TheReviewMonk
Bajrangi Bhaijaan backdrop
17 July 2015Hindi163 min

Bajrangi Bhaijaan

6.543 reviews
CriticsRecommended

Bayesian avg · 43 critic reviews

7.5+ Exceptional · 6.5 Recommended · 5.0 Mixed

6.957 ratings
UsersMixed

User Score · avg of 57 ratings

8.0+ Exceptional · 7.0 Recommended · 5.5 Mixed

Kabir Khan DirectorPritam Chakraborty MusicAseem Mishra CinematographyKabir Khan ScreenplayV. Vijayendra Prasad ScreenplayParveez Shaikh ScreenplayAsad Hussain ScreenplayV. Vijayendra Prasad WriterJulius Packiam Music

Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a film that revolves around a young speech-impaired girl from Pakistan who finds herself lost in India with no way to head back over the border to her home. An Indian man (Salman Khan) undertakes the task to get her back to her home and reunite her with her family.

Critic Consensus

Bajrangi Bhaijaan received broadly positive notices, with most critics agreeing it stands among Salman Khan's best recent work and delivers a genuine emotional impact. Reviewers most consistently praised the performances of child actor Harshaali Malhotra and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, with several noting they outshine the lead, alongside the film's earnest message of Indo-Pak and Hindu-Muslim harmony. Salman Khan's performance was widely seen as a career improvement, though a number of critics noted the film is overlong, particularly in its first half, and that its emotional appeals are calculated and its storytelling overly simplistic. A handful of reviewers flagged the narrative as make-believe and the treatment as conventionally 'filmi', but few found these flaws significant enough to withhold a recommendation.

43 reviews · 26 positive · 3 mixed

Praised: Harshaali and Nawazuddin's performancesCriticised: Excessive runtime and oversimplified story

AI-generated summary of 43 critic reviews · may contain errors

Report inaccuracy

Critic Reviews (43)

Raja SenTop Critic· Rediff
7.0
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan is an overearnest, oversimplified, sweet and frequently schlocky film, which works because of a finely picked supporting cast, some sharp lines of dialogue and, most crucially, its overall heart."
Read full review ↗
Anupama ChopraTop Critic· Hindustan Times
7.0
"This is an overblown, old-fashioned, feelgood film. But I recommend that you surrender, and keep a hanky handy."
Read full review ↗
Rajeev MasandTop Critic· IBNLive
6.0
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan is way too long at 2 hours and 35 minutes, and could have done with some serious pruning, especially in its first half. Nevertheless, it's more engaging than such typical Salman Khan blockbusters as Bodyguard and Ready, if only because it has a sliver of a story, and its heart in the right place. Don't forget to take your handkerchief along."
Read full review ↗
Saibal ChatterjeeTop Critic· NDTV
5.0
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a supercharged cross-border drama that goes all out – and then some – in delivering its message of subcontinental peace. Watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan even if you aren't an inveterate Salman Khan fan. Harshaali will steal your heart."
Read full review ↗
Shubhra GuptaTop Critic· Indian Express
5.0
"This film presses many red-hot buttons, even if the treatment is strictly in-the-clouds 'filmi'. And gives us Shirtless Salman as a dove of peace, speaking for all religions and 'mulqs'. Believe it, or faint."
Read full review ↗
Mihir FadnavisTop Critic· Firstpost
"This is a film where Bhai makes intense geopolitical statements, addresses race and gender politics, demonstrates the futility of religion in modern times while simultaneously displaying the awesome power of Lord Hanuman, showcases the inability of the common man to speak up against political injustice with a metaphorical mute girl, espouses the need for humans to be truthful and uncorrupt, displays the triumph of the human spirit over unbeatable odds, and demands the need for more vocal cord medical research. Has Kieslowski, with his profound understanding of life,explored any of these themes, let alone in a single movie? Of course not. Bhai rocks."
Read full review ↗
Subhash K Jha· SKJBollywoodNews
9.0
"This Eid, go and spend 2 ½ hours with this amazing character called Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Rest assured, you'll never again peer across the barbed fence with suspicion again."
Read full review ↗
Bollywood Hungama News Network· Bollywood Hungama
9.0
"BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN is a not to be missed 'Eid' treat from Salman Khan and Kabir Khan. The film is a surefire hit and has got 'B-L-O-C-K-B-U-S-T-E-R' written all over it. This film easily qualifies to be Salman Khan's BEST movie till date, featuring his career's best performance. The film wins you over completely. Do not skip."
Read full review ↗
Sarita Tanwar· DNA India
8.0
"With love, patriotism, religion in perfect measure, this is Salman Khan's best in recent years. And the perfect film this festive season. Go for it!"
Read full review ↗
Srijana Mitra Das· Times Of India
8.0
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan emphasizes how, amidst visas and wars, there are also angels about who don't see doors. They see homes, lives and children - and sometimes, children see angels too. It makes a beautiful, mubarak point - one that's very dabangg too."
Read full review ↗
IndiaGlitz· India Glitz
8.0
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a charmingly patriotic, entertainingly cool and emotionally heartfelt fable on love, bhaichara and neighbourhood. Having Salman Khan giving his emotional best in recent times. Very strongly recommended."
Read full review ↗
Tushar Joshi· Bollywood Life
8.0
"Surrender yourself to Bajrangi Bhaijaan and let him win you over with his child-like charm. A must watch for those who complained that Salman doesn't try anything different, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the ticket to buy this weekend!"
Read full review ↗
Sachin Chatte· The Navhind Times
7.0
"To put it plainly, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the best Salman Khan film by light years. Or conversely, it is an above average film in which Salman Khan happens to participate. Be that as it may, the film scores highly on the emotional quotient in good old Bollywood fashion. Full credit goes to director Kabir Khan who pulls off a rabbit from the hat."
Read full review ↗
Manjari Saxena· Gulf News
7.0
"It has superstar Salman Khan. It has melodrama. It has song and dance. It has a pretty lead actress. It features two topics of discussion that are favourites with the Indian audience: religion and cross-border tension. And it has a cute little thing that, without saying a single word, will make you laugh and cry."
Read full review ↗
7.0
"Be ready to want to wolf whistle, even when you have a tear or two stealthily streaming down your cheek. Watch it."
Read full review ↗
Ananya Bhattacharya· India Today
7.0
"In all, Bajrangi Bhaijaan works for both a Salman fan and a non-fan. The film is essentially make-believe, but you want to believe. Therefore, even as Pakistan and India violate ceasefire and fire mortar shells at each other, somewhere you want to believe that a Bajrangi can cross borders for love."
Read full review ↗
Priyanka Prasad· FilmiBeat
7.0
"While the first half is simple, Salman makes it rather enjoyable. It is the second half that contains all the hilarious comedy and gets super entertaining. In simple words, it is a must watch movie! Don't miss!"
Read full review ↗
Troy Ribeiro· Yahoo
7.0
"Apart from Salman, watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan for its strong message of love and brotherhood bonding, which is so relevant today."
Read full review ↗
7.0
"Even if it meanders aimlessly for a while, the story reaches its destination in the end. And I doubt if anyone in the audience will leave the theatre unaffected. Do watch!"
Read full review ↗
FridayMoviez Reviewer· FridayMoviez
7.0
"To summarize it all, the verdict is that superstar Salman Khan is back to take his Eidi from the box office and with all love and good wishes, we are sure to make all the shows houseful for his latest release 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' as well. And with a three Khan, siddiqui package, 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' is a winner all the way."
Read full review ↗
"...is a must watch for it restores faith in the goodness in humanity as it indeed gives you hope that Salman Khan could probably act!"
Read full review ↗
7.0
"This film is a must watch for lovers of pure Hindi commercial cinema; it's also decent entertainment & a good one to catch with the family!"
Read full review ↗
6.0
"Most of all Bajrangi Bhaijaan makes you feel proud, proud of the fact that we come from a secular country like India where a Muslim director takes the biggest Muslim superstar, christens him Bajrangi and makes him chant Jai Shri Raam a million times in a film that releases on EID! Watch it. It's a fun family watch."
Read full review ↗
Sushmita Murthy· Deccan Chronicle
6.0
"An entertainer through and through...In many ways, BB isn't a typical Salmanesque affair, but like all his films, it has just what the bhai-worshipping crowd will cheer for from the word go."
Read full review ↗
Shishir Gautam· NowRunning
6.0
"Kabir Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan has a perfect recipe. He does not manage to bring out the best flavor but this one will still leave most of the viewers with a smile."
Read full review ↗
Sukanya Verma· Rediff
6.0
"Despite the complexity of the given situation and the dangers it runs into, Bajrangi Bhaijaan's simplistic politics avoids darkness like a plague. But then wishful thinking never hurt any sentiments. Nor does this film."
Read full review ↗
Ambarish Ganesh· IndianNerve
6.0
"Following Salman's journey from Bajrangi to Bhaijaan, what really stays with you is the sweetness of the little girl's companionship. And that alone makes this film worth it."
Read full review ↗
Pinkvilla Team· PinkVilla
6.0
"We have always been of the opinion that reviewing a Salman Khan film is futile. Not that the opinion has budged much with this, but this is one film that one wouldn't mind writing about. Its message is captivating and more than that its pristine soul leaves you emotionally stirred. Fan or not this film is worth a watch. Eid aa gayi aur who apni Eidi lene aa gaya."
Read full review ↗
Martin D'Souza· Glamsham
6.0
"...plays on your emotions and tugs at your heart. Hours after you walk out of the theatre, the performances by Harshaali Malhotra and Nawazuddin Siddiqui stay with you."
Read full review ↗
Gayatri Sankar· Zee News
6.0
"... is a typical Salman Khan film, where emotions outdo reality. Nonetheless, it's an entertainer which you wouldn't like to miss. Watch it for the Bajrangi-Munni bond and Nawazuddin's mind-blowing performance."
Read full review ↗
Rohit Vats· Hindustan Times
5.0
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan is totally dependent on Salman Khan's superstardom and he pulls it off provided you overlook his in-your-face 'bhai' act in some scenes. It's an entertaining film for sure, definitely in the not-to-be-missed category."
Read full review ↗
Suhani Singh· India Today
5.0
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan is by far the best film in the Swachh Salman Abhyan series. It will give his fans the Bhai they want and the remaining a Salman Khan who isn't always larger-than-life character. That is the film's biggest accomplishment."
Read full review ↗
Meeta Kabra· Wogma
4.0
"The sentiment carries the film rather than the star, for a change. Yet, film too long to do justice to a theater outing."
Read full review ↗
Tania Rana· BookMyShow
"With so much to offer, there isn't one reason why you shouldn't watch this film. A strong social message, a good story line, great performances and entertaining scenes with just the correct amount of emotional dose. It's worth your buck! Salman Khan may have just presented us with Bajrangi Bhaijaan as our Eiddi for this year's EID! So, book your tickets soon, we hear seats are filling fast!"
Read full review ↗
Nandini Ramnath· Scroll.in
"'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' has two stars, neither of whom is called Salman or Kareena... The knee-high Harshaali Malhotra and the redoubtable Nawazuddin Siddiqui steal the show in Kabir Khan's seriocomic cross-border drama."
Read full review ↗
Uday Bhatia· LiveMint
"In terms of directorial competence and narrative novelty, this is probably the best Salman Khan film since Dabangg. It's also, even by Bollywood standards, a particularly transparent appeal to audience sympathies, playing on our collective weakness for children in peril, for heroes with hearts of gold, for pronouncements of Indo-Pak and Hindu-Muslim harmony."
Read full review ↗
"Unlike the superstar's previous avatars, this hero has a coherent story and a sketched out part, making "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" a huge improvement over Khan's recent films. In spite of some soppy dialogue and a jingoistic end, the film is an easy, breezy watch, which you might enjoy even if you are not a die-hard Salman Khan fan."
Read full review ↗
Komal Nahta· Komal Nahta's Blog
"Bajrangi Bhaijaan is an unadulterated blockbuster. The last few reels of the drama will win the audience over so completely that the film will emerge as the biggest hit of Salman Khan's career so far. It will score in big centres and small, in multiplexes and single-screen cinemas and will be loved by classes and masses alike and by people of all age groups. This one has all the potential to join the Rs. 300-crore club in India and thereby prove to be one of the biggest blockbusters so far."
Read full review ↗
Rachit Gupta· Filmfare
"For once, being a Salman Khan fan doesn't matter. Regardless of how you feel about the man, you will fall in love with his performance and his film. It's the best offering of his career. It's a solid entertainer and its emotional depth will sweep you off your feet."
Read full review ↗
Gayatri Gauri· Firstpost
"Does this simple story bordering on the dumb with a simpleton character work? Strangely, yes. Thanks to Khan's uncharacteristic convincing performance and intelligent direction by the Ek Tha Tiger director who seemed to have forgotten his craft after his first film, Kabul Express."
Read full review ↗
Bindu Suresh Rai· Emirates247
"If his film outings in the last few years are anything to go by, what you seen on screen is ultimately the Salman Khan brand that has perhaps even overshadowed the actor that lies beneath. So with his latest, sure to become an Eid blockbuster, it is a refreshing change to see Salman the actor outshines the muscle and the brawn that have become his signature trademarks."
Read full review ↗
Rakesh Jha· IndiaTvNews
"The film makes a poignant point without getting preachy that even if you have absolute devotion towards your faith there is enough space for mutual co-existence. With India and Pakistan's tumultuous relation hitting a low with firing exchanges from both sides of border, Bajrangi Bhaijaan's message of love and peace becomes more pertinent."
Read full review ↗
Anuj Kumar· The Hindu
"A sweet gift from Salman this Eid that loudly underlines the acceptance of others."
Read full review ↗

Cast & Crew

Cast

Details

Release Date
17 July 2015
Runtime
163 min
Language
Hindi
Genres
Drama, Romance

User Ratings & Reviews

Users6.957 ratings

57 ratings from the community

Community Reviews (9)

RAJul 2015

Superb acting....And awesome songs...Salman bhai we love you...

TEJul 2015

If one determines the entertainment quotient of a film from the number of times people clap while watching it then Salman Khan films will always rank higher. In the case of Kabir Khan's latest feature, the hall was deafening with rounds and rounds of sweeping applause, whistles, and general madness. Starting with reciting a warm story about a mute, Pakistani girl who gets lost on her ambitious visit to India, Bajrangi Bhaijaan focuses mainly on her adventurous trip back to her homeland that is piloted by a savagely honest young man named Bajrangi (Khan) who lives and dies by the name and values of Lord Hanuman. The narration is absolutely endearing as the protagonists take us on an emotional drive to the maximum effect that results in all of us shedding tears and creating an ocean. Somewhere in the film, a flaw or two with the plot does chafe the credibility from the setup, but it is all taken care with the introduction of a new character (Siddiqui) who is charmingly funny and really adds to the fun factor to the rest of the film. A tiny romance sub-story which reminds you of Khan's Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya (1991), Khan's religious innuendos which reminds you of a recent another Khan film (2014), and most of the songs picturized with ugly choreography are some elements that may force the viewer to turn his head. The humor is brilliant. Just brilliant. Because at times you will find yourself in stitches, and it all comes out as situational; nothing forced. The film also addresses the enmity between India and Pakistan and does it rather graciously. It tries to add sentimentality into the situation and highly succeeds in it, giving form to a drama that starts and ends like a tearjerker. The climax is pure melodrama and realists may want to debate on it, but that is why it is being termed a true Bollywood film, which is actually not a bad thing at all, given the list of mindless potboilers that we see every week. The little girl is just fantastic, and competes greatly with her senior co-actors. Khan's character and his portrayal are the best things that he has delivered in years, mostly because it suits him. Kicking goons high up in the air at the speed of light and asking people to form a chain of Good Samaritanship is not really enticing nor is it considered wow anymore. So when Khan dons the cap of a seemingly believable character, claps are sure to resonate. BOTTOM LINE: Bajrangi Bhaijaan is faithful to the idea of Bollywood, which means that it has emotions, it has colors, and it has drama all in the right proportions. Adding to that, when was the last time you watched a Salman Khan film and felt good about it? VERDICT: 7 stars out of 10. Sit back and shed a tear. Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

PUAug 2015

best movie ever seen... It i s must watch for all ...

LANov 2015

Conventional, the story doesn't match woth reality.. comic ideas are also not so strong. But one thing i must adimt that this film could emotionaly involve the audience otherwise not strong depiction. Salman's new turn is good, kareena stands because of an importence of heroine. Siddique was fine. And yeah Harshali's developed the film through her natural acting and expression. 5 point for Siddique and Harshali.

SAMay 2016

One Of Those Movie In Which Story & Execution Will Be Talked More Than The Individual Acting Performances.Ofcourse Harshaali Was So Heart Touching & Cute, And Salman Was Also Good But It Is The Story Which Is The Real Winner Here.

On the auspicious occasion of Eid, I would like to first start by saying that may Allah shower his blessings on all my friends & well wishers. So apart from the lip smacking delicacies that are part & parcel of this festive season; as always it's time for Salman to sent the box office into a frenzy. His gift for this Eid comes in the form of "Bajrangi Bhaijaan"which is helmed by Kabir Khan. So will it be as humongous a hit as their previous venture??? The films unfolds in POK where an expected mother names her daughter Shahida after the exploits of the swash buckler Afridi against their arch rivals. However, Shahida (Harshaali Malhotra) was born mute & after a near fatal accident her mother takes her to the dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi in search of a miracle. But as fate would have it, Shahida gets separated from her mother & lands up in Kurukshetra. Over there, she meets Pawan (Salman Khan) a simpleton & Hanuman devotee; who takes it upon himself to reunite Shahida with her parents. Little did he realise that it was easier said than done. When it comes to Salman Khan, we can rest assured as to what we are going to be served with; even before the first scene is shown. Now since all his movies have been blockbusters, it makes sense for the film makers to stick on with the same formula. Surprisingly, that's exactly where this movie is different from the rest as it doesn't have the usual larger than life persona, punch dialogues or even the bare torso act. As a matter of fact, Kabir Khan seems to have imbibed the flavour of Rajkumar Hirani as his script made humour take centre stage when matters like religion, customs, stereotypical mindsets etc are touched upon. One of the major factor that the movie works is the lively screenplay & dialogues which has us in splits along with the endearing climax (a shade too melodramatic I admit but it works). As for other technical aspects, the visuals & music were fine at best while the film though long at 2.5 hours doesnt test our patience thanks to the likable characters. Salman bhai has done a fantastic job as the protagonist as it was refreshing to see him in this avatar & will surely appeal to people who are not his fans as well. Nawazuddin Siddiqui was brilliant as the news reporter, Chand Nawaz (slyly named after Chand Nawab whose video I am sure most of you would have seen in FB) & he gets some of the best scenes in the movie. If at all there was an award for the cutest kid, it would go to Harshaali as I havent seen a kid as angelic as her in all the movies that I have watched. Her innocent face, expressive eyes & beautiful smile more than makes up for her lack of dialogues. Kareena has done a fine job in the limited screen space along with the rest of the cast. Verdict: As always it would take an earth shattering initial & in all probability be as profitable as their previous venture together "Ek Tha Tiger". It would surely appeal to the audience thanks to the refreshing change from the usual run of the mill stuff from Salman. In short, check it out as it's definitely Salman's most endearing performance in the past decade!!! Rating: 3.25/5 Regards...Ben

ARDec 2016

Even worst than someone can imagine... Seriously how can someone take such a risk to cross border on his own carrying a small girl. Seriously they will shoot you both without even asking don't show stupidity on screen i beg you... And yes followed by lots of senseless scenes. Over exaggerated characters... director should be put in jail for this kind of movies there should be some law for this type of directors i wish...

AJJul 2017

very emotional , salman and child relation looks like father and daughter relationship

SHSept 2019

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is an evocative, rousing and crowd-pulling Salman Khan film which is easily one of the most humanitarian films Bollywood ever knew. Packed with superb performances of Kareena Kapoor, Harshali Malhotra, Salman Khan and a charming Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this heartfelt tale of a man and his crossing of the borders to deliver a sweet, innocent but mute child Munni to her home in Pakistan, separated by a tender mistake. This film might even go hyper at times, but it gives us many moments which score. I'm going with a 3.5 out of 5 for Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Its clichéd, large-hearted but also one of the most glorious releases of 2015 which you must see.

TMDB

This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.