'Thugs of Hindostan' set for release in China

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Celebrated Indian actor Aamir Khan’s new film "Thugs of Hindostan" is set to be released in China on December 28.

Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and produced by Yash Raj Films, the production of the adventure film "Thugs of Hindostan" has cost about 300 million yuan (43.5 million U.S. dollars). Till late November, in return, it grossed about 40 million U.S. dollars in box office.

Indian actor Aamir Khan poses with Chinese actor Wang Baoqiang who dressed in a Santa costume during a promotional event for the film "Thugs of Hindostan" in Beijing, December 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

Before its release in China, starting from December 16, the leading actor Aamir have finished a 10-day tour to attend a series of promotional events in eight major cities in China, including Sanya, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Nanjing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Shanghai, and Beijing.

The year 2018 marks the 30th anniversary for Khan since he worked as a full-time actor. In "Thugs of Hindostan" he stars as a rogue, Firangi, which some comments said may be the most groundbreaking character in his career. The role he plays mediates between the English colonists and a group of Indian bandits. Being neither honest nor evil, his character presents a varied and mysterious image to the audience.

Aamir Khan takes selfies with fans at a promotional event of his new film "Thugs of Hindostan" in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, December 18, 2018. /VCG Photo

The review of the film, however, seems to come out critically. Its Average Rating on the Rotten Tomatoes is only a little over 4 out of 10, and many critics offered negative comments.

What raised the expectations of Chinese fans is that the film to be released two days later is a unique version edited by Aamir Khan himself. Catering to the Chinese audience's taste, this version removes some slow-motion action scenes and local Indian slangs, while adding some background stories. This version will be more compact, intense, and easier to understand.

A poster of the film "Thugs of Hindostan" featuring actress Katrina Kaif /CRI Photo

The film also keeps many songs and dance numbers to match the festive ambiance.

Khan enjoys great popularity in China. His previous works feature the comedy-drama being a satire about the Indian education system, 3 idiots (2009), the biopic film to reflect the potential and growth of girls from India's lower class, Dangal (2016), and the musical drama telling how an ordinary girl realizes the dream of being a singer, Secret Superstar (2017). All of them were global hits and bear high fame among Chinese audience.

The actor also attended the first Hainan International Film Festival early this month.

(Top Photo: A part of the poster of "Thugs of Hindostan" /CRI Photo)