✅ Bharat (2019) is an epic Hindi-language drama film that traces the journey of a man alongside the tumultuous history of India, from partition to the present day. Starring Salman Khan in a multifaceted role, this film is a saga of love, loss, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family and nation. Optimized for seamless viewing across all modern devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop platforms, Bharat offers a grand cinematic experience filled with emotion, music, and historical sweep.

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6.2/10

Bharat

Director: Ali Abbas Zafar

Writers: Ali Abbas Zafar

Stars: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani

Country: India

Genres: Action, History, Drama

Languages: Hindi

Overview: At the cusp of India's birth as an Independent nation, a family makes an arduous journey to freedom at a cost. A young boy Bharat, makes a promise to his Father that he will keep his family together no matter what.

TMDb: View on TMDb

Bharat (2019) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Bharat
• Language: Hindi
• Budget: Approximately ₹100 crore – ₹150 crore (Official sources vary, Box Office India reports ₹240 crore production cost)
• Revenue: Approximately ₹308.70 crore (Worldwide Gross)
• Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes (155 minutes)
• Release Date: June 5, 2019 (Eid al-Fitr)
• Genres: Drama, Action, History, Musical, Family
• Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani, Sunil Grover, Jackie Shroff, Tabu, Sonali Kulkarni, Nora Fatehi
• Directors: Ali Abbas Zafar
• Screenplay: Ali Abbas Zafar, Varun V. Sharma (adapted from “Ode to My Father” by Yoon Je-kyoon & Park Su-jin)
• Studios & Producers: Reel Life Productions, Salman Khan Films, T-Series. Produced by Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Nikhil Namit, Salman Khan.
• Voice Cast: N/A (Live-action film)
• Animation & Style: Live-action, epic drama, period film, musical numbers

SCREENSHORT

Plot Summary

“Bharat” is an expansive and ambitious drama that chronicles the journey of a man named Bharat from the tumultuous events of India’s Partition in 1947 to the present day. The film opens in modern times with an elderly Bharat (Salman Khan) running a store, reminiscing about his extraordinary life. His story begins in Mirpur, during the brutal partition of India, when his family is forced to flee. In the chaos of the mass exodus, Bharat’s younger sister, Gudiya, goes missing, and his father (Jackie Shroff) makes a heartfelt promise to young Bharat: to keep their family together, no matter what, and that he will reunite with them at their ancestral store. This promise becomes the guiding principle of Bharat’s entire life.

Separated from his father and sister, Bharat, along with his mother and two remaining siblings, arrives as refugees in Delhi. Driven by his father’s words, Bharat takes on various jobs through different eras to support his family. His first significant venture is joining The Great Russian Circus, where he becomes a daredevil motorcycle stunt rider. Here, he meets and falls in love with Radha (Disha Patani), a fellow performer, marking a vibrant chapter of his youth. However, his life takes another turn, and he moves on.

In the 1970s, as the oil boom sweeps the Middle East, Bharat and his loyal childhood friend Vilayti (Sunil Grover) travel to Saudi Arabia to work in the oil fields. It is here he meets Kumud Raina (Katrina Kaif), the human resources head, a strong and independent woman with whom he shares a deep professional and personal bond. Their relationship blossoms amidst the challenging conditions, but Bharat’s unwavering commitment to his promise prevents him from marrying her, as he believes he must first fulfill his duty to his father and reunite his family. Upon returning to India, Kumud, despite his refusal to marry, becomes his lifelong companion and intellectual partner.

As India progresses, Bharat adapts to new challenges and opportunities. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he becomes a Merchant Navy officer, experiencing global changes and the rising phenomenon of liberalization. Later, in the 2000s, with the advent of private television channels, Kumud, now a TV executive, starts a show dedicated to reuniting families separated during Partition. This show brings a glimmer of hope for Bharat to find his lost sister.

The film culminates in an emotional reunion facilitated by the television show, bringing Gudiya, now Meher (Tabu), back into Bharat’s life. The climax sees Bharat grappling with the emotional weight of his lifelong promise and the choices he made. Ultimately, “Bharat” is a sprawling narrative that uses one man’s life as a microcosm of India’s post-independence journey, exploring themes of national identity, sacrifice, love, and the enduring strength of family bonds across decades.

Cast & Crew

The cast of “Bharat” is headlined by Salman Khan, who undertakes a demanding role portraying the titular character across multiple age groups, from a young boy to an old man. His performance is central to the film, showcasing his range in embodying different phases of life, each with distinct challenges and emotions. Khan’s ability to carry the emotional weight of the film, particularly in the later, more poignant segments, was widely discussed. Katrina Kaif, as Kumud Raina, delivers a strong and mature performance. Her character is a pillar of strength and intelligence, and Kaif’s portrayal brings depth and warmth to the role, forming a crucial anchor in Bharat’s life. Her chemistry with Salman Khan is a notable highlight.

Sunil Grover, as Vilayti Khan, Bharat’s loyal friend, is a standout. He provides consistent comedic relief and emotional support, often stealing scenes with his nuanced and endearing performance. Jackie Shroff, though in a limited role as Bharat’s father, delivers a powerful start to the narrative, setting the emotional tone for the entire film. Disha Patani brings youthful energy to her role as Radha, while Tabu and Sonali Kulkarni also make impactful appearances. Director Ali Abbas Zafar, who also co-wrote the screenplay, orchestrates this large ensemble, guiding them through various time periods and emotional arcs. His vision in adapting a sweeping historical narrative to a character-driven saga is evident in the performances he extracts, ensuring that despite the grand scale, the film retains its human core.

Critical & Audience Response

“Bharat” received a mixed to positive response from critics upon its release, while generally performing well at the box office, especially during the Eid holiday. Critics appreciated the film’s ambitious attempt to intertwine a personal journey with the historical backdrop of India. Many lauded Salman Khan’s performance, particularly his effort to portray a character aging through several decades, noting his emotional depth in certain scenes. Katrina Kaif’s portrayal of Kumud Raina was widely praised for its maturity, strength, and significant contribution to the narrative, often being cited as one of the film’s strongest aspects. Sunil Grover also garnered widespread acclaim for his natural comedic timing and heartfelt performance as Bharat’s friend.

However, some critics pointed out that the film’s lengthy runtime and sprawling narrative sometimes felt disjointed, with certain subplots feeling less impactful than others. The de-aging visual effects for Salman Khan in the younger segments also drew some mixed reactions. Despite these criticisms, the film resonated with a large segment of the audience, particularly Salman Khan’s loyal fanbase, who appreciated the emotional core and the patriotic undertones. The film’s musical numbers were generally well-received, adding to its commercial appeal. Overall, “Bharat” was seen as a sincere effort to deliver a meaningful and entertaining cinematic experience, blending elements of drama, history, and emotion, even if its execution had some uneven moments.

Direction & Cinematography

Ali Abbas Zafar’s direction in “Bharat” is ambitious, aiming to tell a sweeping saga that spans over 70 years of Indian history through the eyes of one man. Zafar, known for his ability to handle large-scale productions and mass appeal, attempts to balance grand historical events with an intimate personal narrative. He effectively manages the film’s vast timeline, depicting different eras with distinct visual and emotional tones. His direction is particularly strong in the more emotionally charged scenes and the action sequences, which are choreographed with his signature flair. Zafar shows a keen eye for framing iconic moments that resonate with the audience, creating a sense of nostalgia and patriotism.

Marcin Laskawiec’s cinematography is a significant asset to “Bharat,” contributing immensely to its epic scale and visual grandeur. Laskawiec expertly captures the diverse settings, from the chaotic trains of Partition to the vibrant circus tents, the harsh oil fields of the Middle East, and the evolving urban landscapes of India. The visual palette changes with each era, effectively conveying the passage of time. The camera work is often expansive, employing wide shots to emphasize the historical scope, while also utilizing close-ups to highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The production design and costumes, meticulously researched, are beautifully showcased through the lens, adding to the authenticity of each period. While the de-aging effects for Salman Khan had mixed reviews, the overall visual storytelling and the creation of distinct historical periods through cinematography are commendable, helping to ground the film’s ambitious narrative.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score of “Bharat” are integral to its emotional depth and commercial appeal, with compositions by Vishal-Shekhar for the songs and Julius Packiam providing the background score. The soundtrack features a mix of genres, from patriotic anthems to romantic ballads and energetic dance numbers, each designed to capture the essence of the different eras depicted in the film. Songs like “Slow Motion” (featuring Disha Patani) are vibrant and catchy, reflecting the exuberance of youth, while “Chashni” provides a soulful romantic melody that deepens the bond between Bharat and Kumud. “Zinda” and “Turpeya” are powerful, inspirational tracks that underscore the film’s themes of resilience and national identity. The lyrics, primarily by Irshad Kamil, are often poignant and reflective, adding lyrical depth to the narrative.

Julius Packiam’s background score effectively enhances the film’s emotional arc. It is grand and sweeping during the historical sequences, building a sense of epic scale, and subtle and intimate during the personal moments of joy or sorrow. The score knows when to be understated and when to swell, adding tension to dramatic scenes and amplifying emotional beats without becoming overbearing. It skillfully weaves in musical motifs that connect the different stages of Bharat’s life, creating a cohesive auditory experience that underscores the film’s core themes of separation, reunion, and enduring love for family and country. The music, both songs and score, significantly contributes to “Bharat’s” overall impact and cinematic grandeur.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Bharat” is a visually ambitious film that spans several decades, and its visuals and special effects play a crucial role in bringing these different eras to life. The film primarily relies on a combination of grand production design, meticulous costuming, and visual effects to create an immersive period experience. The team went to great lengths to recreate the historical backdrops, from the chaotic Partition scenes to the vibrant 1960s circus, the arid Middle Eastern oil fields of the 1970s, and the more contemporary Indian landscapes. These sets and locations are rendered with impressive detail, contributing significantly to the film’s sense of scale and authenticity.

The special effects are used judiciously, mainly for period recreation and subtle enhancements. While some de-aging effects for Salman Khan in his younger avatars received mixed feedback for their artificiality in certain moments, the overall effort to showcase his journey across various ages is commendable. Beyond character-specific effects, the VFX are employed to build large-scale crowds for historical events, replicate vintage machinery, and create seamless transitions between different time periods. The visual aesthetic is vibrant and rich, allowing the costumes and sets to shine. The film successfully transports the audience through different historical chapters, relying on both practical efforts and digital enhancements to construct a believable and grand visual narrative that supports Bharat’s epic life story.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing and screenplay of “Bharat” are crucial elements that shape its epic, multi-decade narrative. The screenplay, adapted by Ali Abbas Zafar and Varun V. Sharma from the Korean film “Ode to My Father,” is ambitious in its scope, aiming to weave a man’s personal journey with significant historical events of a nation. It attempts to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring nature of promises through Bharat’s experiences across seven decades. The writing incorporates elements of drama, humor, action, and romance, striving for a comprehensive emotional arc. The dialogues are often impactful, particularly in the more dramatic and patriotic moments.

However, the film’s editing, primarily by Rameshwar S. Bhagat, has been a point of contention for some critics. Given the expansive storyline and numerous jumps across time periods and professions, maintaining a consistently tight narrative is a challenge. While the editing does a commendable job of stitching together diverse chapters of Bharat’s life, some felt that the film’s lengthy runtime (155 minutes) could have benefited from a tighter pace and more streamlined subplots. Certain transitions between eras or narrative segments occasionally feel abrupt, impacting the flow. Despite this, the editing successfully crafts individual vignettes that are often engaging on their own. The screenplay’s emotional core, centered on Bharat’s promise to his father and his commitment to family, largely shines through, even if the episodic nature of the narrative occasionally affects the overall coherence. The challenge of adapting such a vast story into a cohesive cinematic experience is evident, but the film largely succeeds in delivering its intended emotional and historical breadth.

Positives / What Works

“Bharat” works effectively due to several strong elements that resonate with its target audience. The film’s biggest strength lies in its ambitious and emotional core – the journey of a man tied to the history of a nation, driven by a lifelong promise to his father. This emotional underpinning gives the narrative a strong foundation. Salman Khan’s performance, particularly in his older avatar, received praise for its maturity and emotional depth, showing a commendable effort to embody the various stages of his character’s life. Katrina Kaif is a significant highlight, delivering one of her career-best performances as Kumud Raina; her strong, independent character and excellent chemistry with Khan add immense value.

Sunil Grover’s portrayal of Vilayti, Bharat’s friend, is another major positive. He delivers consistent comic relief and provides genuine emotional support, making his character incredibly endearing. The film’s grand scale, production design, and cinematography are impressive, successfully transporting viewers through different historical periods. The musical score and songs, particularly the patriotic and romantic tracks, enhance the emotional appeal and commercial viability. Director Ali Abbas Zafar’s vision for an epic narrative is evident, and he effectively handles the large canvas and emotional beats. “Bharat” offers a blend of drama, emotion, and entertainment, making it a fulfilling watch for those who appreciate a family saga intertwined with historical significance. The film manages to evoke patriotism and a sense of shared history, which resonated strongly with many viewers.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While “Bharat” has its strengths, it also faces some criticisms that prevent it from being a uniformly perfect film. One of the primary points of concern for many viewers and critics was its extensive runtime of 155 minutes. The episodic nature of the narrative, covering seven decades, sometimes leads to a disjointed feel, where certain chapters or subplots feel rushed or underdeveloped, while others linger longer than necessary. This uneven pacing can test the patience of the audience at times.

Another aspect that received mixed reactions was the visual effects used for Salman Khan’s de-aging in his younger avatars. While commendable in intent, the execution sometimes appeared artificial, breaking immersion for some viewers. The film’s attempt to pack in too many historical events and personal stories means that some elements, including certain supporting characters or pivotal moments, don’t always get the depth they deserve. While the emotional core is strong, some moments intended to be deeply moving occasionally fall flat due to a lack of seamless narrative progression. Additionally, while the film is broadly a drama, its incorporation of action and musical sequences, though standard for a Salman Khan film, sometimes felt shoehorned rather than organically integrated into the historical narrative. Ultimately, the film’s ambitious scope occasionally overstretched its narrative cohesion.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Bharat” is an earnest and ambitious cinematic journey that attempts to capture the essence of post-Partition India through the life of one man. It’s a film that succeeds in delivering an emotional experience, particularly in its portrayal of family bonds, sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of resilience. Salman Khan delivers a sincere performance, especially commendable in his portrayal of the older Bharat, while Katrina Kaif truly shines as the strong and supportive Kumud. Sunil Grover’s endearing performance as Vilayti is another significant highlight, providing both humor and heart.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar takes on a challenging, sprawling narrative, and while the film’s lengthy runtime and episodic structure sometimes lead to an uneven pace, its core emotional message and grand scale largely hold it together. The film’s visual splendor, rich production design, and engaging musical numbers contribute to its overall appeal. “Bharat” is a heartfelt ode to the nation’s journey and a man’s lifelong commitment, offering a blend of patriotic fervor, emotional drama, and classic Bollywood entertainment. It may not be a flawless masterpiece, but it is a sincere and largely successful attempt at telling a profound human story against the backdrop of significant historical change, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate emotional sagas with a nationalistic touch.

Movie Rating

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