Salman weaves his magic

Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in a scene from the film.

Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in a scene from the film.

Published Jul 27, 2015

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BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN

DIRECTOR: Kabir Khan

CAST: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

CLASSIFICATION: TBA

RUNNING TIME: 163 minutes

RATING : ****

There are some things that films starring Salman Khan do really well – passionate love stories, infectious dance numbers and entertaining content. His latest offering is a tear-jerker that contains all of that as well as a patriotic ethos. The story will easily strike a chord with viewers.

Plot: Shahida (Harshaali Malhotra), a mute 6-year-old girl, travels with her mother to the holy Nizamuddin Hazrat Ali in Delhi. On their way back, Shahida misses her train and lands up on the bustling streets of Delhi where she crosses paths with Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi (Salman Khan).

Pawan, a staunch Brahmin,is engaged to and living with Rasika (Kareena Kapoor). The sudden arrival of Shahida creates an unavoidable dispute in their home, especially after they discover her true identity as a Muslim from Pakistan.

Pawan accepts the duty to take Shahida to her home in Pakistan, despite the severe odds that face them along the way.

Verdict: Bajrangi Bhaijaan (BB) has several things working in its favour, notably a riveting message of “oneness” that dominates the screenplay.

Kabir Khan deftly merges a series of Bollywood regularities to make a familiar yet completely enjoyable cinematic experience. The carefully selected backdrop of Indo-Kashmir complements the finesse of the simplistic storyline. Kabir’s unflinching passion for visual mastery is shown in the exuberant parts of his locations, bringing them alive on the big screen. This often serves as an additional character to the screenplay.

It’s refreshing to watch a film that delivers its message with subtlety, wisely detouring from possible clichés. These qualities are uncompromised by the director’s ability to render his viewer to a meltdown with several moving moments.

Salman has cultivated a rarely serious heroic personality for this movie. He is deserving of acclaim for turning in an influential humanitarian role, which no doubt boosts his credibility as an actor. He also deserves credit for his shifts in tone from whimsical comic to ruthless armour, often appearing to be more seasoned than any of his previous roles.

Harshaali Malhotra is sure to win over the adoration of the audience. She excels particularly in scenes alongside Salman and manages to compare remarkably well to the senior actor.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the other showstopper who brings sheer joy to his supporting role as a Pakistani reporter and Kareena delivers a commendable performance.

Recommendation: Will appeal to the mainstream Bollywood audience. The movie is bound to leave you in tears.

l Celebrity journalist and media personality, Varshan Sookhun, presents the popular lifestyle show The Midday Spice on Lotus FM, 92.5 to 103.8 FM, Monday to Friday, noon to 3pm. He also presents Bollywood Billboard from 2pm to 5pm on Lotus FM on Saturdays.

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