It’s been quite some time since I watched a movie. But this one joined the most awaited list for me as it is a remake of one of my favorite movies of all time POKIRI with my favorite star Salman Khan. It is a huge challenge to match what Mahesh Babu did in Pokiri as Mahesh has the advantage of boyish looks and intense looking eyes. During the humorous scenes the camera would focus more on his body and his smile to make him look the Pokiri(means rogue in Telugu) and during the action scenes the camera would focus more on his eyes to show the ruthlessness.
With very high expectations I entered the PVR during mid of first week and surprised to see a packed house. Isn’t PVR a multiplex? The crowd was good and there were ceetis every time Salman was shown on the screen and people were in full on mood. Maybe it is just in Hyderabad that there are Salman kae phatte?
The story is pretty simple but the screenplay is what hooks up the audience to this movie. If you watch the original pokiri of Mahesh Babu even 10 times, you get surprised at the climax on your 11th watch. The screenplay and the characters/cast in the movie hide the core climax of the movie so well. The base story is about heroism and the sacrifices by these heroes to become the heroes.
I always thought Salman Khan is the one and only actor of the current bollywood actors who can do what Mahesh did and he proved me right. He excelled and went beyond Mahesh in the first half as he mixed his tough look with his comedy timing very well. In the last 40 minutes of the movie he looked a bit short of Mahesh but by this time Salman already gave what audiences wanted and he took the bollywood crown in style. A special mention here: Salman did not copied Mahesh, it is amazing to see Salman using his own style and outperforming Mahesh in style, action and comedy(messed up a bit on the emotion part). Its 5* performance
Story and Screenplay: The story is the same but the screenplay has been tweaked a bit to match the taste of bollywood audience. Except for 2 elements, 1. the dance in the Jalwa song 2. the comedy track of the house owner, the movie looks a 100% bollywood movie. It does not have the south Indian movie feel at all. For this Prabhu Dheva needs a pat on the back
Direction: Prabhu Dheva did an awesome job. He made a bollywood movie of highest standards till date. He directed the movie in the RGV style and used Salman Khan and Salman Khan’s media image in the best way possible. I met Prabhu few times in the airport and this guy is always smiling is so down to earth. I am now so amazed that he has this much of talent and he could make this level of action movie. Bravo! Prabhu Dheva. You made Salman fans very happy and showed bollywood what Salman Khan is.
Cinematography, sound, lighting, costumes, editing and Background Music: Has to be one of the best as every scene in the movie has that wow feel to it. The colors the background, the sets look perfect. Editing is crisp(last 40 minutes could have been edited better).
Music: Average and it could have been better. The dances are highlight and this makes much for the average music.
Action: The best till date in Bollywood. Salman Khan was presented in an excellent way. Salman roared like a lion through out the action scenes and made the audience his fans for life.
Not just watch the movie for Salman Khan but for the quality of the movie. As this movie is one of the best shot movies till date in Bollywood. At least this is what I believe.