Imran Khan going the Shahrukh way

That's the kind of sentiment which is prevailing amongst those who have seen him becoming an instant heartthrob with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa and donning a different hat altogether for his upcoming release Kidnap. Reason? From a chocolate boy who played the character of a holier-than-thou college pass out in Jtyjn, Imran Khan would be seen in a villainous role in his very second film Kidnap. Of course, there would be write-ups around how he is a young man with shades-of-gray (a much abused phrase, just like 'we are just good friends') but one look at the promos and you know that Imran is all set to give some serious heart burn to none less than Sanjay Dutt in this Sanjay Gadhvi directed film.

So where does Shahrukh Khan come into picture here?

Well, if one goes down the memory lane, even King Khan too started off with light roles (Deewana, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, King Uncle) before he shocked the Industry with his hat-trick of villainous performances in Baazigar, Darr and Anjaam. As an anti-hero, his only justifiable act of being a gray character was in Baazigar though he continued to play the central protagonist in the remaining two films as well.

Raam Jaane followed soon and just when it seemed that playing a man with evil traits was getting a little too predictable, he turned all naughty and mushy with films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Yes Boss, hence doing the balancing act remarkably well. It is a different story though post the success of these films, he became a quintessential Raj/Rahul for the entire world that included his millions of NRI fans and followers.

Now Imran Khan too seems to be following the same trend with an anti-hero role soon after a film like Jtyjn which has turned out to be the biggest ever grosser for a newcomer. Kidnap should only make things further interesting for this young man!