The Greatest Showman is a terrific film and I am so glad that I began my year by watching this great piece of cinema. It tells the story of P T Barnum and how he revolutionized the idea of circus and pioneered the concept of show business. The film is just 105 minutes long and packs in a lot, including some amazing, touching and exhilarating songs that you are sure to hear and remember after exiting the theatre. ‘This Is Me’ is the best and most touching. ‘A Million Dreams’ is sweet while 'Come Alive' and 'The Other Side' are smartly conceptualized and executed. 'Never Enough' gives goosebumps while ‘Rewrite The Stars’ seems a bit forced but is endearing nevertheless. ‘From Now On’ and ‘The Greatest Show’, finally, are grand and uplifting. The film however moves too fast towards the end. One wished if there was more time devoted in explaining the proceedings. Nevertheless, the film has lot of plusses. The music, as explained, is highly memorable while the direction is also topnotch. It’s nice to know about this man and how he used publicity in the 19th century. But most importantly, he tried to spread happiness. Also, the film explains how critics were considered then as they are considered now and the biggest of personalities went out of their way to impress them! Performance-wise, Hugh Jackman is in top form. Zac Efron is dependable while Michelle Williams delivers a fine performance. Rebecca Ferguson has a crucial part to play and does well. Zendaya (Anne, trapeze artist) shines while Keala Settle (bearded lady) is damn good. All in all, a a film you shouldn’t miss!

My rating - **** out of 5!

Hugh Jackman remembers his Bollywood friend at the premiere of his new film in Sydney
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 21, 2017)

After the Sydney premiere of his upcoming film, The Greatest Showman, Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman was all praise for Shah Rukh Khan, whom he refers to as “Bollywood’s greatest showman”. “I have done a lot of dancing and singing in this film and I had Shah Rukh Khan in mind while shooting for it. He is my mentor and I need to take more dance lessons from him. I have also done the signature SRK move, spreading my arms wide,” Hugh said while addressing the media as he recreated the famous gesture on the red carpet. “I would love to see Shah Rukh in the Indian version of this film,” Jackman added.

Directed by debutant Michael Gracey with songs and lyrics by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land), the musical, which also features Zac Efron, traces the birth of show business and Hugh’s character who goes through a rags-to-riches narrative.

Hugh and SRK had first met at a mutual friend’s bash a couple of years ago and the 49-year-old X-Men star recalls dancing and conversation dominating the meeting. “I need to meet him soon!” the Oz actor exclaimed.