BMB review

I guess most would agree that Farhan Akhtar did out-standing performance in the film, some said that Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was a promising film, however, somewhere along the three hours I feel the story lost its depth as over-dramatization towards the end ..The movie tells us which tells us the athlete's journey from a boy displaced during Partition to his early years in a gang of petty thieves, followed by in the Indian army from where he went on to become a sports hero. Which was revealed in flashback by Milkha's coach.

There are moments of great pathos here, and an inspiring lesson on the importance of perseverance and hard work. But it all moves at a snail's pace, even as the drama of Milkha's rise on the race track is punctured routinely by too many songs, overlong romantic tracks, and the kind of 'commercial-movie trappings' that are counterproductive to a film of this nature.

In another scene, where Milkha wins an important race despite being badly injured, Mehra swells the score even as the bandages covering Milkha's wounds dramatically come off as he inches towards the finish line. And don't even get me started on the Gadar-esque finale in Pakistan, where Milkha must fulfill the dream of every Indian by beating a rival from our neighboring nation. Never before has slow motion and background music been so abused in a film!

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy delivers some great tunes Mehra himself stages a rousing middle portion in Ladakh, where Milkha trains tirelessly with the India coach following a disappointment at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. This montage, gorgeously filmed, is a fine reminder of Farhan Akhtar's complete submission to the part.

From Farhan convincing accent and his dialogue delivery to the sheer beast of his physical presence, Farhan is superb as Milkha. But Joshi's script, bursting at its seams with too much information that serves little purpose other than to establish Milkha as someone with a wholesome personality.His was an unbelievable dregs-to-glory story. Milkha was a Partition refugee who lost his parents in the riots.

He discovered his mtier after years of struggle. His sturdy spirit, forged in the fire of life, found expression on the athletics track in ways that remain unparalleled in India to this day.

Sonam Kapoor, who was in a small part as Milkha's first love, brings a freshness to her scenes.

The film itself is well intentioned and shines a light on an important figure. But it's too long and too unfocused to leave a lasting impression. I would give 3/5 for bhaag milka bhaag..