The Sajid Nadiadwala film Kick promises to offer some heart-pounding action starring Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Hollywood stunt choreographers Philippe Guégan and Spiro Razatos - both with hundreds of films to their name - were brought in to raise the bar on the action sequences. According to the Times of India, the scene pictured above is one that has generated quite a positive response from fans:
The scene was shot at Safdarjung station in the Capital by Sajid in real-time movement. Such has been its impact that it has been dubbed the most stylish action shot ever and the film promises many such adrenaline-pumping sequences.
This is the conclusion of a long chase scene were Salman Khan is seen speeding through the streets of Delhi on a bicycle - a mode of travel he enjoys and is used often in his films.
The film also shot several action sequences in Poland and, according to Times of India Kick's action director Annal Arasu had Salman Khan jump from the 40th floor of the Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science, Poland's tallest building and the eighth tallest building in the European Union:
"We used cables and took every precaution possible, but we still had our hearts in our mouth for five hours as we watched Salman sir shoot this high-risk sequence. He refused to use a double and took most of the jumps himself. Even the locals and tourists standing below, who had never seen a Bollywood masala movie, cheered every shot taken," recalls Arasu. The action director insists that it is easier to film hardcore action sequences abroad as managing the crowd is easier. "We enjoyed greater creative freedom while shooting in Poland. We got Salman sir to run through the busy streets, dodging cars and buses, and he even drove a bus," he says.
Last week we highlighted 5 romantic films of Salman Khan. This week we highlight 5 of his action films.
With nearly 75 films to his credit, Salman Khan's recent action films have generated a lot of attention for their fight sequences, memorable dialogues, and characters that address injustice in the system with their own unique flair and passion. They also include the Khan trademark - where he is forced to remove his shirt, displaying his upper body strength and fitness level - something fans have come to expect.
Along with Kick, here are 5 more Salman Khan action films to watch if you are new to Bollywood.
1. Ek The Tiger
English Translation: "Once There was a Tiger"
Release Date: 15 August 2012
Director: Kabir Khan
Music by: Sohail Sen, Sajid-Wajid, Julius Packiam
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Description: India’s top RAW spy “Tiger” (Salman Khan) is sent on a mission to Dublin to observe Professor Anwar Jamaal Kidwai (Roshan Seth) who is suspected of sharing technology with Pakistan's defense establishment. Having difficulty meeting with the professor, he befriends Kidwai’s part-time housekeeper Zoya (Katrina Kaif). As Tiger gets closer to Zoya he discovers his human side and for the first time in his life Tiger falls in love. This love takes Tiger and Zoya on a tumultuous journey as they battle the world of intelligence and espionage.
Why I Love This Film: Tiger is clearly an excellent spy with years of service under his belt. When questioned about his experience in any given endeavor, he reminds you of his expertise through short flashbacks. Tiger's history is interesting, but when Zoya enters the picture the story becomes twice as fascinating. While a few of the stunts in the film clearly defy the laws of physics, most of the sequences have a realistic quality that is refreshing to see in a Bollywood film. Incorporating a first-class soundtrack, the film raises questions about love, loyalty, and political affiliations through a story that takes you on a journey around the world.
2. Bodyguard
Release Date: 31 August 2011
Director: Siddique
Music by: Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam
Producer: Atul Agnihotri
Description: Jaisinghpur leader Sartaj Rana (Raj Babbar) hires bodyguard Lovely Singh (Salman Khan) as a bodyguard for his collegian daughter, Divya (Kareena Kapoor), and her friend, Maya (Hazel Keech). Divya does not appreciate being followed around by Lovely and creates a fictional woman, Chhaya, who distracts him by repeatedly phoning him and telling him that she loves him. Lovely believes this person to be real and falls in love. In a bar, Ranjan's brother attacks Divya and is killed by Lovely - setting into motion a chain of events that will pit Lovely not only against the enraged Mhatre brothers, but also against Sartaj himself.
Why I Love This Film: This is both an action film and a sweet love story. Though it is a remake of the Malayalam film Body Guard, the story has been revised enough to make it a film that stands on its own. Lovely Singh is dedicated to duty, so watching him get sidetracked by a manufactured love interest is both entertaining and heartbreaking. Somehow Lovely manages to successfully walk the line between his professional and personal life - bringing honor to the bodyguard profession.
3. Wanted
Release Date: 8 September 2009
Director: Prabhu Deva; Story by: Puri Jagannadh
Music by: Sajid-Wajid
Producers: Boney Kapoor, Matt Zemlin
Description: Radhe (Salman Khan) is a hard-core gangster. A sharp-shooter with a sharp brain, he works for Gani Bhai (Prakash Raj), the dreaded Mafia leader, on his own terms. Jhanvi (Ayesha Takia) is a very simple innocent and a naive girl who believes that everything is good in the world and nothing is bad. Radhe and Jhanvi's worlds continually collide as they deal with the slimy, corrupt Inspector Talpade (Mahesh Manjrekar) and the gang of hoodlums running free on the streets of Mumbai.
Why I Love This Film: What happens when a good girl falls in love with a bad boy? A remake of the Telugu Pokiri, Salman Khan walks into this role and makes it his own. Radhe is confident, arrogant, and certain to follow through on his plans. His catchphrase is "Once I commit to something, I don't even listen to myself." Radhe lives in a world of crime, yet he speaks his mind truthfully and unflinchingly eliminates anyone who gets in his way. He also does his best to protect Jhanvi, even if it is from himself. The contrast between Radhe and Inspector Talpade is particularly interesting.
4. Dabangg
English Translation: "Fearless"
Release Date: 10 September 2010
Director: Abhinav Singh Kashyap
Music by: Sajid-Wajid, Lalit Pandit
Producers: Arbaaz Khan, Malaika Arora Khan, Dhillin Mehta, Matt Zemlin
Description: Chulbul "Robin Hood" Pandey (Salman Khan) is a corrupt, but effective cop in Lalgunj, Uttar Pradesh, who plays by his own rules. He shares a dysfunctional relationship with his mother (Dimple Kapadia), stepbrother (Arbaaz Khan) and stepfather (Vinod Khanna). Chulbul meets and falls in love with Rajjo Manjrekar (Sonakshi Sinha) who has an equally difficult relationship with her alcoholic father. When Chhedi Singh (Sonu Sood), an unethical political leader, tries to get Chulbul Pandey to work for him, Pandey refuses. While Chulbul focuses on building a relationship with Rajjo, Chhedi focuses on destroying Pandey's family.
Why I Love This Film: Chulbul "Robin Hood" Pandey is crazy and plays by his own rules. He speaks his mind, asks direct questions, and is truly fearless. He has an offbeat sense of humor which he shares with his fellow police officers. He has become a leader despite having to deal with the baggage of a dysfunctional family. Pandey knows his strengths and his weaknesses and his exploits entertain as he brings down the bad guys.
Note: The cell phone ringtone in the initial fight scene where we are introduced to Chulbul Pandey is from the first song performed by Salman Khan's character in Wanted.
5. Dabangg 2
Release Date: 21 December 2012
Director: Arbaaz Khan
Music by: Sajid-Wajid
Producers: Arbaaz Khan, Malaika Arora Khan
Description: With the rift between he and his stepbrother (Arbaaz Khan) and stepfather (Vinod Khanna) repaired, Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) has gotten a transfer to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he can "achieve big feats in a big city." With a bigger-than-life style of maintaining law and order, Inspector Chulbul Pandey continues to build a name for himself in Kanpur. But his tactics create a problem for the unscrupulous local politician, Thakur "Bachcha" Singh (Prakash Raj). Chulbul soon discovers that while he can deal with the dregs of society, the threat they pose to his family is unacceptable.
Why I Love This Film: The film picks up soon after the conclusion of Dabangg with the full Pandey family living together under the same roof. In homage to the original film, the early scenes of this film reflect those of the first film with humorous differences. Each of the family members is a bit more mature and responsible. Family ties are treasured. As Bachcha's empire begins to crumble due to Chulbul's interference, Pandey's determination - and family ties - grow stronger.
Bonus
The following film definitely has an old-school feel, but it is considered one of the classic must-see films of Bollywood.
Karan Arjun
Release Date: 13 January 1995
Producer/Director: Rakesh Roshan
Music by: Rajesh Roshan
Description: Brothers and best friends Karan (Salman Khan) and Arjun (Shah Rukh Khan) are the hardworking and loving sons of Durga Singh (Raakhee), a poor widow living in Malakhera, Rajasthan. Greedy Durjan (Amrish Puri) murders the boys when they discover they are the grandsons of his dying father, the landlord, who has willed them his estate. Durga is bereft, but dedicates her life to prayers to Kali, begging for the return of her sons. Twenty years later, fate brings the strangers Ajay (Salman Khan) and Vijay (Shah Rukh Khan) together and they travel to the village where they learn of their past lives, reunite with Durga, and discover their murderers are still alive.
Why I Love This Film: The film begins with the statement, "This story is based on faith. Faith which can make the unreal into real. Faith which can turn the impossible, possible." While the film has the feel of what people typically think of as your standard Bollywood film, this nearly two decades old story of faith and reincarnation stands the test of time thanks to the performances of its all-star cast. While the first half of the film may seem a bit hokey compared to today's films, stick with it. You will experience an unfolding tale that raises interesting questions about life, death, and connection.
Don't know which film to watch first? The following playlist features trailers for each of these films, including Kick.
If you liked this, check out our other Friday Five posts.