Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, starring Salman Khan and Pooja Hegde, delivers an entertaining cinematic experience that is sure to please Salman Khan fans and engage a wider audience. While the film has its share of positives, it also has a few shortcomings, but overall, it manages to provide an enjoyable movie-watching experience.
The story revolves around Bhaijaan (Salman Khan) and his three brothers, who live in a close-knit neighborhood in Delhi. They find themselves in a battle against a corrupt businessman named Mahavir (Vijender Singh), who wants to seize their neighborhood for personal gain. The quartet of brothers, however, has made a pact to remain unmarried, fearing that their partners would create a rift between them. Unbeknownst to Bhaijaan, each brother secretly has a romantic relationship. When their love affairs are discovered by the neighborhood's elders, they warn the brothers about the consequences of Bhaijaan finding out. In order to protect their bond, the brothers and their partners decide to find a suitable partner for Bhaijaan. This leads them to Bhagylaxmi, aka Bhagya (Pooja Hegde), who seems to be the perfect match for Bhaijaan. As the story progresses, their journey takes them to Hyderabad, where they face unexpected challenges and revelations that put their relationships to the test.
The film's story, written by Sparsh Khetarpal and Tasha Bhambra, holds promise and offers all the ingredients of a commercial blockbuster. However, the screenplay is a mixed bag. While some scenes are exceptionally well-written and thought-out, the second half lacks the same level of depth and fails to progress the narrative effectively. The dialogues, penned by Farhad Samji, are passable but could have been punchier and more impactful, especially considering the film's genre.
Farhad Samji's direction is competent, with a focus on showcasing Salman Khan's star power and handling the grandeur and scale of the production. The film benefits from well-executed scenes that enhance the impact and engage the audience. The family angle introduced in the second half is likely to resonate with family audiences, expanding the film's appeal beyond just Salman Khan's fan base. However, missed opportunities, such as exploring the cultural clash between Bhaijaan's brothers and the South Indian customs, leave the audience wanting more. Despite these flaws, Salman Khan's star power shines through, compensating for some of the film's shortcomings.
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan begins on a high note, with Bhaijaan's entry being a whistle-worthy moment that is sure to delight Salman Khan fans. Bhagyashree's cameo is a standout and adds to the excitement. The film's intermission point delivers a rocking twist that sets the stage for an engaging second half. Among the notable scenes, Balakrishna's decision to apologize and the conversation between Balakrishna and Bhaijaan in the car stand out. The finale also offers its share of massy moments that add to the overall entertainment value.
Salman Khan delivers an energetic performance, showcasing his star power and engaging the audience throughout. Pooja Hegde looks stunning and delivers a commendable performance. Venkatesh Daggubati puts in a sincere effort and leaves a positive impression. The supporting cast, including Jassie Gill, Raghav Juyal, Siddharth Nigam, Shehnaaz Gill, Palak Tiwari, and Vinali Bhatnagar, delivers decent performances, with Shehnaaz Gill leaving a mark. Jagapathi Babu and Vijender Singh's portrayals are satisfactory but could have been stronger. The film also features memorable appearances by Bhumika Chawla, Rohini Hattangadi, and the late Satish Kaushik. Special appearances by Ram Charan and Bhagyashree add to the star power.
The film's music, composed by an ensemble of talented musicians, offers a chartbuster variety of songs. Despite the large number of tracks, they do not cause inconvenience and are well-tuned. Standout songs include "Naiyo Lagda," "Yentamma," and "Bathukamma." Ravi Basrur's background score enhances the film's mass appeal and is noteworthy.
The technical aspects of the film are commendable. V Manikandan's cinematography captures the visuals neatly, while Anal Arasu's action sequences, although intense, leave a lasting impact. The production design by Rajat Poddar is rich, although some sets appear similar. The costumes, designed by Ashley Rebello, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Sanam Ratansi, and Rochelle D'Sa, are glamorous and contribute to the actors' overall appeal. The VFX work by One Line VFX and Redefine is satisfactory, and Mayuresh Sawant's editing keeps the pace sharp.
In conclusion, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is a delightful treat for Salman Khan fans and an entertaining family entertainer for moviegoers. While the film has its flaws, it manages to entertain and compensate for its weaknesses with packaging and Salman Khan's star power. With the festive period and the lack of major releases working in its favor, the film is poised for a successful run at the box office.