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 

Painter Salman

Bodyguard Music Review

By Joginder Tuteja from Bollywood Hungama

EXPECTATIONS  

It's the wave factor. When the going is good, everything starts seeming great. And when the packaging is right, you expect the end product to be excellent. You want things to work. Period. And this is where the core strength of 'Bodyguard' lies. With Ready, Dabangg and Wantedbehind him, Salman is having everything going his way. So when he ropes in Himesh Reshammiya to compose music for the film and has Kareena Kapoor for company, you brace yourself to listen to a chartbuster soundtrack. Add to that Katrina Kaif's presence for an item number and you know that this album will certainly get a 'huge opening'!

MUSIC 

It is a Rajnikanth beginning for the album with the title song 'Bodyguard' composed, written and sung in the same way as the Superstar is introduced in his movies down South (save a Robot which didn't start on a characteristic note). Nevertheless, this Shabbir Ahmed written track has chartbuster written all over it with the kind of lyrics that amalgamate on and off screen image of Salman to perfection. So while he is referred to as 'bhaijaan' and a 'true Indian', even Salman makes a brief appearance with his trademark dialoguebaazi. 'Band of Power' gives further voice to the song which surprisingly doesn't have a female voice even though Katrina would be gyrating to the thumping beats that take this Himesh Reshammiya composition further. As is the case with every track in the album, this one too has a 'remix' to boast of. 

There is a twist in the tale soon after with guest composer Pritam bringing on a softer tune with 'I Love You'. Now this is the kind of a romantic melodious number that takes one back to mushy old days of Salman when he had quite a few such numbers to his credit in films like Kahi Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. However there is a nice Pritam touch to it as well as he adds his own bit to remind audience of the kind of sound that they expect from an Emraan Hashmi track. Hear the middle of the 'antara' portions and you would find the reference points. It is also good to see Pritam experiment with relatively new singers like Ash King and Clinton Cerejo who do quite well to make this Neelesh Misra grow after a couple of hearing. The song is further repeated in a 'remix version' with the same pair of singers though for the unplugged version it is Shaan who takes the centre-stage. 

The way 'Desi Beat' begins, it all sounds like a quintessential Punjabi dance number to begin with. In fact for the first couple of listening, this Himesh Reshammiya track seems like a regular number that doesn't quite break any new grounds in its structuring, lyrics or singing. However once you have heard it again in the 'remix' as well as 'Punjabi hip hop mix' versions, it starts coming on it's own as one settles down to the mood and rhythm of the song. Expectedly both Mika Singh and Amrita Kak are pretty energetic behind the mike for this song that also has a brief trumpet portion that gives homage to 'Tum Kya Jano, Mohabbat Kya Hai' from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen. This is one of those songs that are elevated further due to star power and with Salman at the helm of affairs, one can be rest assured that he would make it further special. 

The best is reserved for the end though with 'Teri Meri' being not just the best of the enterprise but also one of the top songs to have been released this year. This is the kind of song that one terms as 'lambi race ka ghoda' as it it has in it to be heard for months at stretch. A love song with a tinge of sadness to it, Shabbir Ahmed written 'Teri Meri' is sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal with their heart as they bring in the kind of pain that the protagonists must be feeling on screen. In fact with this number Himesh Reshammiya makes one all the more miss him as a composer as a few more songs like this would definitely made Bollywood musical scene much better than what it is today. The very fact that the song appears again in a 'reprise', 'remix' and a 'Theme-Instrumental' version is all the more reason to feel truly satiated. 

OVERALL 

The music of Bodyguard has in it to be hugely popular amongst audience as it has everything for everything. For the lovers of conventional music there is 'Desi Beats' while for Salman's fans there is the title track 'Bodyguard'. And then for those who are hunting for melody which boasts of a much longer shelf life, there is 'Teri Meri' and 'I Love You' (by Pritam) which are all set to rule the charts in days to come. For all these years if composer Himesh Reshammiya was indeed waiting for the right album to make a comeback then well, this is it! 

OUR PICK(S) 

Bodyguard, I Love You, Desi Beat , Teri Meri   

Bodyguard Movie trailer

Salman Khan: Larger-than-life hero

Salman Khan is no longer an elusive man. The magic of movies (read film promotions) has enchanted him as well. Dapper in a light blue T-shirt and black pants, Salman settles down to being friendly…

Ready is the remake of a south Indian movie. So are some of your other movies. Is this a deliberate move?

Apparently the punches and dialogues are in those films. I don’t know if this is a coincidence. Earlier they used to copy our films because we made films on heroism. Most of my father’s scripts have been broken down and copied in the south. Now Dabangg is being remade there. When you do Hollywood remakes, the whole world is watching. But these films have not been seen except by people from that region. Also, they have not let heroism go. Suddenly we have gone into these phases of making love stories, rom-coms, niche films, gay films…

Today everyone is doing different and niche films…

I don’t think anybody is doing that anymore. I think from Amsterdam they want to go down to Andheri. And I don’t want to do neech (niche) films (smiles).

With the success of Ready, it looks like you have finally hit upon a success formula…

No, it’s not like that. I am sure I would go wrong in that formula as well. Because once you start doing something, you tend to get carried away. You start taking that image to be you and think you can do anything, so then it gets farfetched and you become a caricature of yourself.

You have some larger-than-life roles, like in Ready. Don’t you fear being typecast?

What’s wrong with that?! You are enjoying it!

Last year you were nominated for so many awards and won some as well. Do you think people have woken up to your talent at last?

I don’t want any awards. I don’t go to awards functions. In fact, I tell my producers also to not put me as a nominee in the Best Actor category. When that one nominee section is vacant, it can go to somebody else.

But every actor – big or small – craves for that the kind of recognition…

I get it when the theatres are full. I get it when I hear the claps in the theatres. When the film goes from the single theatres to multiplexes – that’s also an award for me. I’d rather believe in these rewards than those awards.

When films were failing at the BO you hit the jackpot. What did you do right, d’you think?

There were also times when everyone’s films were working and my films were bombing, left, right and centre. But I didn’t panic at that point of time, because I knew those films were going to bomb. I had to do them because I liked the script, but I could not put my foot down. Today I have realised one thing: the guy who pays 10 rupees and someone who pays 500 rupees to see the movie – I have a responsibility towards them.

One hears that you have been deeply involved in the making of your films, from the script to songs to the editing…

I always did that. But when you get kicked in the ass, na, you’ll always go two steps forward.

Does that mean like Aamir, you too would like to get into direction?

No. But I will work under Aamir’s direction, when I have lots of time, hanh!

Aamir Khan told the media that he wishes you would get married. And he said it would be possible by tying your hands and legs….

Tell Aamir that I will tie up his hands and legs and see to it that he does not get married again!

On that, the superstar remains elusive…

Chillar Party Movie Review

Source - Bollywood Hungama


I'd said this before and I'd like to repeat it here: If you don't have a star in your film, the story of your film better be the star attraction, the champ. CHILLAR PARTY may be backed by star names, but it doesn't have a 'star' to call the shots. Thankfully, the story of CHILLAR PARTY does the talking!

Children's films are rarely attempted in Bollywood, though film-makers often talk of luring not just adults but also kids when they plan a film project. Post KACCHA LIMBOO and STANLEY KA DABBA, CHILLAR PARTY attempts to focus entirely on kids. Eight kids stand up to a mighty politician, their mission is to save a dog that belongs to an urchin who's part of their group. The film actually advocates a message in the garb of entertainment: Children can bridge the class difference that's prevalent in the society. Honest intentions, indeed! 



I've often felt that children are more impulsive, more courageous and have a completely non-manipulative approach towards life, unlike adults, and it is this quality that makes them take on the odds head-on. CHILLAR PARTY depicts the courage with which they stand up against their parents and also a powerful politician to fight for a just cause. The cause is most noble and if you're a dog lover [like me], you'd simply want to be one with the kids in this agitation and fight the unscrupulous politician tooth and nail. And that's precisely why CHILLAR PARTY works. It evokes the right feelings. It knocks on your conscience. 


CHILLAR PARTY is not just meant for kids, but also grownups. Besides, as a film, it changes the perception that kiddie films in India tackle childish issues. This one, in fact, tackles a sensitive issue that plagues our society. Also, as a story, the film has its moments that make you emotional and euphoric, when the kids win the combat.

CHILLAR PARTY tells the story of a gang of innocent but feisty kids who lead a carefree and fun-filled life in Chandan Nagar Colony. Soon, Fatka and his pet Bheedu come into their lives and they become an inseparable part of the Chillar Party. The lives of these kids get difficult when Bheedu's life is endangered, thanks to a mean politician. How they take on the mighty opponent in their own way forms the crux of the story.

Unlike KACCHA LIMBOO and STANLEY KA DABBA, CHILLAR PARTY doesn't get into the serious zone, although it does tackle a serious issue. That's because directors Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl balance the dramatic portions with light moments admirably. At the same time, the film retains the innocence that one expects from films that have kids enacting principal and pivotal characters. Right from the time when the kids and the urchin have issues with each other to taking up cudgels against the wrong-doers, a number of sequences involving the kids have that certain spark that cannot be described in mere words.

The sole flaw is the placement of Ranbir Kapoor's song in the film. It's wrongly placed after the end credits. What a waste, since the viewers would've only made an exit by then.

Directors Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl have handled several moments with expertise. Drawing as good as real performances from the kids is an arduous task indeed and you need to hand it to the duo for not only choosing the right set of actors, but also making them look convincing in their parts. Also, I'd like to make a note of the dialogue spoken in the enterprise. It's exactly like the way we hear kids speaking in real life.

Every kid in the film pitches in a winning performance - Jhangiya [enacted by Naman], Shaolin [Divij], Enclyclopedia [Sanath], Silencer [Vedant], Aflatoon [Aarav], Panauti [Chinmay], Toothpaste [Sherya], Akram [Rohan], Second Hand [Visshesh] and Fatka [Irfan Khan]. It would be unfair and unjust to single out just one of them. As a matter of fact, you just can't help but fall in love with each of them. Ditto for the supporting actors, who enact the role of the parents and also the conniving politician.

On the whole, CHILLAR PARTY is not just for kids, but for grownups as well. A story of grit and determination, it works not just as an entertainer, but also advocates a message rather strongly. A film that deserves to be tax-exempted so that it reaches out to a wider audience. A small film with a gigantic spirit... Encourage this one! 

 


http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14130/index.html

Chillar Party

Salman Khan turns producer. And he makes a kids' movie, no less. Well, whether or not, it's a movie for kids or not we don't know yet. But it's a movie with lots of kids in it. Kids who like mean machines. Kids who mean business. Kids who look like they have taken their Dabangg lessons from the master.

Is this Salman Khan's way of creating a new generation of Salmaniacs? Fortunately, the trailer tells me otherwise. My apprehensions are kept at bay because the promo itself says that there might be an actual story. Each of the kids has an identifying trait. That's saying a lot considering Salman Khan's character is the same across most of his films.

Cute, no? Not only the kids, the characteristics assigned to them too. The language used too. When I looked at the official website and the language used, I was skeptical. That it might just be kids using "adult" language. But the children seem to be carrying it off pretty well in the trailer. It seems like something I wouldn't mind if my children watched. It might even be a film that I want my children to watch.

The first disappointment, though, is already here. A movie that seems to have the potential to be entertaining and different and has the amazing Amit Trivedi for a music director has such ordinary music. Wonder what's the story there?

Music reviews:
milliblog - "Functional music by a composer from whom we’ve heard better."
music aloud - "7/10"
Bollywood Hungama - "2/5"
HappySing - "A perfect end to the worth-a-try album with its ups (Chatte-batte, followed by ek school) and downs (probably the second sound, more for being a repeat of the first)."