The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Salman Khan’s ‘Race 3’

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Race 3, the third installment of Salman Khan's Race series, saw a massive box office collection. This article will dissect the film in light of both the positive and negative aspects, and offer an honest review.

The Good

One of the undeniably good things about Salman Khan movies is the massive box office collection they generate. These films represent Big Money, and Salman Khan's success in this regard is undeniable. Despite making movies that may not be critically appreciated, his filmography continues to gross big numbers, especially in the Indian market. The box office collection of Race 3 is a testament to this, crossing 100 crores in only three days of release. This is more than just entertainment; it is an enduring economic force in the industry.

The Bad

While Race 3 achieves impressive box office collection, it falls flat when it comes to quality and substance. Here are some significant drawbacks:

Overreliance on Hollywood-style Action Sequences: The film heavily borrows from Hollywood action sequences, which are unoriginal and lack the cultural depth that Race series usually offers. Poor Dialogue and Acting: Some critics argue that Salman Khan's forced heroism and terrible acting skills, highlighted by his iconic phrase, "Iss race ka sikandar main hoon", detract from the film's narrative and emotional impact. Casting Choices: The inclusion of lesser-known actors like Daisy Shah and Freddy Daruwala is seen as a liability. Their underwhelming performances contribute to the overall debatable quality of the film. Lack of Character Development: Critics argue that characters like Saquib Saleem are underutilized, pigeonholed into limited roles, thus making the film's ensemble less compelling.

The Ugly

Contrary to popular belief, the film is not just a commercial success but also a contradiction of quality. Here are some of the uglier aspects:

Potentially Desensitized Action Scenes: The use of unorthodox and surreal action sequences, such as a character performing a backflip mid-air atop a bike, may be a spectacle in terms of visual graphics but lacks substance and coherence. Questionable Humor: The film’s attempts at humor fall flat, with some scenes being so unsympathetic that genuine laughter cannot be evoked. Irrelevant and Annoying Music: The inclusion of tracks like the selfish song, with no clear messaging or emotional value, only serves to diminish the overall experience of the audience.

Conclusion

Despite its global box office success, Race 3 divides opinions. It is a movie that thrives on its star's untouchable status in Bollywood and the undeniable power of a movie theater's economic might, but it fails to deliver on a substantive level. Critical acclaim and meaningful levels of appreciation may be limited, but the film remains a significant player in the box office arena. For fans, it is a reminder of the enduring legacy and influence of a superstar; for the industry, a stark example of commercial triumph over critical success.

Ultimately, Race 3 serves as a case study on how a film can be a Box Office King yet a critical misfire, raising questions about taste, style, and the eternal dilemma of balancing art with commerce in Bollywood cinema.

Salman Khan's Race 3 Box Office Collection can be checked out here: Example Link