Bajrangi Bhaijaan Review - A new Salman isn't that bad
Ameet Bhuvan
Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the most un-Salman film that has come out in recent times- Bhai does not mouth punch lines, he does not bash up people all over, he is not larger than life mega hero we are so used to seeing him as and he does not take his shirt off.
BB is a largely image makeover exercise for the star trying to undo the damage his real life shenanigans have caused him. Does the film pass muster then? Almost yes. Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the story of a do-gooder who doesnt eat meat and worships Hanuman and takes his promise to the monkey lord tad too seriously. He finds an achingly beautiful small mute girl who is lost- turns out she is from the other side of the border and is separated from her parents. Bajrangi decides to take her to Pakistan and how he achieves this is the crux of the story.
Director Kabir Khan acheives giving us a Salman we havent seen in a while- the actor tries to surface above the hero. We see him at least trying to make an effort, and not just standing in the frame waiting for things to happen on their own. The story is flimsy, weak and ridden with loopholes, yet is much better than kick and other Salman films of late. Meandering through the actual Loc between India and Pakistan, the film takes one on an emotional ride speaking of humanity and the need for peace striking all the right notes- save for the preachy screechy ending.
The film hinges on the chemistry between the young girl and Salman, aided beatuifully by the other good jodi in here- Nawaaz and Salman. Playing a Pakistani Journo helping Salman return the girl to her home, Nawaaz digs into his role and delivers another nuanced performance in an otherwise over the top film. The only sore point is the largely decorative Kareena doing god only knows what in the movie. For a typical Salman fan the mere presence of the star is huge. For those who arent fanatics, BB has enough to pass muster and not leave one complaining. Watch it over the holiday weekend this will not harm you at all.
Rating:3/5