Bodyguard Movie Review - Box Office India

Wanted, Dabangg and recently released Ready have everything it takes to make a signature Salman Khan movie – a masala entertainer. This time again, debutant director (first Hindi film as director) Sidique serves up exactly what is expected of a Salman Khan product.

In fact, the film tries to offer even more than Khan’s earlier movies by getting into emotion (in the second half), and of course there’s Kareena Kapoor. In short- a package that’s the perfect festival product for everyone.

Watch, enjoy and go home happy – that seems to be the tried-and-tested Salman formula. Bodyguard gets into Salman mode from the very beginning (barring a few tedious moments in the first half and a pre-climax and climax that are a tad stretched).

Akin to Wanted and Dabangg, this time too Khan makes a flamboyant entry with a song and a fight sequence. It’s very clear – you’re there to watch a Salman Khan film and he is going to entertain you. What might go against Khan is that he is portrayed as a bodyguard who has several bosses (Raj Babbar, Sharat Saxena and also Kareena Kapoor). He performs his antics, as always, but the fact that he is always shown with his head down might not go down well with his fans.

Also, the writer and director have taken too many cinematic liberties. There are unanswered questions galore but that does not bother you. You’re so glued to watching Khan that all is forgiven. Kapoor’s presence in the film is like sone pe suhaga.

The film is about a bodyguard, Lovely Singh, who’s assigned to guard Divya, daughter of business tycoon Sartaj Rana. Singh’s job is to accompany Divya everywhere including college. Singh constant presence annoys Divya, who comes up with a plan. Claiming to be Chhaya, she tells Singh over the phone that she is in love with him. Simple Singh falls for the gag and also falls for Chhaya.

What’s nothing more than a joke for Divya is a serious matter of the heart for Singh. And while playing cat-and-mouse, Divya finally falls for Singh. But Divya knows that since he is merely her loyal bodyguard, Singh will not accept her love. So enter a twist! What follows next forms the crux of the film.

The story itself has nothing new to offer. The first half is routine and nothing much transpires except fight scenes and songs. The character of Tsunami is supposed to be funny but irritates instead.

Some scenes – when Tsunami goes to the ladies’ hostel – could have been turned into a laugh-riot. Also, the dialogue between Tsunami and another maid could have been much more entertaining. Also, why does Aditya Panscholi and his gang want to kill Kareena Kapoor?

It’s been a long time since the heroine has had a substantial role to play in a Salman Khan starrer. As a result, the film, for a change, is high on the emotional quotient, especially in the second half, where there are a few moments that are beautifully captured.

a) The first time Divya realises she’s in love with Lovely Singh

b)    Divya’s helplessness when her friends convince her she can never marry Lovely Singh

c)    When Lovely Singh, accompanied by Divya, goes to meet Chhaya for the first time

d)    Tere meri prem kahani, delightfully picurised and takes the story ahead

e)    When the kid asks Divya if she can be his mother

f)     The suspense and how it is unveiled to the audience

These moments melt your heart and make you fall in love with Lovely Singh and Divya. The simplicity with which these moments have been conveyed and portrayed makes you relate to the characters, which is where the film scores.

The action scenes also deserve special mention. We’ve watched Khan in action in Wanted, Dabangg and the recently released Ready. But this time, the scenes have been shot aesthetically. The fight scene between Khan and Aditya Panscholi is especially brilliant.

Siddique, who has made the same film in Malayalam and Tamil, has made a few changes while keeping the Hindi audience in mind. He succeeds in presenting Khan differently, as a simple, sensitive and down-to-earth character. But he should have worked a little harder on the dialogue. Cinematography is fine. Editing is good.

Musically, Himesh Reshammiya and Pritam (one song only) are another highlight. The lyrics of Dil Kahe Kya and Teri Meri are apt and beautifully picturised. Tyaun Tyaun draws attention but since the song has no context in the film, it appears forced.

Performance-wise, Salman Khan is obviously the fulcrum around whom the film revolves. Though his character reminds you of his role in one of his old films, Bandhan, he is adorable. Also, you enter the auditorium assuming you will be watching a Salman Khan film but you leave convinced it was a Kareena Kapoor movie! She’s brilliant and delivers an award-winning performance. Mahesh Manjrekar is fine. Rajat Rawail is funny in places but often irritating. Raj Babbar is all right. Adiya Panshocli, in a cameo, makes his presence felt. The others lend adequate support.

Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER

Salman's competing with himself!

An exciting phase is about to begin and I am more than confident that there will be a number of film additions to the 'Rs 100 Club', before 2011 comes to a close. It should begin with BODYGUARD, which opens globally on Wednesday. Right now, Salman is competing with no one but himself. DABANGG and READY have been Blockbusters and the question on everyone's lips is, will BODYGUARD have a bigger weekend [it's a 5-day weekend this time] and a much bigger Week 1? I am sure, BODYGUARD will set new records due to the tremendous hype surrounding the film

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“Bodyguard is a beautiful love story” – Salman Khan

Salman Khan Any actor who thinks he is a sex symbol has got a serious problem. He’s the Bandra lad whose good looks and deadpan delivery has made him one of Indian Film Industry’s biggest and the most bankable star at the box office. Then there are those who take Salman seriously and those who don’t. The truth is that he does the same – he takes you in for a ride or he leaves you midway stranded. Then there is his illness and the entire country praying for him. 

The truth is that he doesn’t care and in his trademark style quotes, “I’m alright. I’m fine. It’s just that I had some short circuit in my head”. That’s when you start to respect the man for not being a star but Salman Khan. He still has the noticeable ‘bhai’ burr and a slight roughness around the edges but everything else about him screams ‘superstar’. I meet the actor at Mehboob studio just hours before he was supposed to travel to the U.S. for his treatment. With his black polo neck t-shirt with ‘Bodyguard’ printed on it and his favourite denim and black boots, Khan looked as if he cared the least about who is on the other side interviewing him. I come to know that because he stared at me with unnerving focus, and after a brief pause he smiles but doesn’t make an eye contact with you. 

He then gets up, lights his cigarette, chats with few of his friends who’ve accompanied him at Mehboob while his bodyguards make sure that no stranger enters his domain. All said but beneath the shiny varnish of his fame and wealth and super power status, there is something appealing about Salman’s belief that he could just as easily have turned out doing something altogether more normal. There goes his humour again, “I still haven’t figured that out because I’m just normal”. UK’s Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama’s London correspondent brings you a quick Q n A with Salman Khan on pain, gain and Bodyguard.

“My earlier two films with Kareena didn’t work so hope this time the chemistry changes”
I don’t know how my chemistry with Kareena is. Actually she can tell you much better (laughs). But honestly, we’ve worked together on two films earlier Kyun Ki and Main Aur Mrs Khanna that didn’t do well at the box office. So hope the chemistry changes this time around (smiles).

“I had heard of the Bodyguard script when the film was in the making down South”
Yes, Bodyguard is a remake but it’s very different as far as characters are concerned. The only character that the director has retained is that of Bebo’s. A lot has changed. The whole feel of the movie is altered. I had heard of the Bodyguard script when the film was in the making down South. Atul narrated me the story and he wanted to take the rights.

“Bodyguard is a beautiful love story that I’m doing after a lot of action films that have kept me busy”
I don’t believe that I am doing all the same kinds of movies. Wanted was different than Dabangg. Dabangg was different from Ready and so is Bodyguard different from all the ones I’ve mentioned. It’s just that because the action is the same, people think that I do similar roles but it’s not the truth. Bodyguard is a beautiful love story that I’m doing after a lot of action films that have kept me busy.

“Kareena has been promoting the film as this is my best love story since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”
Kareena has been promoting the film as this is my best love story since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. I’m surprised (laughs). I can’t comment on that because it’s her take. It’s a compliment but I think this is way different than that. Kareena is one of the best actresses I’ve worked with. I’ve also enjoyed working with her sister Lolo who is a dear friend too.

“I like doing movies that I like to watch as an audience”
I like doing movies that I like to watch as an audience. I will never do a movie that someone else liked it and recommended me. The audience’s reaction is all what matters to me. That’s my award. Bodyguard was originally from the South but because I thought that I’d like to see this film from an audience’s perspective. I always do and I will keep on doing just that.

“I’ve not asked Shera for any feedback on how I should do my role”
My character of Bodyguard was scripted and not researched. So why would I want Shera to inform me how to look and how to act. Tomorrow if I do a film called ‘Driver’ I will never ask my driver for tips. I follow scripts and that’s it. If the director wishes to change anything then we talk it out and I give my inputs sometime. Like the idea of the bodyguard wearing a Bluetooth was mine. That’s how today bodyguards look like, right?

“I’d like to believe that songs are the highlight of this movie too”
The songs are becoming a rage, especially the title track that people are dancing on. Kids too love the song. Then there is ‘Teri Meri’ that’s a beautiful rendition. That’s one of my favourites too. Yes, I’d like to believe that songs are the highlight of this movie too.

“I am perfectly fine. It’s just that I had a short circuit in my nerve”
If I wasn’t fine I wouldn’t have been giving you this interview. Yes, I am going to get this treated and by that time my film would’ve released. I am taking precautions and will soon get it cured, don’t worry. No pain no gain as they say

Bodyguard Movie Review

Source : Bollywood Hungama

For most of us, the festive season is also about entertaining ourselves with a Bollywood biggie. Following two blockbuster Eid releases in the last two years, WANTED [2009] and DABANGG [2010], Salman Khan, the darling of the masses, unleashes yet another entertainer this Eid [this time, it coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi] -- BODYGUARD. The buzz around a Salman movie only got bigger this year, but the pertinent question is, will Salman deliver yet another festive hit with BODYGUARD? After having set such high standards for himself, will Salman surpass his previous achievements? Well, that should be easy to pull off taking into account [a] Salman's current form at the box-office and [b] The film has the merits to stand on its feet.

A section of the industry feels that Salman is limiting himself to hardcore masala films that defy logic. That he's slowly getting typecast in similar genre movies. Perhaps, you may assume that BODYGUARD is no exception. You may also assume that BODYGUARD is an extension of what we've witnessed in DABANGG and READY. But it is not so. Let me say, BODYGUARD is atypical Salman entertainer, yet there are moments [in its second hour specifically] that make it stand apart from all Salman starrers we have witnessed in the recent past, which includes WANTED, DABANGG and READY. 

Let me elaborate. You expect Salman starrers to be larger-than-life, superhero films. You expect him to be the messiah of the masses. BODYGUARD presents Salman exactly the way we expect him to be presented, but, at the same time, the film brings back memories of the soft, romantic roles that Salman essayed in his initial films. What makes the film tick is that Salman and director Siddique have done something hatke within the limitations of the typical Bollywood formula, which, I am sure, should appeal to the Hindi movie buff abundantly. 

Final word? BODYGUARD is a perfect family entertainer that compliments the spirit of the festive season. 

When it comes to being punctual and doing his duties perfectly, Lovely Singh [Salman Khan] is unmatchable. Taking great pride in what he does, he spares no effort in giving his everything to his profession. 

Lovely is summoned for an assignment of guarding Divya [Kareena Kapoor], the daughter of Sartaj Rana [Raj Babbar], a business tycoon. Lovely accompanies her to her campus, but ends up rubbing her the wrong way with his over-protective nature. She finds him to be a major obstacle in leading a regular campus life. To throw him off-track and get him out of the way, she comes up with a 'master plan' -- that of trapping him in a fake love affair. 'Once he's smitten by the girl of his dreams and is reveling in his new-found romance, he will leave us alone and we shall be free to do our own thing unhindered', says Divya to her friends. 

She becomes an anonymous admirer of his and starts hounding him, expressing her 'feelings' in no uncertain terms. Lovely, however, proves to be a tough nut to crack and it takes quite a bit of doing from her side to penetrate his fort-like exterior. But once she succeeds in doing so, he transforms into a completely different person. Divya is triumphant and is all set to relish her regained freedom. 

But things take an unexpected turn when she learns a few things about Lovely. Things that she could've never even imagined. And she soon finds herself trapped in a dilemma that she's unable to resolve. And with her, soon enough, Lovely finds himself trapped in a web of lies, trickery and deceit. 

BODYGUARD is a simple-n-sweet tale of love that's engaging and relatable. At the same time, there's an unexpected twist in the pre-climax which shocks you completely. At no point does the director swerve from the main plot to provide a few extra laughs or thrills. Besides, this is a script which gives actors a lot of room to emote. And both Salman and Kareena seize the opportunity with both hands. More on that later! 

Like I pointed out earlier, with BODYGUARD, Salman returns to a genre he started out with -- love story. Sure, BODYGUARD is a remake of a Malayalam film [remade in various South Indian languages as well], which has all the trappings of a perfect masala film -- action, music, comedy -- but BODYGUARD is essentially a love story at heart. Salman's intro may give an impression that it's a hardcore masala film, especially the song and fight sequence [frankly, the first half of the film is routine, with not much happening in the plot]. The director reserves the best for the second half, when it transforms into a love story. The action scene in the second half -- when Salman and Aditya Pancholi get into a fist fight -- is outstanding and will send his fans in raptures. Especially the moment when Salman's shirt rips off and his ripped muscles can be seen. The twist in the tale is a complete shocker. In fact, the penultimate reels of the film catches you complete unaware since you don't expect the story to change so dramatically. 

Director Siddique, who has directed the same script for the third time, ensures that a simple story is narrated with simplicity and unfussiness. The twist in the tale comes at the right time, the songs are smartly integrated in the plotline and of course, there are ample comic moments, courtesy Rajat Rawail. The best thing about the film is that Siddique has made a very conscious effort to project Salman as a sensitive human being and not as a demigod, which is why the character becomes all the more relatable and endearing. 

The soundtrack fits the genre of the film well. The title track at the very start [Salman's intro] will draw whistles and claps, while 'Teri Meri' is undoubtedly the pick of the lot. Soulfully rendered, this one's simply mesmerizing. Overall, it's a hit score from Himesh Reshammiya and Pritam. Sejal Shah's cinematography is appropriate. Vijayan's action sequences are stylish. Though not an action film, the action sequences do stand out. 

Salman delivers one of his best performances in recent times. He makes magnificent use of his tough physique and soft face. Salman's fans are sure to lap this knockout performance in a big way. BODYGUARD would be incomplete without Kareena's contribution. Some roles are tailor-made for actresses who can deliver with aplomb and who better than Kareena to infuse life in a challenging character. She looks gorgeous [as always] and gives this character the dignity that it deserves. Raj Babbar is perfect. Mahesh Manjrekar is as usual. Aditya Pancholi, in a cameo, stages a welcome comeback. He's first-rate. Rajat Rawail is a joy to watch. He's truly funny. Hazel is quite good. Asrani and Vidya Sinha are okay in their respective parts. 

On the whole, BODYGUARD works for varied reasons -- it has a simple, but captivating story with a dramatic twist in the tale, the chemistry between the lead actors is perfect and the music is well juxtaposed in the narrative. But its biggest USP is, without doubt, Salman Khan. He carries the film on his broad and brawny shoulders and that alone is the imperative reason for watching this film. BODYGUARD should emerge his third festive hit and fourth super-success at the ticket window. Expect a hurricane called BODYGUARD to strike at the box-office. 

  

Salman Khan on ‘Bodyguard’, ‘Dabangg 2′ and more

After Wanted (2009) and Dabangg (2010), will Bodyguard be your third consecutive Eid blockbuster?Let the Wednesday the film releases decide that. Everyone wants to make a film that will surpass their last films. I’m no different. And today, we have the technical know-how to up the standards but we still haven’t discovered a hit formula. So, all you can do is make a good, sensible, emotional film and leave it at that.

But the expectations from ‘Brand Salman’ have risen?Expectations are high because people have watched my last few films. But it’s true in other cases too. For example, you always expect a little more from your girlfriend and vice versa (smiles).

Your last two films with Kareena Kapoor, Kyun Ki! (2005) and Main Aur Mrs Khanna (2009) didn’t work. Will this one break the jinx?In our film industry, certain people dismiss an on-screen pairing as panvati (jinxed) if their last few films haven’t worked at the box office. But I believe that if a heroine is perfectly suited for a particular role, why shouldn’t I get her? In Wanted, we cast Ayesha Takia in the lead because she fit the part. And the film was a superhit!

Is Katrina Kaif doing a cameo in Bodyguard or a special appearance in the title track?I start out as her bodyguard so she appears in the title song, Aaya Re Aaya… to establish the fact. Later, of course, I become Kareena’s bodyguard.

Is Bodyguard a special film for you since your sister Alvira is co-producing it with husband Atul Agnihotri?
It doesn’t matter who is producing the film. A film is a film. People are going to spend money, from Rs 10 to Rs 400, to watch it. So, my responsibility is towards them. Once audiences like the film and they start coming in numbers, my responsibility towards the producer will be automatically fulfilled.

How is Dabangg 2 shaping up? Have you really written parts of the script?Dabangg 2 is simply an extension of the first film. Chulbul Pandey is an interesting guy so I think we won’t have any problems with the character. In fact, we have finalized and locked the script of the sequel. I haven’t written anything in the script since it’s completely Arbaaz’s (Khan) film. Since Chulbul has shades of gray, it’s easily to meander into different genres — comedy, action and romance. Now that the character of Chulbul is established, we can easily take it to the next level.

We’ve heard that Chulbul is moving to a metro now?Yes, Chulbul is moving to a bigger city. (Smiles) Now, there’s a lot more jhol in Dabangg 2.

Many feel you seem to be stuck on action films these days?
Nothing like that, every film has action, even Ready. For instance, you can’t call every film a musical just because it has 4-5 songs. In fact, I had to work harder on Ready because the action scenes had to make you laugh.
 
Have you lost weight for Ek Tha Tiger?No, it’s just that I was training hard for the climax of Bodyguard and carried the lean look into Ek Tha Tiger.

You met Somy Ali recently in Bangkok while shooting for Ready?Sure, I did. She flew down to Bangkok from Hong Kong because she had some work in Hong Kong. What’s the big deal?

Somy has said that Aishwarya Rai was responsible for your split?(Smiles) Somy said it, so ask her. I don’t know anything.

‘Bodyguard’ comes with Rs 22-crore marketing budget

MUMBAI: The makers of Bodyguard are sparing no expense to ensure a hat-trick of Salman Khan hits. The co-producer, Reliance Entertainment, has lined up a marketing and print budget of around Rs 22 crore – the highest so far in Bollywood. In a trade characterised by surprises and dramatic reversals of fortune, financiers are keen to cash in while the sun shines on Salman.

Bodyguard, another of Khan’s trademark Eid releases, will open across 2,250 screens in 70 Indian cities and with 482 overseas prints. With such a huge release, the movie could score one of the biggest openings ever. After the huge success of Dabangg and Ready, which marked Salman’s stunning comeback, Bodyguard’s release will be closely tracked by the industry that banks as much on luck and hype as on glitz.

Eid has been lucky for Salman since the release of Wanted in 2009, followed by Dabangg a year later. Dabangg and Ready grossed Rs 190 crore and Rs 140 crore, respectively, at the box office.

“It’s the nature of the game. If a star like Salman or Aamir has a cachet, they go and encash it. It’s an all or nothing game to make that weekend happen. In such a case, frontloading everything on to marketing makes sense. And Salman has that ‘bit over the top’ quality as well as his special swagger. He is good at this comedy bordering on a farce, which is like a new genre of cinema,” says Santosh Desai, CEO, Future Brands.

Bodyguard – produced by Reel Life, owned by Salman’s brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri – was bought by Reliance Entertainment for a reported Rs 64 crore, which earned the ADAG firm co-producer status as well as an equal share in the IPR for perpetuity. Agnihotri reportedly sold the music rights to T-Series for 6 crore. Satellite rights have been sold to Star for Rs 27 crore for seven years.

“Salman may or may not have taken a fee, but the buzz is he charged about Rs 30 crore,” says an industry source.

Agnihotri built a makeshift bungalow in Film City for Salman, who spent many days there during the four-month shoot. Print and advertising costs (P&A, in trade parlance) have gone up substantially over the past few years. Today, P&A constitutes around 25-30% of the total budget. Other major films with big P&As were Ready ( 17-18 crore) and UTV’s Tees Maar Khan ( 15 crore).

The marketing blitzkrieg apart, Salman backers are also counting on the rising popularity of single screens as the star has a formidable fan base across these theatres. Bodyguard will be released in a 65:35 ratio in favour of single-screen theatres.

Refurbished single theatres and mushrooming multiplexes allowed producers and financiers to cast the net wide during the release of movies such as Dabangg, Kites, Ready and Raavan. Dabangg released on 1,800 screens in India while the other three were released on 1,500 screens.

Making of Bodyguard Songs

Salman suffering from the Trigeminal Neuralgia

He is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, a facial nerve disorder commonly known as the suicide disease. For the first time, he reveals that he is going through “the worst pain on the planet.”

“I am suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, a facial nerve problem I have had since the last seven years. But now, it’s getting worse. Ab dard hadd se paar ho gaya hai and I am going to kill it,” says the 45-year-old, who had to undergo an angiography (medical imaging technique used to visualise the body from within) last month.

“Yes I did get an angiography done about a month ago. But it was not for the heart — it was meant to detect this disease. There is a flex and hoarseness in my voice, it’s not because I am drunk … I don’t drink during Ramadan … it’s because of this ailment,” he says, adding that there’s nothing to worry about, as he’s undergoing treatment.
Even though he’s been suffering since long, Khan has never let that hamper his professional commitments. He is busy promoting his forthcoming film, Bodyguard, in full swing. “I’m doing fine. It’s just that now, I had no choice but to pay attention to my health.”

Shift topic to his Eid release co-starring Kareena, and he says he is against social media promotions that actors generally indulge in, around the release of their films. “Principally, I don’t want to use Twitter for film promotion as I feel it is meant for fan connect. One tweet is enough to make them aware,” he says, taking an indirect dig at archrival Shah Rukh Khan, who tweets about his films frequently. And, how about Hollywood? “(No thanks) Mera yahiin bhala ho jaaye toh bahut hai!” He added that the only Bollywood actor who rocks in Hollywood is “Anil Kapoor as he is jhakaas.”

Salman does not agree with his image of being a Casanova or a true charmer as portrayed by his female co-stars or fans. “No one will say that he is a jerk or anything bad on your face, getting to know the real response as to what the other person thinks about you is a little difficult,” he says jokingly.

SRK’s claim of being the first for Ek Tha Tiger 
If he said then I’m sure he is not a liar. But as far as I know the truth is Ek Tha Tiger was offered to me and Yash Raj told me if I don’t do this film they will not make it. YRF is not the kind of producers who would say something and do something else. Also Chak De India was offered to me first.

Sanjay Dutt’s bonding with SRK
I am not Sanjay’s girlfriend; he can be friends with anyone. He is like my brother though we don’t meet often but I respect him. And he is allowed to do meet and be with whoever he wants to.

Aamir Khan pushing him to marry
That is really sweet of him. I will definitely fulfill Aamir’s wish that I get married. But you have to wait for a bit now as shaadi kab hogi ye opposite party par bhi depend karta hai.

Lady Gaga, who? Jab dekhunga to muje pata chalega ki Lady Gaga hai kaun. Mere niece ne muje bataya tab se maine unki tasveeren dekhna shuru kia aur main kaafi impress ho gaya unko dekhkar. Mujhe kaafi achi lagi Lady Gaga aur main gaga ho gaya unpar.

On striking a romantic chemistry with Kareena
I have known Kareena as a kid so it was difficult for me to get the child out of my mind and replace it with the woman I need to romance in the film, but I successful tried to do it.

Can Bodyguard beat Ready, Dabangg?

With less than 10 Days to go for Salman Khan’s next release – Bodyguard – its time for some box office predictions. With the film releasing over the extended EID weekend, the 5 day weekend is expected to be record breaking.

Even an average of 11 – 12 crores nett per day would mean a 55 – 60 crore weekend! We expect both the weekend and Week 1 record, currently held by Dabangg, to be broken.

Having said that, the problem for Bodyguard is the fact that there are no open weekends. Most of the record breaking films like Dabangg, Golmaal 3, Ready and 3 Idiots had absolutely no competition for weeks.

Bodyguard faces tough competition from Yashraj Films Mere Brother Ki Dulhan which is scheduled for release on September 9th. A week later, Mausam starring Shahid and Sonam Kapoor is lined up to hit screens. Although Bodyguard is likely to remain the first choice at single screens, the release of two biggies would mean lesser shows at multiplexes. The number of shows would then depend on the audience verdict.

Hence, if the lifetime records set by Ready and Dabangg are to be broken, the film has to be liked (read strong content).

Going by the hype the promos have created and the popularity of the music, we expect Week 1 (9 days) to be around 80 – 85 crores. A detailed prediction will be published just before the release of the film.

What do you think of 85 crores in Week 1, unrealistic or possible? Can Bodyguard beat Ready and then Dabangg? To what extent will the release of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Mausam affect Bodyguard? Tell me in the comments section below.

Bodyguard starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor is set for release on 31st August 2011. The film also has Katrina Kaif  in a special appearance.

My best is yet to come : Salman Khan

Salman Khan is in a mood to talk. His film Bodyguard releases this month-end and the actor is busy giving interviews. We caught up with him at Yash Raj Studios...

You seem to have found the formula for success...
Not at all! As long as luck is on my side, the going will be good. The audience has to love my work for a film to be a hit. When you start flying high, God knocks sense into you and tells you, 'Idiot, don't act too smart or you'll fall flat.' It's always about choosing the right option.

Are you a bit nervous with the high expectations people have of you and Bodyguard?
No, I'm focused on the job at hand. It's not like I'm in NASA and researching on cars running on water, instead of petrol. In cinema, we're more guided by emotions and gut feeling. Once the audience starts getting tired, they won't like your films.

After Dabangg last Eid, you're becoming synonymous with festival releases, just like Aamir Khan had become synonymous with Christmas releases...
It's not about Eid. If I release a lousy film, then people won't see it. People decide whether they want to see the movie or no after watching the promos. With Bodyguard, I'm catering to all kinds of people. Bodyguard's second half is more for men. And they will have khushi ke aansoon in the end. Why would I want you to spend money to get bored and shed tears of sadness?

You've managed a casting coup of sorts, Kareena as heroine and Kat as item girl,  in Bodyguard...
No casting coup yaar! Katrina is there in just the song. I've been Katrina's bodyguard so far in real life. So why not in reel life also?

At 40 plus, do you feel fit enough to do all these action movies?
The reason I started doing all these action films is to get into a fitness routine. I certainly feel fitter today than I was earlier, and I attribute this to eating correctly and working out regularly. If I indulge in desserts after dinner, then I ensure I burn those calories later.

What about writing and directing movies?
That's for later ¦ jab time kharab hoga, not like it is now. When people don't want to see me any more, then I'll think of writing and directing.

So would you say this is the best phase of your career?
No. I think that is yet to come.

I Don't have to impress a woman: Salman Khan

Sallu reveals what ladies love and things that he'd never do for them 

As a person, have you changed since the day you started out in Bollywood? 
I have not changed a bit. I have seen more life. So there might be things that I agreed with earlier and do not agree to now. If you are saying fame or power could change somebody, I don't believe that. I think that money, fame and power make you the person you are. Before that the person is a jhuka hua aadmi. He is a humble man. 

Did you never feel like attempting serious cinema? 
If you look at my characters Radhe in Tere Naam and Inspector Arjun Ranavat in Garv: Pride and Honour, you'll realise that I have done serious cinema. But why would I want to do a French film when I am doing Hindi films? People go to a theatre to watch a film because they want to have fun. Why would I want to give them a rona-dhona film? For me movies are real life enlarged and enhanced. I can do stuff in movies which I can't do in real life. It's like taking real life to a different level. 

Considering you've had several romantic relationships, what according to you is the one thing that women want from a man? 
A woman would want her man to be charming, lovable, and sweet. She would want flowers, chocolates and candlelit dinners. 

But a lot of women today prefer to be practical and may not want their man to present them with all those things... 
Oh do you know any woman like that? No...it's not true. It's all in theory. In reality they love to have all of the above. 

If you have to impress a woman, how would you go about it? 
I don't have to impress a woman. If you try to impress a woman you are being the man you are not. It is bound to turn around and whack you in the face. Be yourself. Don't do things that you will not be able to do in your relationship after a point of time. 

Moving on... Salman's body has always been drooled over. How do you maintain it? Do you avoid any kind of food? 
I exercise a little more than I eat. And I eat a lot. I don't avoid oil or fried food. I eat everything except pork and beef. 

Are friendships in the film industry fickle? 
It depends on the kind of bond you have formed with a person. If it's not work related, it generally lasts long. If it's work related, it can go either way. Mohnish Behl, Sanjay Dutt, Aamir Khan, Sajid Nadidwala...all are good friends. Shah Rukh Khan used to be friend. 

Was that friendship (SRK) work related? 
I have no idea buddy...you ask him that question. 

Are relationships fickle too? 
No, relationships are not fickle. If that thing is meant to be, that person will be there. If its not meant to be, it won't. 

How do you rate yourself as a lover, actor and friend? 
(Looks puzzled) How can I rate myself? You ask this question to my lovers, audience and friends. 

Your new movie Bodyguard is going to release soon. Your bodyguard Shera has been with you for more than 15 years. How much of the film is inspired by Shera. What kind of an equation do you share with him? 
(Salman chooses not to answer the question. Instead he shouts out for Shera, cursing him). Sheraa...Sheraaa.. joota phenk ke maarunga tujhe. (Then he turns slowly with a telling look about him. He is waiting to see if we have understood the 'equation'. Yes, we have. Very well, in fact). The most important thing about a bodyguard is trust. I have spent more time with him than with my family. He knows how I am. I trust him. Shera calls me 'maalik'. So I have taken that from him for the film. I call my boss 'maalik' in the film. 

Has he (Shera) ever got you in a spot? 
Lots of times. Once at an event, there was a huge crowd. Shera was trying to get me through. A cop, who was wearing civil clothes and was there along with his family, got pushed. And then it became an ego issue. The cop created a big ruckus. Nobody got seriously hurt and I didn't blame Shera for it because he was just doing his job.

Bodyguard Wallaper & Poster

 

The Dabangg star the masses love

The baseball cap is gone, so is the pout. Bollywood's petulant Prem has grown into a role few actors would feel comfortable attempting. As he leaves the many controversies behind him, actor Salman Khan is finally fitting into an image carefully cultivated by his publicists who have launched a charm offensive to market the middle-aged star to the masses.
We at IBNLive are dedicating this week to Salman Khan. Here's why.
While most actors his age are heading towards the city multiplexes to tap an urban audience, post the success of Dabangg, Salman has redefined his image as a star with pan-Indian appeal. Khan delivered last year's biggest hit, Dabangg, and his action comedy Ready was a global blockbuster as well.
Khan, whose film Maine Pyar Kiya achieved cult status and established him as a romantic hero, is secure in the knowledge that his bad cop romp Dabangg has helped him master a genre no other actor would feel comfortable attempting.
Bollywood's favourite "bad boy" has found a larger-than-life, goofy pop corn hero that is a hit with the masses.
Khan, who repeatedly appeared as the dreamy-eyed 'Prem' in many of his films in younger days, answers to Chulbul Pandey now, a tough cop who would rather bully a girl into submission than pine for her affection. He has taken the exaggerated comic style that actor Govinda complimented in his hit film Partner a notch higher to market it among the rural masses.
And the overall effect is not just acceptance from a large section of India's mega-movie-loving audiences but also spontaneous affection for an actor who knows how to endear himself to those yearning for good old comic action flicks.
No other actor has the kind of following that Khan has on social networking sites. While Aamir Khan is generally seen as an intense actor with penchant for socially relevant cinema, Shah Rukh a master of the romantic drama, Salman Khan is the one star who has nailed the big-budget comedy - hugely popular with the masses.
To the masses he is 'Sallu Bhai' who gyrates to his item numbers and cracks fart jokes. HisBeing Human charity T-shirts are spotted everywhere; stars wear them and they are promoted at film previews. Khan is keen to be seen as a regular guy who regularly gives to the needy.
The occasional fights with co-actors and the moody spats at celebrity birthday parties not withstanding, Khan has emerged as Bollywood's most bankable star and the only one who can pull a hit off a bad script.
His pocket move during dance steps in the film Ready is a reflection of the image he wants to create. The Dabangg moves have been copied and spoofed by his contemporaries and sometimes rivals at awards shows. People have lapped up his quirky dialogue in bothReady, a film panned by critics, and Dabangg, that recently won the National Award for wholesome entertainment.

Neither SRK, whose super hero flick Ra.One is in production, nor Aamir Khan who is preparing for the villain's role in Dhoom 3 can pull off a ridiculously goofy, psychedelic sunglasses the way Salman Khan can.
Ready, directed by Anees Bazmee, is indicative of the kind of film that Khan has come to be associated with - everything is black and white, the hero is a paragon of virtue, the heroine is coy, their love is pure, there are raunchy dialogues, catchy songs and the bad guys are dead in the end. The critics may be dismissive, but the masses love it.
Khan recently said in an interview to Reuters: "I missed seeing heroes on stage. Suddenly, we've (Bollywood) got into rom-coms and love stories and niche films. We started missing heroes."
The formula seems to be working -- both Dabangg and Ready are blockbusters, as was Khan's 2009 release Wanted. Even though he delivered three turkeys in between, no one seems to notice.
Before Wanted, Khan's fortunes weren't shining brightly -- most of his films, including Subhash Ghai's Yuvvraaj and God Tussi Great Ho tanked at the box-office.
Critics of the actor said he wasn't making the right choices, doing films for the wrong reasons. Khan admits they were right but says he couldn't do much about that phase of his life.
Like any rock star, Khan's public appearances are thronged by screaming fans and the actor is not worried that he is losing out on meaningful cinema, because ultimately it is the masses that he has to cater to. With additional information from Reuters.

Bodyguard Song Video

Ek Tha Tiger Digital Poster

Ek Tha Tiger...Blockbuster Khan like never before.

Salim Khan: Getting involved with Salman serves an actress’ needs too

Salim Khan gets candid about his split with Javed Akhtar, his non-equation with Amitabh Bachchan and why son Salman Khan has yet to hook a bride. Filmfare is awed by his rhetoric

Today, GenX may recognise him as Salman Khan’s father. But for all those who have grown up on cult movies like Sholay, Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta, Zanjeer, Deewaar and Majboor, the influence of screenwriters Salim-Javed (Akhtar) during the ’70s remains unmistakable. 

Despite your various social commitments in Panvel it’s surprising you agreed instantly to this interview.

People give themselves a lot of importance. I wouldn’t like to lie unnecessarily. In life, you have to lie only under two extreme circumstances – one when you’re having an affair after marriage and the other when you’re trying to dupe the income tax authorities. 

How effectively were you able to lie in both these situations?   

I had to lie when I got involved with Helen (actor and second wife). But when you get caught, you’ve no option. I’ve luckily managed to live in harmony with both my wives. 

Your family is known to be multi-cultural and secular…

Where I was born and brought up, in Indore, there were no Muslim families in the farthest vicinity. My friends, neighbours and tenants (we owned some property) were all Hindus. I’ve never had any issues about mixing with other communities. This building where we live has a cosmopolitan culture. 

 

Of your five children, who was the naughtiest?

Salman (Khan) was the naughtiest. There were some problems with him even in childhood but he was what people call in the movies ‘a good-hearted scoundrel’.

Writer Javed Akhtar came in from Bhopal and you from Indore. Was hailing from Madhya Pradesh that brought you together?

Javed did not come to Mumbai to become a writer. He came here to become a director. While I was acting in a film called Sarhadi Lootera, I discovered he had a flair for writing. If he got into writing it was because of me. Then we worked together for a long time and the results are there for all to see.

When your partnership with him broke up, you were dubbed as just ‘the manager of the team’. Did it hurt?

That partnership was formed by me. I had worked hard for it to be successful. So if something good comes to an end, it naturally hurts. More so the way it broke... there was no argument, no fight. Nor did it happen on the spur of the moment. There was a definite planning to it.

People were a little unfair in saying ‘kaam toh woh (Akhtar) karte the (he was the one who worked)’ when we parted. After the split when I wrote my first solo film Naam, the same people who said that I was a mere manager came back to me.

Did Mahesh Bhatt’s Naam then redeem you?

Naam was a turning point in my life because I had to prove to myself too that I could do it. God forbid if that film had flopped then nobody would have given me a second chance. I give Mahesh Bhatt credit that he came to me during those days. 

What is your equation with Amitabh Bachchan today?

I’ve no relations with Amitabh Bachchan today and I’m not the one responsible for it. Similarly, though our partnership is over, I hold no ill feeling for Javed. 

Do your children take your advice today?

Yes they come to me although they may think they are smarter than me. They may have more knowledge on certain issues but they cannot take away my experience from me.

Are you a better father than a husband?

Nobody has any complaints with me. That itself is big thing. My children seek my company. I’m friendly with my children yet they do not take any liberties with me. Our interaction and time together or even the jokes that they crack are all done within the decorum of paternal respect. 

Do you think Salman will prove to be a good father like you?

(Laughs) I don’t know. People do change. I think that’s the reason he is not getting married. He probably thinks ‘I’m not ready to be a good father or a good husband’. 

What kind of girl would prove to be a good wife for Salman?

Salman leads his own life. Who the hell am I to decide what kind of girl he should get married to? He knows best who would suit him. It has to be his choice and we’ll go with it. 

In an earlier interview you had stated that an actress wouldn’t suit him as a wife...

No, an actress could become his wife but only after she has achieved her acting ambitions. She’s not harbouring a desire to meet up with Salman, become friends with him, get married and rear children. It’s okay if they get involved with him because it serves their needs too. 

How would you assess Salman as an actor and a person? 

It’s a no-win situation for a father to speak about his son who’s a popular actor. Salman has many good qualities. My biggest grouse with him is that though he’s very talented he has never fully exploited his skill for various reasons. As a person, Salman is not scheming or conniving. He cannot plot or plan against anyone, as people do. 

Do you recall the tapes that were printed in the inaugural edition of the Hindustan Times in Mumbai?

It wasn’t in the interest of the Tatas, Birlas or the Mittals to leak them out. It wouldn’t have benefitted any builder either. It could have only befitted some other actor. It's general knowledge how those tapes were released. If such tapes of another actor were to fall into our hands, we’d never have resorted to such an act. 

http://www.filmfare.com/articles/salim-khan-getting-involved-with-salman-serves-an-actress-needs-too-2598.html