Bodyguard Movie Review - Box Office India

Wanted, Dabangg and recently released Ready have everything it takes to make a signature Salman Khan movie – a masala entertainer. This time again, debutant director (first Hindi film as director) Sidique serves up exactly what is expected of a Salman Khan product.

In fact, the film tries to offer even more than Khan’s earlier movies by getting into emotion (in the second half), and of course there’s Kareena Kapoor. In short- a package that’s the perfect festival product for everyone.

Watch, enjoy and go home happy – that seems to be the tried-and-tested Salman formula. Bodyguard gets into Salman mode from the very beginning (barring a few tedious moments in the first half and a pre-climax and climax that are a tad stretched).

Akin to Wanted and Dabangg, this time too Khan makes a flamboyant entry with a song and a fight sequence. It’s very clear – you’re there to watch a Salman Khan film and he is going to entertain you. What might go against Khan is that he is portrayed as a bodyguard who has several bosses (Raj Babbar, Sharat Saxena and also Kareena Kapoor). He performs his antics, as always, but the fact that he is always shown with his head down might not go down well with his fans.

Also, the writer and director have taken too many cinematic liberties. There are unanswered questions galore but that does not bother you. You’re so glued to watching Khan that all is forgiven. Kapoor’s presence in the film is like sone pe suhaga.

The film is about a bodyguard, Lovely Singh, who’s assigned to guard Divya, daughter of business tycoon Sartaj Rana. Singh’s job is to accompany Divya everywhere including college. Singh constant presence annoys Divya, who comes up with a plan. Claiming to be Chhaya, she tells Singh over the phone that she is in love with him. Simple Singh falls for the gag and also falls for Chhaya.

What’s nothing more than a joke for Divya is a serious matter of the heart for Singh. And while playing cat-and-mouse, Divya finally falls for Singh. But Divya knows that since he is merely her loyal bodyguard, Singh will not accept her love. So enter a twist! What follows next forms the crux of the film.

The story itself has nothing new to offer. The first half is routine and nothing much transpires except fight scenes and songs. The character of Tsunami is supposed to be funny but irritates instead.

Some scenes – when Tsunami goes to the ladies’ hostel – could have been turned into a laugh-riot. Also, the dialogue between Tsunami and another maid could have been much more entertaining. Also, why does Aditya Panscholi and his gang want to kill Kareena Kapoor?

It’s been a long time since the heroine has had a substantial role to play in a Salman Khan starrer. As a result, the film, for a change, is high on the emotional quotient, especially in the second half, where there are a few moments that are beautifully captured.

a) The first time Divya realises she’s in love with Lovely Singh

b)    Divya’s helplessness when her friends convince her she can never marry Lovely Singh

c)    When Lovely Singh, accompanied by Divya, goes to meet Chhaya for the first time

d)    Tere meri prem kahani, delightfully picurised and takes the story ahead

e)    When the kid asks Divya if she can be his mother

f)     The suspense and how it is unveiled to the audience

These moments melt your heart and make you fall in love with Lovely Singh and Divya. The simplicity with which these moments have been conveyed and portrayed makes you relate to the characters, which is where the film scores.

The action scenes also deserve special mention. We’ve watched Khan in action in Wanted, Dabangg and the recently released Ready. But this time, the scenes have been shot aesthetically. The fight scene between Khan and Aditya Panscholi is especially brilliant.

Siddique, who has made the same film in Malayalam and Tamil, has made a few changes while keeping the Hindi audience in mind. He succeeds in presenting Khan differently, as a simple, sensitive and down-to-earth character. But he should have worked a little harder on the dialogue. Cinematography is fine. Editing is good.

Musically, Himesh Reshammiya and Pritam (one song only) are another highlight. The lyrics of Dil Kahe Kya and Teri Meri are apt and beautifully picturised. Tyaun Tyaun draws attention but since the song has no context in the film, it appears forced.

Performance-wise, Salman Khan is obviously the fulcrum around whom the film revolves. Though his character reminds you of his role in one of his old films, Bandhan, he is adorable. Also, you enter the auditorium assuming you will be watching a Salman Khan film but you leave convinced it was a Kareena Kapoor movie! She’s brilliant and delivers an award-winning performance. Mahesh Manjrekar is fine. Rajat Rawail is funny in places but often irritating. Raj Babbar is all right. Adiya Panshocli, in a cameo, makes his presence felt. The others lend adequate support.

Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER