contains spoilers throughout
I don't remember when I first heard about My Name is Khan. It feels like it was forever ago when Karan announced he was going to make another film with Shah Rukh and Kajol and it seemed as if the day of it's release was never going to get here. As it got closer, the internet, airwaves and television began it's usual marketing and the anticipation grew. Then the controversy between Shah Rukh and the Shiv Sena erupted and you almost couldn't go on the internet without being bombarded by articles and opinions. I don't think I've ever seen so much hooplah surrounding a film ever before it's release in my lifetime, and it's a difficult task to say the least to live up to all of that. However, I firmly go on the record to say that I think that My Name is Khan is one of the finest movies I have ever seen even after reading numerous mixed reviews, and I loved almost every single minute of it, even after seeing it twice.
I wasn't sure how I was going to review this, as I'm nearly the last one at the bat to do so. At first I thought I would talk just about how it made me feel, but after reading so many other reviews I also feel the need to defend it a little. First I have to give Karan credit for making a film that stands all alone from his other films. There's no hint of KKHH or DDLJ in sight, no music, no scenes paying homage, just My Name is Khan. There has been lots of debate whether or not Karan took on too much in this film, and perhaps it is a little heavy handed at times, but I think he did an admirable job at making a socially conscious movie and I left the theatre the first time shaken to the core.
I am a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, but one of the things that defines me the most is that I am a mother. I have two beautiful, if not somewhat frustrating, young boys that pretty much mean the world to me. Before I had kids I didn't know what real fear was, but now a little piece of it remains with me every day and I find myself praying more than ever for my children's safety. I didn't read any spoilers involving Sam's death, but just had a feeling that this was the real tragedy that Mandira and Rizwan would face, and the moment the attack started I knew what the outcome would be. The scene in the hospital where we hear her say "Time of death... 8:05 pm" was one of the most heartbreaking of the entire film with the exception of the scene where we see her cleaning up Sam at home. This part of the movie, more than any other, is what really got to me. You don't just see Mandira's grief, you feel it, and as a mother my empathy was at it's highest at this point in the film. Even now it brings tears to my eyes. Tragedies often see people either band together or get torn apart, so I found Mandira's reaction to Rizwan in the soccer field completely realistic, especially given the circumstances surrounding his attack. I thought Kajol did an amazing job in this scene, as did she through the whole movie.
Shah Rukh's depiction of a person dealing with autism was amazing to watch. My sister, bless her heart, has spent her entire adult life working with person's with disabilities and currently has a wonderful man living with her who she watches full time and has had a condition similar to autism since he was a boy. Even though Rizwan's autism was one that he was able to live a pretty normal life, there were moments that totally brought me home. Everything from his need for his personal space to remain intact to hearing him laugh when he was really happy to seeing him use rocks as a form of stimulus was all so familiar to me. My respect for Shah Rukh the actor has multiplied immensely with this character. For those who think that he just took pieces of Dustin Hoffman or Tom Hanks and created Rizwan, they couldn't be farther from the truth. The fact that he was able to take something so foreign to him and portray it with grace and, above all, honesty reminds us all that he isn't just a romantic hero, he is a true actor. He gave us moments in the film that were extremely touching and moments that were incredibly hilarious and endearing. I would honestly be surprised if Shah doesn't clean up awards ceremonies for this role.
There's been a lot of discussion about how the supporting characters in this movie have been portrayed, that America in general is being seen as a sea of ignorant racists, with the exception of the people of Wilhelmina who serve as a caricature of Black America. Yes, several Americans are shown to be very racist, there's no doubt about that, but no one can tell me that that kind of prejudice doesn't happen, especially since 9/11 and especially in the U.S. However, Karan counter balances this by giving us Reese, Mark and Sarah, as well as the lady who gives Mandira a job despite her Muslim surname, and the people from the Autism society, all which are white. As for the "zip-a-dee-doo-daa" folk from Georgia, I paid special attention to this during my second viewing. I still did not see what all the fuss is about. Mama Jenny and Funny Hair Joel live modestly in a small town, granted, but at no time did she sound like Prissy from Gone With The Wind. A friend said to me, when I asked him what he thought of these characters, that the portrayal was very positive and I agree. It's very rare that we see Black people in Indian films at all and those that I've seen thus far have been shown in a terrible light (Would we rather see people shown in roles like that of the nameless one night stand man in Fashion?). I have to also mention quickly that I thought Sonya Jehan and Zarina Wahab were terrific in the film as well as Rizwan's sister-in-law and mother. It is so nice to see so many wonderful female roles in a film.
I loved the messages of humanity, tolerance and acceptance in this film. I've often struggled with how I was going to teach my own children to judge people by who they are instead of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, etc, so when we see Rizwan's mother teaching him to see people simply as good or bad, it seems so easy. However you can't show the good in people without showing some bad, but that's par for the course. Moments that I especially enjoyed include when Rizwan leaves his hard earned money at the Christain fundraiser and the moment we see the group of people arrive at Wilhelmina to help the flood efforts.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention, at least once, about the chemistry between Shah Rukh and Kajol. Of course I am one of those who love seeing them together on screen, and I think they did a wonderful job together again for this film. There are so many moments between the two of them that are completely wonderful and funny, including the salon scene, which has evolved into the newly coined phrase "hair porn" (and boy am I onboard for that one), the wedding night (which is awkwardly adorable) and the subsequent "time for sex now" scene. Supper? Who cares! Let's go NOW!!! I am disappointed though that so much from the first half of the movie was cut. Though I thought the 2nd half of the film was inspiring, I am a romance junkie and would have gladly taken more of their courtship. I am very much hoping that the dvd release will have an uncut version!
There really isn't much that I didn't love about this film, but it isn't without it's flaws entirely. First of all, I didn't see the point at all with Rizwan's stabbing. I suppose it made way for the lovely hospital scene and time for Mandira to read his diary, but I found it totally unnecessary. Also it really bothered me at the end when the Obama lookalike says "You're Rizwan Khan". After all the emphasis the screenplay put on the pronunciation of Khan, the president manages to say his first and last name incorrectly. I would have liked to have seen Rizwan use his epiglottis explanation on the president. Would have make the perfect note to finish on.
One really quick note on the music. I think Shankar Eshaan Loy are quickly becoming my favorite musical team and the soundtrack for MNIK is outstanding on all accounts. The music is beautiful on it's own, but in context it's incredibly moving. There isn't a single song that I don't love, and so, this soundtrack, in it's entirety, lands firmly on the top of my favorites list. I have to concur with the masses though and say I wish that they had been subtitled in the film.
I don't think I have a favorite on the album, but the post feels incomplete without a music link, so here's one of my fav's Tere Naina
So now the countdown begins for the dvd release. The waiting begins again.
February 24, 2010 at 12:22 PM
That almost makes me want to trek all the way to Moviedome for the film! :-) Sadly, I've missed the boat as far as the big-screen experience goes - all my friends have already been...
My reason for worrying about whether I'll like it or not was not because of the stereotypes (I love vintage Bollywood, and stereotypes get no worse than that!) but because of KJo's cheese - I havent liked any of his earlier directorial ventures and certainly none of SRK-Kajol pairings (though Kajol has grown a bit on me, since those days!). I hope the DVD comes out soon, so I can catch up with it!
February 24, 2010 at 12:24 PM
It's so great to read a positive review in the sea of negative ones for a change. Granted, I didn't love MNIK as much as I thought I would, but I'm getting sick and tired of all the negative stuff that's being said about it.
It's not an AWFUL movie, people. It really isn't.
And...
the newly coined phrase "hair porn"
Yay for hair porn!
February 24, 2010 at 12:46 PM
I really enjoyed ur take on the film...Shahrukh makes the film...his character is just so perfectly done...I loved every minute of it...but i stand by what i said about the depiction of African Americans...I just felt that Karan's idea of what African Americans is stuck the Civil war era...I was not comfortable with it...specially since I went with 2 friends who happen to be African American...idk..this is just how i felt...although it wasn't necessarily offensive..i just felt it was wrong...
February 24, 2010 at 2:39 PM
"Moments that I especially enjoyed include when Rizwan leaves his hard earned money at the Christain fundraiser "
This bit brought tears to my eyes!
I loved the message about tolerance here too... not just to Muslims but to everyone.
I felt the returning to Georgia was a bit unnecessary and so was the stabbing but I feel at heart it is a really good film with outstanding performances! I'm glad you enjoyed it, I know I did ;)
February 24, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Totally agree to all that you have written. I don't know if you liked the scene where Rizwan reads his nawaz in open and the song begins, the camera goes round & round... oh my... what a scene...
I also didn't like the fact that in the whole film Rizwan keeps correcting people for pronouncing Khan and the final scene with the President, he doesn't correct him..
Nevertheless, I loved watching the film and also loved reading your review and yes My Name Is Khan is my favourate film. :)
February 24, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Was smiling the whole time while reading this. As Ani said, in the sea of negative, this is nice.
I really wish I could, just for a moment, get into the mind of one of those people who thought the whole Wilhemina sequence was racist and stereotypical. Because after two viewings and countless discussions, I still don't see what's wrong with it. I'd like to know how they are seeing it, because I really don't understand all the fuss.
As you already know, I totally love this movie. I have my gripes, but it's a gem. SRK was simply outstanding.
February 24, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Thank you so much for this review! I share your view that Karan Johar has evolved as a director. MNIK is better than his previous movies.
I really don't agree w/ people who say MNIK portrays American people inaccurately. Reading so many reviews,I thought they may have some very exaggerating portrayal before I watched the movie. But I don't think so after watching it!
And I totally think that the Kajol storyline is touching. You don't necessarily have to be a mother to understand
I'm really annoyed by how some western audience look at sensitive issues in Indian movies. It also happens with "New York".
And I feel really proud that Bollywood is being socially conscious (as you've suggested), given how people think Bollywood films are "mindless" and superficial. Like New York, the issue is a risky one and a lot of local audience may not feel connected to it. But they still make it w/ a lot of effort. I totally admire such effort!
February 25, 2010 at 8:44 AM
bollyviewer - Well, If you don't like Karan's movies and are immune to SRKajol, I can understand why you wouldn't rush out to see this. I hope that, when you get a chance to see the dvd, you'll like it, if only for Shah's fantastic performance.
Incidentally, I saw it at Sunridge and it was so much better than moviedome! I think I'll see all my movies there if they have them.
Anishok - I knew I was going to love it and I'm hardly ever disappointed by Karan. It's really too bad all the negative comments surrounding it, but I guess you can't please everyone all the time.
As for the salon scene, the first time I saw the promo for Tere Naina I just about fell off my chair. My sister, who was with me, said I'd better try to control myself in the theatre since I was seeing it with my husband. It was very difficult!
Tady Rox - That's the thing about art, people interpret it different all the time, and we are all allowed to have different opinions. I'm glad you enjoyed the review though.
February 25, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Wonderfull review and yes it was very nice to see a positive review, with witch I agree completely.
I totally loved this movie and I got to see in NY and that with a friend(now thats a first).
Of course I noticed the Wilhelmina time warp but it only made me laugh instead og making me angry. Was wondering if you have to be a non-American to feel that way:)
February 25, 2010 at 10:08 AM
MsBlogger - Namaskar aur Swaagatam to my blog. I'm glad that there are more people out there who really liked this film. There were many more moments I loved in this film, but I couldn't put them all on here - my post would have gone on forever. I understand why Karan had Rizwan go back to Georgia, so I didn't see it as a deterent to the plot.
Thanks for stopping by!
Bikram - Like I said in your post, we are kindred spirits my friend. Like I just told MsBlogger, there were SO many great moments in the film that I couldn't include. I also really loved the prayer scene outside the diner. The whole movie for me was just magic and I love that you loved it!
Reema - It's nice to know I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the whole aversion to the Georgia scenes. Do poor people not exist in the south? Of course they do. Plus I didn't realize that just because you are a heavy set black woman from the south that you are automatically pigeon holed as an aunt jamima yes'm master type. To me that is quite narrow minded, but I guess people will see what they want or don't want to see.
Anyway, glad you enjoyed the post!
February 25, 2010 at 11:19 AM
Thank you for the warm welcome to your blog.
What do you feel was the reason for the return to Georgia bit? I felt it was to prove Rizwan is a good guy... but I felt he had proved that already.
February 25, 2010 at 3:15 PM
Loved reading this Shell. MNIK is a special film and having just left the cinema, I feel very much affected by its message. Having arrived outside my home about 45 minutes ago, I'm still sitting in my car thinking about the movie. I loved it, but probably not as much as you did. I did think the arc of Mandira's character and how Sam's death changes her could have been more delicately drawn. I could totally buy her lashing out as Rizwan, but I think some more subtle scripting around the build-up of anger and hate in her would have been good. The whole hurricane thing worked well for me as a parable, but didn't feel grounded in 'reality'. And some of the characters were a little broadly sketched for my tastes. But there were so many beautiful, inspiring, special moments in this movie that outweigh my quibbles, and its heart and message are very firmly in the right place. SRK's performance was absolutely amazing - he became Rizwan, and the rest of the cast supported him admirably. And the film's music is breathtakingly beautiful. Finally, as Sonia noted, it is great to see a socially conscious movie like this come from someone like Karan. He took a big risk, and I applaud him for it.
February 25, 2010 at 9:29 PM
What a beautiful review. :) I have to admit I wasn't initially interested in seeing MNIK, because although I do love SRK, I tend to not love his films, mostly due, I think, to his tendency towards overacting, which sometimes makes it hard to stay involved in his characters. I watched the Tere Naina clip you put up and got misty eyed halfway through. If the film is anywhere near as good as it looks from that short preview, I think I'm going to be very impressed. At the very least I'm looking forward to seeing it. Thanks for turning me onto it. (And great blog! I found you through FilmiGirl and will definitely be coming back.) :)
-Melissa
February 26, 2010 at 12:05 AM
This is beautiful Shell! I do really wish more people could have focused on the positive with this film, as it was meant to be taken, not as the nitpicking we've been seeing with it.
I love Kajol's performance, someone complained to me about her screeching instead of just crying... as if any mother is going to take the death of her child calmly. I'm sure I have no idea what-so-ever what the relationship between mother and child is, but I can try to imagine, and I'm glad that you shared that part of you with us.
(And I find Fashion terribly more offensive than this film in their treatment of African Americans. I thought they were portrayed with love and kindness.)
February 26, 2010 at 2:40 PM
sonia_bonjour - Namaskar and welcome! I'm so glad that you liked the film. I love all of Karan's directorial films, but you can definitly see how he's evolved with MNIK - it is by far his best movie! I haven't seen New York, but it's got to be a difficult task to make any film that includes even a little bit about terrorism (I know that Kurbaan was not received well at all).
Thanks again for stopping by! Please come back again!
dink213 - Thanks! I'm wondering about the reaction to the Whilhemina bit also. It seems that most of the people who had real problems with that whole bit are American (though not all), but it probably has something to do with it.
That's very cool that you got to see in in New York. Must have been an awesome trip!
February 26, 2010 at 3:02 PM
MsBlogger - You are so welcome! I hope you visit often!
I think the hurricane scene serves primarily as a conduit to show the goodness in all people, not just Rizwan. I know that when the first notes of Allah Hi Raham comes on accompanied by the image of all those people wading through water with supplies, my heart just swelled with pride. So I think the whole situation was just used as an example of how great humanity can be!
Daddy's Girl - I am so thrilled that you enjoyed this film. I thought that most people were disappointed with it, but, unless the haters are staying away, the majority that I've spoken to seem to really like it.
Mandira's dialogues were very harsh and direct, so I suppose Karan could have used a little more sublety to them, but I still thought they were honest.
The hurrican scene definitely is 100% escapism for sure, but I love how it illustrated a people coming together for a common purpose.
I can't say enough good things, and this is definitely Shah's best film to date I think (as far as his acting goes). Makes me wonder if the next one might be a little bit of a let down.
February 26, 2010 at 3:08 PM
I see your point there... I guess it was escapism that left one feeling really good but I didn't like the way Rizwan was considered the miracle man, anything he touches turns to gold. The locals could have thought of the idea and Rizwan could have helped, I thought they got projected as a bit pathetic and helpless there which I thought went agaisnt their characters... If they can talk in front of a hall about family members that have passed away, surely they can fix a leaking roof?
Please do visit my blog sometime and give me your thoughts on my review! All feedback is much appreciated.
February 26, 2010 at 3:20 PM
I do agree that SRK surpassed himself in MNIK, he keeps growing and getting better as an actor, and it irks me when people say he's 'safe' or 'stagnating' as a performer. From Chak De's Kabir to KANK's Dev and now Rizwan, just looking back over the past few years, it's undeniable that he's stretched himself and taken on challenging roles. But regarding his next movie being an anticlimax after his amazing work in MNIK, I think it's so wise that he's doing 'Ra 1' next - a family movie about a superhero is as far removed from Rizwan as it gets, and I'm sure we'll all love it. Oh, and just to clarify, I agree that Mandira's dialogues in the aftermath of Sam's death were honest. I thought they were really well-written, raw and real. What I'd have liked to see were a few more scenes that showed how she was changing because of what had happened, both before and especially after the soccer pitch scene. They did try to show the arc, but I personally would have liked to see a little more nuance in there. A minor quibble, though.
February 26, 2010 at 3:40 PM
Happy to see your review up and it’s a lovely one at that. I’m in line with everyone else when I say it was the best film yet from Karan and if anyone was expecting a perfect film without flaws then they expect the impossible…No film is ever perfect and there’s always the good and bad no matter how good the script is, so Karan keep thinking outside the box, you’re going places. As for SRK, I will keep repeating this, a phenomenal performance and Kajol very good but not the greatest. I was dying to see @iamsrk in such roles and now Karan has fulfilled my desire!!
February 26, 2010 at 3:45 PM
My final comment on this wonderful post (honestly!): I would also like to pick up on your comments to dink213 about a lot of the complaints about certain depictions in the film coming from Americans. I think this is true, and perhaps because there are negative portrayals of Americans in this movie as well as in other media these days, some people are very sensitive and perhaps a little angry about it. I do agree with you that there is a very strong and noticeable effort in MNIK to avoid stereotypes and to balance out the equation with some very positive portrayals of Americans, and to keep reinforcing what Rizwan's mother taught him about there being only 2 types of people in the world. The effort may have been more successful at some points than at others, but it was undeniably there. As a non-American, MNIK did nothing to make me feel that Americans were more prejudiced or more intolerant or more anything, really, than anyone else. (Not that I would make those kind of judgments based on a movie anyway). For me, the movie has such a wonderful message of hope, love and common humanity that my quibbles with it (and I do have quite a few them) are just not all that significant.
Thanks again for your lovely post.
February 26, 2010 at 4:04 PM
Bombay Talkies - Namaskar Melissa and welcome!!! It's difficult to get excited about a film that stars someone you don't particularly enjoy (I feel that way about Salman Khan), but I'm excited that the promo may have changed your mind. The movie's has had a lot of mixed reviews, mind you, but Shah doesn't overact for one second in this film - he's portrayal is bar none! I know what you're saying though, about the overacting, but I love him to pieces so I can overlook it!
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts, good or bad, if you get to see it. And if you love it, I'm glad that it was a promo on my blog that made you go! :)
Thanks again for stopping by and please come again! (ps. I love Kara's site - she has the absolute best gossip!)
Erin - RIGHT ON SISTER and thanks so much for the lovely compliment! I don't have much more to say about that, except I'm happy to have a kindred spirit in you my friend! And thanks bunches again for the poster and the note (that made me chuckle). Right now it is only laying beside my digital frame (doubt hubby will let me put it up in the bedroom!).
February 27, 2010 at 12:21 AM
Hey, it never hurts to try... ;)
February 27, 2010 at 9:13 AM
MsBlogger - Actually I didn't really see them as weak, they all conveined to the church, which looked like the safest place to go, before Rizwan got there. I don't remember seeing Rizwan do anything by himself - at that point were they not working together to repair the roof? I can see how it could be perceived that he wa somewhat of a "miracle man" but I think he was just being himself, and helping really is something good people do, right?
I will definitely visit your blog. I'm sure your review is fantastic!
February 27, 2010 at 9:19 AM
You do have a point about the church and I guess it is in Rizwan's nature to help everyone, but I thought Karan might have had the locals come up with the idea to fix the roof for themselves and then Rizwan immediately starts helping them; because if they have the energy to fix the roof, then they could have thought of the idea too, surely? I ttaly understand if you've lost track of what I'm trying to say, I think I have ;)
Thanks for saying you'll visit my blog, I'll admit I read yours really often!
February 27, 2010 at 9:26 AM
Larvee - Namaskar, welcome to my blog and shukriyaa! Yes, no movie is without it's flaws if you dig deep enough, that's for sure. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the ride or nitpick a movie apart is definitely up to the viewer, but I prefer to enjoy my movie watching experiences so I'll leave the disecting to other people.
I didn't think I could love Shah's acting anymore than I already did, but he has shown such amazing growth with this film. It will be interesting to see where he goes from here.
Erin - LOL! I'll keep doing that then!
February 27, 2010 at 9:48 AM
MsBlogger - LOL! Sometimes I ramble on so much I totally forget my point! It's kind of always surprising to hear people actually read what I write on here, and I'm so glad you visit often. Please feel free to comment more, I really enjoy the interaction!
February 27, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Daddy's Girl - I suppose you are right about ra.one. I don't think I could handle it if every performance was like Rizwan. My heart couldn't take it, so something fun actually is a good way to go.
Actually, I think you are totally right about Mandira's role. It would have been really nice to see more of her struggle instead of the Georgia stuff for sure.
Also, I think Karan did a fantastic job balancing the points of view of all the characters. We see both good and bad Americans, Muslims, African Americans, and Hindus, which is why his good people vs. bad people message is so impactful. I only mentioned that the issues seemed to stem from Americans because of what I've read on other people's blogs (though, as I also said, I know there were others also that had issues with that particular part)
Please leave as many comments as you like, they are always welcome!
February 27, 2010 at 3:56 PM
Beautiful review shell, you've written very personally and thoughtfully about this, i avoided it at the cinema and is i'll let you know what i really think when i get it out on dvd, Tere naina is an absolute favourite of mine as well, it reminds me slightly only just slightly of 'Kajra re'
February 27, 2010 at 6:11 PM
bollywooddeewana - Thank you. I contemplated a lot about it before I started typing. What was the reason you avoided? To avoid the film or avoid the hype? Just curious. Anyway, I hope that when it finally comes out on dvd you enjoy it. I can't get enough of the music. Such a wonderful album.
As always, thanks for stopping by! I've missed you around these parts!
February 27, 2010 at 8:01 PM
Glorious glorious film, in all it's entirety and I couldn't have imagine seeing it for the first time (I say that because I want to see it hundreds of times!) with anyone besides yourself, Didi!!
I believed this film. Every part of it. I thought it was realistic, truthful and hit the nail on the head about so very many of today's societal issues. All the actors and actresses did anamazing outstanding job of portaying the characters in the film, again, honest and truthful. Rizwan will forever be in my heart.. the messages of this movie will stay within me permanently!
So in short... I LOVED THIS!!!!!!!
A deepfelt love and appreciation for all involved in making and marketting this film.
Glorious!!!
February 28, 2010 at 12:08 PM
So happy to have shared it with you too and I'm just thrilled that you loved it! Now to wait for the dvd! Ugh.
March 3, 2010 at 2:40 AM
I am a romance junkie and would have gladly taken more of their courtship.
See there, it disappointed me there too. Also the half baked 2nd half was a let down for me.
From your, a mother's, point of view, i can understand where this movie has touched you.
March 3, 2010 at 7:20 AM
Hopefully when Karan releases the dvd, we will see all of the cute romantic stuff that was in the promos but not the film. Maybe that will appease those who left wanting more SRKAjol.
July 5, 2010 at 9:28 AM
Hello Shell,
Coming after Beth's take on the film, which I read first, yours was a very interesting contrasting one! Thanks. I especially enjoyed your "mother"'s point of view.
As for your question concerning the stabbing (if somebody else has given the explanation, sorry, I didn't take time to read all the comments), I think it comes as a confirmation that saying the truth is often risky! Rizwan indicts that Imam in the Muslim prayer room or mosque, and as a result gets him arrested, but a follower of his catches up with the accuser, and demonstrates that truth is a dangerous thing to handle, and this is at the very heart of the movie!
cheers
yves
August 6, 2010 at 9:47 AM
@Yves - I think it's interesting how there have been so many wildy conflicting feelings about this movie. That's one thing that movie makers can always count on is the diversity of the viewer. It sounds like you enjoyed the film too, and that makes me happy!
Thanks for stopping by! Sorry I took so long to respond. Cheers back!