Article Updated 26 March, 2005 02:56:38 AM IST   My Brother Nikhil By Prema K. ©2005 Bollyvista.com   Some may like to call it a thought provoking film, sensitive film or an emotional film. But we really wonder why people would want to watch this film when so much has been seen and heard about AIDS! The story: Nikhil (Sanjay Suri) is a state-level swimming champion living in Goa. His father-cum-coach, Navin (Victor Bannerjee), has brought him up to be a sportsman and is proud of his son. In the bargain, Nikhil's soft and sensitive creative side has been ignored. Nikhil's mother, Anita (Lillete Dubey), dotes on him and his elder sister, Anu (Juhi Chawla) loves him immensely. They are more friends than siblings and share a special bond which has been very well explored on screen. Honestly, this is the best part about the film and gives it a lot of special moments. Everything is perfect for the charming and happy go lucky Nikhil. His friends love him. He has a close friend, Nigel(Purab Kohli), who proves to be a great friend to him. He also has a girl (Dippanita Sharma) who has grown up loving him. But unfortunately their relationship has only gone to the extent of kissing each other. However, Nikhil's overflowing cup of joy is overturned one day, on August 8, 1989, when he is arrested. Why? Reason: He has tested HIV Positive. Suddenly he falls from grace and is socially ostracized. His parents, friends and colleagues turn their backs on him. Suddenly, his whole world collapses. Nikhil is sent to a secluded hospital ward and kept in solitary confinement. Nikhil's parents are unable to face social humiliation and abandon him. But Anu defies the parents and stands by her brother. Nigel too stands by him till the very end. This is the story of Nikhil Kapoor unfolding on screen. With his sister and close friend's support, he decides to become strong and live life to the fullest. The location is Goa in the period 1987 and 1994. The film looks at AIDS in Goa in the '80s, when it was still a strange illness. The misconceptions about the ailment and how it affected not just an individual, but his entire family, has been narrated in a different manner. But there is also a bit of confusion. While AIDS is one issue, the film also tackles a gay relationship. Yes, Nikhil and Nigel are lovers! Their relationship is kept under wraps. Of course, Anu is aware of it and treats Nigel in a special manner. But this revelation about the relationship is bound to take the viewers slightly by surprise. This is certainly a new age cinema but honestly doesn't do much to the audience emotionally. It may be true to life but somewhere it fails to make an impact. The narrative style is very boring. It may come across as unique but the bottom line is, it is a documentary film! But to give credit where it is due, the gay issue has been handled in a sensitive manner. It also has some great performances by Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Suri, and Purab Kohli. Juhi Chawla is in great form although she looks slightly old in some sequences where she has no makeup. But we would still love to have more of her effervescence and charm lighting up the silver screen. She is the last of our talented actors left today what with the present focus being skin show and sex! Victor Banerjee and Lillete Dubey are highly competent as usual. Gautam Kapoor looks dead and inefficient throughout except for one beach sequence. Dipannita Sharma has no scope. The rest of the cast is okay. The cinematography, music, and dialogues are adequate. Overall a very depressing film! ** (TWO STARS) *poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent   close   Print this Article http://www.bollyvista.com   http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/29/4517