Watch Wanted

Wanted is a high-octane action thriller film from 2009 that combines elements of romance, drama, and comedy into a commercially successful blend that resonated with the Indian audience. Directed by Prabhu Deva, the film stars Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles. Wanted marked the beginning of a new phase in Salman Khan’s career, establishing him as one of the premier action stars of Bollywood.

At the heart of Wanted is the story of Radhe (Salman Khan), an enigmatic and fearless young man with a mysterious past. With his stern gaze and a physique that exudes brute strength, Radhe is the quintessential loner with a strong sense of justice. He is a sharpshooter and a mercenary, who takes pleasure in living dangerously on the edge. However, beneath this tough exterior, there lies a passionate heart yearning for love.

The film introduces us to Radhe's love interest, Jhanvi (Ayesha Takia), an effervescent and charming young woman who captures Radhe's heart. The two meet under amusing circumstances, and a sweet, innocent romance develops. As Jhanvi becomes increasingly enamored by Radhe’s rugged charm, she remains blissfully unaware of the true nature of his life.

Wanted weaves through the gritty underbelly of the Mumbai mafia. The story takes a sharp turn when Radhe gets entangled in the city's criminal network dominated by two rival gangs headed by Gani Bhai (Prakash Raj) and Shrikant Shekhawat (Vinod Khanna). The city's police force is rattled by the level of violence and crime that these gangs inflict upon the city, with the enigmatic Gani Bhai remaining an elusive figure.

Prakash Raj portrays the role of Gani Bhai, a notorious crime lord with a flamboyant personality. His performance exudes menace and unpredictability, making him an antagonist who is as charismatic as he is terrifying. His cat-and-mouse game with the law enforcement authorities broadens the film's scope, offering a peek into the complexities of organized crime.

Salman Khan’s portrayal of Radhe is both nuanced and intense. He manages to convey a sense of vulnerability even as he accomplishes death-defying stunts, getting into fistfights that showcase his strength and martial arts skills. The film helped redefine Salman's image as an action star who could also deliver emotional depth and humor. He is ably supported by a cast of characters who contribute to the film's multi-layered plot.

Ayesha Takia, as Jhanvi, is the quintessential Bollywood heroine who brings light and color to Radhe's dark world. She provides a much-needed counterbalance to the intensity of the film's action sequences. Her chemistry with Salman Khan adds a romantic subplot that breaks the tension and allows the audience brief respite from the high-stakes drama unfolding on screen.

Mahesh Manjrekar, playing the role of Inspector Talpade, adds another layer to the movie. His character is flawed and at times comic, which broadens the film's appeal. His interactions with Radhe are pivotal to the movie's narrative and are punctuated with wit and suspense.

The action sequences are a standout feature of Wanted, choreographed with a blend of realism and cinematic flourish. High-speed chases, explosive fights, and daring stunts are executed with precision, making the film a visual spectacle. These set pieces are complemented by the pulsating background score and songs by Sajid-Wajid. Chartbusters like "Jalwa" and "Love Me Love Me" not only add to the film's energy but also became popular tracks that year.

The film's director, Prabhu Deva, is known for his dance skills and brings his eye for movement to the film's action choreography, enhancing each sequence's rhythm and impact. His direction helps maintain a fast-paced narrative, effectively intertwining the various genres to deliver an engaging cinematic experience. His touch is evident in the dance sequences which feature brisk, energetic movements synonymous with his style.

Wanted also touches upon themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, which are explored through the interactions between Radhe and the various characters he meets on his journey. It is a film about choices and their consequences, and how one man's resolve can influence the lives of many.

In summary, Wanted is an adrenaline-fueled ride that offers a potent mix of stylized action, romance, and comedy, all set against the gritty backdrop of Mumbai's criminal underworld. It showcased Salman Khan's versatility as an actor who can handle emotionally charged scenes as adeptly as high-voltage action. With a well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and pulsating action, Wanted stands out as a memorable entry in the Indian action genre and remains a milestone in Salman Khan's illustrious career.

Wanted is a 2009 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.