'Dabangg' - Salman's rural day out as corrupt cop
Salman gives a wicked twist to his fearless policeman act
He has played honest police officers in films such as Garv and Wanted. Now Salman Khan once again endorses the khaki uniform to entertain his fans — but this time as a corrupt cop.
Dabangg, releasing today, is set in the rural milieu of Uttar Pradesh, and Abhinav Kashyap's directorial debut presents Bollywood's heart-throb in a desi [local] avatar — complete with a local name, Chulbul Pandey. The film happens to be Khan's younger brother Arbaaz Khan's first production venture and it is also the launch vehicle of Sonakshi Sinha, 22, the daughter of veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha. She plays Khan's love interest — despite the fact he's double her age — in the action drama.
Dabangg tells the story of Pandey, a fearless but corrupt police officer with unorthodox working methods. His behaviour is the result of a turbulent childhood. However, his life is turned upside down when Rajo (Sinha) enters his world. But Pandey has some powerful enemies such as Cheddi Singh (Sonu Sood), who tries to pit Pandey against his stepbrother.
Known for his beefed up look, Khan said he had to lose a lot of weight for his role in Dabangg.
"I lost a lot of weight and then it looked weird. You are playing a cop who is totally ripped. I really wanted to look ripped in the film," Khan told IANS.
He will also be seen sporting a moustache in the film, which he says is inspired by Shatrughan Sinha.
"Five, six months before the film, Arbaaz used to come with different kinds of moustaches every week. I said I'm shooting for a film, can I grow a moustache? Somewhere Sonakshi also had this thing for her dad's moustache. If you see my moustache, it's somewhat like his," said Khan.
The film's soundtrack features chartbusters Tere mast mast do nain and Malaika Arora's item number Munni badnam hui. Khan has incorporated new steps in his usual dancing style.
"I copied everyone who can't dance. There is a [rural] nightclub dance style, there is one dancing style when you are in a function, and one dance is when you are drunk and enjoying yourself. This film is dedicated especially to those people who can't dance," Khan said.
Glamorous debut
Like most newcomers Sonakshi Sinha wanted her debut movie role to be full of glam and gloss. After Dabanng, she has no complaints.
"I did want a glamorous debut. Who doesn't? But then these days who knows what will work and what won't. The film has turned out well; it has an actor as popular as Salman and I feel it's a nice project to start off with. I think I made a good decision," she says.
