Movie Review: Salman is at his Charming Best in Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Salman is unlike the superhero, the image he has portrayed in his previous films and Harshaali will steal your heart.

There are films and then there are Salman Khan films. Now if you are a true- blue Salman Khan bhakt then you don’t need a reason or a review to go watch your favorite star’s latest release. But if you are a discerning filmgoer, skeptical of Salman Khan’s antics then here are 5 reasons why you should definitely book your tickets for Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

• All naysayers must surrender to the charms of the utterly, butterly, cutest little girl ever. Yes the one we saw running after a train in the trailer and went awwwww! With those big innocent round eyes, cherubic face and an angelic smile, she has the power to thwart even the toughest nut. Harshaali Malhotra plays the voiceless girl from Pakistan who gets lost in India. The casting director has won the battle for Salman Khan. She is the WCD –Weapon of Critic Destruction - eclipsing all the flaws in the film and mesmerising one and all with her pristine presence. She single handedly makes it a must watch.

• Bajrangi Bhaijaan should be seen to experience the magic of Nawazuddin Siddiqui. He appears only post interval but once he is on screen there simply isn’t anyone like him. Playing the role of a Pakistani journalist, he flawlessly brings forth the quirkiness of his character. Be it his impeccable comic timing or distinctive style, Nawazuddin is always such a delight to watch.

• It makes absolute sense to go watch a Salman film which is nothing like any of his previous films. No belt jerking Dabbang- style dance steps, no flashy dialogues or gravity defying stunts. Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi is a strict vegetarian, kind-hearted, brutally honest Hanuman bhakt. In short he plays a quintessential good guy with a large heart. Entrusted with the responsibility of taking the little girl back to her parents in Pakistan, Salman Khan is at his charming best but never the larger than life superhero we are so used to seeing him as. There is an endearing vulnerability to him this time and the result onscreen is unexpectedly good.

• Kabir Khan has proved to be a smart director. Harshaali Malhotra is a masterstroke. It’s difficult to dismiss a film that boasts of such charming innocence. Although logic does take a back seat here too, nifty editing with a tight screenplay, great performances and good music ensure Bajrangi Bhaijaan is pacy and its energy infectious. Full marks to the director for making the most of his resources and giving us a paisa vasool film.

• Finally, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a perfect family entertainer. A feel good film for the festive season. Even though it’s 159 mins long, there isn’t a single dull moment. Usually Salman’s films are only for his fans but that fact is about to change. High on the emotional quotient, Bajrangi Bhaijaan has managed to bridge the gap not just between two neighbouring countries with its message of love and humanity but also enjoy a wider universal appeal. If you are looking for some innocuous fun this Eid make sure go for bhaijaan’s latest!

I’m going to go with 4 QUINTS out of 5. The 6-year-old little girl in the film makes it all worth it!