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28 March 2024

Schwarzenegger vs Salman in UAE today

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By Bindu Rai

As the country dresses up in all its finery for Eid Al Fitr festivities, cinema-starved residents are just as enthusiastic for the spate of bumper film releases lined up for the upcoming weekend.

While Salman Khan clashes against the brawn of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 'Terminator', those single-cell meddlers called the 'Minions' could very well take home the box-office bounty.

‘Emirates 24|7’ previews five films that will see fans making a beeline for the cinemas this Thursday:

Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Why see: For Bollywood Kitsch



Yes, it’s Salman Khan. And yes, it’s Eid tradition to see his new movie with a plot that is, err, centered around him really.

But ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ holds promise, and not because its directed by Khan’s close friend, Kabir Khan.

In lead star Kareena Kapoor’s own words, the film is the first Salman Khan movie that is plot-driven, rather than star-driven.

Agreeable or not will only be decided when the film releases on Thursday in UAE cinemas; but we can at least concur the trailer is heavy on Bollywood kitsch, celebrating India’s penchant for producing potboilers  with the traditional song and dance routine to boot.

That Khan and Kapoor are also easy on the eye is secondary.

For those wondering, the film sees Khan play a reel-life hero for a young speech-impaired girl from Pakistan who finds herself lost in India with no way to cross the border to return home.

The award-winning Nawazuddin Siddiqui also stars in the film.

Minions

Why see: For family fun

What’s an Eid film roster without some wholesome family entertainment?

The little yellow creatures that have toppled the might of Schwarzenegger’s 'Terminator' at the North American box-office are finally making a beeline for a cinema screen near you.

The animated comedy ‘Minions’ serves as a prequel to the smash-hit ‘Despicable Me’ movies featuring three tiny mischievous creatures with big meddlesome acts.

In their goal to serve the most despicable master they can, ‘Minions’ debuted in the top spot with a haul of $115.7 million, according to box officer tracker Exhibitor Relations.

If 'Terminator' can cower in its shadow, maybe so can Salman Khan.

This time around, the trio has signed on to become henchmen for Scarlet Overkill, the world's first female super-villain.

What happens next is bound to keep the kids rolling in the aisles with glee.

Pierre Coffin voices  Kevin, Stuart, Bob and the Minions, while Sandra Bullock is Scarlet Overkill.

Terminator: Genisys

Why see: He said he'll be back, and he is!


We agree the trailer has been a bit of a damper. We also are majorly upset with the plot twist given away in that hackneyed move.

But it’s Arnie. And he’s back, as promised.

‘Terminator Genisys’ is the fifth film in the franchise, with Alan Taylor directing this sinking ship that takes us back to the origins.

Yet, fans of the original series will not want to give this one a miss, with Schwarzenegger reprising his role as the eponymous character, while ‘Mother of Dragons’ Emilia Clarke plays the future mother of mankind.

Soldier Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) is still part of the resistance waging the war against Skynet, an artificial general intelligence out to destroy the human race.

John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the Resistance, sends him back in time from 2029 to 1984 to protect his mother, Sarah Connor (Clarke), who is being targeted by Skynet.

What’s different from its predecessors? Well, watch the film to find out.

Hayaty Mebahdela

Why see: It’s tradition


What’s an Eid without an Arabic film to draw in the masses?

Keeping up with tradition, this time Mohamed Saad ,Nicole Saba and Hassan Hosny burst out on to the screen in this Egyptian comedy of the trials and tribulations of love.

Translating to ‘My Life is a Mess’, ‘Hayaty Mebahdela’ chronicles the story of a man suffering from the cruelty of life.

His one-sided romance with a beautiful woman is a bust, who he is continuously trying to but failing to pursue.

Directed by Shady Aly, this El Sobky film is yet another madcap comedy of that genre.

Bin Roye

Why see: For the underdog


Taking on the might of Salman Khan at the Eid box office is no easy feat, with Shah Rukh Khan being the only one who’s dare to step up with next year’s ‘Sultan’ and ‘Raees’ clash.

The makers of ‘Bin Roye’ have thrown caution to the wind and stepped up to release this Pakistani film with as much fanfare as they could muster, with its world premiere scheduled for July 15 in Dubai itself.

You can’t help but give credit to this gumption, with the expert penmanship of Farhat Ishtiaq carrying this romantic drama’s plot on its shoulders, based on her novel, ‘Bin Roye Aansoo’.

Starring Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed and Armeena Rana Khan, the film has seen five directors helm this ship to its final port of call, with director Momina Duraid taking the final bow in her effort to revive the Pakistan film industry.

Those who’ve read the book will know the film’s plot is based on two sisters who love the same man, although one wins his heart. When a tragedy befalls, the other sister has to step up to fulfil her destiny.

Incidentally, a TV show under the same banner is set to release six months after the film does.