Radhe [Salman Khan] is a hard-core gangster . A sharp-shooter with a sharp brain, he works for Gani Bhai [Prakash Raj], the dreaded Mafioso, on his own terms. Totally fearless, Radhe singlehandedly eliminates Gani Bhais enemies, one by one - making more enemies in the process. The man is devoid of any principles; he is arrogant, ruthless and does not care about the emotions of other people. Radhes astounded when young and pretty Jhanvi [Ayesha Takia] professes her affection for him. Inspector Talpades [Mahesh Manjrekar] lustful eyes fall on Jhanvi. He doesnt know that Jhanvi has developed a soft spot for Radhe. Jhanvi is a very simple innocent and a naive girl and she believes that everything is good in the world and nothing is bad. After she meets Radhe she realizes that all her previous notions were wrong and life after that becomes a roller coaster ride for her. There is a transition in her character then. Whether its Goldens [Aseem Merchant] gang or Datta Pawles 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 and starts his campaign by arresting 200 criminals. Gani Bhai comes back to Mumbai, kills Datta Pawle and ends up arrested by Commissioner Ashraf Khan. His gang retaliate by making a lewd video of his daughter. While she is tortured she reveals that there is a police informant in their gang. On research they find outh that hes the son of former police officer Shrikant Shekhawat [Vinod Khanna] who now runs a fitness center. Upon killing him, Gani Bhai ensures that his son will perform his last rites. They find out that the mole is none other than Radhe and go into hiding. Radhe forces Talpade to take him to the hideout. There, he engages in a mass shootout where he kills everyone, and finally slits Gani Bhais throat with a piece of mirror, killing him. Radhe then tells ths Commissioner that his daughter is safe and Gani Bhai is dead and also tells him that Talpade was killed fighting them. When Talpade questions this, Radhe shoots him down, saying : Ek baar jo maine commitment kardi, uske baad toh main khud ki bhi nahin sunta and the credits roll on the left side of a freeze frame of Radhes face. Then the title song starts.

Production

Asin Thottumkal was first approached for the role of Jhanvi, but due to other commitments she rejected the offer. Consequently the role went to Ayesha Takia.

Soundtrack

The music of the film is given by Sajid Wajid. The music got mixed reviews from critics with a few songs getting good response. Bollywood Hungama gave it an overall rating of 2.5/5. Jalwa and Love Me Love Me were declared the most successful tracks and topped the charts with its release.

Sequel

Producer Boney Kapoor has said that the sequel of Wanted, Wanted 2 [also known as Most Wanted] will be made in near future.

Box office and ratings

= It was one of 2009s biggest hits with approximately Rs. 33.5 crore distribution share. More than 70% of its business came from single screens rather than multiplexes. It was released on the same day as Dil Bole Hadippa. Worldwide, Wanted had an excellent opening grossing Rs.38 crore in the first week. It shattered records in Pakistan, grossing over 3 crores in its first weekend, which is a record for any Indian film. It collected Rs. 75 crore in domestic market and was elevated to blockbuster status.

Reviews and critics

= Wanted got mixed to solid reviews. However Salman Khans performance was much praised by critics and audience as well. Nikhat Kazmi from The Times of India gave it 4 out of 5. Taran Adarsh gave it 4 out of 5 stating that Wanted will run only on Salmans star power.