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29 March 2024

Bollywood Review: Is there more to 'Hero' than Salman Khan's voice?

Published
By Sneha May Francis

Remember in the early ’90s when Bollywood was welcoming of young boys, who were armed with nothing more than killer looks and a frail lady to protect? They had to fight angry old men, who objected to their romance, with their glares, grunts and punches. It was a rage back then, but in 2015, the concept seems archaic and dimwitted.

So, when the hero rides his bike with his ladylove strapped tightly behind him across a broken bridge you know where this is headed.

While such daring stunts worked for Salman Khan when he had burst onto the scene with his mushy romance ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, today the formula appears outdated and unoriginal.

It’s no longer about leather jackets or six-pack abs or (absurd) let’s-lock-our-eyes-and-fall-in-love moments.

Alas, making a movie (about love) isn’t as simplistic any more. It’s a little more evolved than what it was back then.

Probably why Subash Ghai’s red bandana-sporting, flute-playing hero was a rage in the early ’80s, but will appear rather awkward now.

So, rehashing a hit movie of the ’80s to fit our world would have been a tough task for director Nikhil Advani and Ghai, no doubt. While they focused on the aesthetics, with the supremely talented Tushar Kanti Ray framing the scenes remarkably, they couldn’t quite crack the plot. Even, roping in the famous Khan to croon for them, does not validate the mess they have created.

It’s a script laden with inconsistencies and logic, and one that doesn’t demand any reasoning. A young girl who has been kidnapped appears happily oblivious to it, until her sister gives her the lowdown over the telephone. A thug, on the most wanted list, suddenly disappears from the narrative, only to reappear as a hapless, but much-caring father figure.

Writer Umesh Bist pens silly rhymes for cuteness value, and adds “clt+alt+del” and “selfies” to reflect a change in time.

Sooraj and Athiya, unfortunately, are unable to ignite any real passion onscreen. They are shot extensively in slow-motion, with wind blowing their hair, with Tushar capturing their stunning bodies in flattering frames. But, when those moments pan out, and the couple is meant to perform they falter and fumble.

While Sooraj has chiselled out a great body, his performance remains wooden and unimpressive. Even in the scenes with his actor-dad Aditya Pancholi, his discomfort is evident. Actor Suniel Shetty’s girl Athiya appears in the same mould as Sonam Kapoor, grinning and playing up the spoilt brat with glee. But, over time, even she appears tiresome and dull.

Advani’s ‘Hero’ ends up a lengthy, unimaginative remake. Stay away, if you prefer movies that are easy on our senses.