Salman Khan Phenomenon can you explain it? - Page 9

Ek Tha Tiger

Dabangg 2

I think Salman wants to make movies PEOPLE want to see. The rest make movies for themselves or other reason. No one is better or worse or right or wrong. It is just he is doing what the people want. That is why they love him.

He was always a well loved star and neck to neck with SRK in 90s. Even when his films flopped he was liked for his looks and style.

I think he works because he's least pretentious (compared to other Khans) and is just about entertainment (unlike other Khans who pretend as if with every film they are going to redefine Indian cinema). He's a no-nonsense guy for audience.

Salman is like an underdog (he didn't have king or ace hype for him), public is rediscovering him in a big way. He doesn't hide his flaws and talks openly about cases, controversies compared to other stars who either make excuses (SRK) or stay mum (Aamir). Even Akshay Kumar had gotten into King Kumar self promotion after 2007 hits. While Salman is chilled out, doesn't take himself or stardom seriously.

Aamir took break, started making those art films like Dhobi Ghat and just disenchanted audience which had flocked to him after 3I. SRK was too much into expanding his reach to overseas markets or making mega budget films which would take Indian cinema to "next level". Akshay got typecast in foolish comedies. Salman emerged as a perfect alternative.

Of all his films Dabangg has been the true gamechanger for him. People saw Salman like they'd never seen before.

Salman filled a void, catering to aam aadmi (middle class also, not just paanwallahs) at a time when others were too hung up trying to please "world audience" or win Oscars or celebrating their achievements as King Khan/King Kumar/Perfectionist Ace.

As star material Salman always had more potential than others. But lost out due to lack of handling media, and poor career choices. Now he knows exactly what he's doing so he's on top.

Salman's a hit with kids also - his style and mannerisms are easy to emulate.

He is everyman's superstar. Others are way too distant for Indian audience to connect to.

Masses are the key. Only upper middle class or overseas audience can't get a star too far. This is the reason why Big B was a never seen before phenomenon in 70s!

i do wonder sometimes his flop movies are always enjoayble..

I don't like Salman movies at all. But I like it that he's not at all pretentious or self congratulatory like others. Others shout about "taking cinema to new level" or "taking risk" even with the most meh kind of films even before release! Or give pointless superhero or slow-paced arty films after wait of 1-3 years! First you do a film so rarely as if it's a favour to humanity, then when you do come up with a film it should be awesome, no? When they build up expectations with their gamechanger hoopla, then they get judged accordingly (i.e., they're scrutinised more)! Others have more expectations from them due to what they promise. Salman doesn't promise anything he won't deliver, so his target audience is fine by what he offers!

I find it interesting that his fame rose just when Bollywood started to become more modern and introduced kissing scenes in movies. My little theory is that a lot of the older generations are wary of watching movies containing the younger actors for this very reason.

Salman films have humor, dance, masala...but no 'revealing' scenes.

The only funda I can think of his brand name recognition. Salman Khan has become a brand name, more than a celebrity. With various shows under his belt and his own organization, Being Human, running successfully, Salman Khan is now on the verge of growth and recognition. There's no looking back. He's at his second peak of his career. Perhaps, he might enjoy the limelight for a few more years before vanishing on us completely [well, partially!]

Think his fight with Sharukh in 08 had anything to do with it?