By Hindustan Times
Come 2013, and Bollywood goes to be where all of the action is — literally. While actors like Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Ajay Devgn have adopted this as their preferred genre, other stars better known for romantic films also are on board the action bandwagon.
Reigning kings of action
Salman Khan and Akshay are arguably the most important action heroes in Bollywood. It’s hardly surprising then that Salman stars in Sajid Nadiadwala’s directional debut, Kick (a remake of a 2009 Telugu hit film). Nadiadwala says, “Salman’s last three action films have all crossed Rs. 150 crore. With other action films like Krrish 3 and Dhoom:3, I’ll wish to take Kick to another level.” Salman may be rumoured to be starring in another remake of a Telugu film called Brundavanam (2010).
Akshay also has multiple action films lined up — Neeraj Pandey’s Special Chhabis, AR Murugadoss’s Thuppakki remake, the remake of Ramana (2002; Tamil), and the Hindi version of Pokkiri Raja (2010; Malayalam). The remake run continues with Ajay Devgn’s Himmatwala (the 1983 original). Sajid Khan, who's directing the film, says, “Mindless action doesn’t work. It requires the suitable emotions.”
Action sequels
One of the most-awaited sequels of 2013 — Dhoom:3 — will star Aamir, who isn’t the primary person you are expecting in an action film. With international talent roped in, the stunts are expected to be Hollywood-class. Hrithik Roshan could be back to his flying and fighting ways in papa Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish 3. Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham will start out the year with Race 2. Later, John has the all-guns-blazing Shootout At Wadala, in line with the lifetime of gangster Manya Surve. Ajay will even star in Rohit Shetty’s Singham 2 and Akshay in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2.
Romantic heroes turned action stars?
Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor are better known for his or her comedies and romantic films. They do, however, have RA.One (2011) and Kaminey (2009) to their credit, respectively. Next year will see all three of them in action films. SRK has Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express, while Shahid stars within the masala film Phata Poster Nikla Hero, and Prabhudheva’s Namak. What’s the formula for success, we wonder? “Wanted and Dabangg started the craze. However the script and stories still need to be fresh. Indian audiences want emotions,” says Race 2 and Phata Poster Nikla Hero producer, Ramesh Taurani.
