Dabangg,complete with the kitschy hearts on Rayban glasses,lived up to expectations. With a stupendous opening weekend collection the film is being touted as having crossed the 3 Idiots- high- profit mark! The authenticity of these claims is yet to be confirmed but the film,inarguably,has gone down well with the masses. The films success has put Salman Khan back in the reckoning with other Khans and then some more. If Aamir Khan is the thinking mans favourite,Shah Rukh Khan,the King of romance for all seasons and Hrithik Roshan the dreamboat,then Salman is tailor-made for the demographic looking for films that are definitely male. Though equally popular among men and women,Salmans perception is essentially masculine with a point of view that borders on the chauvinisticthe guys totally get him! The metrosexual male domain is something he has steered clear of opting instead for a persona closer to his own self. It helps that people like to watch Salman as himself,complete with his mercurial approach and in all his shirtless glory. In the lead up to the release most people expressed that they wanted to watch Salman play himself a mixture of brattish humour and protective paramour. The star,I suspect,is aware of his charms and has finally shed his reticence in favour of some PDA to increase the footfalls. What we have in the bargain is a Hindi film hero in the same mould as Rajinikanth,obviously created after some deliberation Chulbul Pandeys spectacle tricks cant be a mere coincidence. After his successful foray in southern remakes Tere Naam,Wanted (and a few more coming up) Salman has perhaps discovered his own strengths that his core following remains steadfast despite hits and flops. That his audience is eager to be pleased with what he has on offer the buffed physique,madcap schoolboy humour,obsessive lover,whatever. His television appearances have only heightened the expectations of Salman who has a considerable following in the heartland and single screen auds. Strengthening his connect with people outside of the metro-bred youth and multiplex demographic could considerably extend his stint as a mass hero. Another feather in his cap would be the introduction of Sonakshi Sinha,who has tremendous screen presence and holds her own. After introducing Katrina Kaif,now a top-billed heroine with an enviable string of hits to her credit,Sonakshi may be Salmans next big find. What sets Shatrughan Sinhas daughter apart from the crowd is that she fits the traditional Hindi film heroine mould. For starters,she looks great with Salman and that their film has been a smashing hit only helps. Her earthy sensuality is a refreshing change from the ultra-western hip that is current rage with actresses. Hopefully she will use that to her advantage and not opt for the bottle blonde and size-zero option anytime soon.
