| AAMIR KHAN
Hot stuff: After an experimental Dhobi Ghat, the actor will be seen back in full on mainstream mode with Talaash and Dhoom 3. Knowing the perfectionist that he is, it hardly will be a surprise to see both the films hit the right highs at the BO.
Films in hand: Talaash, Dhoom 3
Money riding: ' 100 crore
Trade sez: With Aamir, you know that the film brings certain expectations and he hardly ever lets you down. Dhoom is a hit franchise already and him playing a villain has already taken it notches above and Talaash is interesting to watch out for too.
SALMAN KHAN
Hot stuff: First Wanted, then Dabangg and now Ready and Bodyguard, it's been a hattrick of blockbuster years for actor Salman Khan that's cemented his numero uno status at the BO. With three biggies lined up, this year is looking as promising for the superhit Khan.
Films in hand:
Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg 2, Sher Khan
Money riding:
' 150 crore plus
Trade sez: Salman's always been a star no matter how his film fares and if anything his fanbase only seems to be in a multiplication mode. His stocks continue to be at their highest best this year too with an interesting line-up. Definitely the most bankable at present.
SHAHRUKH KHAN
Hot stuff: Nothing sells like Shah Rukh Khan and the star proved it last year. This year though the actor has only one film as of now, bets are high as it will see him team up with Yash Chopra once again on his own familiar domain —romance.
Films in hand: Yash Chopra's next
Money riding:
' 65 crore plus
Trade sez: It will be interesting to watch SRK return to his stronghold of a romantic film after his sci-fi, drama and action thriller outings. With Yash Chopra, he has hardly gone wrong, so it is something industry and his fans alike are looking out for.
HRITHIK ROSHAN
Hot stuff: After a multi-starrer superhit under his belt, this one's raring to go back into the solo zone and prove his mettle again. And by the looks of it, the film's build up enough curiosity to ensure a bumper opening already.
Films in hand: Agneepath, Krrish 2
Money riding: ' 100 crore plus
Trade sez: You can see the drive in Hrithik's eyes to give in his best and both the films in hand are creating a lot of buzz. Expectations are high too, and pressure is building up for Hrithik to deliver, but in good hands, he has always done that and this year should be no different.
RANBIR KAPOOR
Hot stuff: The Rockstar Kapoor has proven that acting is in his DNA. Among the youngest of the lot, he's already claiming stake at the top. With well-chosen scripts, he's showcasing the actor within without compromising on his star value.
Films in hand: Barfee, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Money riding: ' 80 crore
Trade sez: With a vivid mix of films, Ranbir's proving that there's no role that he can't tackle. Romance, comedy, drama, he can do it all. This year too he has two interesting films in hand and he's already in the race to the top. But now they want to see him do some action too.
THE CONTENDERS
Imran Khan
Yes, he had two big hits last year, but trade is crediting it all to the film on whole, instead of just his acting histrionics. The actor himself knows his strengths and weaknesses and has no qualms in admitting to them too. He tries to highlight those strengths and has been lucky so far. His wise choice again, works for him.
Films in hand: Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Matru Ki Bijli Ka Man Dola
Ajay Devgn
The actor was the most bankable in 2010, but did not live up to the expectations last year. Now in the coming year, he has three films in hand and according to the trade, he's another dark horse you will not lose money on.
Films in hand:
SOS, Bol Bachchan, Tezz
Akshay Kumar
No matter how his film fares, by sheer biz dynamics, no producer ever loses his money on Akshay. This year he's returning to his own domain of
action.
Films in hand: Housefull 2, Rowdy Rathore, Joker,
Khiladi 786, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai 2
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer shows a refreshing spark that industrywallahs so seek among newcomers. He didn't disappoint with his second film either, so there's a lot of curiosity if the newbie will be able to keep those hopes high.
Film in hand: Lootera
Neil Nitin Mukesh
The actor's films have not made much of a difference at the BO of late, but Neil may change all that this year. He has an interesting line-up, but he needs a big hit to his credit now to be considered a player in the big league.
Films in hand: Players, Shortcut Romeo, Pocketmaar
Shahid Kapoor
It may have been bad weather for Shahid at the BO last year, but this year's a fresh start for the actor, who hasn't lost any goodwill with the filmmakers.
Films in hand: Teri Meri Kahani, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai 2
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer shows a refreshing spark that industrywallahs so seek among newcomers. He didn't disappoint with his second film either, so there's a lot of curiosity if the newbie will be able to keep those hopes high.
Film in hand: Lootera
John Abraham
The hunky actor knows how to make his good looks work for him and no one is complaining. Most of the films that cash in on that seem to work, including Force where he did manage to show the actor in him beyond the good looks. The films in hand are no litmus test for the actor, and so should see John smiling at the BO.
Films in hand: Dostana 2, Housefull 2, Race 2
Arjun Rampal
It was Arjun who people wanted to see more of in Ra.One, but the actor who earlier showed he's made of better stuff in Rajneeti, didn't have a solo hit to his name. But now trade is looking out for him in Heroine.
Film in hand: Prakash Jha's next and Heroine
Saif Ali Khan
Saif is a safe bet, feel trade analysts. The actor has proven himself time and again and what works in his favour, feel insiders are his choice of roles. He has a yuppy connect and that works well for the kind of roles he does. There's a lot of pressure on him for Agent Vinod, but the other two should be a breeze for him.
Films in hand: Agent Vinod, Cocktail, Race 2
Abhay Deol
The actor proved that he's as much mainstream as he is the offbeat sorts. And the films in hand show that he's clearly leaning towards his new-found zone. He's not exactly in the A-league yet, happy to settle for the mid-budgets or multi-starrer biggies, but he's certainly not short on potential, feels trade.
Films in hand: Shanghai, Singularity, Rock The Shaadi
Abhishek Bachchan
After his experimental phase, Abhishek made a comeback to the mainstream and it seems to have worked for him too. This year sees him getting into action and comedy, both that the actor has done in the past. With Dostana and Dhoom franchisee, it's hard to go wrong as an actor.
Films in hand: Players, Dostana 2, Bol Bachchan, Dhoom 3
— Aakanksha Naval-Shetye
|
Advocate Anjali Awasthi
Current Affairs
0