Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Harshaali Malhotra

Director: Kabir Khan

Rating: ***

It is usually believed that a typical Salman movie is just like a bullet-proof vehicle for which critics' verdicts are just like teeny weeny pebbles thrown at it. And as per prevailing notions about Salman movies, it said that for his cine ventures it hardly matters that what critics say or write about them, because at the end of the day they succeed in doing what they intend to.

But that doesn't mean that all the Salman movies are some brainless cine sagas piggy backing on Salman's charisma and get penned by critics. At least Bajrangi Bhaijaan is not.

Undoubtedly just like many other Salman movies even Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a cine chronicle circumscribed around the "Being Human" persona of this Dabangg of Bollywood, but this nowhere means that it is all about that only. And that's because this cine yarn starring Salman, Kareena and Nawaz in prominent roles has many such cine condiments, about which it can vouch.


But before going in to in depth analysis of this one of the most anticipated movie of the year, let's enlighten you about the premise first.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a story of a simpleton Hindu lad, Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi aka Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Salman Khan) who is humble peaceful and owns a heart of gold. For this peace loving "Hanuman Bhakt" hunk, even spotting a monkey is like having a rendezvous with his lord. Besides what Pawan own is a loyalty towards RSS a trait inherited from his father.

With frames rolling ahead Pawan has a rendezvous with Rasika (Kareena Kapoor) and after which he moves to Delhi from his small town in UP, to reside with his father's friend's family.

Everything keeps on floating like a smooth whiff of wind till the time when Pawan meets a little girl Munni aka Shahida (Harshalli Malhotra) who belongs to the other side of the border (Pakistan). And then begins a new jaunt of Pawan aka Bajrangi Bhaijaan, who designates himself with a responsibility of returning Munni to her family which resides on the other side of the barbwires. So does Pawan succeeds in his mission, or not? To know you have to watch this most awaited cine cantata of the year.


Just like any other Salman movie even Bajrangi Bhaijaan has a straight and simple plot, sans any redundant twists and turns to add to the intricacy of the narration, so kudos for the writer. Besides, another noteworthy (read praise-worthy) element from the writing department of BB which will surely grab your attention is that, unlike many movies of the recent times, which tried to cash upon the virility of secularism. Bajrangi Bhaijaan is not at all preachy. It communicates its noble intent, but by knitting it in realistic rhetoric (so no worries about that unwanted adrenaline rush because of that inflated dialogue-baazi).

There are a few sequences which leave a lasting impact, but even while jotting those instances Bajrangi Bhaijaan's story writer V.Vijayendra Prasad has invested so much of care in packaging them that they never look like a tutorial on moral ethics and secularism. Though the premise of Bajrangi Bhaijaan tenderly touches the issue of conversion, but it superbly interprets and re-presents it in an altogether different manner. Unlike many Bollywood movies which draw that "us and they" line between two religions or communities and inculcate a sense of xenophobia among the people, Bajrangi Bhaijaan talks about the peaceful co-existence of different religions and their unique religious mannerisms.

Direction of Kabir is simply spellbinding where up till great extent he has succeeded in keeping things realistic sans any larger than life depiction of the facts or his lead protagonist. Therefore tons of accolades for, Kabir, for handling everything pertaining to Bajrangi Bhaijaan with elan and utmost dexterity. Screenplay of Bajrangi Bhaijaan is good up till great extent and is well complimented by a sharp editing.

So many good words doesn't mean that this Salman armored vehicle carrying him is all about positives. Just like any other Bollywood cine flicks even this has a few short-comings like a few over-stretched sequences which unnecessarily adds to the length of the movie. But when it's a noble intent dabbled in the treacle of emotions and served with a superb garnishing then one can conveniently overlook these cine flaws.


If we talk about performances then in Bajrangi Bhaijaan Salman's character has looked in total contrast with the kind of personas he has portrayed in past. But in spite of that this Dabangg of Bollywood has conveniently succeeded in pleasing his fans by his adorable innocent yet machismo avatar. Kareena have nothing much to do, but in spite of that she has succeeded in getting noticed because of her "leading lady" status in the movie.

As ever, Nawazuddin has once again proved his acting valor by confidently accompanying Salman on the big screen.

But truly speaking real star of the movie is lil Harshaali who steals your heart by her innocence and cute face.

To sum up, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, has a message to communicate which nowhere looks like a lecture on moral science or secularism (as it has happened with many movies in the past). It has emotional virility and innocent humor to win your heart. And at last but not the least it introduces you to an altogether different Salman. So in nutshell 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' has every element which can once again mark the onset of Sal-mania epidemic.