Film: “Tubelight”; Director: Kabir Khan; Cast: Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Zhu Zhu, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Yashpal Sharma, Matin Rey Tangu and Isha Talwar

Rating: ***

Salman Khan had once said, “Cinema should always be in touch with the soil of the country. My films celebrate the heartland of India.” And probably with “Tubelight”, he tries to be true to his words. So, he has dedicated the film to the families and friends of soldiers who are left behind to fight their own battles.

The film is an adaptation of the 2015 released American war film “Little Boy”.

Set in Jagatpur in Kumaon district and in the backdrop of the 1962 India and China War, the film is the tale of a dim-witted boy Laxman whose brother, the only surviving member of his family, joins the Indian Army. How he survives during the interim period without his brother, forms the crux of the tale.

Visually, the film is enthralling. The wide angle lens used by Director of Photography Aseem Mishra aesthetically capture the stunning locales to perfection. The music and background score further enhance the viewing experience.

But it is the wafer-thin premise, packed with motivational messages and a tinge of patriotic notes that make the plot seem forced. The script meanders with scenes that lack gravitas. A case in point is the scene when Narayan, one of the village bullies, throws Laxman who is walking along with his new friend Guo into a stream. And, when Laxman picks up a rock in defence and asks Guo to run, the assailants just whimper off, and the scene ends abruptly.

In “Tubelight”, Salman Khan does not play the dynamic hero that he used to portray with gusto. As Laxman, he fails to exude energy onscreen and hence, disappoints his fans. His mannerisms and body language are strongly reminiscent of Hrithik Roshan’s in “Koi… Mil Gaya”. His character is endearing but his physical demeanour is not. Initially jarring, but by the last act you are one with the character and the actor. Salman definitely grows on you.

Sohail Khan as his younger brother Bharat, has nothing much to offer, except being an emotional anchor for his elder brother, and he performs his part rather perfunctorily.

The only person who steals the show in the film is Matin Rey Tangu as the young Guo, who Laxman befriends. He is charming with his oriental looks and impish demeanour. The Chinese actress Zhu Zhu plays his mother Liling with flair.

Shah Rukh Khan in a cameo with his tattooed visage and ears studded with earrings, as a magician is dead pan and flat. He does not help to uplift the narrative or add emotionally to the film.

Om Puri as Banne Chacha – the guardian of an ashram, Isha Talwar as his daughter Maya, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub as Narayan with his “knock knees and Yashpal Sharma as Major Tokras — all brilliant actors have their moments of onscreen glory.

Overall, “Tubelight” has the tempered magic of cinema but it fails to ignite the emotional quotient.

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By Troy Ribeiro

2016 did not prove to be a great year for Bollywood but we saw some great debut performances. 

Mirzya may have fizzled out at the box office but Harshvardhan Kapoor’s performance definitely made a mark. In M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Disha Patani left a strong impact in her small yet significant role. And the year ended with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra’s impressive performances in the wrestling drama Dangal.

We are hopeful that this year will also see some fabulous newcomers making an impact. 

Bollywood Debutantes to watch out for in 2017:

Mahira Khan – Raees

Mahira is a popular Pakistani TV who gained popularity after her show Humsafar won over the audience. 

In her first Bollywood film, Raees, Mahira stars opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film is all set to release on January 25.

Kanan Gill – Noor

The stand-up comedian is already quite popular thanks to his hilarious Pretentious Movie Reviews on YouTube. His sketches have a huge following on social media and his stand-up shows are loved all over the country. 

Kanan Gill is making his Bollywood debut with Noor starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role.

Zhu Zhu – Tubelight

Kabir Khan’s next film Tubelight stars the model and actress from China who will be making her Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan. 

The film is a period drama based on the Sino-India War of 1962 and she will be playing a pivotal role in the movie.

Ahan Shetty – Untitled Sajid Nadiadwala project

Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan Shetty is following in his father’s footsteps and will soon enter Bollywood in a Sajid Nadiadwala project. 

However, details of the project are yet to be announced.

Aadar Jain – Untitled YRF project

Aadar comes from the illustrious Kapoor family. He is the grandson of Raj Kapoor and is making his debut under the Yash Raj banner. 

His debut film, still untitled, is being directed by Habib Faisal of Do Dooni Chaar and Ishaqzaade fame.

Anya Singh – Untitled YRF project

This Delhi girl with no filmy background is all set to make her debut in a Yash Raj production opposite Aadar Jain.

In fact, she has already been signed by the prestigious banner for a three-film deal.

Mustafa Burmawalla – Machine

Mustafa is the son of director Abbas (of the Abbas-Mustan duo) and will make his film debut this year in a movie titled Machine. 

The film is being directed by Abbas-Mustan and is a romantic thriller.

Suraj Sharma – Phillauri

Suraj Sharma made his international debut in 2012 with the highly acclaimed film, Life of Pi. 

And in 2017, Suraj will make his Bollywood debut in the Anushka Sharma & Diljit Dosanjh starrer Phillauri.

Jhanvi Kapoor

Producer Boney Kapoor and Sridevi’s daughter has always been in the limelight due to her instagram fan following. She clearly gets her beautiful features from her mother, is believed to debut in Karan Johar’s remake of Sairat.

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Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar & Karan Johar to work together

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