By Murtaza Ali Khan
Featured in IMDb Critic Reviews
Tubelight is the latest
offering from Kabir Khan starring the Sultan of Bollywood, Salman Khan, in the
title role. The film co-stars Sohail Khan, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Om Puri, and
the renowned Chinese actress Zhu Zhu. Tubelight also features a cameo from the
Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. The film is an adaptation of the American
war drama, Little Boy (2015),
directed by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde. While
Little Boy is set in the backdrop of the Second World War, Tubelight is set during
the 1962 India-China War. Tubelight is the story of Laxman Singh Bisht aka
Tubelight and his quest to bring his beloved brother back home from the
disastrous war. However, the catch is that Laxman although looks like a grownup
man he still behaves like a child. He neither has the wits nor the means to ensure
his brother’s safe return. The only thing that he has is faith. It is said that
faith can move mountains and so Laxman, pitted against insurmountable odds,
must learn never to lose his faith, come what may. Faith, hope and love are the
three things that define Tubelight.
For the last decade Salman
Khan and Eid have become synonymous. It is this time of the year that the
Sultan of Bollywood usually comes out with his latest offerings. As a matter of
fact, Salman Khan’s Eid releases have turned out to be some of the biggest
releases in the history. This includes Sultan
(2016), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Kick (2014), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Bodyguard
(2011), Dabangg (2010), and Wanted
(2009). And, having just watched Tubelight, I have a strong sense of feeling
that it is going to join this formidable list of blockbusters. It is far from being
a perfect film but it has all the makings of a perfect Eid blockbuster. During
the course of this review we will look at some of the key factors that make Tubelight
a must watch for the fans of Salman Khan.
Salman’s forte has been
playing macho roles which go really well with his ripped physique. But he is
also not bad at playing simpletons as evident from films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, London Dreams (2009), and Bandhan
(1998). He has a rare gift for exuding innocence despite his Greek God looks
and strong build. But in Tubelight he gets to play a unique character that he hasn’t
yet played in his three-decade-long career. It’s unthinkable and unimaginable
to see Salman play the part of a grownup man who behaves like an eight year old
owing to a mental condition. That’s the challenge Salman was pitted against
from the world go. And he pulls it off brilliantly. Those you think Salman can’t
act better be prepared for the shock of their lives. Credit goes to Salman for
his determination and commitment and for Kabir Khan for showing complete faith
in Salman’s acting abilities. Remember, Salman has never been particularly known
for his acting (it is his screen presence that does the job for him) but in the
recent times he certainly seemed to have raised the bar and his performance in
Tubelight is certainly the highlight of his acting career.
Little Boy didn’t fare too
well at the American box-office and so Kabir Khan had his job cut out to adapt
it in a manner that it gathers a mass appeal. The first step in this direction
was signing Salman Khan as the protagonist. And, undoubtedly, it proved to be a
masterstroke. But the biggest strength of Tubelight apart from Salman’s moving performance
is Kabir Khan’s direction. The manner in which he directs his actors is quite commendable.
Also, his attention to period detail is remarkable. The way he shoots his films
is something that’s very rarely seen in commercial Bollywood films. The
tradeoff between artistic and commercial aspects is another thing that needs to
be praised.
One of the highlights of
Tubelight is the bond of love that Laxman Singh Bisht shares with his brother.
Yes, Salman and Sohail are brothers in real life as well playing brothers in a
motion picture is a different proposition altogether. Some of the best scenes
of Tubelight are the ones that feature Salman and Sohail together. In the past
also they have shared screens in movies like Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005) and Main
Aurr Mrs Khanna (2009) but their unique chemistry in Tubelight tops them all
hands down.
The Chinese sensation Zhu
Zhu who is making her Bollywood debut with Tubelight is already an
international star having starred in film like The Man with the Iron Fists and Cloud
Atlas. Zhu Zhu also played a pivotal character in Netflix’s sprawling saga Marco
Polo. There is no denying that Zhu Zhu has been a great addition to the starcast
of Tubelight. Her ravishing screen presence in the film is something that will
catch the attention of one and all. Hopefully, we will get to see her in more
Bollywood films in the near future.
The veteran Indian actor Om
Puri was shooting for Tubelight when he breathed his last. His untimely death
has left a big void. But his performance in Tubelight is something that his fan
will cherish for a long time to come. He leads a brilliant supporting cast which
also includes the likes of Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub who delivers yet another memorable
performance in Tubelight. Some of the scenes that Puri and Ayyub share with
Salman are simply superb. Also the child actor is Matin Rey Tangu is terrific
in his role.
Pritam has been on a roll.
He continues to deliver one hit song after the other. And Tubelight’s songs are
no exception. “Radio” and “Naach Meri Jaan” together have garned over 35
million views on YouTube alone. Getting the songs right in Salman Khan’s films
are always a challenge and full credit goes to Pritam for one again hitting the
bullseye with his mellifluous compositions that actually fit into the movie’s narrative.
Aseem Mishra has been the go
to cinematographer Kabir Khan and has shot all his films so far except his
debut film Kabul Express. And obviously Mishra has never really disappointed
Khan. Undoubtedly, the director-cinematographer duo seems to share a great
equation. And Tubelight is no exception.
Mishra once again succeeds in translating Khan’s cinematic vision to a tee. In
fact, Tubelight appears to be Mishra’s best work till date. One can only imagine
the challenges that Mishra would have had to deal with while shooting Tubelight
but going by the looks of it one can safely say that he overcame each one of
them with aplomb.
Rating: 6.5/10
A version of this review was first published in Wittyfeed.
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