Raksha Bandhan

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**Review Summary: *Raksha Bandhan***

Aanand L. Rai’s *Raksha Bandhan* explores the bond between Lala Kedarnath (Akshay Kumar) and his four quirky, marriageable sisters, tackling the societal evil of dowry through an emotionally charged narrative. Lala, bound by a promise to his dying mother, prioritizes his sisters’ marriages over his own relationship with childhood sweetheart Sapna (Bhumi Pednekar). The film weaves its anti-dowry message into a melodramatic yet thought-provoking tale.

The movie's strength lies in its intent to highlight dowry's harsh reality, offering a solution by urging women to pursue careers before marriage. However, the execution often feels overly sentimental and contrived, especially in the second half, where the relentless emotional punches can overwhelm viewers. The romantic subplot between Lala and Sapna lacks depth, missing an opportunity to depict a more collaborative and supportive dynamic.

Technically, the film excels. The vibrant recreation of Chandni Chowk captures its chaos and charm authentically, and K.U. Mohanan’s cinematography keeps the visuals lively. The performances are another highlight. The four actresses portraying the sisters share convincing camaraderie, despite limited backstory. Bhumi Pednekar shines in her confrontational moments but deserves a more substantial role. Akshay Kumar carries the film with ease, embodying the elder brother’s protective and selfless nature, delivering sincerity in both light-hearted and heavy emotional scenes.

**Verdict**: *Raksha Bandhan* conveys an important message about dowry in an emotionally packed narrative. While its melodrama may feel overbearing at times, Akshay Kumar’s heartfelt performance and the film’s social relevance make it worth a watch.