BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG : Movie Review

Thursday, July 11, 2013 BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG : Exclusive Movie Review 

Direction by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Written by Prasoon Joshi

Produced by Viacom 18 / Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy 

Stars : Farhan Akthar, Divya Dutta, Pawan Malhotra, Prakash Raj, Yograj Singh & Sonam Kapoor 

Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

 Theater – Grand Al Mariah Cinemas, Abu Dhabi, UAE 

11/07/2013 – 10pm 

Occupancy – 70% 

Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is known for his National Award Winning Movie, Rang De Basanti. He debuted in 2006 with Aks and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is his fourth film as director. But except Rang De Basanti, his other films were flops at the box office. The story of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is written by lyricist Prasoon Joshi. He was also the script writer of Om Pakash's last movie, Delhi6. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is the sixth film of Farhan Akthar as an actor & his second film as a solo hero after Karthik Calling Karthik in 2010. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag also stars Divya Dutta, Pawan Malhotra, Prakash Raj, Yograj Singh, Sonam Kapoor, Meesha Shafiv & Rebecca Breeds. 

Story 

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a bio pic film based on the life of former Indian athlete Milkha Singh. Milkha Singh was born in Pakistan. He lost his parents in the riots that followed the Indo-Pak partition. He wanted to join the Indian Army. And he joined the EME Centre in Secunderabad in 1951, where his talent as an athlete was discovered. After joining, he paid special attention towards athletics and began training for a 400 meters race. In a very short period of time, Milkha Singh emerged as a

world-class athlete in a country which was known for its poverty and backwardness. He succeeded in establishing a new record for a 400 meters race, which earned him great prestige and fame. 

Positives 

Last week we witnessed the best acting of 2013 by a female star in Sonakshi Sinha's Lootera and this week it's the turn of male actor Farhan Akthar. Farhan as Milkha Singh is extraordinary. It's not easy for a director like Farhan to get into the role of Indian Sports Legend. But his acting is pure magic. From his hairstyle to physique to body language to expressions, Farhan Akthar delivers a power packed performance. Hats off to his hard work, commitment and dedication. Easily the best acting of 2013 by a male star.., Best Actor Awards are waiting for you Mr.Farhan...

Another pluspoint is the supporting cast of the movie. Divya Dutta is outstanding as Milkha Singh's sister. Watch out for the scene where she recieve young Milkha Singh at the Refugee Camp. Special26, Gippi, Lootera & now Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Divya dutta is on a roll this year.

Yograj Singh (Father of Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh) is brilliant as India's coach. A solid screen presence and acted his role with confidence. Pawan Malhotra excels as Milkha's senior. Flawless performance. Prakash Raj was excellent in a brief role. I would like to mention the young 'Jabtej Singh' for his fantastic acting as Young Milkha Singh.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's direction is good. Prasoon Joshi's story is strictly OK! Cinematography by Binod Pradhan' is of international standard. 

Negatives 

Just like the plus points, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has its minus points too. Infact many flaws. The main problem with the film is the running time of a huge 3hour 15 mins with damn slow paced theme. Many many scenes are unwanted especially the complete romantic part between Farhan Akthar & Sonam Kapoor and Farhan & Rebecca Breeds. The story of the film is not connected at all, often shifts to Milkha's childhood to romantic track between Farhan & Sonam! Big Let Down! 

Sonam Kapoor is wasted. The actress just had her second hit (in 6 years career) Raanjhanaa and appreciated for her acting. But in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, she only had 2-3 dialogues! Same for Australian actress Rebecca Reeds & Paskitan actress Meesha Shafi, only for 2-3 scenes! No need of the Slow Motion Angreza song & the dancing scenes of Prajash Raj with Army officers. Dilip Tahil as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is horribly wasted. 

Another setback for the film is the poor music & back ground score. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's last two films Delhi6 and Rang De Basanti had super hit music by A R Rahman. But this time Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composed the music for the film. O Rangrez & Zinda are my favorite songs. Also the placement of 2-3 songs in the film are very poor. Farhan Akthar should improve his dancing skills. Choreography was lame.

Overall Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a mixed Bag! The film is not at all a great tribute to Indian Legend Milkha Singh. A strictly average move targeted for class audience. But don’t have much takers in Single Screens. At the box office film is all set to have an average opening at the multiplexes(expected). An opening of 5-8crore with a weekend of 20-22cr weekend is on the cards and will be an average film at the box office.

P:S: 2013's Best Actor Award = Farhan Akthar for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 

Verdict - Milkha Is Flying, But Film Is Walking!!! 

Rating - 3/5! Average !!! 

Box Office Prediction - 45cr+ 

This Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn : https://twitter.com/i_spn