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Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; September 9, 2015)
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Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; September 9, 2015)
Even before the first trailer was launched, Hero has been generating curiosity among the public and trade alike. Produced by Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai, this intense love story marks the debut of star kids - Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty - under the direction of Nikhil Advani. The buzz surrounding the debutants and the movie has only been increasing with every passing day. Here's looking at what makes Hero hot on the watch list of cinegoers...
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POWERFUL ACTION
Action has always been one of the highlights of Salman's films. And the thrills in Nikhil's last film D-Day too were appreciated. No wonder the two had several meetings to plan out the action sequences for Hero. They decided to rope in three specialists - two national and one international - for the film. From hand-to-hand combats to bike sequences in snow, as well as another thrilling stunt in water and the climax sequence in a gym, each is carefully orchestrated and are integral to the narrative. Nikhil says, “The action had to be hyperreal and on a bigger scale, so people would feel the pain that the characters are going through.“ He feels the bike sequence in the snow, including the one which has Sooraj and Athiya leaping across a broken bridge on a bike, was the most challenging' because of the extreme conditions' they shot it in.
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SOULFUL MUSIC
Just like the memorable soundtrack of the original Hero (1983), Nikhil says they 'didn't want to go wrong with the music'. If Yadaan Teriyaan and O Khuda have become popular among listeners, Main Hoon Hero Tera rendered by Salman, has registered over 13 million hits on a popular video-sharing site. “The idea was to give a new sound and not remind the audience that this is a remake,“ says the director. Attributing the success of the film's soundtrack to Salman's keen ear for music for intense love stories, Nikhil adds, “Be it Tere Naam or Maine Pyar Kiya, the soundtrack is in the everlasting love space. We decided not to go with one particular composer.“ About Salman's soulful number, Nikhil says, “Salman had heard Main Hoon Hero Tera earlier and would often sing it, so it was best that he record it. Full credit to him for the way he has sung it; it is such a huge hit.“
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SIZZLING CHEMISTRY
The songs and promos give a good idea of the crackling chemistry Sooraj and Athiya share in the movie. The emotions they portray on the screen has got the audience rooting for the new 'IT couple'. Nikhil attributes the chemistry to the marathon workshops the debutants underwent before shooting commenced. “A lot of preparation was done during the workshop sessions,“ says the director, adding, “I don't think chemistry between two actors can be manufactured. No one except the actors themselves can generate it. Sooraj and Athiya spent six months doing workshops before we commenced shooting.“ Athiya has been quoted saying that because she and Sooraj are very good friends, it reflects in their onscreen chemistry. She has also said that they look good together as a pair.
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ATHIYA -THE NEW STYLE ICON
According to Nikhil, Athiya is a natural actor both in terms of looks and skill. And that aspect extends to her styling too. She knows what makes her look dainty and yet is comfortable in her skin. Recalling an instance where he read about how well she carried off a yellow gown despite it being a bright colour, he feels her acumen for style comes from her confidence. “Whether Athiya is wearing jeans and sneakers or anything else, she's always confident. That's the most important thing when it comes to being a style icon,“ says Nikhil.
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SOORAJ -THE YOUNG SENSATION
Sooraj has fast become popular amongst the youth. If girls are going crazy about him at the intercity promotions, men admire and are inspired by his chiselled physique. The young actor has netizens rooting for him on social media too. Praising Sooraj, the director says, “His eyes exhibit the pain he went through in life. We've used those experiences in his portrayal of a tortured and tormented guy, who is proving to the world that he is immensely and intensely in love.“
PRODUCERS' NOTES: SALMAN KHAN
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Clik here to view.“The music of the original film was terrific. We, too, have managed good songs in our version of the film. However, as a producer, I should have released the music three or four months ago. In spite of good music, the film might not benefit as much because we've released the album late. Songs with established actors easily connect with the audience but when songs are picturised on newcomers, you have to give them time to grow. However, I love the music of Hero. The way I see it, the film might come, do its lifetime business and go. But the music will continue to live for many years to come.“
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]( "Click To Enlarge")
AMAR BUTALA, COO, SALMAN KHAN FILMS
“This is Salman Khan Films' second production after Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and yet, it is the more ambitious one of the two films. Subhash Ghai's Hero had a solid script, superhit music and launched two stars. After 32 years, our film has exactly the same strengths - two newcomers, who are extremely talented and share great onscreen chemistry, a solid music album, which has chartbusters and the kind of scale that debut films in the 80s and 90s had. Family audiences will love the film and the joint vision of director Nikhil Advani and producer Salman Khan will ensure the film entertains.“
SUBHASH GHAI
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Clik here to view.![]( "Click To Enlarge")
“I'm delighted that Salman has donned the producer's cap for this film and Nikhil has taken the responsibility of making a movie that was made more than three decades back.When people watch it, they'll know that these guys have done a much better job than we did. The reason is that the film is contemporary and has a lot more energy, with stronger emotions.“
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]( "Click To Enlarge")
DIRECTOR'S TAKE: NIKHIL ADVANI
“The USP of the film is that we're presenting the story in a new avatar.Besides a strong script, it also has great music and superb action. Growing up, I saw stars like Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol and Kumar Gaurav being launched on a grand scale. With Hero, we're launching Sooraj and Athiya on a scale that's grander, keeping present times in mind.“
Hero, produced by Salman Khan Films and Mukta Arts, and released worldwide by Eros International, opens in cinemas on September 11.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
POWERFUL ACTION
Action has always been one of the highlights of Salman's films. And the thrills in Nikhil's last film D-Day too were appreciated. No wonder the two had several meetings to plan out the action sequences for Hero. They decided to rope in three specialists - two national and one international - for the film. From hand-to-hand combats to bike sequences in snow, as well as another thrilling stunt in water and the climax sequence in a gym, each is carefully orchestrated and are integral to the narrative. Nikhil says, “The action had to be hyperreal and on a bigger scale, so people would feel the pain that the characters are going through.“ He feels the bike sequence in the snow, including the one which has Sooraj and Athiya leaping across a broken bridge on a bike, was the most challenging' because of the extreme conditions' they shot it in.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
SOULFUL MUSIC
Just like the memorable soundtrack of the original Hero (1983), Nikhil says they 'didn't want to go wrong with the music'. If Yadaan Teriyaan and O Khuda have become popular among listeners, Main Hoon Hero Tera rendered by Salman, has registered over 13 million hits on a popular video-sharing site. “The idea was to give a new sound and not remind the audience that this is a remake,“ says the director. Attributing the success of the film's soundtrack to Salman's keen ear for music for intense love stories, Nikhil adds, “Be it Tere Naam or Maine Pyar Kiya, the soundtrack is in the everlasting love space. We decided not to go with one particular composer.“ About Salman's soulful number, Nikhil says, “Salman had heard Main Hoon Hero Tera earlier and would often sing it, so it was best that he record it. Full credit to him for the way he has sung it; it is such a huge hit.“
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
SIZZLING CHEMISTRY
The songs and promos give a good idea of the crackling chemistry Sooraj and Athiya share in the movie. The emotions they portray on the screen has got the audience rooting for the new 'IT couple'. Nikhil attributes the chemistry to the marathon workshops the debutants underwent before shooting commenced. “A lot of preparation was done during the workshop sessions,“ says the director, adding, “I don't think chemistry between two actors can be manufactured. No one except the actors themselves can generate it. Sooraj and Athiya spent six months doing workshops before we commenced shooting.“ Athiya has been quoted saying that because she and Sooraj are very good friends, it reflects in their onscreen chemistry. She has also said that they look good together as a pair.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
ATHIYA -THE NEW STYLE ICON
According to Nikhil, Athiya is a natural actor both in terms of looks and skill. And that aspect extends to her styling too. She knows what makes her look dainty and yet is comfortable in her skin. Recalling an instance where he read about how well she carried off a yellow gown despite it being a bright colour, he feels her acumen for style comes from her confidence. “Whether Athiya is wearing jeans and sneakers or anything else, she's always confident. That's the most important thing when it comes to being a style icon,“ says Nikhil.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
SOORAJ -THE YOUNG SENSATION
Sooraj has fast become popular amongst the youth. If girls are going crazy about him at the intercity promotions, men admire and are inspired by his chiselled physique. The young actor has netizens rooting for him on social media too. Praising Sooraj, the director says, “His eyes exhibit the pain he went through in life. We've used those experiences in his portrayal of a tortured and tormented guy, who is proving to the world that he is immensely and intensely in love.“
PRODUCERS' NOTES: SALMAN KHAN
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
“The music of the original film was terrific. We, too, have managed good songs in our version of the film. However, as a producer, I should have released the music three or four months ago. In spite of good music, the film might not benefit as much because we've released the album late. Songs with established actors easily connect with the audience but when songs are picturised on newcomers, you have to give them time to grow. However, I love the music of Hero. The way I see it, the film might come, do its lifetime business and go. But the music will continue to live for many years to come.“ Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
AMAR BUTALA, COO, SALMAN KHAN FILMS “This is Salman Khan Films' second production after Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and yet, it is the more ambitious one of the two films. Subhash Ghai's Hero had a solid script, superhit music and launched two stars. After 32 years, our film has exactly the same strengths - two newcomers, who are extremely talented and share great onscreen chemistry, a solid music album, which has chartbusters and the kind of scale that debut films in the 80s and 90s had. Family audiences will love the film and the joint vision of director Nikhil Advani and producer Salman Khan will ensure the film entertains.“
SUBHASH GHAI
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
“I'm delighted that Salman has donned the producer's cap for this film and Nikhil has taken the responsibility of making a movie that was made more than three decades back.When people watch it, they'll know that these guys have done a much better job than we did. The reason is that the film is contemporary and has a lot more energy, with stronger emotions.“ Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
DIRECTOR'S TAKE: NIKHIL ADVANI“The USP of the film is that we're presenting the story in a new avatar.Besides a strong script, it also has great music and superb action. Growing up, I saw stars like Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol and Kumar Gaurav being launched on a grand scale. With Hero, we're launching Sooraj and Athiya on a scale that's grander, keeping present times in mind.“
Hero, produced by Salman Khan Films and Mukta Arts, and released worldwide by Eros International, opens in cinemas on September 11.