Brothers Movie Review: Dharma's 'Bhaigiri'!

It is often argued that remakes don't turn out to be as good as originals, but Dharma flick Brothers, which is the remake of Hollywood hit Warrior might just prove to be an exception to the rule, simply because the makers have infuse so much emotion and drama in the tale that without it, the film would have not been so enjoyable. The tale of the clashing brothers has existed since Biblical times (remember Cain and Abel?) and as such, it deserves intensity and drama, which should do justice to the story.

When alcoholic street-fighter Gary Fernandez (Jackie Shroff) ends up killing his wife Maria (Shefali Shah) accidentally during an argument over his infidelity, a line of hatred gets drawn between step-brothers David and Monty. David (Akshay Kumar) grows up to be a physics teacher with a loving wife (Jacqueline Fernandez) and a daughter, while Monty (Sidharth Malhotra) grows up to be a borderline drunkard with a chip the size of Kansas on his shoulder.

In dire need of money for his daughter's medical treatment, David jumps at the chance of participating in a MMA tournament, which can net him enough money to sort out his issues while Monty enters the same tournament to channelize his anger and earn some glory at the same time. What happens when the two brothers finally lock horns in the ultimate battle? Watch and find out…

We all have seen Akshay playing the action hero, but with Brothers, he takes things one step ahead as the sensitive family man, who has to rely on his fists to save his daughter. The Khiladi is in top form, whether it be the action skills or his performance. Jacqueline is surprisingly earnest and honest as David's supportive wife, while Sidharth comes across as a bulkier version of his Ek Villain character. Last but not the least, Jackie Shroff simply blows you away with his powerful and touching performance as the repentant Gary, who is haunted by his past and tortured by his present.

Karan Malhotra, who had made his directorial debut with Agneepath, should indeed be congratulated for infusing the much-needed drama in the story of two estranged brothers. After all, what is the fun in watching such a film if there is no raging intensity and powerful emotions? Of course, some might cringe at the typical Bollywoodism (ailing daughter needing medical treatment et al) thrown at you, but then, that's what a Hindi film is about, eh?

However, the same element that makes Brothers enjoyable, also proves to be its weakness. At times, the narrative gets too melodramatic for your taste and Malhotra could have surely dialed it down a bit. Not only this, the pace could have definitely been faster, especially in the first half so as to not cause impatience among the viewers, who keep looking forward to the fight sequences and the dramatic clash between the siblings. Had the length of the film been shortened, it would have worked wonders.

The music of the film is decent enough and the Brothers anthem (when David and Monty train for the tournament) is one of the highlights of the movie.

The fight sequences are some of the best ever watched in any Bollywood film and provide a major adrenaline rush for action junkies. The makers had reportedly roped in an international stunt crew for the mixed martial arts sequences and they deserve a pat on their collective backs for this. Every punch makes you wince and every kick makes you gasp...

For fans of action and drama, Brothers is like a two-in-one deal…