If Pathaan can click, so can Salman Khan’s most ‘bone cracking’ film – Beyond Bollywood

Highly unlikely to win purists, actor-producer Salman Khan’s latest action extravaganza will be strictly for the Bhai-hard fans. Boxer Vijender Singh’s presence in a negative role is intriguing.

By Mayur Lookhar

He once ruled Eid releases, but it’s been a tough going for Salman Khan in the last four years. Though Bharat [2019] grossed Rs240 crore in domestic business, his last certified hit was Tiger Zinda Hai [2017]. Bharat was also his last Eid release in theatres. So, the die-hard Salman bhai fans will naturally welcome Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan this Eid in theatres.

Salman Khan and his entire cast launched the trailer of Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan yesterday [10 April]. As often, Khan’s films are strictly for the Bhai-hard fans. The purists seldom bother over his films. The critics though have an obligation to comment on the trailer, and the film. 

Without breaking much head, this is another action-drama where Bhaijaan [Salman’s character] is looking to avenge the loss of his would-be in-laws, possibly even his girlfriend Bhagya [Pooja Hegde]. Bhaijaan gives up violence to please his his girl friend and her peace loving big brother Annayya. Didn’t we we something similar in Tamil film Veeram (2014)?

The film appears to be largely set in South India, but it also travels to Delhi. The villain in this piece is Rowdy Anna [Jagapathi Babu] who seems to be having issues with Annayya Gundamaneni [Venkatesh]. Anna wreaks havoc, kills some members of the Gundamaneni family.  Who else but Bhaijaan to bring these goons to justice!

There’s no sentencing but simply action. Salman Khan Films has already described it as the ‘most face breaking, bone cracking, neck twisting, hammer hitting film you will ever see’. Needless to say, that this will be another over-the-top action extravaganza. Its not just action, but Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan also comes with its punch dialogues. Chief among them is – ‘When a violent man targets a non-violent person, another violent man needs to step in to defend the non-violent man’.  [K. G. F fans will claim copyright over the word violence]. The one that takes the cake though is ’insaniyat mein hai bada dum, Vande Mataram’. Some things don’t merit a translation.

A Salman Khan Films project often serves as an employment opportunity.  The likes of Palak Tiwari [Shweta Tiwari’s daughter], TV star Shehnaaz Gill, Jassie Gill, Raghav Juyal, Siddharth Nigam are all naturally indebted to Khan. We’re excited though to see what noted pugilist Vijender Singh has to offer as an actor, as a villain in this Salman Khan-film. Based on the trailer, trust Singh to pack a heavy punch than any punch dialogues.

Fans will also welcome the reunion of Bhumika Chawla and Salman Khan after Tere Naam [2003]. Chawla plays Venkatesh’s wife. Damn, Khan’s Maine Pyar Kiya [1989] heroine Bhagyashree, too, will be seen in the film.  Telugu super star Ram Charan has a guest [dance] performance in the Yentamma song, which has drawn mixed views, and some criticism, too, down south.

Although an action drama, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan partly has a Chennai Express hangover with a Hindi speaking guy befriending a South Indian family.

With Salman at the helm, things like age difference, creativity, logic doesn’t matter. Thankfully, the long hair, beard will not be seen throughout the film. We prefer the clean shaven look. Khan knows his stardom lies in action. So, despite romancing a 32-year-old lady [Hegde], and pulling off action at 58, Khan’s fans swear by him.  However, with the ever-dwindling single screens, these so-called masses weren’t quite impressed with Khan’s preceding releases – Antim [2021], Radhe [2021] and even Dabangg 3 [2019].  Khan was much cheered though for his cameo in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer blockbuster Pathaan [2023]. So, despite all its faults, if Pathan can click, so can Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.

Watch the trailer below. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is set to be released in theaters on 21 April.  And oh, for mere formality. Farhad Samji is the director on paper.