Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Dear Kabir Khan,

I liked your Kabul Express, thought Kurbaan was better than New York and absolutely hated Ek Tha Tiger (it was better than Bodyguard would sound like poison is better than hanging). But, now with Bajrangi Bhaijaan you have finally arrived as a premiere director in Hindi cinema.

The film revolves about a mute Paki girl lost in India, and she finding a savoir in our Bhai. Bhai takes her to Pakistan with the help of Nawaz. In the End, Bhai finally returns triumphantly to India after finding the girl's parents.

Yes, after a long time you watch a Sallu movie which uses your cerebrum (for all your Sallu fans - that's a part of your brain). The story is interesting and Sallu brave heartedly gives the main lead to the child, Harshali Malhotra (who has more acting talent than Katrina & Zarine Khan combined). Its a fantastic film and you feel a lump in your throat in the climax (even though you feel ridiculed with the absurdity of the situation. But fuck it, its Bhai after all)

The scenes where Munni runs to have non veg or when she breaks into a victory dance after Pakis have won is worth mentioning. Also Om Puri's cameo is brilliant. And unlike Gadar, the hero gets whacked by the Pakis (yes you want to rip off a hand pump on seeing Bhai being tortured) but the real sense of the film is still maintained. The film is real, unlike any other Sallu film.

Except for the climax, which goes way over the top. The first half is a little stretched as Mrs. Kapoor Khan is pushed in the script. But the second half gains Nawaz instead of Kareena and the film sky rockets. The songs are bad and you rush out of the theatre for a smoke, only to realize its the boredom of the songs which want you to smoke (PS: i don't smoke and i still went out) BC. 

Salman Bhai is absolutely brilliant and he will bring tears to your eyes. This is his best ACTING performance after Tere Naam. Kareena is good as the junior artist. Nawaz is awesome, he is the highlight of the film. But, its Harshali Malhotra who brings the house down without saying anything in the movie. She is a star.

Overall, Bajrangi Bhaijaan will break many records because it strikes the rite cord with the audiences. It falters in the first half and has too many unbelievable situations. But chuck everything, because you connect with the film and it blurs out its shortcomings. Rejoice its Bhai Season this Eid.

Rating - ***half