‘Wanted’ is Salman’s Ghajini. No, he doesn’t be ill with from any short-term memory loss in the movie. Like Aamir, Salman does get to display his rippling muscles, his biceps, triceps, abs in a series of bone-breaking, jaw-crushing, blood-spluttering fights that makes you feel he’s the ‘last action hero’ that sorrowfully came too late in the day.

Salman Khan, the sweetheart of masses, plays to the gallery in Wanted. To an extent, the film is a showcase of Salman’s looks, his muscular body, his dance moves and his overall personality, save his acting. And the star, whose career obit has already been penned and will now be edited by his critics, manages to pull it off with the grandiosity that will get wolf whistles and catty squeals from his loyal fans.

Radhe [Salman Khan] is a hardcore gangster. A sharpshooter with a sharp brain, he works for Gani Bhai [Prakash Raj], the dreaded Mafioso, but on his own terms. Totally fearless, Radhe single-handedly eliminates Gani Bhai's enemies one by one; making more enemies in the process.

He's astounded when the young and pretty Jahnvi [Ayesha Takia Azmi] professes her liking for him. Inspector Talpade's [Mahesh Manjrekar] lustful eyes fall on Jahnvi. He doesn't know that Jahnvi has developed a soft corner for Radhe.

Whether it's the Golden Gang or Data Pawle's Gang, everybody wants the biggest piece of the lucrative cake that is Mumbai and the only way to get it is to eliminate whoever gets in the way. As Mumbai reels under bloody gang wars, Commissioner Ashraf Khan [Govind Namdeo] vows to make the city crime free.

Director Prabhu Dheva serves a hardcore masala film that's not inventive or path breaking by any standard, but the execution of several scenes as also of stunts takes the graph of the movie Northward. In fact, if at all there's any movie that competes with GHAJINI as far as raw appeal goes, it's WANTED. Every action/stunt/chase here is choreographed with style.

Watch out for the action sequence at the interval point or the penultimate half-an-hour. The climax is sure to send scores of action lovers in frenzy, as Salman bashes the evil forces black and blue. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that the climax is worth the price of the ticket.

 The narrative has its share of light moments and romantic sequences. Even the bad man here makes you laugh occasionally [when he's not emitting venom], especially in the sequence when the Commissioner of Police holds him captive in the middle of the sea. Even the romance between Salman and Ayesha charms its way into your heart. It's very pleasant.

But WANTED is not without its share of errors. The film stands on a thin plot and the viewer can guess what's in store next, which means that there's not much novelty in the plot. Besides, WANTED could've done without a song or two, thereby keeping its length in check.

Director Prabhu Dheva has presented Salman like never before. Most actors have flowed away from roles that hold marvelous mass appeal, that cater to the desi viewers, like they did in the 1980s. SRK did it in OM SHANTI OM, Aamir Khan did it in GHAJINI and Salman does it so naturally in WANTED. The screenplay [Shiraz Ahmed] may not be perfect, but it has its share of shining moments. Dialogues are clap worthy, especially those delivered by Salman.

Sajid-Wajid's music is of a mixed range. 'Jalwa' is the best of the lot and the star presence of Anil Kapoor, Govinda and also Prabhu Dheva in this track will send the viewers into raptures. The remaining tracks oscillate between good and strictly average. This review would be incomplete without the invaluable contribution by the action director. It deserves brownie points. Cinematography too is top class.

Salman is like a ferocious lion who roars with all his strength. The show belongs to the actor, who scorches the screen every time he displays the hyper anger. Without doubt, Salman gives the power to WANTED. It's his best work to date.

 Ayesha Takia Azmi is very good and the pairing with Salman looks superb. Vinod Khanna is sidelined. He deserved more screen share. Mahesh Manjrekar is outstanding. He's only getting better with every movie. Prakash Raj is matchless. The accomplished actor adds yet another feather to his cap. Govind Namdeo is wonderful.

Mahek Chahal radiates oomph. Aseem Merchant is all right. Raju Mavani is useful. Inder Kumar and Sajid are satisfactory. Manoj Pahwa tries hard to make you laugh. Prateeksha Lonkar is as usual.

On the whole, WANTED rides on Salman, Salman and only Salman Khan's stardom. A masala movie that's aimed at the masses, WANTED is backed by great hype and hoopla, which will result in the film taking an earth-shattering start at the ticket window. The Idd celebrations in the coming days will only enhance the business of the movie, which means that the movie will have a solid Week 1. It is ensuring a strong place in the 'Hit' category.