Film Review: Tubelight – An Unconvincing Tale of Faith and Brotherhood

In the annals of Bollywood, few actors have managed to carve a niche as enduring as Salman Khan. Known for his larger-than-life persona and massy entertainers, Khan has rarely ventured into the realm of serious cinema. Tubelight, a 2017 war drama directed by Kabir Khan, aimed to change that perception. Set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the film tells the story of Laxman Singh Bisht (Salman Khan), a simple-minded man whose unwavering faith is tested when his brother Bharat (Sohail Khan) is recruited into the army and goes missing in action.

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A Promising Premise Marred by Weak Execution

Tubelight movie opens with a promising premise. Laxman, a man-child of sorts, shares a deep bond with his younger brother Bharat. The film traces their journey from childhood, through India’s independence, the loss of their parents, and Bharat’s eventual recruitment. Director Kabir Khan sets up the emotional stakes well in the first half, highlighting the brothers’ dependence on each other.

However, once Bharat leaves for the front, the narrative loses steam. Laxman’s unshakable belief that his prayers will bring his brother back safely is meant to be the emotional core of the film. But the execution fails to convince. The plot meanders, relying on repetitive scenes of Laxman’s naivety and the townspeople’s exasperation with him.

Salman Khan’s Earnest Performance

One of Tubelight movie’s strengths is Salman Khan’s sincere attempt to step out of his comfort zone. As Laxman, he tries to embody the innocence and vulnerability of a man who doesn’t quite fit in. There are moments where his performance shines through, particularly in scenes with his on-screen brother Sohail Khan and the child actor Matin Rey Tangu.

However, the script doesn’t give Khan enough to work with. Laxman’s character remains one-dimensional throughout, his faith never truly tested or evolved. The supporting cast, including the late Om Puri and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, do their best with the material, but are ultimately let down by the writing.

Visually Appealing, Musically Underwhelming

On a technical level, Tubelight benefits from Aseem Mishra’s cinematography. The film is visually appealing, with sweeping shots of the mountainous terrain and well-composed frames. The period setting of the 1960s is also effectively recreated through costumes and production design.

However, the music by Pritam fails to leave a lasting impact. The songs, while pleasant enough, feel shoehorned into the narrative and do little to advance the plot or deepen the emotional resonance.

The China Connection

One of the subplots in Tubelight movie involves Laxman’s friendship with a Chinese woman, Li Leing (Zhu Zhu), and her son Gu Won (Matin Rey Tangu), who face discrimination due to the ongoing war. While this thread had the potential to add depth to the narrative, it ultimately feels underdeveloped.

The scenes between Laxman and the Chinese characters are meant to convey a message of tolerance and humanity beyond borders. But the writing lacks the nuance and subtlety required to make this message truly effective.

Box Office and Critical Reception

Despite the star power of Salman Khan, Tubelight movie had a lukewarm reception at the box office. The film grossed around INR 121 crore domestically, falling short of expectations for a Salman Khan vehicle.

Critics were also divided on the film. While some praised Khan’s attempt to step out of his comfort zone, others found the film’s execution lacking. The slow pacing, predictable plot, and over-reliance on sentimentality were cited as major drawbacks.

Final Verdict

In the end, Tubelight movie remains a noble misfire. It had the potential to be a poignant tale of faith and brotherhood, but is let down by its uneven execution. Salman Khan’s earnest performance and the film’s visual appeal are not enough to compensate for the weak writing and sluggish pacing.

For fans of Salman Khan, Tubelight may still hold some appeal as a departure from his usual massy fare. But for those seeking a truly engaging war drama, the film falls short of expectations.

While Tubelight may not be the best showcase of Salman Khan’s acting prowess or Kabir Khan’s directorial skills, it remains an important reminder of the power of cinema to address social issues and promote messages of peace and tolerance. In today’s divisive times, such messages are more important than ever.

For those who missed Tubelight in theatres, the film is now available on various streaming platforms, including Airtel Broadband. With Airtel Broadband’s high-speed internet, you can enjoy this and other Bollywood films in the comfort of your home, without any buffering or interruptions. Why not give Tubelight a chance and judge for yourself? So what are you waiting for? Grab your Airtel internet connection and start streaming Tubelight today!

FAQs

1. What is the Tubelight movie about?

Tubelight is a war drama set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It follows the story of Laxman Singh Bisht, a simple man who believes his faith will bring his soldier brother back safely from the war.

2. Who are the main cast members of Tubelight?

The main cast includes Salman Khan as Laxman Singh Bisht, Sohail Khan as Bharat Singh Bisht, Om Puri as Banne Chacha, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Narayan, and Chinese actors Zhu Zhu and Matin Rey Tangu.

3. How was Tubelight’s performance at the box office?

Despite Salman Khan’s star power, Tubelight had a relatively underwhelming performance at the box office. It grossed around INR 121 crore domestically, which was below expectations for a Salman Khan film.

4. What was the critical reception of Tubelight?

Critics had mixed reactions to Tubelight. While some praised Salman Khan’s performance and the film’s visual appeal, others criticised the weak writing, slow pacing, and over-reliance on sentimentality.

5. Is Tubelight available on any streaming platforms?

Yes, Tubelight is currently available on Airtel Broadband. With a high-speed internet connection like Airtel Broadband, you can stream the film without any buffering or quality issues.