Unquestionably he (Salman Khan) has
carved for himself an unique place in the world of entertainment. He is a star
with few parallels in showbiz. Notice I’ve not said cinema and have not accused
of being an actor. The Khans would grudgingly concede to him the space at the
top even more note worthy in view of the lack of acting skills in compare !! In
terms of sheer draw he is arguably ahead. Why is this turning into a piece more
about Salman than about the film? Simply because is film is about him, of him ,
for him….Him nearly!!
The Salman Khan image is now at its peak. The cut out often eats into the star.
Stars are fine with it. Not since the Bachchan magic, and a la Rajesh and
Shammi has a star so captivated the viewer as much. Never mind the talent
quotient. Who cares?
Just like with the story line. It is not so much a sense of déjà vu at it is
about a yawn filled resignation to having gone through it all ever so many
times and so reflectively similar. The stars change and with them the mannerisms
and the scenarios that suit the star. This is what is known as building a
script around the image of a star!!
The film kick starts with his near seismic entry and from there every moment of
the film only screams of how he is the amazing police office Chulbul Pandey who
cannot go wrong. Even his knucle cracking moments are choerographic moments,
not to mention his belt along the pelvic gyrations, they are story telling
moments, if you believe. Then Director- cum lazing in the story as the good for
nothing sibling (Arbaaz Khan) gives you the tables tumbling, gravity defying,
logic challenging narration which is completely dedicated to Bhai and
consistently reason defying. He has to run into bad man Bacha Bhakiya ( Prakash
Raj) in yet another repetitive role of the larger than life bad bad guy. Placed
alongside is dad Praapathi Pandey (Vinod Khana) and wife ( Sonakshi Sinha) all
of whom are there simply because, this is not the one man film – though
honestly that is what it is. The Escapades of Chulbul or Chulbul goes Rajni
Saar could have been the more appropriate title. However since Dabang is a
brand, you not only remake it to label it similarly and literally laugh not
only your way to the bank but also at those who paved the road for you.
It is the post interval script that brings in the brewing conflict between Bad
Guy and Mr Muscles. A few one liners and a lost of dust, smoke and bullets lead
to the inevitable and since Munni bhai has left already you have Fevicol.
Kareena approves that she cannot do a Malika or even a Kat. The revenge taking
scenes simply lack the punch and the route any bite. However with so much of
noise and fist fights you are only happy that the cast is moving fast to a
finale without any further twists or surprises.
Vinod Khanna adds dignity to his role. Arbaaz comes in when ever he wants Bhai
to shine in comparison. Sonakshi continues to look and dress like Reena Roy and
any contemporary actress would take corrective measures on being so told. It is
simply Salman and his muscles all the way. So far as his acting talent is
concerned, take a look at the scene at the hospital and it tells all about his
acting skills.
The problem with this Danbang is that it is just too much of the bang!!