Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif return to big screens with Bharat

The film, which released on a holiday, is titled after Khan's onscreen role.

The action-drama film, which is produced under the banners Reel Life Productions, Salman Khan Films and T-Series, is based on 2014 South Korean film Ode to My Father. Bharat traces a common man's perspective of post-independence India. Bharat's life from age 18 to 70 is also traced in the film.

Speaking about the adaptation of the film from Ode to My Father, Khan said in an interview, "We had really liked the plot when we saw the Korean film. We have only incorporated the plot and changed the rest of the things in Bharat. The Korean film had more emotions and less humour, but we added a lot of entertainment in Bharat. So this is what we have tried to achieve in this film. Now only the audience's response can tell us about the success of the film."

Though actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas was about to star opposite Khan, the Desi Girl walked out of the project later owing to her engagement with her then boyfriend (now husband) Nick Jonas.

Priyanka's shoes were filled by Kaif, who has shared screen space with Khan in a number of films. Khan and Kaif featured in films like Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Partner, Yuvvraaj, Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai. 

Speaking about her acceptance of the role, Kaif in one of her recent interviews, said: "It was Ali who had called me first and said there was a bit of change in plans. She sent me the script and asked me to react to it. He didn't pressure me at all to accept the role. I called him back after reading the script and said Bharat is the best Ali has made so far. I actually read all the scripts of Ali. I said I would love to work for the character in Bharat."

Illustrating her character, she said: "My character is a support to Bharat (Salman Khan's character) throughout the film. So her journey also continues with him in the film. This is one of the best characters I have been able to portray onscreen so far."

Apart from Khan and Kaif, Bharat stars Tabu, Jackie Shroff and Disha Patani. Patani, who could be seen in sizzling Slow Motion Song, played the role of a trapeze artist in the film.