Showing posts with label salman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salman. Show all posts
Why Bodyguard is a big hit already
Friday
Salman Khan is emerging as the Rajnikanth of Bollywood, says media professional and industry observer Abhijit Mhamunkar, as the two-days collection of Salman Khan's Bodyguard raked in around Rs 38.7 crore.
Despite being a flawed film, Mhamunkar says it is doing well because "Salman's film is like Rajnikanth's film, people go to watch Salman Khan so there are no complaints from hardcore fans. Besides, people did not hate the film nor are they saying it is a flop film."
He explains further: "Salman Khan's movies are critic-proof. People don't wait for reviews and then go and watch his films, they are waiting for the release of the film. With each multiplex having around 27, 19 and 21 shows, every screen is showing Bodyguard. It is a well planned strategy; everyone who goes to the cinema is getting a ticket so they are watching it."
The first two days of the film's release were holidays. The first was for Eid. Since Muslims abstain from watching films during the month of Ramzan, they are eager to watch a film, not just a Salman film but any film, after that. If it is a Salman Khan film on Eid, then it's like the cherry on the icing. "The fall will begin today, Friday. In fact, it has already begun from today -- morning to afternoon there has been about 30 to 40 per cent fall. That is not a huge fall but it is considerable compared to the last two days," says Mhamunkar.
The estimate of Rs 100 crore in earnings in the first weekend now seems difficult, but on the other hand, the next two days being a weekend, sales could be good.
Irrespective of the financial performance of the film, its star will remain untarnished. "Even the harshest critic of Bodyguard has not pointed to a flaw in Salman Khan's performance. You will find no review where Salman Khan is criticised. Even (movie critic) Rajeev Masand has tweeted that he is an endearing character in the film," Mhamunkar points out.
He compares it to the Amitabh Bachchan phenomenon, when in his heyday the Big B could do no wrong.
Salman is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and is in the US for treatment, but the sympathy wave is not the reason for the good box office takings, Mhamunkar says.
He believes people are drawn to the character Salman plays in this film. In his recent films, "Salman played the over-smart, stylish, larger than life character. Here he plays a simple, endearing, down to earth and real character."
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Singham have been the biggest hits of the year so far, but Mhamunkar's guess is that Bodyguard will surpass them. "Singham earned Rs 100 crore, but it was in the theatres for long, so it took a long time to earn that kind of money. But Bodyguard's growth is rapid so therefore it will surpass Singham."
The only other film that could compete with Bodyguard is Shah Rukh Khan's Ra.One because, says Mhamunkar, SRK is a good strategist and will bombard cinemas with many more prints, and also because "though Salman Khan has a huge fan following in India , it is not as huge as Shah Rukh Khan's, who also has a fan following among NRIs. His last film My Name is Khan did not do that well in India, but was a huge hit overseas."
Salman Khan's surgery in US successful
Thursday
Surgery on Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the US for a painful nerve condition has been "successful" and he is advised a complete rest for the next fifteen days, sources close to the actor said today.
Salman who is suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia, a nerve disorder that causes intense pain in the face, had left for the US on August 29.
"The surgery was done last night and lasted for five hours. It will take at least fifteen days for the actor to resume work and he is advised complete rest till then. Fresh tests will be conducted further to check the progress of recovery. The actor will then go to South Africa to shoot for Ek Tha Tiger," sources close to the actor told.
The Dabangg actor has been suffering from the pain in his jaw since 2007 while shooting for 'Partner'. It got worse last year following which he decided to undergo a surgery.
Salman - Kareena's Bodyguard sets record for first-day box office collections of Rs 20 crore (ET)
With several full-house shows and strong advance bookings even for weekdays, Bodyguard could even emerge as one of the biggest grossers of all time, cementing Salman's position as Bollywood's biggest boxoffice draw more than 20 years after he made his debut in Maine Pyaar Kiyain 1989.
Over the last two years, in terms of box-office collections, Khan's movies have also been beating high-decibel releases of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth. But a reason for that could be the wider reach that Khan's Hindi movies get across the country, whereas Rajinikanth's Tamil movies are released primarily in theatres in the south, an exception being Robot, which had a Hindi version.
Long queues reminiscent of the openings of Amitabh Bachchan's movies in the 1970s and 1980s were reported from cities and towns. "Our theatres in Gorakhpur, Patiala and Bijnor are witnessing a deluge of Salman fans. We are sold out for the next few days," said Tinku Singh of SRS Cinemas, which has theatres across UP, Haryana and Punjab.
At Anurag Cinema in Meerut, shows of Bodyguard are sold out for a few days, said head booking clerk Bharat Kumar. "The crowds have gone mad. There is commotion all around here."
The movie's co-producer, Reliance Big Pictures, which spent Rs 22 crore on marketing, says it will raise thatamount through Day 1 collections alone. "We estimate the first day's business can touch Rs 20 crore net, which will be unprecedented," said Sanjeev Lamba, chief executive officer of Reliance Entertainment.
Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nahata said the movie would have garnered Rs 18-19 crore in collections. "This looks like the biggest opening weekend ever.
Salman Khan has achieved superstardom," he said. "Bodyguard has monstrous, earth-shattering, mindboggling opening," tweeted Taran Adarsh, another trade analyst.
Khan and his team followed a recent trend in Bollywood of launching films ahead of Friday - the day films are traditionally released in India - to take advantage of the extended weekend, which began on Wednesday with Eid. Many parts of the country will be closed for Ganesh Chaturthi on Thursday. The movie has been released across 2,800 screens in India. Multiplex chains are reporting houseful shows, with occupancies ranging between 85% and 100%.
"Bodyguard is witnessing 100% occupancy across shows. Even advance bookings for several shows in the coming days are sold out. We believe there will be repeat audience for the film," said Gautam Dutta, chief operating officer at PVR, which operates multi-screen theatres in many cities in the country.
Tushar Dhingra, the COO at the ADAG-owned Big Cinemas, which runs theatres in many cities in India, said the film has done well across both big and small centres. "Bookings are averaging 85-100% across board. Audiences are pouring in and advance bookings for the rest of the week are also strong," he said.
Salman Khan's Bodyguard vs Shahrukh Khan's RA.One
Wednesday
Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan's rivalry has been taken a notch higher. Just recently, SRK's most ambitious project RA.One was predicted to be the biggest release in the country. The film was speculated to release in 3000 screens with over 2000 prints in circulation (Mumbai Mirror, June 24, 2011).
However, Salman has ensured that his Eid release Bodyguard breaks his arch rival's speculated record. A source informed that Bodyguard will open in 2799 screens with over 2000 prints in circulation. And as of now, this completely overtakes SRK's plans for RA.One.
When contacted, trade analyst Taran Adarsh said, "Yes, I have got the news that Bodyguard has beaten all Hindi films till date as far as the number of prints is concerned. One of the reasons is because the film stars Salman and releases on Eid. "
However, with SRK's film releasing in October, the actor might just be able to pull off his dream and outdo the opening of Salman's Bodyguard. "It is still early to ascertain the number of screens and prints of RA. One," added the source.
Imran acts as Salman's body double
In Salman's absence, the younger Khan will keep the tradition alive and watch Bodyguard first show in a Bandra theatre
This Eid, Salman Khan's fans might be a little disappointed. While his film Bodyguard will release on the big day, completing the hat-trick after Wanted and Dabangg, the star himself will not be there to watch the first day first show of Bodyguard with his fans.
The actor, who has never broken his tradition of watching his releases every Eid at a popular Bandra theatre, commonly known as the G-7 complex, had to fly off to the US for treatment this time around. And Imran Khan has volunteered to stand in for the star and keep the tradition alive.
A source informed, "Salman Khan goes to Gaiety Galaxy every Eid. He interacts with the audience as well. It's kind of a ritual and all his fans wait for this day. However, this year he is not in Mumbai. Imran Khan has decided to go and meet the audience on Salman's behalf. He wants to do this for Salman."
When contacted, Imran confirmed the news and said, "I am going to watch the matinee show at the theatre. The real fun lies there - in watching the film with people who come in for the first day first show."
"Salmanbhai's films have been releasing around Eid and people who stay in Bandra are well aware of this ritual. This year, since Salmanbhai has gone abroad for surgery, I will be going to watch the film on his behalf.
I have friends who are die-hard Salman fans and they had already made plans to watch Bodyguard.
I have decided to join them. I am going to have so much fun. People are going to throw coins at the screen and I can see all of that firsthand," added Imran.
The actor continued, "Salmanbhai has always been very supportive. He stood by me when my films released - starting with Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na to Delhi Belly. This is my way to show gratitude in whatever little way I can."
Speaking about his plans, Imran added, "I would be interacting with the audience. Normally, I would have gone to a multiplex to watch the film, but since Salmanbhai is not there, I decided to stand in for him."
The real Salman: Bodyguard Shera reveals all
Tuesday
Trust Salman Khan to do things differently. At the launch of the first look of his new film Bodyguard, Salman took a backseat and let his real life bodyguard of 15 years, Shera, take centre stage.
Sonil Dedhia gets into conversation with Shera, real name Gurmeet Singh, as he talks about his association with the superstar and making his debut in Bollywood.
We generally don't see bodyguards in the forefront. This is the first time ever.
It's a big honour for me. I never even dreamt about it. I have been with Salman bhai for 15 years but I never imagined that I would be given such a big opportunity.
How did you get associated with Salman Khan?
I own a security company called Tiger Security that supplies bodyguards to a lot of actors. Sohail Khan called me when he needed security for Salman's overseas tour. I met him and he was so impressed with me that he insisted I go with Bhai (Salman Khan) and that is how my journey with him started.
Tell us something about yourself.
My real name is Gurmeet Singh. My father gave me the name Shera because when I was born I was very healthy and grew up to be a strong boy
Have you worked with any other celebrities?
Apart from Salman, I have not worked with anyone, but when Salman has told me to do so, I have accompanied a lot of stars like Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor.
You have been with Salman Khan for so many years. How has he changed over the years?
I have been with him for 15 years now. From his debut as a romantic hero in Maine Pyar Kiya to his recently released action films like Wantedand Dabangg, Bhai has changed so much. The mannerisms, style, body there have been so many changes in him.
Salman is playing a bodyguard in the film; did you give him any tips?
After being with me for 15 years I don't think he needs any tips! He has noted me so closely for the past many years that he doesn't need any advice. Also, I am no one to give him advice. He is a real superstar.
Salman refused to wear any other security company's uniform but yours. In fact, he refused Rs 7 cr to wear anyone else's uniform.
Atul and Alvira Agnihotri, who are the producers of the film, called me and asked me to send the logo of my security company. I was not aware for a long time that Bhai chose to wear the uniform of my company. You can imagine his liking for me by that. He is a real nice man at heart.
Are you doing an item number in the film?
Yes, I have shot for the title song of the film. Bhai taught me some dance steps. I was extremely nervous and scared as this was the first time I was shooting for a film. I did a lot of rehearsals and I think I have got it right. I don't want to say a lot as it is a surprise package and I am sure everyone will like it.
Do you like him doing romantic roles or action roles?
I am his bodyguard; I like Bhai in whatever role he does.
How difficult is it to handle his fans?
It is very difficult to protect and do my job for such a big superstar. His fans are not like any other fans. Bhai's fans are diehard fans. All his fans gather in a mass when he is in public and there are times when there are stampedes whenever he steps put of his house. They want to touch him, click photographs with him and it becomes very difficult to handle the crowd. I have never seen such crazy fans for anyone.
Is there any incident that you can share?
I remember one incident, which happened in Chennai recently. A girl suddenly came on the stage and held Salman Bhai very tight and refused to leave him. At this point there aren't any special arrangements for ladies security. Somehow I managed to coax her to leave Salman. Bhai always tells me, 'Do what you have to but make sure that none of my fans ever gets hurt.'
Recently Salman said he trusts you with all his women.
Yes, he can trust me with anything. Fifteen years is a long time. I will not think even once before taking every bullet fired at Salman, if that ever happens. I can die for him.
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