "Le chale" is an outstanding song..one that you can never get tired of playing on your Guitar. Amitabh Varma is at his best at writing poetry and Vivek Phillip's music goes straight to the heart. Sanjay Suri impressed me in his cameo role in "Dhoop", but he has acted out of his skin in this movie and deserves an award for his acting. His poignancy and facial expressions reminded me of Raj Kapoor at times. Great movie about a very serious issue. The soundtrack is superb as well. Other than the Le Chale song, there are some instrumental versions too, which are great. Other actors acted well too. I give it 10/10