Plot

Lala Kedarnath (Akshay Kumar) is a popular gol gappa vendor in Delhi's Chandni Chowk, known for his unorthodox treatment for pregnant mothers. Lala's life revolves around his four sisters, who he has vowed to marry off before settling down with his childhood sweetheart Sapna (Bhumi Pednekar). Despite his tireless efforts, Lala is unable to find suitable grooms for his sisters, leading to a relentless pursuit of a successful match.

Acting

Akshay Kumar portrays Lala Kedarnath's role to perfection, shifting seamlessly between comedy and sincerity. Bhumi Pednekar supports him ably in a subdued performance, while Sahejmeen Kaur, Smrithi Srikanth, Deepika Khanna, and Sadia Khateeb effectively bring the sisters' unique personalities to life.

Cinematography

Raksha Bandhan's visual style is rooted in the streets of Chandni Chowk, perfectly encapsulating the vibrancy and chaos of Old Delhi. The camerawork complements the story's emotional beats, ranging from light-hearted comedy to heavier dramatic moments.

Direction

Director Aanand L Rai and screenwriters Himanshu Sharma and Kanika Dhillon create a world that celebrates the bond between siblings. Raksha Bandhan's nuanced exploration of what it means to be a brother and sister provides a refreshing take on an age-old tradition. Although the second half of the movie becomes more of a social commentary, Rai's ability to invest in his characters and their relationships makes for an engaging watch.

Overall

Despite the regressive notions around dowry and body shaming that Raksha Bandhan perpetuates, the film successfully tells a heartwarming tale of family values and devotion. Akshay Kumar's powerful performance and the movie's balanced approach to humour and drama make it worth watching with your siblings. However, the film is let down by its repetitive narrative and contrived subplots, making it susceptible to losing the audience's attention. Overall, it is a touching tribute to a beloved festival and the strong bonds between brothers and sisters.

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