Exactly a year ago, director Apoorv Singh Karki and actor Manoj Bajpayee teamed up for Sirf Ke Bandaa Kaafi Hai, where Bajpayee played a lawyer aiding a victim against a self-proclaimed godman. Their latest collaboration, Bhaiyya Ji, unfortunately, doesn’t live up to the same standard. This time, the story revolves around a single character, but it fails to deliver the depth and engagement needed.
The film starts with Bhaiyya Ji (Manoj Bajpayee) amid his wedding festivities in Bihar, anxiously awaiting his younger brother Vedant (Akash Makhija) arriving from Delhi. When Vedant goes missing, the story takes a turn toward revenge. The killer is Abhimanyu (Jatin Goswami), the ruthless son of ganglord Chandrabhan Singh (Suvinder Vicky).
The Revenge Plot Falls Flat
The revenge narrative becomes repetitive and monotonous. Bhaiyya Ji, who supposedly renounced violence, is pushed back into it by Vedant’s mother and stepmother. He heads to Chandrabhan’s mansion in Delhi, seeking “justice.” The film introduces a lion-faced medallion, symbolizing Bhaiyya Ji’s power, causing fear wherever it goes. Supporters rally behind him, but the storyline fails to maintain momentum.
Endless Clashes and Confusing Symbolism
The film is packed with numerous, often senseless, clashes. A Lord Shiva procession is used as a backdrop for one fight scene, adding to the confusion. There’s also talk about Vedant’s wandering spirit because a crow hasn’t eaten the offering after his death. This subplot feels unnecessary and distracts from the main story.
There are moments where the film hints at exploring deeper themes, like a Bihari network in cities like Delhi, which could have been Bhaiyya Ji’s strength. However, these ideas are not fully developed, leaving the audience wanting more substance.
Zoya Hussain plays Mithali, Bhaiyya Ji’s wife, who joins the fight with her sniper skills. Despite her parents’ warnings about Bhaiyya Ji’s violent life, she remains by his side. Hussain delivers a solid performance, providing a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise lackluster film.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Performance
Manoj Bajpayee, known for his powerful performances, doesn’t shine in this role. It’s disappointing to see such a talented actor in a film that doesn’t do him justice. Bajpayee’s portrayal of Bhaiyya Ji lacks the depth and nuance that he’s capable of.
Bhaiyya Ji had the potential to be a compelling story of revenge and justice, but it fell short in execution. With repetitive clashes and underdeveloped subplots, the film struggles to hold the audience’s attention. While there are a few promising moments, they are overshadowed by the overall weak storyline and character development. For Manoj Bajpayee fans, this film may be a letdown, failing to showcase the actor’s true talent.
