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Hollywood debut: Dhanush does, what Ranveer and Ranbir couldn't

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Suhani Singh
Suhani SinghJan 28, 2016 | 16:17

Hollywood debut: Dhanush does, what Ranveer and Ranbir couldn't

On the same day it was declared that Thalaiva was going to be awarded the Padma Vibhushan, came the news that his son-in-law Dhanush (married to Rajinikanth’s eldest daughter, Aishwarya) will be the leading man of an international project. Call it great timing or just serendipity, but Dhanush has done what even Kollywood’s biggest star hasn’t managed to do yet: bag a leading role in a high-profile, English-language film.

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Yes, Rajinikanth had Bloodstone, in which he played a taxi driver, but The Extraordinary Journey Of A Fakir Who Got Trapped In An Ikea Cupboard, as the title suggests, is a different league altogether. Dhanush will play Ajatashatru Oghash Rathod, a fakir who cons people into believing that he possesses special powers. The film also stars Oscar-nominated actors Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction) and Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips). What makes Dhanush’s feat even more impressive is that he has beaten his contemporaries in Bollywood – Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh – in the race to enter the international market.

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Velai Illa Pattathari (2014)

With the surprise announcement that he will be starring in a film to be directed by Iran-born, France-based filmmaker, Marjane Satrapi, best known as the author of the popular graphic novel Persepolis, Dhanush has landed himself a project which will  give him plenty of opportunity to showcase his talent. Based on a popular novel of the same name, the film has the appeal of a Slumdog Millionaire, with the story of an underdog and his fantastic journey –  “initially in an Ikea wardrobe, then a Louis Vuitton suitcase, and a hot air balloon to Tripoli, Libya” as Wikipedia tells us. The shoot is scheduled to begin in June and the crew will cover Jodhpur, Morocco and France, among other places. Expect Dhanush to be walking the red carpet of international festivals next year.

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Dhanush may not have as many blockbuster hits as his father-in-law and has a long way to go to have as big and devoted a fan base as Thalaiva but the 32-year-old actor does have multiple best actor awards including the National Award for his performance in Aaadukalam, which made him the youngest actor to bag the honour. Like Rajinikanth, Dhanush comes across as the hero for the common man. Only you don’t see him as the stylish hero pulling off logic and gravity-defying stunts. He essays heroes who aren’t perfect but certainly are passionate.  He sings. He dances like nobody’s watching. He can write lyrics too. And he backs new talent and promotes independent cinema under the banner of Wunderbar Films. Some of his credits as producer include last year’s lovely Kaaka Muttai and the riveting Visaaranai which hits screens soon.

In his 13-year long career, Dhanush has avoided comparisons with Rajinikanth and been able to stand out from the pack. The Extraordinary Journey Of A Fakir Who Got Trapped In An Ikea Cupboard is a step in the right direction.

Below are some of Dhanush’s finest moments, which may have convinced Satrapi that he was the hero for her project.

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“Otha Sollala” - Aadukalam

What happens when your dream girl tells you that she likes you? Dhanush perfectly demonstrates that feeling perfectly with this spirited jig on the streets. You will have a giant smile on your face after watching this.

Kolaveri Di” - 3

He sang. And he conquered hearts beyond Chennai. This was the breakthrough moment of his career. It became the first Indian video to get over a 100 million views.

Directed by his wife Aishwarya, the film was also noteworthy for this fight sequence.

Tum Tak” - Raanjhanaa

Raanjhanaa, his Bollywood debut, was not a perfect film but Dhanush’s endearing performance as the guy who persistently pursues a girl way above his league, made it worth a watch.

Kaadhal Kondein

Dhanush plays a physically and mentally abused youth who initially is a misfit in an urban college and later goes on to win hearts with his quirks.

Velai Illa Pattathari

He famously delivers a one-minute, nine second-long dialogue without taking a single breath.

What are your favourite Dhanush moments on screen?

(With inputs from Saranya Chakrapani.)

Last updated: January 29, 2016 | 11:28
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