Bollywood review: Don't miss Salman Khan's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'

If his film outings in the last few years are anything to go by, what you seen on screen is ultimately the Salman Khan brand that has perhaps even overshadowed the actor that lies beneath.

So with his latest, sure to become an Eid blockbuster, it is a refreshing change to see Salman the actor outshines the muscle and the brawn that have become his signature trademarks.

Kabir Khan's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' is not a one-man vehicle, but rather a plot-driven, poignant story that sees child actor Harshaali Malhotra (Munni/Shahida) as the true star of this film.

Those who've seen the trailers are probably aware of the premise, which sees a young, mute Pakistani girl lost in India. A chance encounter with Salman's Pawan Chaturvedi, sets the duo on a mission to return her safely home across the border and reunite her with her family.

A rather far-fetched plot some would say, but this is Bollywood, coupled with an Eid release; a perfect premise for a potboiler that takes dramatic liberties with logic.

Despite some gaffes, one of the several reasons why 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' really works is the director's ability to flush out each character, big or small, to play their parts with conviction.

Even a Kareena Kapoor Khan (credited with her husband's last name in this film) dutifully performs the minuscule role handed out to her with aplomb.

However, ultimately, it is Salman, Harshaali, and post interval, Nawazuddin Siddiqui who carry the film on their shoulders with sincerity.

Be it the bond that has developed between Pawan and his Munni, or the gentle camaraderie between the former and a small-time Pakistani journalist Chaand Nawab (Siddiqui), the chemistry between the trio is unmistakable and lifts the film from succumbing to the post-intermission drag.

Fans of Salman will see hints of his early days, when 'Tere Naam' brought out a facet of the star that few filmmakers had experimented with, or perhaps even a shade of the vulnerable HIV-patient in 'Phir Milenge' that left audiences in tears.

While Salman's legendary sense of humour remains intact, director Kabir has taken the brave feat of doing away with the one-liners that are also the actor's trademark in every movie, and chosen to play on his childlike innocence and develop his growth into a mature and responsible guardian to Munni.

Siddiqui excels yet again, holding his own with ease in face of brand Salman; in fact, some of the best scenes in the film are between the duo that sees their friendship grow into one of mutual respect.

Of course, this film couldn't have been what it is without Munni. In her debut performance, Harshaali manages to shine in every scene - be it through an emotionally trying moment when waking up from slumber to slowly remember where she is, or the time when an agent attempts to sell her to a brothel.

Needless to say, both Harshaali and Salman share an unbelievable on-screen relationship that may also result in a few tear-jerking moments for bleeding hearts.

The soundtrack to the film also weaves in comfortably, without actually jarring the flow of the story.

Ultimately, where 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' perhaps misses - aside from crisper editing - is the use of simple logic really.

It is pretty laughable at the ease with which Pawan and Munni slip across the India-Pakistan border, or the fact that the latter's army patrol lets them through without further question.

If plot holes are to be dug up further, then the fact that none of the border posts, the High Commissions or even the media have been notified of a Pakistani child missing in India can also be pointed out.

And when Siddiqui falls back on the internet and the power of social media to find Munni's family, it does beg to ask, why did they not do the same when Pawan and Munni were still in India? After all, Kareena's Rasika is a teacher in Delhi and should know about Facebook, YouTube and maybe even Twitter.

Yet, all such pitfalls pale when you have a Salman Khan-starrer out on Eid.

Ultimately, all we can say is leave questions behind and cut a ticket for 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' this festival; you will not be disappointed.

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