The American (2010)

With one more day to go, it appears The American will end up triumphant for the four-day Labor Day weekend. Early estimates have the George Clooney thriller pulling in just under $13 million for its Friday through Sunday gross, which translates to around $16.1 million total since its opening on Wednesday. By Monday, it should reach roughly $16 million for the four-day holiday, and $20 million total.

Last weekend’s top draw Takers, meanwhile, slipped into second place with an estimated $11.5 million, which will likely inch up close to $14 million for the holiday, putting the heist thriller near a $40 million total. Hot on its heels, though, is the weekend’s other solid debut, the exploitation revenge thriller Machete, which banked $11.3 million for the three-day weekend en route to a likely $14 million four-day total.

In fourth place, The Last Exorcism made roughly $7.5 million for the three-day holiday, and should close in on $9 million through Labor Day, which would put its total near $34 million. Going the Distance landed at a distant fifth place, opening to $6.8 million through Sunday; it won’t likely make more than $8.5 million for the four-day weekend – Adam B. Vary

Salman Khan in 'Dabangg'

His film “Dabangg” (Fearless) releases next week; he’s bagged the fourth season of Bigg Boss; he’s gone public about his ‘single’ status; and, he sues the producer of “Veer” Ashok Galani for under-payment, despite the film being a hit — Salman Khan can’t not be in the news.

But, it’s his role in “Dabangg” that interests us the most, for now. He plays Chulbul Pandey aka ‘Robinhood’ Pandey, a corrupt cop from UP, who stands up for the downtrodden. Is it inspired by his ‘bad-boy-of-Bollywood-with-a-heart-of-gold’ image? “There’s no similarity at all. You can’t be the person you portray on screen. You look for inspirations; observe people around you and act; that’s it. Chulbul has a lot of shades. No one really knows how he’ll react. He can laugh one moment, flare up the next; he can be very loving yet brutal.”

Last Eid, Salman gave a huge hit in “Wanted”, and the industry seems to be expecting an encore this Eid.

And, this film sounds the same — the target audience, the music, the humour, the look… “How is it the same? Neither the cast nor the production house is the same. That film was urban, this is set in rural UP. The action, the characters, the story… are all drastically different. The only similarity could be that Robinhood is a policeman. If we wanted to make another ‘Wanted’, we could have just made a sequel instead of going through this whole creative process, isn’t it?”

Powerful script

Salman says it was the script that drew him. “When Abhinav Kashyap (the film’s director) first brought it to me, I was hooked. When writing reaches an unrealistic level in any genre, that genre fadesaway. If people thought raw action and mass appeal was back with ‘Wanted’, it happened so because of a revival in that sort of writing.” The USP of “Dabangg”, he says, is not action. “It’s an emotional love story. Remember, action is of no use without emotions,” he says.

Salman’s co-star in the film is new-face Sonakshi Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter. She was Salman’s choice for the movie.

“She has the kind of Indianness to her that’s been missing for a while in Hindi films. She not just acts well, but can also dance,” he says.

Well, Salman is known for encouraging not just younger actors but also first-time directors.

While he confirms he’s doing yet another film with Prem Soni who wielded the camera for the first time in “Main Aur Mrs Khanna” (last year’s big debacle), Anurag Kashyap’s brother has got his big break with “Dabangg”. “I was given a chance when I entered the industry; I’ll give a chance to others. If the script is good, I’m yours.”

The charitable side

Ask him about talks on his charity foundation Being Human sprouting a production arm with the Hindi remake of Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi film “Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho”, and Salman denies it. “Actually, we were thinking of making movies with a social bent, under the Being Human banner.

But, I’m not too sure, because I don’t want leverage out of charity. Of course, I’m still thinking about making such films.”

Is the split official?

At least, that’s what Salman told a news channel. News spread, and Kat said if Salman says so, then so it must be. Do we dare ask again?

In his kitty

David Dhavan’s “Partner 2”

Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Kick” (Telugu remake)

Anees Bazmi’s “Ready” (Telugu remake)

Prem Soni’s “Bodyguard”

- Harshikaa Udasi

Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor talks about her personal and professional life as she completes 10 years in Bollywood

She’s hogged the limelight for more than just her acting — the size-zero debate, her sizzling romance with beau Saif Ali Khan… And, quietly completed a decade in the industry. As for her films, there have been many memorable performances, and a few, not so. Kareena Kapoor opens up on how she has matured over the years, her ‘colourful’ journey, her relationships, and her much-awaited We Are Family. Excerpts…

You’ve completed 10 years in the industry. How has the journey been?

Colourful! My first film Refugee is very special to me because I’ve been particular about being an actor, not a glam doll. My roles in Refugee, Dev, Chameli, Omkara, Jab We Met, 3 Idiots and Kurbaan have been varied; not many actors have done this. Some people have liked my work, some haven’t, but as I said, the journey has been colourful.

And, real life?

I’m a fun-lover who loves spending time with family and friends.

Your latest film We Are Family, the remake of the Julia Roberts-Susan Sarandon hit Stepmom, has a mature topic and a new director

I never felt it was Siddharth Malhotra’s first film as a director. He’s from a filmy family; he’s filmy himself. Siddharth is a very sensitive person.

He says you’ve surpassed Julia Roberts in the film…

It’s an honour that (producer) Karan Johar and Siddharth thought I could essay the role played by Julia Roberts. To me, after Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts is the finest actor. I haven’t watched We Are Family yet, but those who have, congratulated me. But, it’d be wrong to compare the two because the films were made in different times. And, the Hindi film industry is completely different in its approach. But, I’m satisfied with my performance. The character I’ve played is very forward-thinking, contemporary and powerful.

Does your role mirror your real life situation — Saif and his kids…?

No. My personal life and professional life are two different chapters.

You’re acting with Kajol in this film. How was the experience?

It’s an exciting challenge to be working with Kajol!

In Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kajol and you played sisters. And, now you play the ‘other woman’.

We didn’t have many scenes together in Kabhi…. Here, we are shown as living under the same roof. We both have powerful roles, but I have a more complex and complicated role — it’s very easy to be the one who has the sympathy, but it’s very difficult to win that sympathy. I hope I’ve achieved what I set out to. I want people to say both of us are spectacular, and that it’s difficult to choose.

Has Kajol changed from Kabhi…to We Are Family?

She’s the same — spontaneous, bubbly and oozing energy. It’s lovely to have someone such as her on the sets, and we got along really well. Working with her is a dream come true. She’s a super entertainer.

Kajol says you have matured …

When I was in Kabhi…, I was quite a baby. Since, I’ve done several films, and it’s been a great journey.

Have you seen Kajol as a mother?

Both Kajol and Karisma are hands-on mothers. I don’t know if it’s something to do with their generation. As for me, I haven’t thought about being a mother.

Are you doing Madhur’s Heroine or have you forsaken it for a Karan Johar film?

I have committed to Madhur’s film. He is scripting the film; the script should be ready in two months.

You are way thinner now …

My weight has always been in the news, isn’t it? I’ve put on some weight now, and plan to be this way. I’m fit, I do yoga, I eat healthy — I’m a vegetarian.

What is the one advice you’d give Saif?

To work with Raju Hirani – Jigar Shah (Bollywood News Service)