Indian Rambo: can Tiger Shroff outlast Sylvester Stallone?

The end of the last century – the 80s and 90s – was the time of the really cool kids. The characters of Schwarzenegger, Van Damme, Willis and Norris didn’t have fantastic superpowers, but that didn’t stop them from saving the world. And to punish bad guys no less spectacularly and effectively than the current superheroes from the Marvel and DC universes.

And the symbol of the “golden era” of action movies was definitely John Rambo. A lone hero armed to the teeth, hiding from enemies in the woods and shooting down helicopters with a stone throw, instantly became an idol of Americans. Even U.S. President Ronald Reagan constantly quoted the cult movie, and before the military operation in Libya allegedly said: “I have watched Rambo and I know what to do”.

India will give Rambo a new lease of life

The third installment of the franchise was released back in 1988. But the audience’s nostalgia for the flesh-and-blood superman was so strong that already in the XXI century, the elderly Sylvester Stallone starred in two more episodes. The actor is still in great shape, but reliably embody on the screen brutal warrior, when you are over 70, very hard.

It seemed that the end of the legend is near, but suddenly the story got a new life. For the remake of the popular action movie took in Bollywood, and try on the image of Rambo dared Tiger Shroff. The actor not only has a beautiful body and perfectly masters martial arts, but even looks very similar to the young Stallone.

Fans of the original “Rambo” are divided. Some do not imagine in the role of the fighter anyone but their favorite Sylvester, but others give a chance to Tiger and look forward to the release of the Indian version of the American classic. So can Shroff outdo Stallone himself?

Stallone approves but is not involved

Plans to make an Indian remake of Rambo were first reported in 2017. Although usually in Bollywood movie masterpieces are released in record time, work on the new action movie has been delayed. Director Siddharth Anand attributed the delay to the need to adapt the script to the Indian reality, where many have not even heard of the Vietnam War. In the new version, Rambo is the only surviving member of a secret elite unit of the Indian Armed Forces. Upon returning to his homeland, the man catches a bloody war and is forced to hide in the jungle and Himalayan mountains.

The premiere is set for October 2, 2020, and the entire filming process took a solid eight months by local standards. Most likely, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the release will be delayed. But sooner or later, the Indian version of “Rambo” should be released, because it was blessed by Sylvester Stallone himself. In 2017, he spoke out about Shroff, posting a poster of the new movie on his Instagram.

I do feel a thrill in my heart when young artists get the rare opportunity to reach for the stars. Eye of the Tiger! I am sure he will put his heart and soul into this job.

There were even rumors about the possible participation of Stallone himself in the new project, the more Sylvester already had experience shooting in Bollywood. However, the manager of the Hollywood star denied this information.

Dancer with a black belt

Play a role that is tightly linked in the popular consciousness with another actor, a thankless job and often doomed to failure. But in this case, the chances of success are there. Shroff made his film debut only six years ago, but he is already one of the top ten most popular actors in India. Several movies with him have become real hits, and partners Tiger invariably act the first beauties of Bollywood.

The son of Indian movie star Jackie Shroff has a relief body and excellent dancer. But perhaps the main secret behind the strong start to his movie career is his martial arts skills. Unlike most of his colleagues who only imitate the ability to fight, Tiger has been practicing martial arts since childhood and boasts a black belt in Taekwondo.

Just because of his martial arts training, Shroff Jr. landed a role in the super-successful indie action movie “Rebel,” which already has three movies to his credit. It is said that it was Tiger’s work in “Rebel” that inspired Siddharth Anand to remake “Rambo”.

In life, Shroff devotes the lion’s share of his free time to sports. In addition to honing techniques in his native Taekwondo, Tiger pulls weights, plays basketball, does acrobatics and track and field. The popular actor also sticks to vegetarianism.

“I’ve been preparing for this since I was a kid.”

Despite his excellent physical shape, real martial arts skills and even his outward resemblance to the original Rambo, Tiger approaches his new job with excitement. He emphasizes that he is not trying to outshine Stallone.

I loved action movies and martial arts as a kid, so this is more than a dream come true for me. I really appreciate the opportunity. By no means do I think I can replace the legendary Sylvester Stallone, but I have a feeling this is something I’ve been preparing for since I was a kid.

The Indian remake only at first glance seems adventurous and risky. In the domestic market, the movie is practically doomed to succeed. And thanks to the sounding title and a really cool lead actor, the project has every chance to win over Western audiences.