KANK - a modern day atypical romance

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) Moving away from candyfloss romances and happily ever after tales, Karan Johar returns to the marquee this Friday after almost five years with his hugely anticipated multistarrer "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" that takes off from where most films begin.

What after the couple walks into the sunset? That is what Johar attempts to explore here with his take on modern day relationships.

Johar is definitely treading an unknown path with the film, which has all his favourite stars -- Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta. The risks are high, but trade pundits say Johar understands the psyche of his viewers and his rather unusual film won't disappoint them.

This is his third directorial venture after "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", both of which were big hits. He has tried to do something different in this one, which is extensively shot in New York.

The film focuses mainly on Shah Rukh and Rani, who are married to different people and are convinced that they are happy - until they meet each other.

The story goes something like this:

Dev (Shah Rukh) is a professional footballer, but becomes handicapped in an unfortunate incident. But his wife Rhea's (Preity Zinta) career is on an upswing. They have a son, Arjun. Dev's physical disability and failed career start to affect his married life.

He doesn't get any help from his mother Kamaljeet Saran (Kiron Kher), who loves her son but usually supports Rhea when it comes to giving advice or voicing her opinion.

Then there is Maya (Rani), a teacher married to her closest friend Rishi (Abhishek Bachchan), who works as a PR consultant. They pretend to be a happily married couple.

Rishi's father Sam (Amitabh Bachchan) is a fun-loving man and his life revolves around his son and daughter-in-law.

It is in this hustle-bustle of daily domestic life that Dev and Maya bump into each other. After a few meetings, they become conscious of a strong connect. They continue to meet and eventually fall in love, inevitably causing complications in their married lives.

Their relationship makes them look at their respective marriages with a new perspective. How they deal with this new development forms the crux of "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna".

The film has an atypical love story, good music and bankable stars - is Johar going to strike gold again?

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Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna