Salman: Box Office Gold!

Salman Khan's riding high... and Bollywood is cheering

It's Salman Khan time in Bollywood. With his full-on action film Wanted becoming a hit, the superstar has millions of rupees riding on his shoulders with three more big-budget films lined up. And all his friends in the industry - from David Dhawan to Vipul Shah - are rejoicing at the actor's success.
Wanted earned about Rs.38 crore (Rs.380 million) across the country in its first week and industry experts feel that the film's good business will help Salman's forthcoming releases - Main Aur Mrs. Khanna, London Dreams and Veer.

"Salman always knew when and where to strike. He was always very confident about Wanted and this is the reason why he went all out to promote the film," Dhawan, who has worked with Salman in more than half a dozen films, told IANS.

"Forget first weekend collections; it was sheer havoc when Eid festivities began. Audience response inside auditoriums was unprecedented," he added.

Directed by Prabhu Deva, Wanted is a raw action-drama comparable to Aamir Khan's Ghajini.

"Salman may have done one or two bad films in recent times due to which it appeared to some that he was no more in the reckoning. They were mistaken though because he is beyond hits and flops," said Abbas Burmawalla of director duo Abbas-Mustan.

"His strong fan base could sense from a distance that Wanted was a film to watch out for and turned it into such a huge success," he added.

Salman's Yuvvraaj and God Tussi Great Ho bombed at the box office and many believed he was down and out. But the industry doesn't quite believe so.

"Wanted is Salman's one-man show. Yes, everyone involved with the film has done a fabulous job, but it is Salman's pull that got the audiences into theatres. Otherwise director Prabhu Deva was making his first Hindi film while Ayesha Takia isn't amongst the top three heroines that we have today," said Sanjay Kapoor, brother of Boney Kapoor who produced Wanted.

"He gave Wanted his full support and led the entire promotional campaign. He was supremely excited about the film and gave his heart, body, soul and time to its making followed by promotion," he added.

Vipul Shah, who has worked with Salman in the film London Dreams that releases Oct 30, is happy that Salman's three-film stint this year has got off to a good start with Wanted.

"My promotion plan though is not as expensive as that of Wanted. We are going right ahead in creating awareness around London Dreams, but the spillover of Wanted should also help our campaign. Since Wanted is all over, I am sure the euphoria and Salman's presence amongst audiences will continue for many more weeks to come," said Shah.

Filmmaker Suneel Darshan, who has never worked with Salman, is a little guarded before declaring this as a golden run of the actor.

"Wanted has done quite well in India but its fate in the overseas market has been contradictory. With crores of rupees riding on his shoulders in the current season on Veer, London Dreams and Main Aur Mrs.Khanna, all due to release shortly, god forbid if anything goes wrong, it will have severe repercussions on the industry's economy. This is just another interesting phase for Salman...," he said.

Himesh Reshammiya, with whom Salman has had a decade-long association, has a final word though. "Salman was a superstar, is a superstar and will always remain a superstar."

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Wanted - Movie Review

This is for fans and foes of Salman Khan...
Fans, rejoice, Salman is back with a vengeance with WANTED. This is his deadliest performance to date. Yes, you read it right!
Foes, sorry, you won't be able to lash out at him or pick on him or launch a vicious tirade this time. The spate of flops should come to a grinding halt with WANTED.

Let's get this straight. WANTED rides on Salman Khan's star power. He may not be the best actor in town, but in a film like WANTED, in a role that seems like an extension of his personality, you can't think of anyone else enacting this role with flourish.

A remake of POKIRI [made in Telugu and Tamil versions], WANTED is a full on masala film. Recall the successful potboilers of yore. Recall how the good guy would reduce 10 hoodlums to pulp in a fraction of seconds. Recall how heroism prevailed in the end, no matter how adverse the circumstances were or how powerful the villains would be. Recall those movies in which logic took a backseat since the focus was on entertainment... You relive those moments as reel after reel of WANTED unfolds.

A departure from candyfloss movies and diabetic-sweet characters that most Hindi movies boast of, WANTED takes you back to those days when popular cinema reigned supreme, when the sole motive of the film-maker was to entertain.

The daring hero and his herogiri, the naïve girlfriend, the corrupt cop, the dreaded don, the don's moll, the fist-clinching henchmen... WANTED is for those who seek unabashed entertainment and relish masala films. Damn the indomitable critics, pseudo intellectuals and connoisseurs of parallel cinema, this one's not for them. WANTED is for the aam junta.

Radhe [Salman Khan] is a hardcore gangster. A sharpshooter with a sharp brain, he works for Gani Bhai [Prakash Raj], the dreaded Mafioso, but on his own terms. Totally fearless, Radhe single-handedly eliminates Gani Bhai's enemies one by one; making more enemies in the process.

He's astounded when the young and pretty Jahnvi [Ayesha Takia Azmi] professes her liking for him. Inspector Talpade's [Mahesh Manjrekar] lustful eyes fall on Jahnvi. He doesn't know that Jahnvi has developed a soft corner for Radhe.

Whether it's the Golden Gang or Data Pawle's Gang, everybody wants the biggest piece of the lucrative cake that is Mumbai and the only way to get it is to eliminate whoever gets in the way. As Mumbai reels under bloody gang wars, Commissioner Ashraf Khan [Govind Namdeo] vows to make the city crime free.

Director Prabhu Dheva serves a hardcore masala fare that's not inventive or path-breaking by any standard, but the execution of several scenes as also of stunts takes the graph of the film Northward. In fact, if at all there's any film that competes with GHAJINI as far as raw appeal goes, it's WANTED. Every action/stunt/chase here is choreographed with aplomb.

Watch out for the action sequence at the interval point or the penultimate half-an-hour. The climax is sure to send scores of action lovers in frenzy, as Salman bashes the evil forces black and blue. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that the climax is worth the price of the ticket, samosa, sandwich, popcorn, nachos and cola put together.

Not that this 18 reeler abounds in mindless action. As mentioned earlier, this one's a hardcore masala film and the narrative has its share of light moments and romantic sequences. Even the bad man here makes you laugh intermittently [when he's not spewing venom], especially in the sequence when the Commissioner of Police holds him captive in the middle of the sea. Even the romance between Salman and Ayesha charms its way into your heart. It's very likable.

But WANTED is not without its share of flaws. The film stands on a thin storyline and the viewer can guess what's in store next, which means that there's not much novelty in the plot. Besides, WANTED could've done without a song or two, thereby keeping its length in check.

Director Prabhu Dheva has presented Salman like never before. Most actors have drifted away from roles that hold tremendous mass appeal, that cater to the desi audience, like they did in the 1980s. SRK did it in OM SHANTI OM, Aamir Khan did it in GHAJINI and Salman does it so effortlessly in WANTED. The screenplay [Shiraz Ahmed] may not be foolproof, but it has its share of shining moments. Dialogues are clapworthy, especially those delivered by Salman.

Sajid-Wajid's music is of a mixed variety. 'Jalwa' is the best of the lot and the star presence of Anil Kapoor, Govinda and also Prabhu Dheva in this track will send the viewers into raptures. The remaining tracks oscillate between good and strictly okay. This review would be incomplete without the invaluable contribution by the action director. It deserves brownie points. Cinematography too is top notch.

Salman is like a ferocious lion who roars with all his might. The show belongs to the actor, who scorches the screen every time he displays the manic anger. Without doubt, Salman gives the power to WANTED. It's his best work to date.

Ayesha Takia Azmi is very good and the pairing with Salman looks wonderful. Vinod Khanna is sidelined. He deserved more footage. Mahesh Manjrekar is excellent. He's only getting better with every film. Prakash Raj is first-rate. The accomplished actor adds yet another feather to his cap. Govind Namdeo is perfect.

Mahek Chahal radiates oomph. Aseem Merchant is alright. Raju Mavani is effective. Inder Kumar and Sajid are okay. Manoj Pahwa tries hard to make you laugh. Prateeksha Lonkar is as usual.

On the whole, WANTED rides on Salman, Salman and only Salman Khan's star power. A masala film that's aimed at the masses, WANTED is backed by tremendous hype and hoopla, which will result in the film taking an earth-shattering start at the ticket window. The Idd celebrations in the coming days will only enhance the business of the film, which means that the film will have a solid Week 1. The holidays in Week 2 should also be bountiful, thereby ensuring a strong place in the 'Hit' category.

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Prediction: Wanted v/s Dil Bole Hadippa

It’s Shahid versus Salman at the box office this week. Which film will rule and which will sink? Celebrity astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi helps us decode the fate of these films.

About Dil Bole Hadippa, Bhavikk says,

This film will be a treat for all Rani Mukerji fans that have been yearning to see her in an author backed role since a long time. The title adds up to Number 53 – that means number 8 of Shani (Saturn). The planet of two extremes, it gives instant success or failure. There is nothing in between.

Rani Mukerji (21st March, 1978) is currently running through her 32nd year which is one of her weakest numbers. But Shani (Saturn) generally favors people or places vibrating on Numbers 1, 3, 5 or 6. In that case, Rani’s performance in this film will once again be appreciated by one and all. But since Rani’s stars are not up to the mark, the box office performance of this film may suffer and shall remain on the edge. Also the current year 2009 belongs to the Moon (Number 2) which does not support anything even remotely connected with Number 8 as both Numbers 2 and 8 do not form a good combination. This further dims the chances of this film hitting the boundary line.

But on the other hand, the man currently in form after Kaminey, Shahid Kapoor (25th February, 1981) is passing through his 29th year which is one of his best phases. The year also adding up on the same number acts as a bonus. For that matter, Shahid’s luck quotient should rub off on the film to an extent. All in all, Dil Bole Hadippa may turn out to be a good film but the ‘star power’ (read luck factor) is missing!

For Wanted, Bhavikk Sangghvi’s predictions are:

The title adds up to Number 25 which represents Neptune – Number 7. It is one of the most creative planets giving inspiration but it does not necessarily translate into a commercially successful venture. However the compound number 25 benefits in the long run. There is no doubt about that.

Salman Khan (27th December, 1965) is currently running in his 44th year which is one of his weakest numbers. The year 2009 adds up to Number 2 which is in direct contrast with Salman’s Number 9. The film is releasing in the month of September which is primarily ruled by Mercury (Number 5). Numbers 5 and 9 do not gel well at all. In that respect, a long run success of Wanted is ruled out.

The silver lining in the dark cloud is the release date of the film which is September 18 – Number 9 is Salman’s birth number and so the film will take a flying start thanks and there will be an element of euphoria which will settle down soon.

In short, Wanted – will do average business. Nothing spectacular but not bad as such.

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Sridevi to appear on ’10 Ka Dum’

She’ll be promoting husband Boney Kapoor’s film ‘Wanted’

Bollywood actress Sridevi will be seen in a rare appearance on Sony TV's game show "10 Ka Dum 2" hosted by Salman Khan. Her producer husband Boney Kapoor will also be there.

Sridevi, who has been on a stretched sabbatical from the arc lights, went on the show specially to promote her husband's upcoming film "Wanted". Releasing on Sept 18, the film stars Salman as the protagonist.

Sridevi, last seen in the 1999 Malayalam movie "Devaraagam", also made an exception for the sake of Salman with whom she featured in a number of projects including "Chandramukhi" and "Chand Ka Tukda". The last Hindi film she acted in was 1997 release "Kaun Sachcha Kaun Jhootha".

Boney and Sridevi will be joined by the film's lead actress Ayesha Takia and director Prabhudheva.

"Now we can all shamelessly promote our film 'Wanted'," said Salman.

The episode will be aired on Saturday (Sept 19) at 9 p.m.

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In Pics: Wanted Press Meet

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Un-Wanted!

It is a Salman Khan movie so the music has to be scored by the mediocre Sajid Wajid of Partner fame. Wanted is mainly a noisy album with no memorable songs and their remixes. You might listen to them on TV or when you see the movie but it isn’t an album you want to buy. Wanted is so not wanted! You don’t even want to bother about the remix versions when the originals are so blah!

Love Me is not something you will love. It conjures images of Salman dancing in You’re My Love from Partner. It has a mish-mash of hip-hop and Indian beats. The lyrics with mama says you love me, papa says you love me couldn’t get more idiotic.

Ishq Vishk reunites Salman with Kamaal Khan of O O Jaane Jaana fame but this song lacks the magic and the lyrics. Everything is forced…the music and there are fillers like O O O; no real lyrics. Next song please!

Dil Leke has Shaan’s familiar and likeable vocals and the Irish bagpipes put a smile on your face. It’s nothing new but better than the pretentious hip hop trash we have heard so far. Shreya Ghoshal does her usual sweet thing

Le Le Mazaa Le starts with Spanish lyrics sung by the talented Suzanne D’Mello (Suzie Q) who easily switches to Hindi. It’s a carnival or item song with a secret operation going on like Ishq from Dhoom 2. It’s mediocre but the best song on the album so far. The male singer is extra energetic; almost raunchy.

Jalwa is a song with Punjabi beats sung by Wajid; declaring his superiority and omniscient presence with some rap lyrics thrown in. It’s like Rockstar from Hello.

Tose Pyar Karte Hai is a Bihari song that reminds you of Ishq Kamina but it won’t be that big a hit. Sunidhi and Wajid do a good job but that’s about it.

Most Wanted is like the intro song from Yuvvraaj where Salman talks about his character which is like himself only. The beats are too fast and Khan doesn’t care to co-operate with them. He shares some gyaan in his own andaaz. Utterly useless track! What makes it worse is the bit they have ripped off of the Mission: Impossible theme.

The originals

Music: Sajid Wajid
Label: T Series
Singers: Wajid, Amrita Kak, Kamaal Khan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Suzanne D'Mello, Shaan, Shreya Ghosal, Soumya Raoh, Hrishikesh Kamerkar, Nikita Nigam, Earl, Salman Khan
Lyrics: Jalees Sherwani, Sameer, Arun Bhairav, Wajid, Shabbir Ahmed, Salman Khan
Price: Rs. 160
Rating: 1 on 5

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Salman's 'wanted'

Overheard some trade type people discussing that Boney Kapoor's Wanted, directed by Prabhudeva mainlining Salman Khan will get the biggest opening of This might be this year's Ghajini! Action-packed and full masala. Watch out for Sallubhai.

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In Pics: Teree Sang Music Launch

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Exclusive: Wanted - Official Theatrical Trailer - Video

Wanted - Official Theatrical Trailer | Teaser 1 | 2009 → Salman Khan | Ayesha Takia

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Sridevi to appear on '10 ka Dum'

He romanced her in Chaand Kaa Tukdaa way back in 1994 and now, she’s his producer. Salman Khan and Sridevi have always shared a good rapport.

So when Salman requested the reticent actress to make an appearance on his television show, 10 Ka Dum, she couldn’t refuse.

Insiders say that Sridevi and filmmaker husband Boney Kapoor spent close to five hours on the sets earlier this week and though portions of the show were meant to publicise their film Wanted - the emphasis was on the fantastic rapport between Salman and his former co-star.

Boney Kapoor, who is an ardent fan of Salman, said, “Sri has been asked to appear on Koffee with Karan, on Vir Sanghvi’s show and has also been invited by several other prominent talk show hosts. However, she politely refused the offers because she is shy. But when it came to appearing on Salman’s show, Sri didn’t have to be persuaded. Like me, she also shares a good rapport with Salman.”

Apart from acting, Sridevi and Salman also share another common interest - painting.

In fact, some of Salman’s paintings are put up in Kapoor’s residence alongside paintings by Sridevi. When Salman got to know about her talent, he requested Boney to sneak in two of her paintings to the sets of the show. Much to Sridevi’s surprise, Salman also showed her paintings to the viewers.

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Sridevi and Boney Kapoor biggest collector of Salman Khan's paintings

Now Salman's Khan best buddy producer Sajid Nadiadwala will get jealous! Salman has gifted his Wanted producer Boney Kapoor two more paintings for his Lokhandwala flat. Salman had already given one of his paintings to Sridevi for her bungalow in Chennai. Nadiadwala has just one painting by Salman in his office.

A source reveals, "Salman is close to Boney and his son Arjun (who was dating his sister Arpita). There have been numerous occasions when Arjun has watched Salman paint and has told him to take it up seriously.

After the actor noticed Junior Kapoor's interest in art, he decided he would gift the Kapoors some of his work." Also Sridevi herself paints, and there are no more walls left to hang paintings!

Boney confirms receiving an original Salman Khan creation, "He has given Sridevi three paintings in total. Sri, who is an also an artist, had gifted him one of her paintings when he'd come out of Jodhpur jail last year.
When Salman was shooting in Chennai and visited Sridevi's bungalow for the first time, he gifted her a painting and later, when we shifted from our Juhu bungalow to Lokhandwala, he gifted us two paintings."

Boney has words of praise for his dost Salman. "We have known each other for the last 10 years. Every time Salman has managed to surprise me with his generosity and kindness. He did a cameo in my brother Sanjay Kapoor's film Sirf Tum for free. Salman's done No Entry and now he's in my next release, Wanted, which will release on August 7. He has always been a great friend to me and my brothers, Anil and Sanjay."

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No comebacks for Sridevi

Sridevi, Bollywood's biggest actress in the ’80s, was last seen in 1996's Judaai and, alas, that might well be the last we have seen of her.

Rumours that the actress had been offered, and had taken up, a role by Hema Malini were denied by her husband Boney Kapoor.

“I don’t think she wants to do films anymore,” he said, “I don't know anything about these stories of her comeback. It's just a rumour.”

Reports of Hema Malini offering his wife a film, said Boney, were untrue: “Hemaji has not offered her anything, and I should know: she's my wife!"

Asked if Sridevi was closed to doing roles even if work came her way - she still looks quite stunning - Boney said, “Well, she is an actress. If an interesting role comes up she may do it, I suppose.”

But Boney hasn't cast her in his own movies. His last one was No Entry, starring Salman Khan and Bipasha Basu, which was a hit. It didn't star Sridevi, and neither does his finished but still-to-be-released Salman starrer Wanted.

Fans of Sridevi miss her effervescence. She was the last truly bubbly heroine to have graced the Bollywood screen. After a smashing career in the ’80s, when she and the unlikely hero Jeetendra notched up a series of hits, she married Boney Kapoor on June 6, 1996, and has not worked since. Born in 1963, she's now 45.

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Boney Kapoor banks on Salman's luck

Star's lucky charm being put to test

Salman Khan has been wearing a blue sapphire bracelet for quite sometime now. The bracelet is his lucky charm and Sallu does not leave the house without it. He has even been seen wearing it in all his recent movies.

Now filmmaker Boney Kapoor is banking on this lucky charm for his forthcoming Salman Khan starrer, “Wanted”.

Apparently the posters of the film will not show Salman but will only feature the bracelet on his hand.

The shooting of the film is over and it is expected to release in July provided that the ongoing war between the producers and multiplexes comes to an end.

Meanwhile, one good thing has happened to Salman.

After being criticised for putting on too much weight and ageing badly, Sallu had taken good friend Aamir Khan’s advice seriously and given up drinking in December.

And the results are showing. Sallu has already lost 10 kgs and gone are his sagging double chin and puffy eyes.

We are happy to see Salman on the way to getting his good looks back!

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95 lakh ka dum

Live life king-size’ is what Salman Khan clearly believes in. So it comes as no surprise that Boney Kapoor spent a whopping Rs 95 lakh on a single song in his upcoming film Wanted, starring Salman Khan in the lead role.

The song was recently shot in Karjat with 600 junior artistes and 200 dancers. Says an insider, “Wanted is almost complete.

Only a couple of songs are yet to be filmed, and they will be done in July-August. The song shot in Karjat is a groovy foot-tapping number and Salman Khan is at his best.”

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