Reviewing a Salman Khan film is always a tricky proposition. Tricky because one is not sure who to review, Him or the film. His stature against the film's substance, and the line turns ever so blurred.
"Bhai ki entry dekhi. Paisa vasool." And you can't debate about the 200 bucks you paid for.
"Bhai ke moves dekhe. Repeat value hai film ki." This when you can't even muster the courage to complete viewing it the first time.
"Bhai rocks. He is actually like this only. He doesn't need to act. He is a natural." And you get lost in the transition too.
His movies then, on most occasions, become a mere vessel to portray the length and breath of his larger than life image. They are manufactured to suit the fancies of the superstar and to cash-in on his super stardom. And in that regard, they seldom fail.
SULTAN too, though in trying to be different, ends up being not much of an alteration. Not a great film, but a big big money spinning blockbuster.
The Man has an enchanting persona and a screen presence very few actors possess, there is no denying this fact. The charm, the innocence and the sincerety he brings to the forefront is both infectious and engrossing. To give credit where it is due, he even makes ordinary scenes look stunning and spectacular.
But it is time now when one needs to separate Him from his films. Yes, he has an unmissable charm and a peculiar swagger, but will that always suffice?. What about the film at hand which boasts of having a screenplay, a story and other characters.
Just because he is brilliant in a film, doesn't mean the film is brilliant too.
SULTAN then, is an overlong, overly simplistic and way too predictable sport-romance drama which doesn't spring any surprises.
Yes, Salman khan is the life of the film. He makes you invest in his character and even root for his redemption. He makes his Man-child character lovable and shines throughout the proceedings.
He succeeds for sure but the film doesn't.
The movie ropes in every trick of the trade and every possible clichés from numerous bollywood and Hollywood enterprises to amalgamate a redemption story.
But sadly, it lacks the novelty, the depth and the sentiments associated with that redemption.
No heart warming in the romance, no heart wrenching in their separation and no adrenaline rush in his redemption.
Unfortunately though, this won't ever matter. After all, "Bhai ki film hai, bus dekhni hai." And it won't end here. After watching his films, they would declare it a Blockbuster never ever witnessed on celluloid. The fans will go berserk painting the social media with taglines such as- "Bhai rocked," "The best Salman khan film ever".
What they will forget is that they said the same for BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN too and before that and before that too.
2018 EID and they will have yet another "Best Salman khan film ever".
