TUBELIGHT - It's a well intentioned yet a bumpy emotional ride.

Story - 

Laxman Singh Bisht and Bharat Singh Bisht are two brothers in a small village called Jagatpur. Inseparable from their childhood, the Sino-Indian war separates them. While one brother goes to fight the war, the other back at home tries everything he can to bring his brother back with the only powerful tool taught to him... faith.

Movie - 

The initial 15 minutes shows the brilliance of the director Kabir Khan to have Laxman Singh Bisht (Salman Khan) introducing himself and other characters with witty one liners. A scene featuring Mahatma Gandhi establishes the main theme of the film i.e. importance of having faith. As the news of war breaks out, the brothers are separated. The subtle humor during the army selection process balances the mood well. The pace remains steady with the two songs complementing the proceedings. Even the Gandhian principles are inserted without going into any preachy mode with Banne Chacha played by the legendary Om Puri. While the much hyped cameo falters in creating much impact, the film instantly recovers with the introduction of Li Leing (Zhu Zhu) and her son Gu Won (Matin Rey Tangu) who play Indians of Chinese origin. Once again Kabir Khan shines with scenes coated with strong messages which are relevant to the current times. The first half ends on an emotional note.

The second half is where the director feels handicapped with very little to offer in terms of screenplay. Several scenes, mainly emotional ones featuring Salman Khan feels repetitive. The desired impact is not fully achieved. The pace considerably dips here and the burden falls on the lead actor to carry the film on his shoulder. The songs in the second half are irregularly placed and this drags the film. While all the actors contribute ably here along with Kabir Khan finding a way to insert the messages, there is a lot left to be desired. Also, Bajrangi Bhaijaan hangover shows up glaringly. The movie does pick up in the last 20 minutes due to the strong emotional quotient before ending on a predictable note as the screenplay stays loyal to the American film Little Boy. What stands out here is Salman Khan pulling off a gem in the climax, which is worth watching on the big screen.

Performances - 

Salman Khan lives the character Laxman Singh Bisht. He has given it all for this role, shedding his image completely. There are multiple scenes both in first and second half where he shines impeccably. He cries on the cue and the way he balances his expressions is noteworthy. Watch out for his every emotional outburst, it's not just Salman Khan crying. Much of the credits go to Kabir Khan for exploring this side of Salman Khan - the actor to perfection.

Sohail Khan as Bharat Kumar Bisht gave a controlled performance. The Bhaihood is extremely natural and it was treat to watch the Khan brothers together. Only complaint, Sohail Khan's role tends to become more of an extended special appearance. More of bhaihood before them getting separated wouldn't have hurt the film.

Om Puri is magical. Even the simplest of dialogues got more weight-age when he delivered them. It's still unbelievable to realise this would be his last performance.

Zhu Zhu is first rate. Her Hindi dubbing will take a while to sync in. Matin Rey Tangu complimented Salman Khan well as his friend. He delivered in all the key scenes.

Zeeshan Ayyub as Narayan gave a commendable performance. He succeeds in making the audience hate him. Isha Talwar is hardly there.

Shah Rukh Khan is wasted in a poorly written cameo.

Pluses -

1. Salman Khan's heart touching performance, coming out of his comfort zone entirely.
2. "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" scene.
3. Salman Khan and Sohail Khan chemistry as brothers.
4. Scenes of Zeeshan Ayyub bullying Salman Khan.
5. *SPOILER* When Salman Khan retaliates.
6. Emotional outburst of Salman Khan thrice in the film where the situation of Sohail Khan is revealed to him each time.
7. Salman Khan's performance in the climax.

Minuses -

1. Tries very hard to be Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2.0 and it shows not in a good way.
2. Shah Rukh Khan cameo falls flat and the entire scene contributes nothing despite the rest of the film entirely depending on this scene.
3. Weak screenplay in the second half.
4. Wrong placement of the songs in the second half.
5. Too many repetitive scenes.
6. Slow second half. 
7. Doesn't match the high expectations.

Final Rating - 3/5 [2 for the film and 1 for the terrific performance by Salman Khan]

Final Words - It's a well intentioned yet a bumpy emotional ride.

Note: As it's been a regular habit, I watched Tubelight twice. Second time in a single screen with housefull crowd unlike the first day first show in a multiplex. Enjoyed it much better with the crowd being more involved in the movie.