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SRK rules!
The huge opening of 'RNBDJ' proves that Shah Rukh is still the undisputed king of Bollywood.
By Rajeev Nair
The verdict is out; some loved 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,' others have been way too critical about what is just another Bollywood production, and some (as is the norm) have outright rejected the movie as another well-packaged, emotional potboiler from Aditya Chopra.
There, however, has been a sort of consensus about Shah Rukh Khan's performance, with most critics being liberal with praises about the actor's dual personality act.
Very few have ventured (or dared) to draw out the clumsiness that Shah Rukh Khan brings to the portrayal of Surinder Sahni, which is becoming a trademark of the simpleton act of most Bollywood actors. If you play an 'ordinary guy' – the new Bollywood school of method acting says – act dumb so much that you could be passed on as someone totally out of place in this world.
'Rab De Bana Di Jodi', however, has several moments that are tailor-made for Shah Rukh Khan, and when he is on his turf – of unabashed playfulness or a dollop of self-pitying melodrama – this man takes the crown.
We have come to expect very few surprises from SRK, as an actor (the rare exception being 'Chak De, India'). Otherwise, what one expects of Shah Rukh Khan is the sheer magnetism and infectious enthusiasm that the actor brings to films like 'Main Hoon Na.' He is at his best in clichd Bollywood mode. That is a 'style' that has endeared Shah Rukh to audiences across the world.
Reports from the overseas markets (a traditional Shah Rukh Khan stronghold) are positively upbeat. Dubai, for instance, had its prime cineplexes playing 'Rab De Bana Di Jodi' in at least two theatres, with all shows of the weekend drawing huge crowds of not just Indians but a generous mix of Arabs and other Shah Rukh Khans from the Subcontinent. No wonder, SRK decides to associate himself with a property development that goes by his name.
'Look at the power of one man,' was a passing by comment by one of the happier viewers of the film in Dubai. That is the sort of star power, which is considerably waning in Bollywood. We have actors galore; stars are dwindling in their appeal. And if the trend of multiplex movies (as a response to curtailing budgets in the wake of the global financial crisis) takes stronger roots in 2009, will Shah Rukh Khan be the last true superstar of Indian cinema?
He takes viewers along with him, even when they know that there are limits to the man's acting prowess. Even when he goes over-the-top, there is an endearing sincerity to the man that engages audiences. And as the clich goes, love him or hate him, this is one actor who cannot be taken lightly or with indifference.
So what if the movie is not one of the typical, mindless potboilers but just a breezy, two/ three star worth 'watchable' flick, Shah Rukh Khan's repertoire will continue to shine on!
So, hats off to that 'one man' who continues to retain Bollywood's star charisma and successfully manages to get away with any act – Raj or Surinder!
Source: India Syndicate
http://entertainment.in.msn.com/bollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1762873
The huge opening of 'RNBDJ' proves that Shah Rukh is still the undisputed king of Bollywood.
By Rajeev Nair
The verdict is out; some loved 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,' others have been way too critical about what is just another Bollywood production, and some (as is the norm) have outright rejected the movie as another well-packaged, emotional potboiler from Aditya Chopra.
There, however, has been a sort of consensus about Shah Rukh Khan's performance, with most critics being liberal with praises about the actor's dual personality act.
Very few have ventured (or dared) to draw out the clumsiness that Shah Rukh Khan brings to the portrayal of Surinder Sahni, which is becoming a trademark of the simpleton act of most Bollywood actors. If you play an 'ordinary guy' – the new Bollywood school of method acting says – act dumb so much that you could be passed on as someone totally out of place in this world.
'Rab De Bana Di Jodi', however, has several moments that are tailor-made for Shah Rukh Khan, and when he is on his turf – of unabashed playfulness or a dollop of self-pitying melodrama – this man takes the crown.
We have come to expect very few surprises from SRK, as an actor (the rare exception being 'Chak De, India'). Otherwise, what one expects of Shah Rukh Khan is the sheer magnetism and infectious enthusiasm that the actor brings to films like 'Main Hoon Na.' He is at his best in clichd Bollywood mode. That is a 'style' that has endeared Shah Rukh to audiences across the world.
Reports from the overseas markets (a traditional Shah Rukh Khan stronghold) are positively upbeat. Dubai, for instance, had its prime cineplexes playing 'Rab De Bana Di Jodi' in at least two theatres, with all shows of the weekend drawing huge crowds of not just Indians but a generous mix of Arabs and other Shah Rukh Khans from the Subcontinent. No wonder, SRK decides to associate himself with a property development that goes by his name.
'Look at the power of one man,' was a passing by comment by one of the happier viewers of the film in Dubai. That is the sort of star power, which is considerably waning in Bollywood. We have actors galore; stars are dwindling in their appeal. And if the trend of multiplex movies (as a response to curtailing budgets in the wake of the global financial crisis) takes stronger roots in 2009, will Shah Rukh Khan be the last true superstar of Indian cinema?
He takes viewers along with him, even when they know that there are limits to the man's acting prowess. Even when he goes over-the-top, there is an endearing sincerity to the man that engages audiences. And as the clich goes, love him or hate him, this is one actor who cannot be taken lightly or with indifference.
So what if the movie is not one of the typical, mindless potboilers but just a breezy, two/ three star worth 'watchable' flick, Shah Rukh Khan's repertoire will continue to shine on!
So, hats off to that 'one man' who continues to retain Bollywood's star charisma and successfully manages to get away with any act – Raj or Surinder!
Source: India Syndicate
http://entertainment.in.msn.com/bollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1762873
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