Box Office: Dabangg vs Ready

	Ready(Cr)		Dabangg(Cr)
1st Week
Friday	13.28		14.25
Saturday	12.66		16.25
Sunday	16.22		18.75
Weekend Total	42.16		49.25
Monday	8.07		10.6
Tuesday	7.32		8.6
Wednesday	6.35		7
Thursday	5.5		6
Total 1st Week	69.4		81.45
2nd Week
Friday	4.55		6.2
Saturday	6.1		8.2
Sunday	9.05		9.8
2nd Weekend Total	19.7		24.2
Monday	3.8		3.4
Tuesday	3.4		3.05
Wednesday	3		2.8
Thursday
Total 2nd Week
Grand Total	99.3		114.9

Salman Khan gives priority to 'Ek Tha Tiger' and 'Sher Khan' over Sajid Nadiadwala’s 'Kick'

Now that Salman Khan has managed to sort out his long stranded relationship with Yash Raj Films, the actor is giving priority to only their projects as of now. Salman starrer Kick, which was supposed to go on floors in November this year has been postponed yet again, and sources say it is because Salman gave bulk dates to Yash Raj’s Ek Tha Tiger.

Post Dabangg, the busy star is shooting for Bodyguard as of now. “Salman has given bulk dates for Ek Tha Tiger, which he starts shooting in July. After which he will work on Sher Khan leaving him with no time for Kick. Next year he will be busy with Dabangg 2,” says a source.

Producer Nadiadwala and director Shirish Kunder had asserted that Kick would go on floors on November 18 but it doesn’t seem feasible anymore. Another source claims, “Salman may have delayed Kick knowingly as he was upset when Sajid approached Shah Rukh Khan for 2 States. Funnily, even that film is on hold now!”

When contacted about the same, Shirish replied to our text saying, “About Kick, best you speak to Sajid Nadiadwala.” So we asked Sajid who confirmed, “The film will go on floors in November 18 and Salman will be there.

The later schedules may get postponed by a couple of months but that’s fine for such a huge film. My production team is currently on a recce in South Korea and Sajid-Wajid are working on the music.”

But Salman’s manager Vikas Kapoor agreed that Kick indeed has been postponed as of now. “Salman bhai will shoot for Ek Tha Tiger from July. After com pleting two schedules of the film he will start Sher Khan in October. Both films will be shot simultaneously,” he said.

CHLOROMINT Chewing Gum Salman Khan Ad

If you have’nt The ‘Latest’ CHLOROMINT Chewing Gum Ad on TV  yet, let me tell you about it, its worth the Humor!
Chloromints previous Tag Lines of “Hum Chloromint Kyun Khate Hain?” and our very own Sallu Bhai replies saying “Dobara Mat Poochna”.The lines caught on well with our Indian Public. 

Lets see the advertisement..

Box Office Update: 'Ready' emerges a Blockbuster Status

Is on a record-breaking spree. 'Ready' Emerges the biggest Hit of the year so far and one of the biggest Hits ever. Collects Rs. 19.45 cr nett in Weekend 2. 

Breakup:- Fri 4.5 cr, Sat 5.9 cr, Sun 9.05 cr. Total so far: Rs 88.75 cr nett. Blockbuster

Celebrity Twit About Ready

Taran Adarsh

Looking at the superb biz of 'Ready', distributors offering unheard of & unimaginable prices to @BeingSalmanKhan starrer 'Bodyguard'.

'Ready' versus 'Dabangg'. Industry seems to be comparing the two films' opening numbers. Will 'Ready' have a bigger Friday? Let's wait!

'Ready' advance booking phenomenal. 90% screen space to 'Ready', while remaining Hindi films get 10% screen space.

The screening of 'Ready' in Dubai last nite was very well received. The response was electrifying!

Watched the first promo of 'Ready'. Expect yet another super dhamaal, super entertainer from the darling of the masses - Salman Khan.

Kamaal khan

Ready will break all the past records. Ready is going to be biggest hit of the year.

Ready is really full on comedy. I think the film is going to be big hit.

Anirudha Guaha

The latest rage is a song about how Salman feels the urge to 'do' Asin every 12 mins, in 12 different positions. And then goes 'DhinkaChika'

I asked him if he was joking and giving me the Telugu version instead. 'Nahi boss. Sallu-waali #Ready. Brand new. I got copy day before'

I just paid a guy selling pirated cds outside Andheri station 50 bucks for one that has #Ready on it!! Can't wait to see this! #Experiment

This #Ready CD has censor certificate followed by 'Dhinka Chika' and 'Character Dheela' on loop. You'll can heave collective sighs of relief

Arre boss, I'm not promoting piracy. Bought the cd out of curiosity and not coz I *want* to watch the movie like this. Bas kya!

So, Salman's here. There are kids in the audience who can't stop making noise. They are totally losing it! Its cute and all.

Salman Khan + 4 funny scenes + 2 action scenes + Dhinka Chika =#Ready is a superhit

Mahesh Bhupati

Dinka Chika ringing in my ears everywhere I go..

Komal Nahta

Ready will score at d box-office, thanks to a great start, super-hit music, Salman Khan & entertainment in a good dosehttp://bit.ly/ieEASJ

@BeingSalmanKhan's READY is bound to take an earth-shattering opening. Dnt b surprised if 1st weekend net collection is around Rs.35-40 cr.

Arpita Khan

Ready has arrived!

Amod Mehra 
After Munni it was Sheila.. Now be READY for the new national anthem.. Dinchachika chicka.

If you are READY to leave your brains at home then you are sure to have a blast.. Welcome back Anees Bhai.. Dincha Chika SuperHit.

Sonakshi sinha

Chalo READY ho jao sab. The entertainer of the year is heeerrreee!

Arbaaz Khan

Just saw the preview of "READY". Its a super entertainer. Salman is fantastic in the film. Its a sure shot big hit. Get READY all u guys :)

Luv Sinha

Going to see READY tonight :D..pretty excited to see two of my favorite actors on screen again


Riju Jhunjhunwala
Baba Ramdev is #ready to eat popcorn while watching the movie during his fast.

Shekhar Kapur
was surreal to see Headlines Today cutting between Baba Ramdev and Salman's Ready songs. It truly brought out 2 India's.

Tusshar Kapoor
Going to see Ready tonight at Chandan, Juhu, should bring back the cinema going experience of the good old days, quite excited!!

Yuvraaj Singh
was nice to go to for a walk today after being bed ridden for 15 days !! Watching ready tonight dhinka chika woohoo!!

Rajat Kapoor
So now 'Ready' is a super duper hit!! well done, guys..


Was away for two weeks- So, what did i miss? One hunger strike- and jokes about it on twitter.. and the release and hype around 'Ready'


Anurag Kashyap
I am happy that "Ready" is a hit.. so please stop trolling me about it.. because i am not even trying to compete with it.

Salman is God, I accept that.. but I am a non believer so I can't help it..


I am guessing whole country must have seen it.. Well they can go for repeat viewing..make sure we bring back the 80's @DeepakAgarwal

Dixcy Scott - The Ultimate Winner Salman Khan

One of the best Advertisement of Salman Khan

Kehte hai mehnat karo to duniya se kuch bhi mil sakta hai..par duniya ye nahi kehti,uska to hamesha se ek hi usul hai…lado….aur jeet gaye to lelo..Duniya ke tever aaj bhi waise hi hai,wo tabhi marti h jab tum taiyar nahi hote aur itna jor se marti hai ki …koi kuch nahi kar sakta….siway uske jo chot khane ke liye taiyar ho

Kyoki zindagi aur boxing me jeet ta wo nahi jo sabse jor ka mare...jeet ta to wo hai jo uthke phir khada ho jaye...

Salman selling a mouth-freshner for Rs.4crore

Salman Khan has another fresh breeze to refresh him – he recently shot for a mint breath freshener ad for which he was paid a whopping Rs 4 crore-plus!

The ad was directed by Aamir Khan‘s closest friends, Prasoon Joshi. Reportedly Aamir, Sallu mian and Prasoon have been male-bonding at Salman’s home in Bandra.
Confirming that Salman is endorsing a breath freshener, Prasoon added that only one part of the ad has been shot.

The actor who has lent his face and biceps to almost everything from soft drinks, suiting’s, undergarments, pens, chappals and shoes, is doing a commercial after a three year gap. He is extremely cautious of the brands that he chooses to endorse.
This is the first time ever that he’s doing a mouth freshener ad. Prasoon reveals that Salman’s fun and cool image was what helped him get the commercial.

Salman also recently shot an ad for the new season of 10 Ka Dum. The popular show begins its second season on Sony TV from September this year.

Bhai & the Baba: two poster boys for fitness

Absurd as it sounds, Baba Ramdev and Salman Khan share a lot in common — they are mega cultural phenomena. They generate adoration, reverence and something close to worship. Their fans see them as living gods. But beyond that commonality, let me put it bluntly -- Salman Khan and Baba Ramdev have hot bods. Very hot. They are poster boys for Ultimate Fitness. In fact, it’s all about the bod. Both men know as much. Both have made their reputations flaunting their impressive physical assets. And both go happily shirtless, displaying great panache along with their sculpted silhouettes.

Think about it… Baba Ramdev shot to fame much after Salman ('The Bod') Khan. The ‘Rockstar of Yoga,’ as Ramdev has been famously called, used the television platform to promote himself and become a household name. As a yoga teacher, he made more Indians aware of physical fitness than any expert has succeeded in doing so far. Salman Khan made it in the movies on a mega scale after he decided to bare his torso and flex his biceps. Salman has been rightfully credited with generating impressive revenues for desi akhadas and gyms, to which countless men rushed wishing to emulate the actor and acquire a drool-worthy physique. For the Khan, his daily workout is non-negotiable. It’s his religion. Ditto for Ramdev.

Now that Salman is officially the most successful Khan in Bollywood, producers who want to work with him are expected to provide the star with a full-fledged gym on the sets. Baba Ramdev doesn’t need a gym – he is the gym! Despite their different approaches to acquiring the body beautiful, both these guys know it is their dedication to their respective passions and physiques that has millions of ardent devotees panting. Salman shares his fitness mantras generously with friends, foes and fans. Baba Ramdev shares his with strangers — anybody who cares to switch on his channel or join his classes. Salman gives away his trade secrets for free. Baba Ramdev charges a bomb (Rs.10, 000 per session, insist his detractors).

So far, Salman has not starved for a cause. Nor has he joined politics (he’s leaving that option to the other Khans!). Even though Salman is the top earner in his line of business, he doesn’t own a private jet yet (his fans send him theirs!). Nor do Delhi politicos come running to the airport to meet him. But several sheikhs in the Middle East do just that each time he lands up to promote a film. Salman travels with an entourage that includes Shera, his faithful bodyguard. Baba Ramdev’s entourage is much bigger and he has several bodyguards. In fact, he is said to employ a private army to call his own.

Salman has a sense of humour. Baba Ramdev must have his to try and escape from a sticky situation dressed in drag! Salman frequently laughs at himself. Baba Ramdev has critics laughing at him. Significantly, both men are single. But only one of them is ready to mingle (guess who?). In terms of mass hysteria, it’s hard to say which one generates more passion. 
If Ramdev’s followers conduct mass prayers for their guru, Salman’s besotted fans can effortlessly fill a couple of stadiums — no occasion required. Talking of ‘fan love’ — Salman’s fans happen to be so hardcore; they are ready to slaughter anybody who dares to criticize their beloved Sallu Bhai or Bhai Jaan. Baba Ramdev’s bhakts are equally fanatical. It’s called chela pyaar. Both men are acutely aware of their formidable star power… they have it, flaunt it, and exploit it. Salman peddles his Being Human line of products for charity. Ramdev sells assorted ‘cures’ for everything from cancer to baldness through his outlets.

Charisma is hard — very hard — to deconstruct. In the case of these two men, one can see what turns on movie audiences each time Salman shakes his butt and goes, ‘dhinkachika chik.” Ramdev effortlessly turns into a pretzel when required and breathes heavily as followers gasp and swoon. Devotees find all of this unbeatably addictive. Crowd mentality is hard to predict, but it’s safe to say if anybody can mobilize impressive mobs and throngs without really trying, it’s these two guys. If anybody can get thousands to leave home, forget khana peena temporarily and join a movement – you-know-who can pull it off.

So, what is it about such people that drives other people nuts? Nuts enough to abandon good sense, logic, rational behaviour… sanity, for god’s sake? No idea, Sirji! Both are crowd pullers par excellence. They understand the medium and perform effortlessly 24x7 — that’s show business. Both manipulate sentiments. Both make big bucks. The big difference is that one of them wants to lead India out of the dark ages and banish black money. The other makes a living in an industry where the colour of money is unimportant. Both insist there is no political agenda behind their public posturing. Maybe we should give them the benefit of doubt. It would be amusing to see them share the same platform some day… visualize the scene: two shirtless superstars, one breathless, the other breathing through one nostril, both flexing muscles (one, politically, the other literally) and the crowds going crazy!
Wow! Yeh mera India — are you ‘Ready’ for it?

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/politically-incorrect/entry/bhai-the-baba-two-poster-boys-for-fitness 

King Salman - Times Of India

He is Bollywood's original bad boy. But two decades after his debut — and debacles—his original image has paled in front of his newly acquired status—that of a phenomenon and the most sought after actor in Hindi cinema. Earlier known for giving flops after a mega hit, now Salman Khan can do no wrong. His latest hit "Ready" may not match the first week collection of his "Dabangg", but Salman's message is loud and clear—he's got his act together after crossing the age of 40, a threshold that most actors dread. 

How else does one explain the fact that "Ready" was widely panned by critics but took an extraordinary opening at the box office and continues to sustain itself both in single screens and multiplexes? Says trade analyst Vajir Singh, "We're seeing a new trend here. Earlier, multiplexgoers weren't interested in masala entertainers, but now they are. When "Wanted" released, it got maximum single screen audience as it was a mass-oriented film, but "Dabangg" was patronised by both multiplexgoers and the singleplex audience. It all began with "Ghajini", but it was "Wanted" that really kicked off the trend of wholesale entertainment masala movies. The deal was sealed by Salman's own film "Dabangg"." 

Critics feel that Salman is unpredictable. A trade pundit said, "Right after "Wanted", Salman had two big flops in "Main Aur Mrs Khanna" and " London Dreams". Between 2005 and 2009, Salman had only two hits —"No Entry" in 2005 and "Partner" in 2007." 

Filmmaker David Dhawan, who has given Salman six hits in his career, says, "I feel he has always been underrated as an actor. Although Salman gives the impression of being nonchalant, he has always taken himself seriously as an actor The fact is that the negatives in his lives have not affected his fan following, the audiences love him too much." Dhawan also believes Sallu is the Rajinikanth of Bollywood. "Salman Khan is like Rajinikanth, you cannot keep him tied to the script. Like Rajini, he improvises his scenes. Since he is a writer's son and a writer himself, he has helped me with scenes. Salman's emphasis on doing things in style and having dialogues with flair comes from his father. Salman the actor is a giver. In fact, there have been times when has given away his scenes to other actors. He has been the most easy actor to work with and is the best entertainer we have today." 

Dramatic past 
Like his idol, actor Sanjay Dutt, Salman's personal life almost took a toll on his career — be it in matters of the heart or law. The actor's relationships with his women —Sangeeta Bijlani, Somy Ali and Aishwarya Rai —has always been wrought with high-voltage drama. Although he acquired an image of a girlfriend-basher and was an accused in a hit-and-run case, he bounced back with superhit "Tere Naam", "Baghbaan", "Garv" and "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi". 

Ranjan Singh, who has been in exhibition business for many years, says, "Although "Garv" was not a big hit, but it took a good opening. Exhibitors love Salman probably because he does more films than all the other Khans. He's one actor who cuts across all classes, and makes sure that audiences walk into the theatre on the first day of release. Even a film like "Veer" took a huge opening although it failed to impress the audiences later." 

Sociologist Shiv Vishwanath describes the Sallu phenomenon thus: "Salman Khan does not need a good conduct certificate. He doesn't need a high IQ, he doesn't have to take stands and he is not an intellectual like the other two Khans. He is the lowest common denominator. He is a hero and a wishlist. All of us dream of being loved even if we are a bit bad. Salman Khan accommodates that world. You don't have to work hard to be a Salman Khan. It's a more magical world where people forgive you easily. That's Salman. He is also strangely the family man without being married —he carries a soap opera of a family with him. It's a clan. He accommodates them all —from Helen to Malika Arora Khan. He advertises himself. He is his own message, literally and symbolically. He doesn't have to try hard. What more can you ask? Everything he does echoes himself." 

Psychologist Dr Harish Shetty has his own take on Salman's success despite the many controversies in his life. "The nuance, the nautanki and the noise is all cool. Salman is perceived as a funny lesser evil. Those who castigated him earlier feel guilty as he pales in the presence of a Raja, Kalmadi or a Maran. 'Salman itna kharab nahi hai' is a common refrain." 

Sallu getting serious? 

Salman himself does not believe that he has turned into a phenomenon. "Three big hits ("Wanted", "Dabangg" and "Ready") do not make me a phenomenon and I don't believe that these films have worked only because of my presence. It was a team effort." Having said that, he adds, "I have been lucky that good scripts have begun coming to me. Earlier that was not the case. I did films for friends. Some worked, some didn't. Besides, every film and ever actor has his own destiny." 

The perception today is that Salman has begun taking his work more seriously now, but the actor does not agree. "Was I not serious in my earlier films like Maine Pyaar Kiya?" 

TV ka boss 

Salman's ventures on the small screen with shows like "Dus Ka Dum" and "Bigg Boss" showcased his off-screen personality and helped him to connect with viewers big time. It's no surprise that the actor readily agreed to do "Bigg Boss 5". Salman Khan is also the most downloaded star today. "If brands earlier sought out only the macho side of his personality, his TV innings and his philanthropic work have showcased a softer side," says Salman's brand manager Vivek Kamath. The fact is that Salman has an amazing body of work as a romantic hero ("Maine Pyar Kiya", "Hum Aapke Hain Koun", "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam") as comic hero ("Andaz Apna Apna", "Partner", "Ready") and as action hero ("Tere Naam", "Wanted", "Dabangg") and brands are now seeking to capture these aspects. "So in Wheel and Gitanjali, you see the romantic side. Mountain Dew and Dixcy Scott capture the action hero. Rotomac taps into the activist. Chloromint brought out the comic side," says Kamath. The ICC World Cup was this year's biggest event and India won the cup. But in the two months after that victory, no cricketer has signed a single new brand, while Salman has signed not one but two. "This stands testimony to his appeal," adds Kamath, refusing to divulge the names of the brands right now. 

Next is what? 
In the next one-and-a-half years, Salman has three releases —"Bodyguard", "Kick", and "Dabangg 2". Approximately Rs 250 crore would be riding on these three films in terms of investment, but investing in Salman is giving big returns right now. Independent distributor and trade analyst Suneil Wadhwa says, "There is already a queue of distributors wanting to buy his movies at any cost as they give guaranteed returns in the first weekend. Bookings of screens for his films will go up with each release." 

"Bodyguard", his next Eid release, is perhaps the hottest film of 2011 in trade circles. After Ready's performance at the box office, Reliance Entertainment, who are the co-producers of the film, are getting offers that are unprecedented in motion picture business. The India theatrical business alone is attracting offers to the tune of Rs 75 crore, an increment of Rs 20 crore on the sale price of "Ready". All other rights of Bodyguard will fetch an additional Rs 45 crore, safely making it a Rs 120 crore film on an investment of Rs 65 crore plus marketing expenses. "We are receiving great offers for Bodyguard and naturally so," Priti Sahani of Reliance Entertainment. "Last year, when we had invested a certain amount in Salman, it did seem to be expensive but now we are on a solid economic wicket. A Salman Khan film is delivering returns on the investment," she adds.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/King-Salman/articleshow/8819228.cms 

Hit movie Vs Good movie - A Critical Problem?

The Power of Pen Vs Enjoyment!

So we know 90% of commerically sucessful movies are badly penalised by critics! If the movie opens to full house and runs sucessfully for atleast a week that does show something about the movie being good.

So it makes one wonder why critics dont enjoy some movies that the public do.

After recent success with Ready a number of critics have been giving us their opinion on where they do or dont like about the movie!!

RajeevMasand tweets:
here: Surprised at just how many ppl think a hit film = good film. How are we ever going to make cinema that counts if this remains the attitude?

And than he went on with agreeing with another critic Anupama Chopra
and tweeted Anupama Chopra nails it - Crap films are crap films, even if they work!

Anupama Chopra on her recent with Openmagazine article went on saying she was abused by salman fans when she gave the movie 2 stars and later added - Which made me wonder: are we critics totally out of touch with popular taste? After years of watching movies, do we evolve into curmudgeons who are unable to enjoy anything? What is the function and relevance of our reviews?

When I read these tweets & articles I thought, OK some critics are having a bad day but with todaysboxofficeindia.com news Shailesh Kapoor the Co-founder & CEO of Ormax Media went on saying the consumer has a different story to tell altogether. Ready has been immensely liked. Personal views can, and should, differ. The problem arises when certain critics try and enforce their personal views and sensibilities on millions of unsuspecting ticket payers. he also went on saying many critics had us believe Ready is the next Tees Maar Khan.

Ofcourse this issue is there with almost all "masala type" commercially successful movies. As much as I agree with these critics, most of these commerical successes are totally mindless. Do we at the same time forget these movies actually bring money in the bollywood industry. For example this year there was hardly any hit movies and Ready helped the sinking Box Office.

So do critics really make a differences to you as a movie watcher?? Why dont they enjoy some movies? Why is it some critics end up givin 4-5 stars to some movies while the same movie is given 1-2 stars by others. should these reviews by the critics affect the audience on what they would like to enjoy?

READY For Some Critics Bashing

It’s been one week since Ready released at the theaters. The debate on its box office performance is already done and dusted. With about Rs 70cr nett domestic business, Ready has emerged as the third biggest opening week ever in Bollywood history. And going by ‘real’ consumer response, it is set to cross the 100-crore mark by the end of its third weekend.

However, if you had to rewind the clock back to the day of the film’s release (June 3), and read or watch the various reviews across newspapers, TV channels and websites, you will be excused for believing that Ready is the next Tees Maar Khan. 

That Ready will sink from Sunday onwards. That Ready is cinema that has no takers. That Ready is regressive, un-funny and the start of Salman Khan’s downfall. Indeed, you will be excused for believing everything that some of India’s most esteemed critics wanted you to believe.

It is fairly well known that critical acclaim (or the lack of it) and box office have no correlation. And that’s fine, because critics have to play a specific, expert role, not a trade journalist’s role. However, my problem with their approach starts when a critic begins to make personal attacks, ridiculing those involved with a film he/ she didn’t like, with little respect to the fact that like the critic is doing a job, so are the filmmakers and the actors – The tough job of making money at the box office by entertaining audiences at large.

Even more questionable is the tirade the critics’ community tends to collectively launch against certain individuals. Akshay Kumar and Anees Bazmee have been recent targets of such attacks. It is difficult to launch a similar attack against Salman Khan, given his recent tryst with blockbuster success. Yet, a few dared to do it anyway.

Personally, I immensely enjoyed Ready, despite its evidently laidback and over-the-top approach to filmmaking. But that’s not the point. Personal views can, and should, differ. The problem arises when certain critics try and enforce their personal views and sensibilities on millions of unsuspecting ticket payers.

A reputed critic tweeted about Ready: “No problem w/ mindless comedies, time-pass entertainers, as long as they are FUN. But lazy filmmakers who just rehash same old s**t...not fun.”

One of the problems with such comments is that they reflect a lack of appreciation of the business itself. A lack of understanding of the fact that eventually, a film is made so that someone can make money on it. Generally, it’s the same reason for which most businesses run too, including the newspapers and TV channels the critics work for.

The consumer has a different story to tell altogether. Ready has been immensely liked, scoring at par with Dabangg on our Word-of-Mouth Index at the end of the first week. And that indeed is the real story. And the only story that matters.

'Ready' is biggest opener in non-festive period

Strikes like a hurricane and sets new records. Emerges the No. 3 biggest opener of all times, after DABANGG (Rs 81 cr in Week 1) and 3 IDIOTS (Rs 80 cr in Week 1), but is the biggest opener in non-festive period. Collects Rs 69.4 cr nett in Week 1.

Breakup:- Fri 13.28 cr, Sat 12.66 cr, Sun 16.22 cr, Mon 8.07 cr, Tue 7.32 cr, Wed 6.35 cr, Thu [est] 5.50 cr. Should easily cross Rs 100 cr mark in days to come, looking at the way it is faring

Ready Movie Review II

Movie Takies.com 4/5 Star     

'Ready' For Dhamakedaar Fun! 'No Entry' Meets 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' 

Here's a clue; if you're expecting a great deal of cerebral stimulation, if you're looking for a sensitive message to take back, then you might be in the wrong cinema hall. If you're simply looking to be entertained out of your wits, instead, then Salman's latest, Ready, is just what the doctor ordered for you.

Anees Bazmee's newest release, Ready, is a film with its eyes on the big prize. And the prize, here, of course, is its superstar Salman Khan. In a way, the film confirms that Sallu dearest is simply bigger than his releases. So, appropriately, his character here has a larger than life persona, who can do no wrong. And that's just right too, given that when he's on screen, it's quite impossible to take your eyes off of him.

Unabashedly single screen focused in its outlook, nobody is about to go watch Ready for its "nuanced" plot, and the makers of the film are quite okay with that. A remake of a hit southern comedy with the same name, Ready isn't really a formulaic film, but still has all the masalatrappings that come with it, with a plot where No Entry meets Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! And of course, there is the liberal, liberal dose of Salman to top it off, which makes it oh so deliciously self-referential.

It begins right from the start, when Salman is introduced in the Zarine Khan-starrer item number, character dheela, which some industry watchers say is Khan's take on his own image within B'town. Also, quite aptly, Salman's character too, is called Prem, a name that he has sported in some of his biggest hits, films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Hum Saath Saath Hain, which are often referenced here.

The film takes off from the point where Prem's family, which consists of a picture-perfect mother and father, along with a loving couple of chachas and chachis, decide to have him married off to a girl called Pooja on their Guruji's recommendation, who says that she's the only one who can tame their wild child. Things take a 'comedy of errors' type turn when an unwilling Prem decides to ditch Pooja at the airport when he goes to receive her, only to have a girl called Sanjana traipse in masquerading as Pooja. Sanjana has a story of her own, being on the run from two dreaded gangsters, the Chaudhary brothers, who she is the niece of, both at war with each other, and looking to get her married to their respective brother-in-laws, so that they can get their hands on her multi-million inheritance.

When Prem learns the truth about Sanjana, he decides to con her uncles into allowing him to marry her, with the unwitting help of Balidaan Bhardwaj, a naïve accountant to both the Chaudhary brothers, who he uses to bring the warring clans together by having his own family pose as billionaire business magnates, succeeding in the end by teaching everyone the value of family unity.

If all of that sounds too convoluted, one should know that the plot is every bit so. But then, given that the film is quite clearly a star vehicle for Salman Khan, every scene is designed around his persona and doesn't really need a strong storyline to hold it all together. The idea, instead, is to see Sallu simply be himself on screen and that, if films like Dabangg and Wanted are anything to go by, is always an enjoyable task.

That Asin goes toe-to-toe, attitude-wise, with Salman in every scene as Sanjana, is a huge plus. The pretty Southern belle has the gift of gab and a flair for comedy, adding to her charming screen presence. She also lights up the screen in the song sequences, especially dhinka chika, whose video is guaranteed to have every theatre hooting and catcalling in applause.

But the most perfect comic spoil for Salman's Prem has to be Paresh Rawal, who shines as a comedy star of the highest order here as the harassed and tortured Balidaan Bhardwaj. It's unfortunate that he only enters the plot post-interval, but thereafter, has the audiences in splits nonstop. Pre-interval, it is stand-up comic Sudesh Lahiri, who keeps the laugh quotient high.

The other highlight of the film is the truckful of cameos in the first few scenes of the film, which see the likes of Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn,Kangna Ranaut and Arbaaz Khan crack up some comedy together. These apart, the other actors too, like Mahesh Manjrekar as Prem's forgetful father, Manoj Pahwa and Manoj Joshi as his uncles and Akhilendra Mishra and Sharat Saxena as Sanjana's two mamas, keep up with the pace of activity here, though the clichéd writing pulls down their act a few notches.

Speaking of the writing, it is admittedly not as strong as Salman's two previous star vehicles, Wanted and Ready, especially in the dialogues department. This is notable in the fact that the film is woefully short on quotable quotes and catchphrases that are always a highlight of Sallu's films. The only line which seems have to found approval with audiences seems to be Salman's go-to dialogue in the film, where he claims he never underestimates three things, in his words, "I, me aur myself."

However, what it lacks in the dialogue department, the film more than makes up on the musical side. The film's four songs, all by Pritam, are guaranteed chartbusters, especially dhinka chika and character dheela, which see Sallu back in his dabangg dancing mode.

Overall, Ready rides high on the Salman factor, which drives it through and through. Ultimately, the chuckle-a-minute laughriot is a must-watch for Salman fans, which basically means everyone. Keep your sense of logic and high cinema aside, and watch this one simply for the crazy, fun ride that it is. Dhamakedaar fun, this is a must-watch for the entire family. Our only advice; don't forget to hoot when Sallubhai's on screen!

Return of the Hero!

The stereotype hero that was missing in action has made a grand comeback. Powerful punches and kicks are in.

Take a glimpse: he's the secret service agent on an international mission; a father who turns super hero for his child and a bodyguard who protects his woman from the villain. These are the modern day heroes from forthcoming action flicks Agent Vinod starring Saif Ali Khan; RaOne with Shah Rukh Khan and Bodyguard with Salman Khan.

All about heroism

Amitabh Bachchan epitomised heroism with élan in films like Deewar, Sholay, Trishul in the 70s. Claps, whistles, hoots reverberated in cinema halls when the hero won. But somewhere we lost the plot. And the theme of the larger-than-life hero faded from Hindi films. The legendary superstar Bachchan is back as an angry (not so) young man with his upcoming film, Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap. Says Amitabh Bachchan "Cinema would be incomplete if it did not portray elements of heroism, which is where the legendary term 'hero' has its origins." About three years back, chocolate boy -tur ned-brawny Aamir Khan paved the way for heroic films with Ghajini. However, Salman Khan wants to bring back heroism in a big way. All his forthcoming films Ready, Bodyguard, Ek Tha Tiger, Sher Khan, Kick.. bring back the magic of a hero.

Says Salman Khan, "I want people to go to theatre and say, 'Here comes my hero. We used to have it, but now we have romantic films, we had started missing heroes." Director of Bodyguard, Siddique says, he increased Salman's action sequences in Bodyguard keeping his macho image in mind. "There are so many situations where the audience will clap for Salman," says the director.

The profile of the hero changed with the multiplex culture while others believe that it was change in audience profile that brought on the phenomenon of family drama and NRI romances. "Post-liberalisation saw the emergence of middle class audience, hencethe popularity of Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.

However, the 2011 census reveals the urban upper middle class is shrinking with one child per household, it is the burgeoning middle and lower middle classes that are thronging back to the single screen theatres. Hence, the increasing share of single screens in box office revenues and the resurgence of larger-thanlife action flicks," says Danish Raza, a screen writer.

Larger than life!

And jumping on to the bandwagon of action films are other actors like Ajay Devgn, who plays a tough cop in the Hindi remake of South blockbuster Singham, and one of the original action stars Sunny Deol, who gave Gadar, the biggest hit at the peak of Karan Johar-Yashraj brand of NRI cinema. Sunny is now working on Ghayal 2. "I have always had a great liking for action films. I am doing Ghayal 2 because the timing is right," says Sunny. Says Ajay Devgn. "I started my career doing action and I have never drifted away from it. Heroism is absolutely inspiring and it goes down well with every individual be it a multiplex audience or single screen. Singham is about the quintessential larger than life hero." While one has not seen him in the action hero avatar as yet, Saif Ali Khan too would like to have an image makeover. "As I get older, I would love to play a larger than life hero," says Saif. But there are no rules in cinema as the trend keeps changing. And then the concept of hero itself is personification of contemporary moral values that are evolving. "Audiences do not know what they want. You give them something, and if they like it then they know that this is what they want," sums up Siddique. All we can say is bring back the hero!                          

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Return-of-the-Hero/articleshow/8735171.cms    

Salman-E-Ishq!

Hear this. Teen cheez ko kabhi under-estimate nahin karna - Salman Khan, uske fans aur uski films. 
Now hear this. There are three types of movies - commercial, art house and those starring Salman Khan. 
I'm sure, you will hear more of such things in times to come…

Now let's get into the flashback mode. Prior to its release, a number of top notch distributors were speculating the opening weekend business of READY. One of them, whose word holds weight in distribution circles, called to say that the opening weekend business would be in Rs 35 cr to Rs 40 cr range. And if luck would be on its side, the business might touch Rs 40 cr nett [it's a remote possibility, he added]. The hype is tremendous, but 'something' is missing, he opined. 

The leading distributor's prophecy almost came true on Friday morning, when the morning shows of the film commenced across the country. The start was big, but it was expected to be bigger. Salman's star power + two Hit tracks + post DABANGG wave + first biggie after the conclusion of IPL cricket matches… READY was supposed to bring relief to the strife-torn industry. Embarking on a never-seen-before opening. 

But READY consolidated its position with each passing show. By Friday evening, it was more than evident that READY would cross the Rs 40 cr mark in its opening weekend, but overpowering DABANGG was ruled out. However, the business took a slight dip on Saturday, but the numbers zoomed upwards on Sunday. READY now sits pretty on No 2 position in the Top 5 openers of all times list, having collected Rs 42.75 cr nett in its first three days. The Top 5 opening weekend are as follows:-

DABANGG - 48.5 cr
READY - 42.75 cr
3 IDIOTS - 40 cr
TEES MAAR KHAN - 38 cr
GOLMAAL 3 - 36 cr

The opening weekend numbers clearly indicate that READY has been embraced by the paying public. That's what matters at the end of the day, isn't it? The one question that I wish to pose to the naysayers [a negligible minority] is, what do people expect from masala films? Non-stop entertainment, right? In this case, did Anees Bazmee or Salman Khan ever claim that the viewer would be served an UDAAN or a STANLEY KA DABBA or a TAARE ZAMEEN PE or a GUZAARISH? The world knew it was a remake of a Telugu film and [most] people even knew what its storyline was. So why this hullabaloo about the film not having an interesting story/screenplay? READY is a fun ride and has to be viewed from that perspective. 

Most importantly, if the reports of READY were terrible, the business would've crumbled on Day 2 [Saturday] itself. It would've fallen by 35% to 40% [perhaps more]. And Sunday wouldn't be strong either. But READY reported bigger figures on Sunday than Friday and Saturday, which proves that the word of mouth is on the positive side. Let's not forget, no film can claim to have the mandate of the universal audience. But the one thing we need to learn is to respect the mandate of the junta. They know better! 

Well, with a great start on one hand and no major opposition in its next two weeks, READY is expected to rule the box-office for sure. As for its economics and where it stands, well, let's await its second weekend figures to see how big a success it is.