Can Raees give Shahrukh Khan the hit he needs? Brand Shahrukh Khan has faltered somewhat in recent years. Given the pre-Ranveer, pre-Hrithik era where King Khan could do no wrong, the actor’s recent flops have made even the most dedicated SRKians wonder if he still has the mettle that launched him into stardom to begin with. But with the trailer of his upcoming film Raees, there’s no uncertainty that the movie is going to remind everyone why SRK is SRK. We take a look at the factors that prove Raees is a hit in the making:
Positive response: Raees had us right from Shahrukh’s look with the funky glasses and his cutting gaze. The teasers with their edgy dialogue and tense scenes are hint enough that the film’s going to be a fast-paced thrill. Most recently, in a special preview of the trailer for select journalists in Mumbai, Raees came out with exceedingly good reviews. The launch of the trailer today should only add to that.
Powerful cast: Shahrukh Khan has become synonymous with intense performances, but a movie is only as good as its villain (not counting when SRK is both the villain and the hero… ahem… Fan!) and Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be a powerful force to balance out SRK’s talent. Mahira Khan has also earned praise for her role of Mohsina.
Good music: According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, Ram Sampat has given the soundtrack strong 1980s RD Burman vibes. Add to that Sunny Leone dancing to Laila o Laila in the film and you have a soundtrack that will create a buzz for Raees long before it hits theatres.
Going head to head with Kaabil: If there’s one hitch in Raees’ road to box office success, it’s that Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil releases on January 25 – a day before Raees. Both films offer plenty of action, but whether the audience are drawn to an underworld criminal or a blind man who fights them remains to be seen.