Critics’ Verdict: ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ Is a Must Watch

For a change, critics collectively give a thumbs up for the new Salman Khan film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’

Kareena Kapoor and Salman Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Photo: Yogen Shah)

Excerpts from reviews of Bajrangi Bhaijaan:

Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a supercharged cross-border drama that goes all out – and then some – in delivering its message of subcontinental peace. Salman Khan may the principal driving force of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, but the real star of the film is the super-cute child actor Harshaali Malhotra. Her winning smile, her large, playful eyes and a face can melt the toughest heart, even that of a dyed in the wool film critic. Watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan even if you aren’t an inveterate Salman Khan fan. Harshaali will steal your heart.
– Saibal Chatterjee (Ndtv.com)

Despite the complexity of the given situation and the dangers it runs into, Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s simplistic politics avoids darkness like a plague. But then wishful thinking never hurt any sentiments. Nor does this film. Even in its unmistakably masala tone, it firmly believes the desire for peace is universal and recommends being a hero. Or just human.
– Sukanya Verma (Rediff.com)

Instead of performing typical fight stunts, Khan cries and bows with hands folded. The whistle-and-clap moment comes when he finally changes from this greeting to a salaam. Does this simple story bordering on the dumb with a simpleton character work? Strangely, yes. Thanks to Khan’s uncharacteristic convincing performance and intelligent direction by the Ek Tha Tiger director who seemed to have forgotten his craft after his first film, Kabul Express.
– Gayatri Gauri (Firstpost.com)

Every fairytale has its princess, and the honours in this film go not to Kapoor Khan, who is content with a strictly ornamental role, but to Harshaali Malhotra, whose expressive face and irresistible charms steal the show all the way. Kabir Khan’s attempts to foster bonhomie and empathy between the great subcontinental rivals are as touching as they are earnest. Since the movie is often seen from Shahida’s knee-high perspective, it follows that the complexity of the Indo-Pak question and the business of the status of Kashmir are boiled down to the simplest of thoughts and emotions: the flags are different but the people are the same.
– Nandini Ramnath (Scroll.in)