the super star movie experience
I *lurve* watching movies! From the amount of my life I have spent in watching movies, I now have pretty toned instincts about various movies (upcoming or the one's that skipped my vision). By instincts which are toned, I mean I have become cautious with where I spend my anticipation and energy in. Well, that's not really being a 'real' movie watcher, but when you realize you do not really have a lot of time and have to figure out a way to fit in the awesome stuff, then this is the only strategy which has worked for me. And you have to believe me, I have watched really crappy movies. Really really.
Anywho, plus these days its a pop cultural phenomenon, sharing a movie watching experience with a bunch of fans and creating detached shared memories. I have watched chick flicks in downtown Chicago theatre (sex and the city, judge you may, but I had come to liking the series during that phase in life). Recently I caught The dark knight rises in a theatre full of Bane chants and batman tees. (I had missed The Dark Knight experience!). Among many such the only modern day movie watching adventure I had missed was watching a 'Salman Khan' movie. Yes, I missed Dabang and Wanted when they were huge hits here in India. So when 'Ek tha Tiger' first day first show tickets were to be booked, I immediately volunteered for the experience. I wanted to see what exactly happens on the big screen, when Salman Khan takes over.
So if you want a review of the movie, I will not be giving any. Because, this is about the movie watching experience than about how the movie was.
Anywho, my first disappointment came because it was an early morning show i.e. 8.45 am and that's not when really crazy salman khan fans must be watching the movie. The whistles, laughter, claps, uproar etc were down 5 notches, considering only money saving crowd (like me) was present. So tip for next time - watch a prime time show. That's when people have really high energy levels.
I will not talk of any more disappointments, as they deal with the script and how some things were utterly stupid in the movie. The high point of any Salman Khan movie I think is, how he owns the character (not talking about his earlier movies, like MPK, baagi, love, patthar ke phool, when he was adorable and vulnerable). The most cliched thing said about him is how larger than life he is. Apart from that, I admire his nonchalance about becoming a character. Instead he remains himself and lets you think 'imagine so and so is Salman Khan in the movie'. Yes that grin of his or that kick of his or that dance step of him (imagine any way you like).
And another slightly related note, I am appalled at *how much* money is wasted in making our movies. The unnecessary location shoots which must cost a bomb, the poor execution of technology, which is like wasted moolah. Slowly, in my head I am thinking of productive ways of saving/using money for them (:P).
Anyway, all said and done, its tough being a super star in any field in India. The amount of criticism, expectations, hopes pinned on you, but the sheer pressure of it all! Insane. That's the only word that comes to my mind. Also, my instincts in picking the right movie and time for a Salman Khan movie have been honed as well, so that next time the experience is more enjoyable!
~nightflier
P.S. the last salman khan movie I watched in a theater was salaam-e-ishq!!!
Anywho, plus these days its a pop cultural phenomenon, sharing a movie watching experience with a bunch of fans and creating detached shared memories. I have watched chick flicks in downtown Chicago theatre (sex and the city, judge you may, but I had come to liking the series during that phase in life). Recently I caught The dark knight rises in a theatre full of Bane chants and batman tees. (I had missed The Dark Knight experience!). Among many such the only modern day movie watching adventure I had missed was watching a 'Salman Khan' movie. Yes, I missed Dabang and Wanted when they were huge hits here in India. So when 'Ek tha Tiger' first day first show tickets were to be booked, I immediately volunteered for the experience. I wanted to see what exactly happens on the big screen, when Salman Khan takes over.
So if you want a review of the movie, I will not be giving any. Because, this is about the movie watching experience than about how the movie was.
Anywho, my first disappointment came because it was an early morning show i.e. 8.45 am and that's not when really crazy salman khan fans must be watching the movie. The whistles, laughter, claps, uproar etc were down 5 notches, considering only money saving crowd (like me) was present. So tip for next time - watch a prime time show. That's when people have really high energy levels.
I will not talk of any more disappointments, as they deal with the script and how some things were utterly stupid in the movie. The high point of any Salman Khan movie I think is, how he owns the character (not talking about his earlier movies, like MPK, baagi, love, patthar ke phool, when he was adorable and vulnerable). The most cliched thing said about him is how larger than life he is. Apart from that, I admire his nonchalance about becoming a character. Instead he remains himself and lets you think 'imagine so and so is Salman Khan in the movie'. Yes that grin of his or that kick of his or that dance step of him (imagine any way you like).
And another slightly related note, I am appalled at *how much* money is wasted in making our movies. The unnecessary location shoots which must cost a bomb, the poor execution of technology, which is like wasted moolah. Slowly, in my head I am thinking of productive ways of saving/using money for them (:P).
Anyway, all said and done, its tough being a super star in any field in India. The amount of criticism, expectations, hopes pinned on you, but the sheer pressure of it all! Insane. That's the only word that comes to my mind. Also, my instincts in picking the right movie and time for a Salman Khan movie have been honed as well, so that next time the experience is more enjoyable!
~nightflier
P.S. the last salman khan movie I watched in a theater was salaam-e-ishq!!!