Director: Kabir Khan
Cast: Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Zhu Zhu, Matin Rey Tangu, Late Om Puri, Md Zeeshan
Rating: 3.5*
My humble request to every one before you read my review, don't compare 'Tubelight' to Kabir Khan's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'!
Regarded as one of the most awaited movie of 2017, 'Tubelight' is one movie that all Salman Khan fans have been eagerly waiting, the movie begins with the actor explaining why he is called Tubelight. The film that is based on 1962 Indo-China war is high on emotions which is well expected from a Kabir Khan film with power-packed performances of the star-cast. Salman Khan plays a man with golden heart who doesn't give a damn when someone laughs at him or pokes fun. His only asset in life is his younger brother played by his real life brother Sohail Khan.
SEE PICS: Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana STEALS THE SHOW at Salman’s ‘Tubelight’ movie STAR-STUDDED screening!
Story: Tubelight is the story of Laxman Singh Bisht (Salman Khan) and Bharat (Sohail Khan). They're orphans who've only had each other to rely on, ever since the death of their parents. Everything was going fine until one fine day, the battle between India and China boils over at the border in 1962 and Bharat enlists in the Army, and sets off for the battlefront.When he goes missing, Laxman lives by one life-lesson; keep your faith alive and you can do almost anything, even stop a war.
There are many supporting characters in the movie who play important roles and leaves their immpresion, be it Banne Chacha(Om Puri) who mentors Lakshman, imparting Gandhian ideology at every given opportunity or Narayan (Mohd Zeeshan)the local bully who leaves no stones unturned in irritating Salman Khan. Also there is a gorgeous Liling(Zhu Zhu) and her cute little son Guo(Matin), who are Chinese immigrants move to Jagatpur.
Tubelight making Video: Matin Rey Tangu with Salman Khan in behind the scenes will leave you mesmerized!
Acting: Salman Khan aces his character of a specially-abled man and the camaraderie shared between Laxman and Bharat (Sohail Khan) will make you emotional in many scenes. Salman Khan is not playing a macho, heroic role (what he is known for) and it is so refreshing to see him like that, you laugh with him, cry with him & love him throughout the movie. Sohail Khan plays his part well, the little Matin Rey Tangu wins heart with his cuteness and so does her onscreen mom Zhu-Zhu. Late Om Puri once again reminds us that Bollywood lost a great actor in his form and other supporting actors too did their part well. Shah Rukh Khan makes his presence felt in his short cameo role and suddenly you listen claps and whistles the moment these two superstars come in one frame.
Music: The soundtracks are as heartwarming as the plot of the film, the Radio song is undoubtedly the best of all, other songs are also fine and goes well with the story.
Direction: The war sequences are poorly mounted as the filmmaker didn't invest much but otherwise the movie is high on emotions which is well expected from a Kabir Khan directorial movie. Movie is shot in some beautiful scenic locations of Manali & Leh which is picturesque.
Watch or not?
Of course, YES! Even if you are not a Salman Khan fan, who is the main highlight in the film as by far it's the most honest performance of Salman as his simplicity will instantly win your hearts. The movie could have been better as the second half was a bit slow and we felt it was lengthy too, but overall, it's a neat & clean family entertainer a perfect gift of Eid from Salman Khan.