Jul 18, 2015 05:32 PM
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(Updated Jul 18, 2015 05:36 PM)
The ties between India & Pakistan have been strained since 1947. No concrete and long lasting steps have been taken by the government on both sides to end the animosity all these years. As a result, the two countries have always had more of a tensed relationship despite the fact that people on both sides share many common traits and tastes. Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a beautiful tale that explains how simple problems turn complex when it involves these two countries. The highlight of the film is Salman Khan in a never before seen avatar and playing a true-to-life and not larger-than-life character, that has become synonymous with his image. And yet, it works BIGGGGGGG time!
The story of the movie: Shahida(Harshaali Malhotra) is from Sultanpur, Pakistan and can’t speak since birth. Her mother(Meher Vij) takes her to Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi to pray that she begin speaking. Trouble arises when Shahida gets left behind in India. She comes across Pavan aka Bajrangi(Salman Khan), a simpleton and a hanuman devotee. He names her Munni, takes her with him to his place in Delhi and tries a lot to help her reunite with her family in Pakistan. When all his efforts prove futile, Pavan himself decides to take Munni to Pakistan. And he goes there without a visa, passport or any form of documentation!
Bajrangi Bhaijaan is 160 minutes long but never gets boring. In fact, the promos had already given an idea that what the film is all about. Hence, one can predict what will happen next, in the first half. Yet, it doesn’t serve as a problem and one looks forward to what happens next! The initial scenes of Munni in Pakistan are lovely. With Pavan’s entry, the film obviously goes onto another level. His flashback portions are quite interesting as well. Munni’s mischief and her bond with Pavan, in the first half, put a smile on one’s face. However, the best portion of the first half is the intermission scene. It is simply outstanding and clapworthy! See it to believe it!
The film gets even better in the second half. Pavan’s adventures in Pakistan are like a roller coaster and viewers are bound to enjoy the ride. And the introduction of Chand Nawab(Nawazuddin Siddiqui) in the narrative makes it even more entertaining! The last 30 minutes of the film is quite touching and moving and makes a real impact. However, at the same time, the film moves a bit too fast at this juncture and I wish the director had not done so. Nevertheless, the impact is made!
Bajrangi Bhaijaan belongs to Salman Khan, Harshaali Malhotra and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Salman delivers a tremendous and heartfelt performance which will surely win hearts. What’s special is that he’s not playing a larger than life character who can bash 20 people at one go and who will go shirtless in the climax. Instead, he plays a very real and humble character and yes, he even gets beaten up at few places. Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a mooh tod jawab to all those who undermined the superstar and felt that he can never try anything new! In fact, in the burkha scene, it is Nawazuddin who dominates but Salman never gets insecure and this is a sign of a great superstar performer! In the climax, he is simply amazing – see it to believe it! Hats off to this superstar and may he do many such films!
Harhsaali Malhotra is a great casting. She is naturally so cute and charming that your heart goes out to her. And without speaking, she says a lot and that too beautifully with her eyes, smile and expressions. A performer to watch out for! Nawazuddin Siddiqui as always delivers a terrific performance and what’s amazing is that he contributes to the fun quotient in the film. His entry scene itself is so hilarious. Here’s an actor who can do all kinds of roles, with élan that too! Kareena Kapoor(Rasika) looks stunning and like Pavan, straight out of life. She contributes in her own way to the narrative. Her romantic portions with Salman are lovely. Sharat Saxena(Rasika’s father) and Alka Badola Kaushal(Rasika’s mother) are okay. Meher Vij(Shahida’s mother) makes her presence felt, especially in the beginning. Rajesh Sharma(Hamid) is his usual self. Om Puri(Maulana) is very impressive in a special appearance. Vijay Kumar is nice as the BSF officer. Other actors that leave a mark are Krunal Pandit(evil travel agent), Khushaal Pawar(Chand Nawab’s cameraman), Kamlesh Gill(train passenger), Atul Srivastava(as Diwakar Chaturvedi), Mursaleen Qureshi(as the border agent), Sunil Chitkara(as the fat police officer in Pakistan) and Habib Azmi(as Chand Nawab’s fake father-in-law). Adnan Sami has a great screen presence.
Pritam’s music is foot-tapping and at the same time, soulful. Selfie Le Le Re, Chicken and Tu Chahiye are very good but the songs that impress the most are Tu Jo Mila, Kuch Toh Bata Zindagi and Bhar Do Jholi Meri. Thankfully, Aaj Ki Party is not a part of the end credits. Julius Packiam’s background score is superb and enhances impact in few scenes. Aseem Mishra’s cinematography is stunning, especially in the opening credits. Kashmir has been showcased in so many films and hence, it’s a feat when a DOP is able to induce awe with the scenes of breathtaking locales. Sham Kaushal’s action is real and not over the top. V Vijayendra Prasad’s story has the right ingredients for an entertaining and well-intentioned film. Kausar Munir’s dialogues are straight out of life but have the necessary punches. Kabir Khan, Parveez Shaikh and V Vijayendra Prasad’s screenplay is engaging, despite the film deviating from the principle plot at places. But it’s all done very nicely and hence, no complaints. Kabir Khan’s direction is excellent and this is definitely his best film! What’s so amazing is that he understands that he’s making an entertaining feature film. Hence, he assures there’s enough entertainment in the film and at the same time, he manages to put his point across. How honesty, good intentions and humble nature can win hearts is what the film is all about. The message comes across very well. At the same time, scenes that could have backfired succeed in entertaining. For instance, the scene at the border post could have gone wrong but Kabir Khan manages to make it very convincing. Here’s hoping he continues to make such films and needless to say, I am eagerly waiting for his next, Phantom!
Some of the best scenes:
The first 10 minutes
Pavan-Munni’s first interaction
Pavan’s flashback
Pavan enters the mosque
Pavan learns that Munni is a Pakistani
The intermission point
Madness at the border post
Pavan, Munni, Chand Nawab in a bus in Pakistan
Chand Nawab meets his ‘father in law’(hilarious!)
All songs of the film
The last 20-25 minutes
On the whole, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the best Salman Khan film in years! The superstar sheds his larger than life image and instead, essays a true to life character and yet, entertains thoroughly. Harshaali Malhotra steals the show with her cuteness and performance while Nawazuddin Siddiqui rocks in the supporting role. The message put across is crucial in today’s times and here’s hoping the film is seen by as many Indians and Pakistanis as possible! And at the box office, Bajrangi Bhaijaan has nothing to worry about. It’s a blockbuster and nothing can stop it from becoming the biggest grosser of Salman!
My rating - 4.5/5!
