Film: Tubelight
Directed by: Kabir Khan
Starring: Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Zhu Zhu, Om Puri and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Yashpal Sharma
What it's about:
Tubelight is against the backdrop of the Indo-Chinese war of 1962. But it's a story of hope and miracles. Bharat Singh Bisht (Sohail Khan) goes off to the war leaving behind his older brother Laxman Singh Bisht (Salman Khan),with special needs. The brothers have never been separated and Laxman who doesn't understand war, just wants his brother back. Meanwhile Laxman makes enemies in his village because he befriends a little "Chinese boy and his mother. In short, the film is Laxman's journey, his lessons, his beliefs and overcoming fear.
What good:
Kabir Khan gets most things right. Tubelight is about love, trust, magic and belief. It's like a tonic for weary souls. You will find yourself interacting with the film and characters. For starters, it is clear that if this role had an A-list actor playing Salman's younger brother, it wouldn't have had the same emotional quotient. Ever so often while watching the film, you may be moved to tears because the brotherly emotions blur the lines between reel and real life. Kabir and Salman have shown us with Bajrangi Bhaijaan, that they work well with kids. So naturally, the scenes with the little boy Matin Rey Tangu are most endearing. Performances by Om Puri, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Yashpal Sharma and other supporting cast are stellar. Salman plays an innocent and vulnerable character for the first time in his career, and nails it. There is no action in the film, but he delivers a sentimental kick straight to the heart. Shah Rukh Khan in the guest appearance is one of the highlight scenes of the film. The scenes between Zhu Zhu and Salman are sweet and gentle.
What's not:
Tubelight is a wannabe Forrest Gump. It gets slow and monotonous after a while. The pace is drags in parts. The songs are partly to be blamed for slowing the film down.
What's that:
The whole follow-Gandhi bit seemed forced. It reminds you of Lage Raho Munnabhai and the comparison hurts Tubelight.
What to do:
Watch it for the love of your brother. Or Bhai.
Rating: ***1/2 (3 and half stars)
