Bharat Review: An Honest And Engaging Tale Of True Familial Relationships!

Relationships surrounding bonds and ties between familial relationships always make way for some engaging story. Adapted from the Korean film, An Ode To My Father, the film revolves around Bharat (Salman Khan) who is separated from his father and sister during the India-Pakistan partition and his promise made to his father to protect his family at any cost. He makes it his life's mission to fulfill his promise against all odds with the different phases in his life, being his testament. The film ranges from diverse timelines from 1947 to 2010. From a circus entertainer, to working in the oilfields in Arab to being in the Navy, Bharat has a diverse experience in his tumoltous but compelling journey. He soon falls for the courageous Kumud (Katrina Kaif). She is honest and fiesty enough to initiate the proposal for their marriage and becomes Bharat's prime guiding anchor in life. Needless to say, this was one of Katrina's best performances till date. Her camaraderie with Salman is effortless and she makes a fine attempt to sink into the skin of the character. All goes well until the pair has to emote their old age sequences, those scenes looked a little dragged and unreal. 

One of the main highlights of the film is Bharat and Vilayati (Sunil Grover)'s friendship in the film. His character is shaped up in a beautiful manner and he adds full justice as Bharat's close confidante and partner in crime. Other cast members like Sonali Kulkarni, Jackie Shroff, Kashmira Irani too add charm to their respective characters. 

Against the backdrop of India's partition and gradual cultural and economical development, Bharat aims at holding on to the deep rooted familial values which forms our main identity. Salman Khan is endearing and at his realistic best. He falters a bit on his portrayal of his middle aged character but nevertheless, his human side aides him to bring in the soft and compelling shade to Bharat's character. While the film makes way for joyride of a journey in Bharat's quest to hold on to his promise, the many incidents happening in the different timeframe become very chaotic and add to the length of the film.

The film somewhere lacks a strong screenplay and a rigid editing wherein there are several unnecessary song and dance sequences and ambiguous plotlines especially in the Malta sequences. But nevertheless, Bharat adds for an entertaining and engaging tale with some old school values. Also, inevitably watch it for the varied charm of Salman Khan, you'll not be disappointed.