Cast : Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Hazel Keech and Mahesh Manjrekar
The infallible Salman Khan deserves all the kudos for forgoing his usual masala and solid dialogue-baazi flicks that comes easily to him and choosing a pleasantly satisfying, warm, sweet and savory romantic family entertainer. The movie is yet a tad overstuffed with the actor’s flexion of biceps, emotions, the usual punching out of the bad guys and the archetypal dance moves. This is the first time that the actor has teamed up with director Siddique. The South filmmaker, who has made this Salman and Kareena starrer film, which is a remake of his Malayalam blockbuster ‘Bodyguard’, has slot in on the star’s charisma and created a larger than life image. If you are expecting the routine slapstick humor, loud and thrust of screwball-comedy tracks, then you would be disappointed as ‘Bodyguard’ doesn’t focus on these categories.
Writer/director Siddique has deftly written the script sans the actor’s typical cocky characters, as he has brought out a subdued performance. Even with the predictable run-of-the-mill story, Siddique’s ‘Bodyguard’ is entertaining and light-hearted. Essentially, the script is completely character driven and he has given a chance for the actors Salman and Kareena to genuinely emote well by paving the way for knockout suspense in the climax. Apart from the touching moments to savor, the film never finds steam; instead it leaps from action oriented drama to a romantic comedy set-up and never manages to find some middle ground. The other wrench in the movie is the signature dialogue “Mujhpe ek ehsaan karna.. mujhpe koi ehsaan mat karna.” Bright spot The movie’s asset, Salman Khan scores full marks for his acting and commanding screen presence, while Kareena has an interestingly crafted role.
Meanwhile, ‘Bodyguard’ could prove a profitable sojourn for Hazeel Keech. Incidentally, comedian Rajat Rawail as Tsunami Singh doesn’t evoke much laughs, but draws you to his side with his funny lines. Sadly Aditya Panscholi and Mahesh Manjrekar were wasted in their respective roles, but Raj Babbar offers a commendable show. ‘Bodyguard’ makes an impact for Kareena’s traditional and contemporary costumes by Manish Malhotra that add an aesthetic appeal and for Sejal Shah’s appealing camerawork and Sanjay Sankla’s editing.
The other bright point in the film is the foot tapping music by Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam and Vijiyan’s superlative action choreography. Storyline Efficient and duty bound Lovely Singh (Salman) is appointed as the bodyguard for Divya (Kareena) by her dad Sartaj Rana (Raj Babbar). As her life is in danger from the thug Ranjan Mhatre (Mahesh Manjrekar), who wants to kill her at any cost, Lovely accompanies Divya to her college. There he becomes the butt of jokes for his ridiculous uniform and mannerisms. Tired of his vigil and presence, Divya decides to play a prank and posing as his secret admirer Chhaya, she makes him to like her, but ends up falling in love with him. Lovely, who is unaware that it is Divya, who is posing as the caller, falls head over heels in love with her. Meanwhile, Divya’s friend Maya (Hazel Keech) constantly advises her not to do it, however, she continues with her prank. Her college life comes to an end and she proposes marriage to Lovely as Chhaya and hatches a plan to runaway with him, so she asks him to meet her at the station.
However, things end up in a twist, when Maya comes to the station, since Divya couldn’t make it. Though she comes to tell the truth to him, she ends up marrying Lovely, but dies of some illness. After a few years, Lovely comes to Divya’s house with his bespectacled son and gets to know that she is still unmarried. Bottom-line ‘Bodyguard’ is an interesting premise and healthy fare. The film squarely fits into the romantic-action formula and also pulls into the comedy genre. With its share of highs and lows, the Salman and Kareena combo proves fruitful and the second phase of the movie elevates interest than the first half. If you have a yen for family entertainment, then you can take a diversion to ‘Bodyguard’ and can find it engrossing and nothing to grumble about.
Rating - ***
