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BOLLYWOOD SPECIAL FEBRUARY 03, 2023 | The Indian Eye 26

Breathless & Spectacular:

Critics rave as SRK returns with

‘PATHAAN’

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai
hah Rukh Khan is back! From fans to
trade analysts to critics, the only words
Son everyone’s lips since Wednesday
morning were ‘Pathaan’ and ‘SRK’!
The Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padu-
kone and John Abraham-starrer released in
theatres on Wednesday and drew positive
word-of-mouth publicity since hitting the big
screens. Noted film critics Mayank Shekhar,
Ajay Brahmatmaj and trade-analyst Taran
Adarsh raved about ‘Pathaan’ while speaking
to reporters on Wednesday.
Mayank Shekhar told ANI, “I can’t re-
member the last time I woke up in the morn-
ing, set the alarm for 7 am and reached the
theatre at 7.30 am and found it completely
packed. People thronged the theatres to watch
SRK’s comeback movie. For me, however,
this is also the comeback of big-budget mas-
ala Bollywood entertainers. Over the last few
months, we had huge box office successes such lection, Adarsh said, “Don’t be surprised, if
as ‘KGF 2’ and ‘Kantara’. But they were not the Hindi version of the ‘Pathaan’ alone mints A proud moment for India:
from Bollywood. The Mumbai film industry Rs 50 crore on the first day. There are two
had to deliver and it has. It was an overwhelm- hindi movies that crossed Ts 50 crore mark on ‘Naatu Naatu’ singer on
ing experience to watch people going gaga the opening day -- ‘War’ and ‘Thugs of Hindo- Oscar nomination
over the movie and enjoying it to the fullest.” stan’. But both were holiday releases. Being
Complimenting Shah Rukh’s ripped and a non-holiday release, if ‘Pathaan’ crosses the
chiselled look in the film, Mayank said, “Shah magic figure, it will be a historic moment. To- fter emerging victorious at the Golden Globe
Awards, ‘Naatu Naatu’ track from SS Rajamouli’s
Rukh is the spectacle of the movie. At 57, he morrow is Republic Day, so expect an even A‘RRR’ has been nominated in the ‘Original Song’
has set some serious fitness goals. Those locks, bigger rush at the theatres. Borrowing from category for this year’s Oscars.
six packs...You’ll completely fall for the guy. SRK’s dialogue from ‘Om Shanti Om’, I It’s indeed a proud moment for India. Singer Rahul
But the makers have ensured there are plen- would say, ‘Picture Abhi Baki Hai’.” Sipligunj, who lent his vocals to the energetic track, be-
ty more reasons to watch the movie. There’s He added, “2022 was a depressing year lieves the same. Speaking to ANI, Rahul said, “(I am)
non-stop action, chase sequences, featuring for Hindi movies and views were eagerly Feeling good. It’s a proud moment for India. Thanks to
buses, trains, missiles...it’s breathless!” awaiting the release of ‘Pathaan’. And it’s Rajamouli, Keeravani sir. Eagerly waiting for 12th March.
Asked to give his ‘review’ of the film, the minting big money at the box office. The ad-
critic quipped, “These are critic-proof movies.” vance bookings also gave us an indication of I will sing the upcoming songs with the same confidence.”
Composed by music director MM Keeravaani and
The movie had garnered much contro- the kind of opening it would have. ‘Pathaan’ is
versy around its release, especially for the at second in terms of advance bookings, next penned by Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj, the ener-
getic track was picturised on Jr NTR and Ram Charan.
song ‘Besharam Rang’ which was deemed to to ‘Bahubali’ (Hindi).” The song was also released in Hindi as ‘Naacho Naacho’,
have hurt religious sentiments. On the controversy around ‘Pathaan’, he in Tamil as ‘Naattu Koothu’, in Kannada as ‘Halli Naatu’
On whether the controversy around the added, “Any controversy keeps the film and
film helped in generating a positive word-of- the actors in the news. And I believe, box office and in Malayalam as ‘Karinthol’.
What makes the song appeal to the masses is its
mouth publicity, Mayank said, “A silly, sim- numbers speak louder than words.” Another universal appeal through a joyous vibe and a hook of a
plistic movie like ‘Pathaan’ is not supposed eminent film critic, Ajay Brahmatmaj, said, “It’s dance step that’s a rage. Also, the culture of the country
to be a political film. Politics should be left to a complete package. The audience will sure- is reflected in the lyrics with every line evoking sentiments
the politicians. Regular, common moviegoers ly be completely engrossed with the movie.” about the food and the flora and fauna of the nation.
want to enjoy a mass entertainer like this. This He added, “It’s a win for the audience. The 2023 Oscar nominees were announced on Tues-
movie gives them everything that they look for Neither the boycott gang nor SRK’s fans, it’s day morning by Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed and
in a masala entertainer.” the audience that has made the movie such a ‘M3GAN’ star Allison Williams.
Ecstatic about the movie’s first-day col- massive opening.”

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