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2018-04-17T02:30:00.001-07:00

Paan Singh Tomar Movie Review

2012-03-16T10:21:00.003-07:00

Paan Singh Tomar is an Indian Biopic based on the true story of an athlete ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ employed by the Indian Army who went on become a National Steeplechase champion, but later on was forced to become a notorious bandit. Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia who made his debut with ‘Haasil’, a political drama which won him immense critical acclaim, this time he goes a notch above it and delivers his career best work. Irrfan Khan essays the role of Paan Singh Tomar while Mahi Gill plays the role of his wife.

The film is about a man from Chambal village who joins Indian Army but soon is sent to participate in Indian National Games due to his great athletic skills. Though not interested in sports, he joins the sports division to curb his hunger as there were no limits on their diet. Soon he becomes a National Steeplechase champion and wins the gold medal for 7 years in a row. In 1962 and 1965 wars, he was not allowed to go as sportsmen were not allowed to fight in war which makes him frustrated. On the other side, a problem of illegal acquisition of land by Bhanwar Singh, his relative arises .Paan Singh retires from army to settle issues amicably but Bhanwar Singh attacks his family. Paan Singh then goes to the police to seek their help but no one comes to his rescue forcing him to turn into a rebel.

The Film captures the journey of Paan Singh from 1950’s to 1981 till he is shot dead in Police firing. Tigmanshu Dhulia shows his expertise by making a biopic so real and authentic that it makes the audiences marvel at his genius. From the locations in the villages creating an era of 1950’s to the local language and costumes, everything is perfect. A lot of research and detailing has been gone into making this film which clearly shows on screen. He has also written the script himself which is hard hitting and attention grabbing to say the least. He has shown the major events and occurrences in the life of Paan Singh Tomar in a very interesting yet realistic manner. Never does the drama go overboard in any scene. The dialogues ranges from quirky and witty to emotional and hard hitting and the use of pure authentic ‘Bheehad’ language makes it more compelling and impactful. The Cinematography by Aseem Mishra is eye grabbing gloriously capturing the racing events in the first half and ravines of Chambal in the second half. Editing by Aarti Bajaj is very crisp holding together the entire film in a brilliant way. Background score by Sandeep Chowta is apt enhancing the overall impact.

After delivering outstanding performances in films like ‘Haasil’ and ‘Life in a Metro’, Irrfan takes on a most challenging role and delivers his career best performance. He is so aptly cast in this role that you cannot think of any other actor who could have performed it so perfectly. He is the soul of the movie literally. Be it his impeccable delivery of quirky one liner or displaying a lifetime of emotions through his eyes, he is bang on and excels in each and every scene. He races like a true athlete. This performance of his is among the finest performances of Indian Cinema. He truly deserves to win Filmfare and National Awards next year. Mahie Gill as his uneducated but brave wife is incredible and adapts to her character so realistically or should I say ‘rustically’ that it helps to elevate the scenes in which she appears. Her chemistry with Irrfan is electrifying. Brijindra Kala is effective as news reporter and evokes laughter in some scenes. All the other cast does a tremendous job and everyone looks their part.

On the whole, Paan Singh Tomar is a hard hitting and riveting biopic from the maverick filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia which motivates and inspires the audiences to respect athletes and should give a jolt to the Indian Government who should now take special care of them after watching this. This is the most authentic biopic made in Bollywood till date. Highly Recommended!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Kahaani Movie Review

2012-03-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

Kahaani is a Bollywood Thriller Film Directed by Sujoy Ghosh who had earlier directed films like Jhankaar Beats, Home Delivery and Aladdin. Barring Jhankaar Beats, the other two have been box-office duds. With this film,he makes his foray into the thriller genre and makes a stunning comeback. Starring Vidya Balan in a role of a pregnant women searching for her missing husband in Kolkata, the film boasts of a great storyline and have been executed brilliantly.

The story begins with software engineer Vidya Bagchi (Vidya Balan), a seven months pregnant woman arriving in Kolkata from London, days before the Durga Puja. She is in search for her software engineer husband, Arnab Bagchi, who came to Kolkata with an assignment but suddenly gone missing. As she starts searching for her husband with help from the rookie cop Satyaki/Rana (Parambrata Chatterjee), she soon realizes that it wouldn't be easy. Arnab Bagchi just vanished in thin air, without any trace. To the city, her husband never existed. With extreme reserves of determination and resolve, Vidya Bagchi starts her own search through a cobweb of mysteries.

The strongest point of this film is it’s story which is written by Sujoy Ghosh and Advaita Kala which is so intelligent and comprehensive that it makes the audiences sit up and admire the talent behind it.

The Screenplay by Sujoy Ghosh, Suresh Nair and Nikhil Vyas is arresting and captivating as it doesn’t allows the viewer to take a breath. From the first scene to the last, the audience remains glued to the seats and the high suspense quotient makes it an edge of the seat thriller. But at the core, it is more than just a thriller as it deals beautifully with human emotions. Cinematography by Setu is splendid as he captures the bylanes of Kolkata so realistically that it makes the film look all the more authentic. The crowded streets and the famous Durga Pooja Festival are all beautifully captured. Kolkata never looked so sexy. Editing by Namrata Rao is water tight binding the viewers for two hours. The Pace of the film is uniform throughout giving little bit clues in between leading to a spellbinding climax. I don’t remember when it was the last time when I was so thrilled and amazed by the climax of any movie.

Direction by Sujoy Ghosh is excellent and flawless. The film is for the intelligent and thinking audience and all credit goes to him. He doesn’t let go off even for a moment and has taken care of even the minutest detail. He is a master storyteller and shows his craft in this film which is his best work . Music by Vishal –Shekhar is awesome and provides a flavor of Kolkata. Although in the movie,there are only two songs ‘Aami Shotti Bolchi’ and ‘Ekla Chalo Re’, the soundtrack contains 3 more songs and all of them are soulful. Background Score by Clinton Cerejo is exceptional and heightens the impact of the tense moments and also increases the chill factor.

Now coming to the performances, Vidya Balan is the lifeline of the film. She sparkles the screen throughout and plays the role of a pregnant women with such perfection which no other actress can match. Her interactions with police inspector Rana/Satyuki played by Parambrata Chatterjee are excellent. The expressions of grief, eagerness and despair are well reflected through her performance. She emotes more from her eyes and her dialogue delivery is impeccable. Expect another National Award for the talented actress. Parambrata Chatterjee as Rana is a natural and restrained. His character evokes sympathy from the audiences. Bob Biswas played by Saswata Chatterjee is chilling and interesting. His Character evokes dark humour. Nawazuddin Shah as Khan, a ruthless IB Officer is apt and does a fine job. All the other supporting cast have done a good job.

Kahaani is a perfect example of a thriller with an emotional layer with a brilliant story, skilful direction, awesome performances, haunting music and a nail biting climax. The film is flawless in all respects and is a landmark film in Bollywood. A Masterpiece!

Rating:5 Stars

Bollywood Rules Awards 2012

2011-12-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

Best Film: Don 2

Best Director: Farhan Akhtar for Don 2

Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar And Shahrukh Khan for Don 2

Best Actress: Vidya Balan for The Dirty Picture

Best Actor (Critics): Rajeev Khandelwal for Soundtrack

Best Actress (Critics): Priyanka Chopra for 7 Khoon Maaf

Best Film (Critics): Rockstar

Best Director (Critics): Imitiaz Ali for Rockstar

Best Story: Imitiaz Ali for Rockstar

Best Screenplay: Rajat Aroraa for The Dirty Picture

Best Cinematography: Nicola Pecorini and V. Manikandan for Ra One

Best Editing: Aarti Bajaj for Rockstar

Best Dialogues: Rajat Aroraa for The Dirty Picture

Best Choreography: Ganesh Hegde for Chammak Challo(Ra One)

Best Supporting Actor: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Best Supporting Actress: Rani Mukherjee for No One Killed Jessica

Best Music: A R Rahman for Rockstar

Best Lyricist: Irshad Kamil for Nadaan Parinday(Rockstar)

Best Singer(Male): Mohit Chauhan for Tum Ho(Rockstar)

Best Singer(Female): Nandini Shrikar for Bhare Naina(Ra One)

Best Background Music:Shankar Ehsaan Loy for Don 2

Best Action: Spiro Raazatos and Abdy Gill for Ra One

Best Art Direction: Mithva Krishen for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Best Sound Design: Resul Pookutty for Ra One

Best Costume Design: Moiz Kapadia and Niharika Khan for The Dirty Picture

Best Visual Effects: Red Chillies Vfx for Ra One

Why This Kolaveri Di

2011-12-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

Rockstar Movie Review

2011-11-14T00:17:00.000-08:00

Rockstar is a Hindi Musical Film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Faakhri in lead roles. Directed by the new age” Yash Chopra” – Imitiaz Ali , who had earlier given us beautiful love stories in the form of Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal, yet again presents us a soulful story of love and life of a Rockstar’ Janardan Jakkhad’ aka ‘Jordan’. This is by far Imitiaz’s best work as a director and a storyteller. He delves deep into the psyche of his lead characters that it’s hard to believe that it’s only a film. Its actually more than a film, its an experience , and a soulful one. The film also stars Shammi Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Moufid Aziz, Piyush Mishra, Shernaz Patel and Kumud Mishra, with the former making his last silver screen appearance in this film.

It’s a story of a middle class boy Janardan who hails from a Jatt family and studies in a Delhi college. How he falls in love to gain emotions that will help him in his singing career and hoe he transforms into a Rockstar with a rude attitude forms the crux of the story. Wriiten by Imitiaz itself, it shows the ups and downs in the life of Jordan the Rockstar and how he understands the deepness of love. The director has approached a new style of non linear storytelling which is quite novel enhancing its impact. Some may find it difficult to grasp but once you get hold of it, you will be amazed by its impact. Infact, it’s the strength of the movie. There are many light moments in the first half which provides adequate entertainment making the proceedings a bit lighter.

Music by the maestro A R Rahman is the soul and the lifeline of the film. The songs are so well interspersed in the narrative like a water flowing along the mountains. Mohit Chauhan who is the voice of the Rockstar displays immense versatility and excels in every song. Picturization of the songs especially Kun Faaya Kun, Sadda Haq, Nadaan Parinday and Hawaa Hawaa are beautiful showing the beauty of the characters and the environment. Credit for this goes to the cinematographer Anil Mehta who spells magic with his camera. This is one of his best works. Editing by Aarti Bajaj is stylish and appeals to the yonger generation. Background score by A R Rahman is stupendous heightening the impact of dramatic scenes.

Now talking about performances, Ranbir kapoor is a scene stealer and the backbone of this movie. To say that this is his finest performance would be an understatement. Ranbir breathes life into the character of Janardan and his transformation to Jordan is exemplary. Watch out for him when he first proposes the heroine and when he rebukes the media. He is excellent in comic scenes as well as high octane emotional scenes. He displays his versatility in this role which for him was a lifetime opportunity. After Srk, Aamir and Hrithik, Ranbir is the most versatile and brilliant actor which he had proved way back in Wake Up Sid. But with Rockstar, he goes a step further delivering the best performance of this year leaving behind Srk and Hrithik. Right from his expressions to his body language and mannerisms to his dialogue delivery and lip sync of the songs, he is flawless. Without Ranbir Kapoor , Rockstar would not have been what it is- a masterpiece.

Nargis Faakhri as Heer debuts in this movie. She plays the love of Ranbir. She makes a confident debut showing her comic flair in lighter moments. But she seems to overact a bit in emotional scenes which are covered to an extent by her incandescent beauty. Nevertheless, as a debutant she makes an impact and can work harder on her acting skills to perform better next time. Shammi Kapoor, the original rockstar is seen in a special appearance as a classical shehnai artist sparkles the screen with his enigmatic presence whenever he appears on screen. This is his last performance in a movie and a memorable one. Watching Ranbir and Shammi Kapoor in one frame is itself worth the price of a ticket. Aditi Rao Hydari as a news reporter does well in a small role while Kumud Mishra as Ranbir’s manager stands out in a brief but important role. The rest of the supporting cast does a fine job.

Rockstar is a movie which is rarely made in Bollywood. With Great performances, soulful music, artistic direction, it is the best musical film Bollywood has ever produced. Hats off to Imtiaz Ali, Ranbir Kapoor , A R Rahman and Mohit Chauhan for providing us a memorable film which is like a poetry in motion.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Ra One Movie Review

2011-10-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

Ra One is a Sci-Fi movie starring Shahrukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Armaan Verma,Shahana Goswami and Tom Wu. Directed by Anubhav Sinha who have earlier directed films like Tum Bin, Dus and Cash,it is produced under the banner of Srk's Red Chillies Entertainment. It is the costliest indian film and the most promoted also so the expectations are tremendous. Also Shahrukh Khan's involvement in the project as an actor and producer makes it even more anticipated. So does the hype surrounded by it justified? Yes, if you have an apetite for different cinema in terms of it's execution and if you love the sci-fi genre.

The story written by Anubhav Sinha is novel and the basic premise of of the movie which is based on the battle between G One and Ra One, the lead characters is interesting . It's a story of a loving and simple father who loves his son and to impress him and make him happy, invents a unique game where the villain is more powerful than the hero. But what if the game that was meant to be played starts playing with your life. This line itself sums up the story of the movie. The first half of the film is flawless which shows the relationship of the nerdy south indian father Shekhar Subramanium with his punjabi wife and his son. The process of the devolopment of game is also shown in the first half which is very impressive. There are many light moments showing the goofiness of Shekhar and overtness of his wife Sonia. Then there are some chilling moments when Ra One comes out of the game and searches for Prateek. The Second half however dips at some places but is lightened up by G One's antics and out of this world Vfx. Yes, Vfx of this film surpasses that of robot and raises the bar for indian cinema.It is on par with Hollywood blockbusters like Spiderman, Superman, X-Men,etc.

Now coming to the performances, its Srk all the way. Hats off to this man for backing such a huge project with such conviction and achieves his goal. His performance as a nerdy South Indian who is as innocent as a child is pitch perfect and gains sympathy from the viewers which is an achievement and as G One , he shows his versatility as it is complete opposite from the character of Shekhar. He comes from the virtual world and hence has limited emotions which are wonderfully displayed by Shahrukh. The daredevil stunts which he himself has performed are done to perfection. Kareena Kapoor as his punjabi wife Sonia delivers yet another powerful performance. She is delightful in the song Chammak Challo and shows her comic flair in light moments. She also displayed maturity in emotional sequences.Armaan Verma as Shekhar's son Prateek gives a cute and confident debut performance. Arjun Rampal though in a brief role delivers a commendable performance. His voice modulation is good and gives a chilling feeling to the audiences. Shahana Goswami as Shekhar's colleague is apt while Tom Wu, also a colleague is amazing in his short role.

Technically, the film is a masterpiece as it boasts of high octane action scenes laden with top class special effects surpassing previous indian attempts in this genre. Cinematography by Nicola Pecorini and V Manikandan is breathtakingly magnificent creating a powerful impact in action scenes and beautifully capturing the dance moves in songs like 'Criminal' and 'Chammak Challo'.Editing by Sanjay Sharma and Martin Walsh is crisp and arresting. Special mention to the Music composers Vishal-Shekar who have created a whole new sound for Ra One. All the songs as well as the background score is of high quality and Sound design by Oscar Winner Resul Pookutty is the best in Bollywood.

The film is a visual delight with great performances by the lead actors and crisp editing with high-end visual effects. It's a must watch for Srk fans and for all of you who want their cinema to be different and magnificent. The efforts of the whole team of Ra One must be lauded as they have made a film which takes the technology in Indian Cinema to greater heights. It will be loved by those who have their Hart in right place.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The Most Awaited Ra One Look- Finally Revealed!

2011-10-13T07:02:00.001-07:00

Dildaara Song Prom HD- Ra One

2011-10-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

Jo Bhi Main- Rockstar Song Promo HD

2011-10-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

Rockstar Music Review

2011-10-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

Rockstar is a Bollywood Musical Film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Faakhri in the lead roles. Diected by Imtiaz Ali who had earlier directed the blockbuster Love Aaj Kaal in the year 2008, music is composed by the maestro A.R Rahman while the lyrics are penned by Irshad Kamil who is slowly making his mark in Bollywood. Imitaz's previous film Love Aaj Kal also boasted of melodious and chartbuster music by Pritam. This time he is backed by the maestro himself who with his magical tunes creates a whole new world of music capturing listener's mind. So the expectations are sky high with this soundtrack as the film itself is a musical. The Album consists of 11 original tracks and 2 instrumentals. Almost all the songs have been sung by Mohit Chauhan except one or two.

The album kickstarts with 'Phir se udd chala' which is a solo male song sung by Mohit Chauhan in his trademark drowsy voice which is soothing to the ears. It starts off with guitar strings and then comes the huuming of Mohit Chauhan which is captivating. The lyrics are hard to comprehend in the first hearing as the song is composed and sung in a breathless style but the pace of the song is medium. It has a feel of a 'Pahadi' folk song in terms of it's setting and instrumentation. Not great but a good listen which will take time to grow on you.

The second song 'Jo bhi main' which again is a solo Mohit Chauhan song is soft rock with minimal use of instruments focussing on the vocals. Lyrics here are the highpoint of the song describing the character's viewpoint beautifully. Also the singing here is of top quality and Mohit Chauhan goes all out and sings it like a true rockstar especially the phrases 'yay yay yay'. This song is a sure shot chartbuster and will go down well along the youth who likes their music to be a bit different. The use of guitar and drums is exceptional complementing the high octane vocals of Mohit Chauhan. This one's instantly likeable.

Next comes 'Katiya Karoon' which is solo female song sung by Harshdeep Kaur who had earlier sung 'Chand ki katori' in Guzaarish which went unnoticed despite it being a melodious one. Her talent was not explored till now but with this song, one can be sure that she will be heard quite often now. The song starts with the chorus singing 'tinglinga tingling' in a very sweet mannner and comes the instruments which are mostly indian and the song has a rustic feel to it without being harsh or over the top. It's medium paced and is a delight to listen. It can be played in a loop and still it won't bore you a bit. Lyrics are a mix of punjabi and hindi having a distinctive quality. Harshdeep's rendition is flawless perfectly bringing out the innocence and tanginess of the song. This one's a class apart.

After three solo tracks comes an ensemble song 'Kun Faaya Kun' sung by Javed Ali, A R Rahman and Mohit Chauhan which is a Sufi song in the name of Islamic God. After composing outstanding songs earlier in this genre such as 'Piya haji ali' and 'Khwaja mere khwaja', AR Rahman comes up with yet another divine compostion which is truly magical and leaves you in a trance. Irshad Kamil's soul stirring yet simple lyrics heighten the impact. Singing by all the three singers is out of this world as the song flows smoothly like water. Javed Ali who is often heard in Rahman’s composition shines like a diamond in this song and his child like innocent voice work wonders. A R Rahman with his high pitched voice is at his best while Mohit Chauhan who is new to this genre stands tall with the veterans. The song's duration is over 7 minutes but it doesn't bother as the listener gets mesmerized by the sheer brilliance of this composition. Indian instruments are effectively used weaving a web of purity and calmness. There is a bit of guitar strumming in the interlude providing it a unique flavor. Absolutely riveting and best of all songs.

The fifth track ‘Shehar mein’ sung by Mohit Chauhan and Karthik is an experimental song with witty lyrics and uneven pattern of composition. It is a situational track, a kind of a recording rehearsal going on between singers and composer. Both the singers have done a fantastic job and have sung it with zing. The instruments used are synthesizer mixed with beats of dholak. It’s an interesting composition which will be instantly liked by the youth.

Next is ‘Hawaa Hawaa’ which starts off with the sound of accordion which was often heard in 70’s and 80’s. Sung by Mohit Chauhan in his inimitable style, the compostion has an eastern touch and takes you on the Arabian route. The song is medium paced but gains momentum in the interlude portions with the grand orchestration taking over. Lyrics are innovative and refreshing proving the song another dimension. A R Rahman shows his mastery with excellent use of instruments and setting making this song a delight for the listeners. Mohit Chauhan proves his mettle as a singer as it required a flexible voice with a wide range. He occasionally does some yudling in this song which is quite sweet.

The seventh track ‘Aur ho’ is a slow paced song and is a fusion of Sufi and rock music. Sung by Mohit Chauhan with great passion and emotions, it creates a stunning impact which lingers in the listener’s mind long after the song is over. The lyrics are exceptional bringing out the desperation and helplessness of the lead protagonist with gusto. The composition’s genre and setting reminds me of Rahman’s ‘Tu hi Tu ‘from the film Dil Se which is a landmark song in this particular genre. The instruments are minimal with Drums taking centerstage. Highly addictive.

Next comes one of the best tracks of this year ‘Nadaan Parinday’ which is a duet sung by A R Rahman and Mohit Chauhan, an exceptional combination of talent and passion. The song has elements of rock music especially the way instruments like guitar and drums are played in the interludes but the basic compostion is Sufi in nature. The song starts off slowly but soon gathers momentum as soon as the instruments come into play. Lyrics are like poetry and are philosophical in nature. The song changes track and scale in the antaras so smoothly and effectively that it gives goose bumps to the listener. This is at par with the best song of this album ‘Kun Fayaa Kun’. A gem of a song.

The ninth track ‘Tum Ko’ is a female solo song sung by the veteran Kavita Subramaniam who returns after a hiatus in this soulful romantic track. Her mellifluous voice creates a world of purity and calmness beautifully depicting the emotions of the girl longing for her love. Meaningful lyrics coupled with outstanding compostion using instruments like tabla and sarod in a heavenly way makes it a must listen. This song would have been grabbed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali anyday if given a chance. The choice of the singer by A R Rahman deserves extra brownie points.

Then comes the true blue rock song ‘Sadda Haq’ sung by the rockstar Mohit Chauhan with a kickass attitude and extreme passion which was the need of the hour. Currently being shown on TV, it is quite becoming a rage among the youngsters. The guitar riffs and drum beats along with synthesizer are of international standard. The lyrics are aggressive and obsessive bringing out the protagonist’s viewpoint about the society in an effective manner. The composition is catchy with the phrase ‘Sadda Haq Ithhe Rakh’ creating a stunning impact. A sure shot chartbuster.

‘Tum Ho’ which is the last original song of the album is a slow paced romantic song sung by Mohit Chauhan with able support by Suzanne D’Mello in the background. It acts like a slow poison and will be liked after repeated hearings. It reminds me of another Mohit Chauhan’s song ‘Tum Se Hi’ from the movie Jab We Met as it also had a same feel and setting. But this one’s a notch above from that thanks to the maestro A R Rahman.

After 11 outstanding songs of varied genres come two instrumentals and one dialogue piece of Ranbir Kapoor. ‘Tango for Taj’ instrumental is an amalgamation of eastern and western music with a mix of instruments like accordion and piano with clap beats creating a festival like mood. Next is ‘The Dichotomy of Fame’ instrumental which amalgamates the shining notes of Shahnai with that of sitar and guitar. It creates a wedding like atmosphere and is really pleasant to the ears. It will come at a very crucial point in the film and will bring together Late Shri Shammi Kapoor with his grandson Ranbir Kapoor for the first and last time on the silver screen. We can witness the talent of Shammi Kapoor playing the Shahnai himself in the film. The last one ‘The Meeting Place’ is a short musical piece with a dialogue of Ranbir Kapoor which he delivers in a convincing way.

After a good but inconsistent album Raavan and above average Jhootha Hi Sahi by A R Rahman’s standard, he strikes back with a bang with Rockstar which will be considered among one his best works. The album is an outstanding mix of Sufi, Eastern and Rock music which will be patronized by all music lovers the world over. Irshad Kamil after making an impact in Love Aaj Kal and and Mausam gives his best this time showing his knowledge and versatility as a lyricist. Special mention goes for Mohit Chauhan who is the soul of the album as he sings varied genre of songs in different styles and tones and have excelled in each and every song. All other singers also have performed exceedingly well. Rockstar is an another milestone in the exceptional career of the maestro A R Rahman which again proves the fact that he is still the best music composer of India. Don’t miss this gem!

My Picks: Jo Bhi Main, Katiya Karoon, Kun Faaya Kun, Hawaa Hawaa, Aur Ho, Nadaan Parinday, Tum Ko, Sadda Haq.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Music Review Of Ra One

2011-09-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Directed by: Anubhav Sinha

Produced by: Gauri Khan

Starring: Shahrukh Khan
                Kareena Kapoor
                Arjun Rampal
                Shahana Goswami

Music by: Vishal-Shekhar

Lyrics: Kumar, Anvita Dutt, Vishal Dadlani, Niranjan Iyengar

Distributed by: Eros International Ltd.
Red Chillies Entertainment

Release date(s) October 26, 2011

Ra One is Sci-Fi movie starring Shahrukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Shahana Goswami in the lead roles. Directed by Anubhav Sinha who have earlier directed successful films like ‘Tum Bin’ , ‘Dus’ and the not so successful ‘Cash’, it has been produced under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment. Music is composed by Vishal-Shekhar who are synonymous with quality music and fresh sound and the lyrics have been written by Kumar, Anvita Dutt, Vishal Dadlani and Niranjan Iyengar. Expectations are humungous as it is the most anticipated movie of the year and the names attached to it have always guaranteed good music. Let’s analyse it in detail.

The album starts with the ultimate item song of the year ‘Chammak Challo’ sung by international pop star Akon who is a global phenomenon. He has sung it in Hindi which shows his dedication as an artist and that shows in his singing and pronunciation. Hamsika Iyer has sung the female part with absolute finesse with a good command over Tamil language. The song has an international feel in terms of its setting yet it has a desi flavor thanks to the lyrics which are massy and catchy. The Congo is used very effectively giving it an African touch and the Tamil lyrics provide it a south Indian flavor. This will surely become a rage in the coming days. ‘Chammak Challo’ comes with another 4 versions which are different types of remixes like Punjabi Mix, Club Mix, International Version and Remix. All the versions are outstanding.

Next is ‘Dildaara’ which is out an out romantic track with a great melody which instantly hooks on to you. Sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali to perfection, his voice works wonders with such a melodious song. As soon as he hits the first note, it touches the heart. The song starts off with some English lyrics with a phrase ‘Stand by Me’ being the punch. Backing vocals have been given by Vishal-Shekhar. In the interlude, Vishal sings some sargams which are truly exceptional. This is the best song of the year.

Then comes yet another cracker of a song ‘Criminal’ sung by Akon, Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak. The English lyrics are sung by Akon and the Hindi parts by Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak. All of them have done a fantastic job and have sung it with extra zing. It is a fast paced dance track with catchy phrases like ‘dhinna dhinna’ appearing frequently. The song starts off with a siren and then comes the techno beats accompanied by Dhol beats giving it a unique feel. Lyrics are pep and as per the requirement of this kind of track. Yet another winner in the album. It also comes in a Club Remix version with added beats which will be played in clubs for a long time.

After this the album takes a U-Turn and comes a semi-classical song ‘Bhare Naina’ sung by Nandini Shrikar who renders it so beautifully that you can actually feel the emotions that the character have been going through at that point. The song starts off with tabla beats and the ethereal yet rustic voice of Nandini Shrikar singing in a conventional classical manner but the song changes path as the phrase ‘Bhare Naina’ comes. It turns in a western-classical fusion with huge orchestration coming in place. Lyrics are like gems complementing the exceptional composition of Vishal-Shekhar which sounds truly divine.

Vishal-Shekhar then returns to their signature youthful and peppy style with ‘Right by Your Side’ which is a quintessential urban song with a mix of English and Hindi lyrics. Sung by ‘Siddharth Coutto’ sounding very similar to Vishal Dadlani, he does good a job and sings it with attitude. The instruments mainly used here are guitar and synthesizer. It appears a little weak in front of other brilliantly composed tracks but otherwise it’s a decent listen.

The album again reaches its high with the arrival of ‘Raftaarein’ which is a tribute to the great musical legend ‘Late R.D Burman’ having a rock attitude and a 70’s feel to it in the way it is composed. It starts with the signature tune of the movie and is sung by Vishal-Shekhar in R.D Burman style with a crackling voice making it a nostalgic experience. It perfectly suits the genre of this film and will come at a crucial point in the film’s narrative. A rocking tribute!

With Sukhwinder Singh coming behind the mike, one can be assured that it will be a classy song. Titled ‘Jiya Mora Ghabraye (The Chase)’ it is a fusion of western rock beats and the classical style singing of Sukhwinder Singh. The end product is a stunning musical piece which is sure to create ripples once its video hits the screens. Backing vocals have been provided by Vishal Dadlani. The Usp of this song is the singing of Sukhwinder Singh who shows his command over classical singing and his voice sounds as powerful as a thunderstorm.

After seven superb tracks comes three instrumental pieces: Comes the Light, I’m On and Song of the End. The first two are lavish and grand in its setting with huge orchestration matching to the grandeur of the movie. The third one is melodious and slow paced. All the three will be used as a background score in the film enhancing its impact.

The album consists of varied genres of songs and surpasses the gigantic expectations that we had from this score. Vishal- Shekhar has delivered their best soundtrack till date which is an experience in itself. It is grand in its truest term and has quality written all over it. The two tracks sung by Akon are true blue chartbusters and will be at the top the world over. Tracks like Dildaara and Bhare Naina are beautiful melodious that are sure to linger in listeners mind for a lifetime. Special mention for ‘Jiya Mora Ghabraye’ which is a best fusion track in a long time, will be lauded for its uniqueness and excellent singing by Sukhwinder Singh. All in all, it is one of the best Bollywood soundtracks of all time. Must Hear!

My Picks: Chammak Challo, Dildaara, Criminal, Bhare Naina, Jiya Mora Ghabraye.

Rating:4.5 Stars

Movie Review of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

2011-09-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar

Produced by Aditya Chopra

Story by Ali Abbas Zafar

Starring Imran Khan
Katrina Kaif
Ali Zafar

Music by Sohail Sen

Cinematography Sudeep Chatterjee

Editing by Ritesh Soni

Distributed by Yash Raj Films

Release date(s) September 9, 2011

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan marks the directorial and writing debut of Ali Abbas Zafar who had earlier worked with Yash Raj Films as an assistant director in films like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Tashan, New York and Badmaash Company. This film is a romantic comedy starring Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif and Ali Zafar in lead roles. Music is composed by Sohail Sen who has given a chartbuster soundtrack. These days, everyone is attempting to make a rom-com thinking that it is an easy way to attract youngsters towards cinema halls. But to make a compelling film in this genre is indeed an uphill task. As it comes from the stable of Yash Raj Films who have a brilliant track record in this genre, the expectations from this film are high. Let’s see if it can match our expectations.

In the first sequence itself, director Ali Abbas Zafar sets the tone of his film which is high on entertainment sans any mellow drama. Director’s main intention seems to tell a story in a light-hearted manner which is entertaining and honest. It’s a story of a younger brother Kush (Imran Khan) trying to find out a suitable bride for his elder brother Luv (Ali Zafar) , an NRI living in London. Kush finds the “Dulhan” in Dimple (Katrina Kaif) but eventually he himself falls in love with her. The story is quite simple and predictable but the execution of the subject and the treatment given to the film which is youthful and fresh makes it an endearing watch. The credit for this goes to the director who in his debut film has shown a spark and has handled the comic portions like a pro.

The first half of the film is truly captivating as it introduces Katrina Kaif in a rockstar avatar which is a refreshing change from her earlier films. The screenplay somehow dips at some places in the second half but is saved by a brilliant performance by Ali Zafar who with his impeccable comic timing elevates the film. Cinematography is by Sudeep Chatterjee, who had received a Filmfare Award in the year 2008 for his outstanding work in the movie Chak De India. The movie has been mainly shot in Delhi and Agra in a very realistic way. The beauty of Taj Mahal of Agra and the crowded streets of Delhi have been captured interestingly. Editing by Ritesh Soni is crisp in the first half but could have been a little better in the second half. Music composed by Sohail Sen is a complete package with some peppy songs such as ‘Dhunki’ and ‘Choomantar’, the melodious ‘Isq Risk’ and the massy ‘Madhubala’ and ‘Do Dhaari Talwar’. All the songs are well shot and choreographed especially ‘Dhunki’ and ‘Do Dhaari Talwar’ which are sure to grab many eyeballs. The songs are placed it such a way that they never become hindrance in the narrative.

As far as the performances are concerned, all three of them have pitched in superlative performances. Katrina Kaif as a rebellious rockstar gives her best performance till date and should further do such type of roles. She’s electrifying in the first half and performs like a pro. Imran Khan as the sweet and adorable boy is very good in comic scenes and his chemistry with Katrina Kaif is fantastic. Ali Zafar who showed promise in his debut film ‘Tere Bin Laden’ continues to amaze us with his powerhouse performance and charming personality. The ex-girlfriend of Ali Zafar played by Tara D’Souza is also very good. Rest of the supporting cast is competent.

It’s a light hearted romantic comedy that will be instantly liked by family audiences for its honesty, comic moments and excellent performances by the lead cast. Director Ali Abbas Zafar deserves a pat on his back for making a refreshing, fun-filled film with a perfect cast that will definitely work at the box-office.

Rating:4 Stars

Music Review Of Damadamm

2011-09-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

Directed by: Swapna Waghmare

Produced by 'HR Musik'

Written by: Subrat Sinha

Starring: Himesh Reshammiya
Sonal Sehgal
Purbi Joshi

Music by: Himesh Reshammiya
Sachin Gupta

Lyrics: Sameer, Himesh Reshammiya, Shabbir Ahmed

Cinematography: Oystein Lundstorm

Audio On: T-Series
HR Musik

Release date(s): 27 October 2011

No. Of Tracks: 15

Damadamm is a Bollywood Comedy Movie starring Himesh Reshammiya, Sonal Sehgal and Purbi Joshi in the lead. Music of this movie is composed by Himesh himself with a promotional song composed by Sachin Gupta. Lyrics are written by Sameer, Himesh and Shabbir Ahmed. Album consists of 10 original tracks and 5 remixes. So there are lots of options to choose from and it will be a complete package.

The first one is the title track ‘Damadamm’ which is composed in a Qawalli style with sargams woven in-between. Sung by Himesh along with a whole lot of newcomers such as Vineet Singh, Alam Gir Khan, Shabaab Sabri, Punnu Brar, Palak Mucchal, Sabina Sheikh and Rubina Sheikh, it has tremendous repeat value and all the singers have done a great job. Lyrics are rhyming and go well with the mood of the song. Arrangement is totally Indian as there is extensive use of Indian instruments like Harmonium, Tabla and Dholak.

Next comes ‘Umrao Jaan’ sung by Himesh and Purbi Joshi is a medium paced song and is quite similar to the first song in terms of its musical arrangements. It starts off with the dialogue ‘No Touching, Only seeing’ sung by Purbi Joshi in Chinese style which sounds really funny. Himesh’s nasal touch which is quite evident in this song makes it even more appealing and ups the fun quotient. Lyrics in the Antaras are innovative and suit the comedy genre of this film.

The third track ‘Aaja Ve’ starts with synthesized beats and soon the vocals of Himesh Reshammiya captures the listeners mind. It’s a love song and the composition hooks on to the ears in the first listen itself. There is minimal use of instruments as the focus is mainly on vocals which create a stunning impact.

Then comes ‘Madhushala’ which seems like a sure-shot chartbuster again sung by the multi-talented Himesh Reshammiya with Aditi Singh Sharma who is becoming quite popular nowadays thanks to her unique tonal quality. The song starts in a Qawalli style with medium paced beats and has a old world charm to it. But soon it changes track in the mukhda itself with raging beats supporting the phrase ‘Madhushala’ which makes it more catchy and spicy. In the singing department, both the singers have shown their versatility and have sung this in a unique style. This track is one of the highlights of the album and will surely generate curiosity when aired on televisions.

The fifth track ‘Yun Toh Mera Dil’ is a sweet romantic song which is easy on the ears sung by Himesh Reshammiya and Sadhna Sargam with delectable ease. This is a kind of song that will help the film’s narrative in moving forward and will enhance its impact. There is a good use Guitar in the background which provides it an urbane feel.

Next is ‘Hum Tum’ which is a hardcore romantic song and would have been grabbed by Yash Raj Films if given a chance. The Alaaps in the starting and interlude by Vaishali Madhe, winner of ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ are beautiful and soothing. Himesh has sung it with passion and emotion and the composition is mesmerizing. Lyrics are of high quality beautifully depicting the emotions of the characters. Use of instruments is kept minimal which works in its favor.

The seventh track ‘Tere Bina’ falls under the category of sad songs depicting the helplessness of the lead protagonist and the pain of separation. Both the lyrics and composition succeeds in creating a song which has depth, pain, melody and that timeless quality. Himesh Reshammiya has sung it brilliantly and that can be heard in his emotion filled voice. Guitar strumming in the start is awesome. Personally, this is my favorite song of this album.

Next is a soft rock song ‘I Need My Space’ which is experimental in the composition and singing style. Himesh has very well modulated his voice to sound like a rockstar and the phrase ‘I Need My Space’ has been sung with attitude and zing. There is extensive use of Drums and Guitar creating an overall rocking impact.

Then comes ‘Mango’ and as the name suggests, it is a mixture of sweetness and tanginess. Here, the lyrics are innovative and imaginative and the composition flows like water. The song starts off with an announcement in the voice of Aditi Singh Sharma and then comes the voice of Himesh Reshammiya who again impresses with his singing. The phrase ‘Mango’ sung by Aditi in different styles in the interlude portions is amazing and enhances the overall impact of the song.

After nine tracks composed and sung by Himesh Reshammiya comes a promotional song ‘Bhool Jaaun’ composed by Sachin Jigar which is sung by him and Himesh both. Frankly speaking, after hearing a variety of good songs belonging to different genres, this song appears a little weak in comparison of other tracks. Otherwise it’s a decent song.

There are five remixes of the songs namely Damadamm, Umrao Jaan, Aaja Ve and Madhushala which has two remix versions. The remixes which stand out are ‘Aaja Ve’ (Remix) and ‘Madhushala’ (Remix) which are innovative in approach and enhances the impact of the songs. In fact, the ‘Madhushala’ (Remix) is better than the original with added Dhol beats adding to its Grandeur.

After so many tracks, one comes to the conclusion that Damadamm is indeed a great album with potential chartbusters in the form of ‘Umrao Jaan’, ‘Damadamm’ and ‘Madhushala’. There are also songs such as ‘Tere Bina’, ‘Hum Tum’, and Aaja Ve ’and ‘Yun Toh Mera Dil’ which will be loved by those who are pleased by melodious music. This comprehensive album packs in everything which will be lauded by different sections of audience for its melody and innovativeness. Himesh Reshammiya is in top form here both as a composer and singer. In fact, he has also contributed towards the lyrics which are imaginative and fresh. Kudos to him for such a dedicated piece of work. This one is amongst his best works till date. Highly Recommended!

My Picks: Damadamm, Yun Toh Mera Dil, Aaja Ve, Hum Tum, Madhushala (Remix and Original), Tere Bina, Mango

Rating:4.25 Stars

Bodyguard Movie Review

2011-09-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

Directed by: Siddique

Produced by:Atul Agnihotri

Alvira Agnihotri

Reliance Entertainment

Screenplay by: Siddique

Story by: Siddique

Starring: Salman Khan

Kareena Kapoor

Raj Babbar

Hazel Keech

Mahesh Manjrekar

Music by: Songs: Himesh Reshammiya

Pritam

Background Score: Sandeep Shirodkar

Cinematography: Sejal Shah

Editing by: Sanjay Sankla

Distributed by: Reliance Entertainment

Reel Life Production Pvt. Ltd. Release date(s) August 31, 2011

Bodyguard is the third remake of the director’s own 2010 Malayalam film of the same name. This film is directed by Siddique and produced by Atul agnihotri featuring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead. The film is a love story of a bodyguard named Lovely Singh who is fully dedicated to his duties and is on a mission to save Divvya’s life. Divvya falls in love with her bodyguard Lovely Singh and then starts the problems. There is a twist in the end which will surely grab everyone’s attention.

Director Siddique who has made it third time knows the intricacies of the script and shows his experience in this particular script. The characters of Lovely Singh and Divvya are well etched out while the character of Divvya’s friend (Hazel Keech) needed a little bit more attention. The other supporting characters such as Sartaj Rana, Father of Divvya played by Raj Babbar and the Villain played by Mahesh Manjrekar are well written.

The story and the screenplay written by Siddique himself complement each other. The story has all the ingredients to make it work at the box-office and strike a chord with the Family audience. It has action, emotions, drama, romance and all that which makes it an absolute entertainer. Screenplay in the first half falters at some places but post intermission; it is water tight and leaves no scope for correction.

Special mention goes for the character of Tsunami played by Rajat rawail which provides a comic relief in this action packed extravaganza and brings the house down with his comic timing especially in the first half an hour.

In the technical department, the film scores brownie points as the action scenes by Vijayan Master which are the highlights of this movie are stunning to say the least. The action scenes in the last reels are breathtaking. Equally stunning is the cinematography by Sejal Shah as it captures the beauty of Divvya’s character as well as the innocence of Lovely Singh with aplomb. Background score by Sandeep Shirodkar is bombastic and elevates the action sequences. Editing by Sanjay Sankla is good but could have been tighter in the first half.

Music by Himesh Reshammiya is a booster especially the song ‘Teri Meri’ which is melodious to the core and is also very well shot and choreographed. Guest composer Pritam has composed one song ‘I love you’ which is tuneful. All the songs are very well picturized and the credit goes to the choreographers such as Ganesh Aacharya, Vaibhavi Merchant and Vishnudeva for providing innovative dance steps and cinematographer for shooting it beautifully.

Now coming to the performances, what can one say about Salman Khan? He is a Phenomenon among the masses, always ‘Ready’ to entertain the audience, nowadays ‘Wanted’ by every producer because of his ‘Dabangg’ performance at the box-office. In this film, he stays in his character throughout and displays his emotional side which was somewhere lost in his larger than life antics. The innocence of the character Lovely Singh can be seen on his face which speaks volumes about his performance. Kareena Kapoor played the character of Divvya with much poise and dignity as was needed. She displayed maturity in the emotional sequences and peppiness in the first half. The chemistry between the lead protagonists is electrifying. The other supporting cast does a fairly good job. Guest appearance by Aaditya Pancholi as the antagonist is okay.

All in all, Bodyguard is a complete family entertainer and will surely be loved by all especially Salman Khan Fans who will cherish it for a lifetime. Director Siddique has made an audience friendly film which will surely get him various bollywood offers. The chemistry between Salman and Kareena and the Action sequences will remain the highlights of this enterprise. It will surely create ripples at the box-office and will enjoy a long run.

Rating: 4 stars

Music review of love breakups zindagi

2011-09-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

Director: Sahil Sangha

Cast: Zayed Khan, Dia Mirza, Cyrus Sahukar & Tisca Chopra Music Director: Salim-Sulaiman Lyricist: Javed Akhtar

Love breakups zindagi is an upcoming bollywood romantic comedy which offers a slice of life. Writeen and directed by debutant sahil sangha and produced under the banner of sahara motion pictures, it’s an urban youth film depicting the love lives of a bunch of youngsters. It stars zayed khan, dia mirza, cyrus sahukar and tisca chopra in the lead roles. Music is composed by the talented duo salim-sulaiman who rarely fail to impress with their fresh and peppy soundtracks and lyrics are by the lyrical genius Javed akhtar. The album consists of 4 original songs and one remix and one looks forward to such soundtrack.

The first tracks starts off with a guitar and soon the vocals of salim takes over this youthful song ‘Rozana’ which is philosophical lyrics wise as it depicts the day-to-day proceedings of life and nature in a positive light. The use of accordion in the interlude provides this track a nostalgic touch of the era gone by and singing by salim is full of life and his voice quality perfectly suits the song. Indeed a good start to the album.

The next track ‘Rab rakha’ sung by versatile singers sonu nigam and shreys ghoshal is a romantic song which suits to the cosy moments of a wedding as shown in the promos. Backing vocals are given by salim and shraddha pandit which are very effective and adds to it’s grandeur. Lyrics are soulful to say the least and the phrase rab raakha is mesmerizing. Sonu nigam has shown his classical side in this song as he sings the intricate portions with much ease and conviction. Shreya ghoshal as usual fills the song with her saccharine like voice. The instruments her are mainly Indian which makes it even more authentic. There is a small portion in the song in which shradha pandit takes centrestage and creates a strong impct with her powerful vocals. Certainly the best song of this album.

Next arrives another peppy song ‘Love love’ sung by the effervescent Benny dayal who has become a favourite with young music composers. He has done a fairly good job. Female counterpart is Shraddha pandit who surprises with her mellow voice especially at places when there are low notes. Lyrics are imaginative and the song oozes freshness. This songs reminds me of the song ‘janne kyun’ from dostana as it had the similar kind of feel and setting. Nevertheless, it’ a good attempt at recreating such songs in a better way.

Till now the album is going pretty smooth and is maintaining it’s quality. The last track ‘Chhayee hai tanhayee’ and as the name suggests, it has a sad feeling attched with this. It is sung by the extremely talented and gifted sufi singer Shafqat amanat ali which once again provides the song another dimension and takes it to an altogether higher level. Shruti pathak famous for her rendition in the song ‘marjawaan’ from the movie fashion is also heard in this song adding to it’s depth. Salim has given the backing vocals which are alright. Lyrics are excellent and strikes an emotional chord with the listeners. The use of harmonium in the interlude adds to it’s mystical touch. At par with the best song of this album ‘rab raakha’. Wish it could be much longer than it’s duration which is only 3.25 minutes.

The last track is the remix of the first track ‘Rozana’ and starts off with thumping beats which are innovative and makes it a dance track. The echo effects enhances the vocals of Salim and added beats spruce up the proceedings. It will be instantly grabbed up by the discos and pubs.

On the whole, Love breakups zindagi packs a solid punch and maintains it’s quality throughout. It is peppy, classy and soulful all at the same time and deserves to be lauded for it’s freshness and innovativeness. The soundtrack will help the film’s narrative in striking a chord with both the youth and families. Recommended!

My picks: Rab Raakha, Chaayee hai tanhayee, Rozana

Rating: 3.5 stars

Force Music Review

2011-08-31T01:06:00.000-07:00

Director: Nishikant Kamat

Cast: John Abraham, Genelia Dsouza, Raj Babbar & Mohnish Bahl

Music Director: Harris Jayaraj, Lalit Pandit

Lyricist: Javed Akhtar

Force is a Bollywood Action Movie starring John Abraham and Genelia D’souza in the lead. Nishikant kamat who had earlier directed the critically accailmed ‘Mumbai meri jaan’ is at the director’s chair and the music is composed by the south sensation Harris jayraj while the lyrics are penned by none other than Javed akhtar. Looking at the credits, one can surely expect fireworks here. The album consists of five tracks and thankfully, there are no remixes.

The first track ‘khwabon khwabon’ which is currently making waves on air is sung by kk in his inimitable style while suchitra lends good support. The song is a romantic one and starts off with the vocals of suchitra singing in some other language which sounds very pleasant to the ears. The interlude portions have sitar in the background which is quite an innovative effort on the composer’s part. Lyrics are meaningful as expected from javed akhtar but the composition here overpowers the lyrics.

Next comes ‘Chahoon bhi’ sung by Bombay Jayshree in her characteristic carnatic style which is melodious to the core. Although a brilliant singer,she is rarely heard in bollywood songs. In the second antara comes Karthik with his soothing voice providing the song another dimension. It touches the soul instantly. The highpoint of this song is it’s melody which has a south Indian feel and also the lyrics are simply magical. The use of instruments is refreshingly amazing.This one is certainly the best of the lot.

After two soulful songs comes a soft rock track composed by guest composer Lalit pandit. Sung by Mahua kamat, this track is purely situational and suits the action genre of the movie. There is considerable use of rock guitar which enhances it a bit. But it looks pale in front of the other tracks. You can skip this one.

The fourth track ‘Main Chali’ is sung by Naresh iyer and Shreya Ghoshaal is again a romantic song but with a difference. The composition is multi-layered and the use of Indian instruments such as tabla and flute makes it a must hear song. It has an ethereal feel attached to it in the way shreya ghoshaal has sung it and the parts sung by naresh iyer are energetic reminding us of A R rahman songs down south. Lyrics are efficient complementing the composition.

Last but not the least comes ‘Dil ki Tamanna’ which is philosophically romantic as the lyrics here are very emotive describing the state of mind of the lovers. It starts off with a meliflous sound of whistle and is sung by the very talented Vijay Prakash , Shalini singh and the new singing sensation Neha bhasin. Vijay Prakash’s rendition is brilliant which takes the song to another level.

After hearing all songs, one can say that this is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year both in terms of lyrics and compositions. Harris jayraj has proved his mettle time and again and this time also he succeeds with flying colours. Javed akhtar as usual is dedicated towards giving his best. And the best part of the album is that all songs except ‘Dum hai to aaja’ are soulful and a treat for all music lovers and does not have any remixes to rob off the impact. So this musical Force is definitely recommended.

My Picks: Khwabon khwabon, Chahoon bhi, Main chali, Dil ki hai tamanna

Rating: ****

Top 10 Songs for August 2011

2011-08-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

10. Go Meera Go (Bbuddah hoga tera baap)

9. Saibo (Shor in the city)

8. Saathiya (Singham)

7. Piya na rahe man basiya (Tanu weds Manu)

6. Din pareshan (Bol)

5. Satrangi Saathiya (Phhir)

4. Khwabon ke parinday (Znmd)

3. Phir Mohabbat (Murder 2)

2. Teri Meri (Bodyguard)

1. Isq Risk (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan)

Music Review of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

2011-08-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

Cast: Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ali Zafar

Director: Ali Abbas Zafar

Music Director: Sohail Sen

Lyricist: Irshad Kamil

Producer: Yash Raj

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan is a romantic comedy produced by Yash Raj starring Imran Khan, Ali Zafar and Katrina Kaif. The music of this film is composed by the talented Sohail sen who debuted with a brilliant score in What’s Your Rashee which was quite successful commercially also. The lyrics are by Irshad Kamil who is famous for writing romantic songs. So the expectations from it’s music are immense as it boasts of a talented team.

The first track of the album which is a title track sung by K.K and Krishna beura is a fun track with some whacky phrases such as ‘ matrimonial si aankhein’ and ‘pg ki tezi’. It starts off with the strumming of Guitar following the chorus part. The lyrics here overpowers the composition which completely suits the theme of the movie. It is currently on air and is creating quite a buzz thanks to it’s colourful and chirpy picturization.

The next track is the by now famous ‘Dhunki’ sung by Neha Bhasin in a grungy style which perfectly blends with the arrangements of the composition. The phrase ‘dhunki dhunki laage’ is quite catchy and also the lyrics complements the composition. There is aggressive use of electronic guitar in the interlude portions which creates an overall rocking impact. With Katrina Kaif at the centrestage of it’s music video, it’s becoming quite a rage.

Next comes ‘Choomantar’ which starts off as a fairy song with the cute voice of a small girl. It is sung by Benny dayal and Aditi singh Sharma and both of them have done a wonderful job. It’s tune and setting reminded me of the title track of ‘What’s Your Rashee’ as that song was also of the same genre ie; Blues. There is a considerable use of synthesizer and the beats are western. The chorus part is very effectively used throughout the song which adds a mystical touch to it.

Next comes the best track of the album and also one of the best tracks tracks of the year ‘Isq Risk’ sung by the Legendry Singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who once again with his powerful vocals makes this song magical. The composition is equally brilliant especially the antaras which are truly mesmerizing. It carries the feel of a rajasthani folk song with the use of Indian instruments such as table and harmonium. Lyrics are also meaningful and carries an old world charm. Truly Refreshing!

The fifth track of the album ‘Madhubala’ sung by Ali zafar and Shewta pandit is a regular bollywood masala song which has a Bhojpuri feel to it and is quite fast paced. Singing by Ali zafar is energetic while Shweta pandit doesn’t get much scope as it’s mainly a male dominated song. Lyrics are also the routine types as is the composition.

Then comes ‘Do dhaari talwar’ which is also fast paced but it is much better than the previous song thanks to it’s innovative compostion in antara portions and excellent rendition by Shahid mallya. Shewta pandit provides able support. The lyrics are imaginative yet are massy to the core as was needed for this type of song.

After the six original tracks, there are two remixes by ‘Joshilay’ namely ‘Choomantar(remix)’ and ‘Isq Risk(risky mix)’ which are not upto the mark and robs off the essence of their original counterparts.

Overall , the album is innovative and refreshing and is a complete departure from the earlier works of Sohail Sen which shows his versatility as a composer. Lyricist Irshad Kamil has also done a commendable job complementing the brilliance of Sohail Sen’s compositions. The soundtrack has all the elements to become successful in the long run. Highly recommended!

My Picks: Dhunki, Choomantar, Isq Risk, Do Dhaari Talwar

Rating: ****

Murder 2 Movie Review

2011-07-08T23:42:00.001-07:00

Murder 2 is a sequel to the successful film Murder that came in the year 2004. The Bhatt’s are continuing making films which they believe in, which are bold and boasts of a strong storyline. Murder 2 is no exception. Infact , they have gone a step further this time. Yes, you heard it right! Murder 2 is far more bold and erotic than it’s prequel and also the script this time is far more compelling and thought-provoking. Directed by Mohit Suri, it stars Emaraan Hashmi, Jaqueline Feranandes as the lead protagonists. The main antagonist of the movie is Prashant Narayanan who plays the role of psycho serial killer.

Murder 2 is all about serial killing and human trafficking told in a bold manner with lots of eroticism sprinkled on it. It is about an ex-policeman of Goa, Arjun Bhagwat played by Emrann Hashmi who is hungry for money and is ready to do all the wrong deeds to earn it. Priya played by Jaqueline is a model who is in a confused relationship with Arjun. Dheeraj Pandey played by Prashant Narayanan is a serial killer who catches the girls especially call girls and kills them brutally. Reshma played by Sulagana Panigrahi is a college student who becomes a victim caught in the clutches of Dheeraj Pandey. How Arjun investigates the case of missing girls and catches the murderer forms the rest of the story.

The film starts off with the song Aa zara picturized on Yana gupta which is sizzing to say the least. The choreoghaphy by Raju Khan is brilliant. The subsequent scene in which she is brutally murdered by the antagonist sets the tone of the film which darker, edgier and murkier.

The story is written by Mahesh Bhatt which is evident from the detaling of the characters and the boldness of the subject. He uses his expertise to the fullest to write such a compelling and hard-hitting story. The screenplay and dialogues of the movie are by Shagufta rafique which are the backbone of this movie. It maintains the viewer’s interest throughout and makes us sit on the edge of our seat. There are many sequences in which the dialogues are the highpoint which are sure to receive whistles and claps from the masses. Bhatt and Emraan Hashmi movies are synonymous with good music and this time also they succeed in their endeavour. Music is composed by Harshit saxena, Mithoon and Sangeet-Siddharth Haldipur. The songs which stands out are Haal-e-dil and Phir Mohabbat which are melodious to the core and provides a relief from the tense situations.

Direction by Mohit Suri is Top Notch this time who had earlier failed miserably in the Raaz sequel. He displays maturity and sensitivity in the filming of the emotional scenes. Cinematography by Ravi walia is excellent as he handles the camera deftly and captures the violent scenes with gusto. Infact, because of his camerawork, the impact of some scenes are heightened. Editing by Devendra murdeshwar is crisp and tight. Background score is another highpoint of the movie which is haunting and disturbing in some places.

Now coming to the performances , Emraan Hashmi as the ex-policeman who is haunted by his past excels in his role. The anger towards the antagonist and the helplessness of his when he realizes his fault comes out perfectly through his expressions and dialogue delivery. Jaqueline fernandes as his love interest adds to the oomph factor which is associated to the Murder franchise but in the acting department , she need to work harder. Sulgana panigrahi as the helpless victim is convincing and draws sympathy. But the one who is the lifeline of the movie is Prashant narayanan as the serial killer who delivers his career best performance and overshadows everyone with his towering presence. His dialogue delivery, his mannerisms and the way he changes his behavior is brilliant. He breathes life into his character which is brutal and inhuman. Shewta kawatre as the psychiatrist exels in a singe sequence. The remaining cast is appropriate and lends good support.

Some highpoints of the Movie:

- The introduction scene of Prashat narayanan in which he confronts with Sulagana Panigrahi.

- Interrogation scene of the villain with the police in which the villain acts to be a memory loss patient.

- The song Aa zara and the subsequent scene.

- The conflict scene between the villain and the psychiatrist

- The climax

Overall, the movie excels in every department be it direction, cinematography, music, performances or screenplay. It is a worthy sequel to the Murder franchise and will be a bumper hit as it has all the ingredients to lure the masses and classes alike.

Rating- ***1/2

Gandhi To Hitler Music Review

2011-07-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Gandhi To Hitler is a multilingual Indian drama film based on letters written by Mahatma Gandhi to the leader of the Nazi party and the chancellor of Germany Adolf Hitler. It is a patriotic film directed by Rakesh ranjan kumar starring Raghubir Yadav as Hitler. Music is composed by Arbind-Lyton and lyrics are by Dr. Pallavi Mishra. Expectations are not much as there is little scope for music but one is amazed to see the credit list featuring singers like Jagjit singh, Penaz masani, Bhupen hazarika,Daler mehandi and Shaan who all are masters in their field.

The album consists of 5 tracks and some reprise versions. Every track starts off with some monologues which gives an insight into the film’s narrative. The first track ‘Har ore tabahi ka manzar’ sung by the king of ghazals shri.jagjit singh is a slow paced song with minimal instrumentation. Jagit singh’s inimitable style of singing makes it an endearing song. Also, the lyrics are thought-provoking. It depicts the aftermath of war with conviction.

Next is ‘Yeh jazba hamara hai azaadi ka’ sung by Shaan whose voice has become a synonym of romance by now sings a song which is a complete departure from what he has been singing so far. Although the lyrics are motivational, the song lacks melody and is more of a school poem. It has a strong hangover of ‘Daastaan’ from om shanti om in it’s mood and setting. All in all, an average song.

The next track is the famous bhajan ‘Vaishnav jan’ sung by Penaz mazani . It has an another version also sung by Bhupen hazarika. Both are good but the one by Penaz masani is much better. Her voice is so soothing that it makes us feel relaxed.The feel and emotions with which it is sung cannot be described in words. Also the use of Indian instruments is excellent and makes it further melodious.

Then comes ‘Hara shwet kesaria’ which is a festival song and celebrates the colourful Holi festival in it’s true manner. Daler mehendi is at the helm of affairs along with Priya bhattacharya and Mazumdar, all of whom have done a great job. The musical arrangements like the use of dhol beats are apt for the song.

The last but not the least is our national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in a never before heard Rock Version sung by Bensen baby, Aman pant and Vasundhra V. This song has a classical base to it which is fused brilliantly with soft rock style. The starting lines itself makes us hooked to it. The interlude consisting of table beats and sargam is exceptional. It is an amalgamation of Indian and Western music and sensibilities. The best track of the album.

Overall, the music of the film is quite different and is not everyone’s cup of tea. But for connoisseurs of music , it’s a treat to listen such album. Composers Arbind-Lyton have done a commendable work displaying variety and maintaining quality. Lyrics by Dr. Pallavi mishra are inspirational filled with patriotism.

My Picks: Har ore tabhai ka manzar, Vaishnav jan, Vande Matram.

Rating: ***1/2

Weekend Box-Office Prediction(1-3 july 2011)

2011-07-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

Delhi Belly
Friday- 7 crs
Saturday- 6crs
Sunday- 8 crs
Total- 21 crs
Will see a big drop on Monday.

Bbuddah hoga tera baap
Friday- 3 crs
Satuday- 4 crs
Sunday- 5 crs
Total- 12 crs
Will be rock-steady on Monday.

Performances that have made a Mark in Bollywood .

2011-06-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

Bollywood is full of Talented Actors who brings joy and entertainment in everyone’s Life. There are many performances that have made us laugh and cry, sometimes even made us proud. They have become an integral part of our lives. Many young talents are being introduced everyday in Bollywood but very few of them are able to make a mark.

In this article, I will mention that performances that have made a permanent mark in Bollywood and in everyone’s heart.

ShahRukh Khan’s performance in Swades was one such performance. He played the role of ’Mohan Bhargava’ an Nri working in NASA with such purity and sincerity that it has gone down as one of the most flawless performances of Indian Film Industry. His conviction and dedication towards the character was seen in his eyes which made it so true and believable. This performance of his was a tight slap on the faces of his detractors who had labeled him as a ‘Romantic Hero’ and who were hell-bent on degrading him.

Amitabh Bacchan as ‘Auro’ in the movie ‘Paa’ stole everyone’s heart with his playful antics and naughtiness. His mannerisms and voice modulation was so perfect that it impossible to figure out that it was him playing the role of a child. He also made everyone cry in the end when he is about to die. This one is the most nuanced performance of all time.

Hrithik Roshan’s portrayal of a mentally-challenged in ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ gathered all the sympathy of parents and captured children’s fancies with his adorable act. His chemistry with other children in the film is to watch out for. Arguably, the best performance of his career and one of the best of the Indian Film Industry.

Aamir Khan’s role of a Senior Cop in ‘Sarfarosh’ is his career best performance. The role demanded gentleness and toughness both which were fulfilled by his talent. Although many actors have played the role of a cop in the past, but this one was closest to reality.

Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of a spoiled brat in ‘Wake up Sid’ was a benchmark performance for all the budding young actors. The transformation of his character from a spoilt brat to a sincere boy was so smooth that it felt as if we are peeping into someone’s life. That performance cemented his position in bollywood and earned him Respect.

Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of a Gangster turned Doctor in ‘ Munna Bhai Mbbs’ is the most hilarious act of all time. His comic timing in this film was impeccable and his Jaadu ki Jhappi was truly heart-warming. No one in this industry can play a better Munna Bhai than him. The character matched his real life personality of a carefree person. This performance of his started the new phase of his career and became a hallmark.

ShahRukh Khan’s portrayal of a muslim man suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome in ‘My name is Khan’ was another gem of his career. The audacity with which he played the role was applaud worthy. He breathed life into his character of ‘Rizwan Khan’ while displaying maturity in emotional scenes. The outburst of emotions in the church scene is so touching that it makes you moist-eyed. Such is the impact of his performance and only an actor of his caliber can carry off such a role. This performance can be appreciated by only those who are human at heart as it displayed humanity in it’s purest form. Surely, the best performance of his career and a benchmark for acting in the Indian Film Industry.

Ajay Devgan’s performance in ‘The Legend Of Bhagat Singh’ was remarkable and showed his versatality as an actor. The Passion and Patriotism with which he performed , only a true Indian can do that. He relived the character of Legendry Freedom Fighter ‘Bhagat Singh’ with such aplomb that it ignited the Patriotism in everyone’s heart.

Although there are many more brilliant performances, but these were the ones that made an impact on everyone’s mind and left an everlasting mark in Bollywood.

Singham Music Review

2011-06-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Singham is an action movie starring Ajay Devgan and Kajal Agarwal as lead protagonists and Prakash Raj as the lead antagonist. It's a remake of Tamil film of the same name which starred Surya in the lead.

The Movie is Directed by Rohit Shetty of 'Golmaal' fame. Although the music of Rohit Shetty’s earlier films like Golmaal3 and All the best have not been upto the mark, but still one looks forward to this one as the Music is composed by Ajay-Atul who have made their mark in marathi films and Lyrics are by Swanand Kirkire.

The album comprises of 6 tracks out of which 3 are remixes. The first one is the title track 'Singham' sung by Sukhwinder Singh. It starts off with some sanskrit shlokas which rightfully describes the fearlessness and boldness of the lead protagonist. Then starts the Dhol beats which adds to the granduer of the song. Sukhwinder Singh has done a faboulous job as he sings with power like a roar of a tiger which was needed for a song like this. This song reminds us of ‘Baar Baar Haan’ song from the movie lagaan in terms of it mood and setting. The lyrics by Swanand Kirkire are motivational and enhances the quality of the song. The music is lavish in terms of instrumentation and arrangement. Dhol beats have been extensively used throughout the song along with synthesizer. The sound of Lion roars inbetween further elevates the mood of the song. Definitely, a good start to the album.

Next comes 'Saathiya' sung by Shreya Ghoshaal which is a sweet romantic track and is a complete opposite to the above track. Music composer Ajay has given the backing vocals here. The tune hooks on to us in the first listening itself and after repeated listening, it’s difficult to take it out of our mind. It’s so mellifluous that it flows like water. The sweet like saccharine voice of Sherya Ghoshaal works wonders in this song. Yet another Award worthy rendition by her. Lyrics by Swanand Kirkire complements the composition and shows his versatility as well. The use of instruments here is minimal as the focus is on the vocals. There is a good use of Flute inbetween stanzas which is rarely heard nowadays. This is surely the best track of the album.

The third track 'Maula Maula' starts off like a regular bollywood romantic song but soon changes route in the first stanza itself and provides a sufi flavour and is a complete departure from the earlier tracks. The combination of Kunal Ganjawala and Richa Sharma works big time as both have rendered the song beautifully.The high pitch of Kunal and the sombre voice of Richa complements each other very well. The Musical arrangement is apt and the use of Piano and Tabla is very effective.
This shows the versatality of Ajay-Atul as composers as each of the three songs are of different genres.

Then comes the remixes of the above three tracks by Abhijeet Vagnani which are commendable. First remix is of the title track ‘Singham’ with some added beats and minus the sanskrit shlokas. It's not as good as the original but still a good listen.

Next is the 'Saathiya' remix which may sound a bit unusual as it's a medium paced romantic song and it's rare to have a remix of this kind of song. But after listening to it, you may like it as much as the original because the essence of the song is well maintained. The Flanger effect adds to it's magical quality.

The last track in the album is the remix of 'Maula Maula' but this one is a sheer disappointment as it robs off the essense of the song and makes it another regular bollywood remix. Certainly, a weak ending to a strong album.

Ajay-Atul have done a fabulous job in their debut venture in Bollywood and have shown their versatility in a short span of 3 songs. One looks forward to their forthcoming venture ‘My Friend Pinto’ which will be their second bollywood film as composers.
Overall, the songs are decent and have the ability in them to become a success. It will help in enhancing the film's narrative.

My Picks: Saathiya , Maula Maula

Rating: ***

Double Dhamaal Movie Review

2011-06-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

Double Dhamaal , sequel to the successful film Dhamaal (2007) is a Bollywood Comedy Film directed by Indra Kumar who had earlier directed the prequel. The main protagonists have been retained with new additions of Mallika Sherawat and Kangna Ranaut to join the bandwagon. Expectations are immense since the first film was a laugh riot and was commercially successful too. So does the film lives up to it’s name? Surely, it does and that too in a big way. It’s Double Dhamaal all the way as it makes you laugh aloud several times through it’s narrative.

The film starts off from where the first one ended. The four good for nothing jokers are stranded on the the same accident prone road expecting another accident that would lead them to another jackpot. But their destinies seems to play a different game altogether as they land into kabir’s office. Kabir (Sanjay Dutt) who was earlier a cop has now become a millionaire. But what’s the secret behind his richness and what will happen to the four jokers forms the rest of the story.

Mallika Sherawat plays the role of Sanjay Dutt’s Wife and Kangna Ranaut as his Sister. The film is a roller-coaster ride taking the viewers to various ups and downs and the narrative this time is more comprehensive. The first half of the film is good and makes you laugh especially in the scenes of Satish Kaushik who plays the role of Bata Bhai who turns into a Sadhu. The whacky one-liners by him are sure to tickle your funny bone and brings the house down. But it’s the Second half that takes the film to another level and heightens the viewers interest. The various characters played by the 4 lead protagonists in the second half makes it a hilarious joyride. Special mention to the character of a west-indian named Tukaram played by Ritesh Deshmukh .

Now coming to the performances, the one who steals the show is Ritesh Deshmukh who has given a stupendous performance. He shows his verstality by playing different characters with altogether different mannerisms with perfection. This performance of his will go down as one of the best comic acts of alltime . His mimicry of Sanjeev kumar is in the first half is very good and the character of Tukaram in the second half is the most hilarious character of the film.

Arshad Warsi’s performance is good in first half and excellent in second half as he plays a Sardar with utmost conviction. After a long time he has performed so well in a comedy film. Jaaved jaafrey is cute and adorable and plays his part well. His role of a mentally challenged boy in the second half was quite funny. Aashish Chowdhary is a revelation. He has performed way better in this one from the first Dhamaal. The act of Barbara Gorie performed by him is sure to receive seetis and taalis from the frontbenchers.

Sanjay Dutt in the role of a millionaire has also done quite well and has also come into shape after the debacle of Blue. Mallika Sherawat and Kangna Ranaut adds to the Glam Factor and have also performed well. Mallika rocks in the Jalebi Bai song and dances to the hilt. Kangna Ranaut is quite funny in the scenes performed with Ritesh Deshmukh as Tukaram.

Direction by Indra Kumar is very good and apt for a comedy film. The story and screenplay by Tushar Hiranandani is the backbone of the film which makes it such a hilarious and funny movie.

Cinematography by Aseem Bajaj is top notch and displays the splendidness of Macau with much clarity. Editing by Sanjay Shukla is good but could have been much better and crisp. Music by Anand Raj Anand is peppy and the tracks ‘Chal Kudie’ and ‘Jalebi Bai’ stands out and are sure shot chartbusters.

The film is produced by Ashok Thackeria and Indra Kumar and distributed by Maruti International and Reliance Entertainment which makes it bigger in terms of production values and audience’s reach.

Overall, the film is sure to create Double Dhamaal and is a perfect weekend watch. And looking at it’s Excellent opening, it seems that it is already creating Dhamaal at the Box-office.

Rating:***1/2