Wanted

Wanted is a high-octane action thriller that Bollywood churned out in 2009, directed by acclaimed choreographer-turned-director Prabhu Deva. The movie features an ensemble cast led by Salman Khan, one of Bollywood's most bankable stars, along with Ayesha Takia, and the talented Prakash Raj in a role that only he could do justice to. The film is a remake of the Telugu film Pokiri and turned out to be a massive hit at the box office, marking the resurgence of Salman Khan as a leading action hero in the Hindi film industry.

At the heart of Wanted is a story that interlaces the underworld with the common man’s fight for justice. Salman Khan portrays Radhe, a ruthless and feared gangster known for his efficiency and ferocity. Radhe's character is enigmatic, draped with layers of intrigue, making the audience question his motives and his past. He's a man of few words but quick actions — a sharp contrast to the loud and brash persona that Salman Khan is often associated with. His portrayal was well-received, as the character demanded an intensity and grit which Salman Khan delivered effortlessly.

Ayesha Takia plays Jhanvi, the quintessential girl-next-door, who brings a ray of light and innocence to the narrative. Her character is imbued with warmth and provides a romantic counterpoint to the otherwise gruff and violent world that Radhe inhabits. Jhanvi, despite her simple life, becomes entangled in the dangerous web woven around the man she falls for, revealing the complexities of love in a life overshadowed by crime.

The villainous role taken on by Prakash Raj as Gani Bhai is chilling and at the same time, charismatic. He is a feared underworld don, who controls his empire with an iron fist and does not hesitate to eliminate obstacles with calculated cruelty. His character is not just about brute force; it’s about power play and cerebral scheming. Prakash Raj’s portrayal showcases a perfect balance of menacing and magnetic, making him a villain you cannot help but watch intently.

The plot of Wanted is rife with twists and turns - a trademark of any engrossing thriller. It unravels the dark underbelly of Mumbai, revealing the complex web of crime, deceit, and corruption. Radhe works for one gang but seems to be playing a deeper game, as he navigates through the power struggles and shifting alliances within the underworld. The uninitiated may find the narrative hard to follow at first, but as the story progresses, the intentions become clear and everything falls into a thrilling pattern designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Much of Wanted's excitement comes from its well-choreographed action sequences. The director, Prabhu Deva, who is also a brilliant dancer, injects his keen sense of rhythm and motion into the fight scenes, making them not just visually engaging but also expressive extensions of the movie's emotional core. Salman Khan's physicality is fully utilized in these sequences, showcasing his prowess as an action star.

The cinematography of Wanted is another element that adds to the movie's appeal. It captures the contrast between the dingy underworld and the beauty of Mumbai's streets and the simple life beyond its grimy world of crime. The narrative is further augmented by an energetic soundtrack, which was very popular upon release, with track numbers perfectly aligning with the tonality of the story.

Apart from the core group of characters, the film also boasts a supporting cast that includes some of the finest actors in the industry. These are not throwaway roles; each character has been fleshed out to contribute meaningfully to the progression of the story and the evolution of Radhe's character. The dialogues are sharp and often laced with a dark sense of humor, characteristic of the screenplay's attempt to provide respite amidst the tension.

Wanted balances the scale between being a mass entertainer and a hard-hitting action drama. It goes beyond the superficial elements of a typical Bollywood action potboiler and presents a narrative that focuses on the personal and psychological dimensions of its characters. This movie was a trendsetter in many ways and heralded the return of plot-driven, stylized action films in Bollywood.

All in all, Wanted is a gripping tale of crime, action, and romance that showcases the complex dilemma of a man caught between the shadows of the underworld and the light of personal redemption. As the story unfolds, it takes viewers on an adrenaline-fuelled roller coaster ride that ultimately asks the question: what does it mean to be 'wanted' – by the law, by enemies, or by love?