Bajrangi Bhaijaan Review: A Khan film that gives hope
This Kabir Khan film is one that might give new hope to both the nations-India and Pakistan. The film has a great story and is unlike any Khan film. For those of you, who love commercial masala entertainers, this one boasts a great story too.
How Bajrangi takes a little girl, lost in India, to her native village in Pakistan, is a story well depicted. The nuances of both the nations are portrayed well. The beliefs and practices shown as a real mirror and it captures the mentality of people across both the borders.
Salman Khan has unleashed his acting potential and delivered a really earnest performance, which would move you. The story he brings to the platter is really sweet and finding the connect is super-easy. The small wonder, Harshaali a.k.a. Shahida a.k.a Munni is a surprise package. She is adorable and very cute. At this age she is a natural, and when she grows up and becomes a leading lady, she will give all a run for their money. But the show-stealer is Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Whatever you say for this man is not enough. His acting skills raise the bar every time, with each passing film.
Star Performances:
Salman Khan as Pawan alias Bajrangi is cute, funny and emotional. A simple man, who makes choices and decisions from heart, makes it his life’s mission to re-unite the young kid with her family. And in terms of acting, he has tapped that well. Known for his commercial masalas and blockbusters, with BB Salman makes sure that the film coexists along with the genre of content-rich films. The entertainment flick is backed up with a good plot. And after a really long time the human side of this Khan is all over the silver screen.
The cutesy kid, Harshaali is the highlight of the film and with her cute maneuvers she wins hearts. Throughout the film she doesn’t speak a word, but then again walks away with the acting-cap placed right over her head. She is quite good and you will be aww-ing at her during the film.
The man who makes an entry in the second half, Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the highlight of the film. He is so candid and charismatic, in a unique way. As I mentioned earlier, Nawaz ups the acting bar every time, and after seeing each film of his, you are bound to be surprised with his bounty of talent. Slipping into any character is extremely easy for Siddiqui, and he awes you with his finesse.
Kareena Kapoor Khan has a brief but substantial role. She isn’t an arm candy and plays the role given to her quite well. In terms of placement of her character, hers is a well-fitted one. Kabir Khan has smartly used her in his film.
Om Puri’s cameo is brief but highly impactful. Others too play their parts well and collectively help in making Bajrangi Bhaijaan what it is!
Technicalities:
Kabir Khan will take you on a beautiful journey, both story wise and in scenic sense. The way the film is shot and assembled is a very tactic and smart move. While shooting, overcoming barriers of all sorts, the final product is rich in quality. There is less of action but sufficient enough for the ceetis and taalis. But plot is focused well. The first half seemed a bit stretched; the second half is very powerful and makes up for it.
There are few technicalities and glitches in the film can be overlooked but in real world they wouldn’t be. When it comes to sensitive issues of crossing the border, it seemed difficult but was ultimately made possible. But in real-life it is no child’s play. But since it is a feature film, sometimes it is better to look at the good side, rather than pinpoint and criticize the loopholes. And BB is one film that is a shot at showcasing better relations between the two neighboring nations.
The story by V. Vijayendra Prasad is what ultimately makes Bajrangi Bhaijaan what it is. Be ready to be awed by Aseem Mishra’s cinematography. Nature’s beauty and its essence is a treat to the eyes. Music by Pritam and Komail Shayan (KK) with lyrics by Kausar Munir and Mayur Puri is done well too. But background score by Julius Packiam, needs a special mention.
The film is shot in various locations but is on the whole put together nicely.
Watch or not:
Yes! It is worth watching. Something new and good is always worth a watch. And since it is a Salman Khan film on EID, it is even more appealing. The Khans (Kabir and Salman) have a wonderful eidi in store for their fans.
Thumbs Up: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Salman Khan, Harshaali, screenplay
Thumbs Down: A few technicalities that can be overlooked
Yawns: Maybe in the first half
