Without Amitabh Bachchan, the landscape of mainstream Hindi cinema would be vastly different. In ‘Baghban,’ he elevates the film, giving it a specific texture and mood. Ravi Chopra’s film, a traditional family drama, derives its strength from its sentimental core. Bachchan’s performance prevents the narrative from becoming overly sentimental, adding a layer of depth. The film’s plot, while not groundbreaking, is executed with a lyrical quality. The director infuses the film with emotions. The film explores the central question of why children might see their parents as a burden in old age. Despite its flaws, ‘Baghban’ is an appealing family film. The mind gets low in the scramble for emotional succour. Bachchan’s eyes reveal the love he has for his screen wife. Hema Malini, adds to the narrative. The songs and dances, are a pleasure to watch, comparable to Bachchan’s finest musical moments. Bachchan seamlessly transitions between light and dramatic scenes. The emotional impact of the performance is evident. A beautiful melody he sings telephonically to his wife evokes the essence of an early Bachchan film. The pain and the nostalgia are all palpable in the movie. Amitabh Bachchan lives every moment of his character. The climactic speech showcases Amitabh Bachchan’s talent. Despite the emotional power, some scenes and contradictions in the plot undermine it. The cinematography enhances the film’s viewability. Fortunately, the music and the principal performance compensate for the plot’s shortcomings. Paresh Rawal and Lilette Dubey deliver heartwarming performances. Salman Khan, uses his expressive eyes to convey goodwill. The supporting actors are stereotypical. The audience is drawn back to the central theme when the grandson expresses a desire for his grandfather to leave the house. ‘Baghban’ provides the cool, comforting hand of the familiar.
