Producer Boney Kapoor has marked 17 years of Wanted, his 2009 action thriller starring Salman Khan, by looking back at the film’s impact on Hindi commercial cinema. Calling the Prabhu Deva directorial a “true game-changer” and a “landmark of Indian cinema”, Kapoor celebrated the milestone with a throwback picture from the film’s theatrical run.
Boney Kapoor celebrates 17 years of ‘Wanted’
Taking to Instagram, Boney Kapoor shared a picture of a single-screen theatre showcasing Wanted during its 2009 release. He also added the song Le Le Mazaa Le to the post as he commemorated the film’s 17th anniversary.Sharing his memories of the film, Kapoor wrote, “17 years ago, India witnessed the arrival of a film that went on to become a true game-changer, a landmark of Indian cinema — WANTED.”He added, “Released in 2009, WANTED brought together the electrifying screen presence of @beingsalmankhan, the blockbuster direction of @PrabhuDevaofficial, the elegance of Ayesha Takia, and a powerful commercial entertainer that connected with audiences across the country.”
Boney Kapoor recalls Salman Khan’s iconic Radhe
Kapoor also reflected on Salman Khan’s portrayal of Radhe, the character that became one of the actor’s memorable action roles. He highlighted the film’s action sequences, dialogues and music while recalling the lasting impact of Salman’s performance.“From WANTED becoming a defining title to its unforgettable action, dialogues, music and Salman Khan’s iconic portrayal of Radhe, the film created a cultural impact that continues to be remembered by audiences even today,” he wrote.For Kapoor, Wanted represented more than a successful action entertainer. He described the film as an important milestone in the evolution of modern Hindi mass-action cinema.“It was more than just an action entertainer — it marked an important moment in the evolution of the modern Hindi mass-action cinema,” Kapoor wrote.He concluded his tribute with, “17 years of Radhe. 17 years of iconic dialogues. 17 years of whistle-worthy action. 17 years of WANTED. Here’s celebrating the enduring legacy of a film that became a milestone in Indian commercial cinema.”
About ‘Wanted’
Released in 2009, Wanted was directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Boney Kapoor. The film starred Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia in the lead roles, with Prakash Raj, Vinod Khanna and Mahesh Manjrekar in prominent supporting roles. Arvind Swamy, Govinda and Anil Kapoor also appeared in the film.The action thriller follows Radhe, a skilled sharpshooter whose life becomes complicated when he finds himself caught between a gangster who wants him dead, the police seeking information from him and his girlfriend, who wants him to leave his violent life behind. The film was the Hindi remake of the 2007 Tamil action thriller ‘Pokkiri’, directed by Prabhu Deva. Wanted went on to become an important commercial success.