Bollywood Dil Se

Ekk Deewana Tha Movie Review (BD)

2012-02-17T04:19:00.001-08:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Ek Deewana Tha

Give me my money back! I felt cheated!

Rating: ❤ ❤

Movie Information: IMDB, Wiki
Cast: Prateik Babbar, Ammy Jackson, Manu Rishi, Sachin Khedekar
Direction: Gautam Menon
Genre: Romance

Movie Overview:

First of all, I heartily apologize to all the people (my friends, colleagues and blog mates) for seriously recommending you the movie; I did it just because I thought (like every Kollywood fan) that the movie is a remake of Tamil super hit “Vinnaaithandi Vaaruvaayaa”. To my utter disappointment, the movie is actually remke of Telugu semi hit “Ye Maaya Chesaave”.

To all those who have no idea about VTV or YMC, let me clear the clouds. Gautam Menon directed VTV (Vinnaithandi Varuvaayaa), starring Silambarasan and Trisha. The movie due to its unusual climax is considered to be a classic love story. Next, Gautam directed the same movie in Telugu language with Nag Chaitanya (on recommendation by his father Nagarjuna) and Samantha, with exactly opposite ending than the Tamil one. YMC received an average response from public as well as critics.

Now, Gautam Menon has selected the conventional climax of Ye Maaya Chesaave, rather than VTV, and that is what will make this film a sure deserved flop! I personally did not like YMC at all, and this Hindi movie is actually a remake of YMC! I am feeling cheated Mr. Menon!

It takes a lifetime of a filmmaker to deliver a masterpiece movie. But if the filmmaker himself doesn’t cherish about it, then it seems that the movie was a masterpiece rather by fluke.

I am not even interested to review this movie further, but I will do it just for the sake of formality.

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
Prateik Babbar excels as Sachin, the lesser said about Ammy Jackson is better. Manu Rishi is noteworthy.

Story And Screenplay:
Nothing new in "this" version of movie and the screenplay is extremely weak with no subplots and overdose of songs. Dialogues by Manu Rishi are good.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is poor, cinematography is first rate.

Music And Background Score:
I chose not to review EDT's music as I can't move on from VTV and YMC's music. Background Score is remastered and is brilliant.

Direction:
Sorry Mr. Menon, you have just lost a loyal fan!

Final Verdict:
Please avoid this movie.Period.

Box Office collection report:
It would not last till next Friday too.

Rating: ❤ ❤

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu Movie Review (BD)

2012-02-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

A perfectly "Above Average Movie"

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½
Movie Information: IMDB, Wiki

Cast: Imraan Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah, Ram Kapoor
Direction: Shakun Batra
Genre: Romance, Humor

Movie Overview:

I honestly, did not have many expectations from this flick, mainly because, as from teaser, it seemed to be a remake of “What Happens In Vegas” but the movie hasn’t disappointed me.

Fresh writing, to begin with, makes the movie sustainable in first half. Lingos like PMSing, BUM, SEX etc., which were once upon a time a myth, are frequent here. Thank you censor board, for showing maturity.

Cinematography and Editing are par excellent to any Hollywood romcom. Mubai and Vegas look equally beautiful.

Background score is breezy and songs fit the bill.

So, the film is actually, a technician’s delight. But film falls flat on two terms, Story and Screenplay. A good story is least expected in a romcom, but absence of engaging screenplay is a major drawback here.

The story unfolds very slowly. Writer seems to have paid enough attention over dialogues but script is weak. Nevertheless, I felt entertained throughout the movie and that’s all what I expect from romcoms.

Kareena and Imran play their part very well. Both the characters are contradicting yet complimentary to each other.

So, what makes this average movie, a worth watch? Last half an hour, especially climax. I wouldn’t discuss much about it, as I don’t want to hint out any spoiler.

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
Imran and Kareena are highlight of the movie. Ram kapoor and Boman Irani hasn't much scope here. Ratna Pathak Shah is good as always.

Story And Screenplay:
Story remains predictable most of the time. Writing is fresh and thoroughly entertaining.

Editing And Cinematography:
One of the most tightly edited film this year. Cinematography is simply excellent.

Music And Background Score:
Amit Trivedi brings the required freshness. Clinton Carejo's background score is peppy.

Direction:
Good debut by Shakun Batra, He chooses a safe genre to fly with. Karan Malhotra made a brave attempt to remake Agneepath. Dharma Productions has evolved much in last couple of years.

Final Verdict:
A "perfectly average movie" + last half an hour = A "perfectly above average" movie.

Box Office collection report:
Last four films of Kareena Kapoor are in "Mighty 100 Crore League", this film will surely not hit the mark, but due to moderate budget, will emerge as an average movie at box office.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

London Paris New York Music Review

2012-02-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

Bollywood Dil Se Music Review: London, Paris, New York

London, Paris, New York

Music Directors: Ali Zafar

Lyrics: Ali Zafar

Bollywood Dil Se Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

London Paris New York

Singers: Ali Zafar and Sunidhi Chauhan

I heard this riff when screen award aired on television, and was waiting since then, to check out a full fledge music album of Ali Zafar as a Bollywood music director. Opening track is definitely impressive with good mix and simple composition. Ali and Sunidhi crooning this track, makes it better. Ali Zafar as lyricist does a nice job here. Not particularly this one, but all the songs are significantly smaller on length. Anyway, a good start!

Voh Dekhney Main

Singer: Ali Zafar

Well, times are changing, and so are the wordings. “Who” is spelled here as “Voh” and "Dekhne" as “Dekhnay”; lyricist Ali Zafar didn’t give a thought about it, I guess. The tune sounds too familiar, may be a mash up of two or three tunes, like Main Jiyunga from Break Ke Baad, might not be intensional. Lyrics are peppy with descent music and composition. Song boosts up from 2:19. Interlude sounds misfit but goes audible with the mood.

Ting Rang

Singer: Ali Zafar

This song definitely sounds like Madhubala (MBKD), unless this has got a touch of Punjabi lyrics. Music production is ordinary this time unlike previous two, song somehow lakes the verve and thus, this track is easily a skip.

Maddham Si Madhoshi

Singers: Ali Zafar abd Aditi Rao Hydari

Album seems to be getting back on track. With profound lyrics, addictive tune and pleasant music arrangement, song sounds a bliss. Vocals by Aditi Rao Hydari herself are surprisingly harmonious. She sounds too polished thanks to audio digitalization. Her unique voice texture and meaningful lyrics make this track an ear candy.

Oo Lala

Singers: Sanam Marvi, Hadiqa Kiyani, Ali Zafar

I see name of Hadiqa Kiyani and I am thrilled. I am in love with her songs from Bol : Dil Janiya and Hona Tha Pyar, Wanjli from her album Aasman is on my playlist too (soon will write a post on her), but this time she is not singing a pop song, but for trans genre. This song marks debut of two Pakistani singers in Bollywood, Sanam Marvi and Hadiqa Kiyani. But I must say, Hadiqa Kiyani is wasted here! Song is good and gets really catchy from 2:05 to 2:55, but unlike her previous ones, this track will not remain for a longer span on my ipod.

Aaja

Singer: Ali Zafar

Aaja starts well and picks up the pace after about a minute. The credit for lyrics should go to Bulle Shah this time. Song is quite addictive and grows on you slowly. Songs and music by now, has remained mostly situational and one can easily imagine them fitting between the scenes and background score!

Voh Dekhnay Mein (Female)

Singer: Aditi Rao Hydari

A sweet rendition of Voh Dekhnay Main, but the acoustic version of song this time, reveals uneasiness of Aditi, flawed singing might be intentional but is definitely unconventional.

There are not many variations in the movie, keeping in mind the theme of movie, Ali Zafar gets benefit of doubt. LPNY seems to bring in the trend of Hollywood rom-coms in Bollywood.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Agneepath Movie Review (BD)

2012-01-26T03:22:00.000-08:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Agneepath

Agneepath: works in parts

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½
Movie Information: IMDB, Wiki

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, Rishi Kapoor, Om Puri, Katrina Kaif (cameo)
Direction: Karan Malhotra
Genre: Action, Drama

Movie Overview:

Tu na thamega kabhi, tu na mudega kabhi, tu na rukega kabhi,

Kar shapath, Kar shapath, Kar shapath,

Agneepath, Agneepath, Agneepath.

Yeh mahan drushya hain,

Chal raha Manushya hain,

Ashru, Sweth, Rakta se lathpat lathpat lathpat..

Agneepath, Agneepath, Agneepath.

Wow! Lines of Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan has created magic. Once? No. Twice! This time in a different way. Agneepath (1990) to begin with, is remembered majorly for Mr Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay Deenanath Chauhan. Agneepath (2012), however, will be remembered for Sanjay Datt as Kancha Cheena and Rishi Kapoor as Rauf Lala.

Karan Johar, has "tried" to remake a commercially average yet classic "Agneepath" but ends up making it a good-to-watch-easy-to-forget film. The reason? Lack of proper treatment.

First half of movie, is racy,compelling and entertaining equally, thanks to brilliantly shot sequences, tight screenplay, heart-throbbing background score and power packed performances. Sanjay Datt excels throughout the movie, this is probably his milestone performance. Rishi Kapoor on the other hand, after showing brilliance in Do Dooni Chaar, again proves that a star remains a star! How about Hrithik?

Hrithik chooses expressions rather than words. He may not have mass - appealing dialogues but his expressions works like wonder! If you compare Hrithik directly with Amitabh Bachchan, he has, still, done a commendable job.

So where this movie lags? Post interval. Movie misses the thrill that it creates prior to interval, slows down its pace to focus on sub plots, which rather adds melodrama that is unneeded. Film seems dragged a bit too. Story, predictable and yet entertaining, somewhere challenges your logic. Climax, which seems to be written for justifying Sanjay's role, is not grand.

Music is good, backgroud score is really thrilling.

Overall, a deserved watch for sure, but somehow keeps you longing for more.

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
Sanjay Datt, Rishi Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan are outstanding, Om puri fits the bill, Priyanka's character gets sidelined. Deven Bhojani and Zarina Wahab are noteworthy. Katrina Kaif's appearance in Chikni Chameli song adds masala (makers removed the Iyer character to avoid masala factor, crafts new villain Rauf Lala instead, which works too).

Story And Screenplay:
Predictable story overall, with few twists that actually adds the thrill. Screenplay is engaging and makes an otherwise lengthy movie, a fast paced action-drama.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is good, could have been tighter (only an opinion, not a loophole) where as cinematography completely overshadows many loop holes in direction and story (whom to credit? Ravi K Chandran or Kiran Deohans, Mr Malhotra?)

Music And Background Score:
A strong aspect of the film. Ajay - Atul does, less or more, the same job as they did in Singham. Well done!

Direction:
Good in parts, over okay.

Final Verdict:
There is nothing that you haven't seen before, but yet the movie manages to hold attention thanks to performances, music score and splendid DOP.

Box Office collection report:
Agneepath, will be a hit this time, for sure! Opening records are likely to be massive and will cruise easily in first week.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Bilal Khan and Bilal Saeed: Music Across The Border

2012-01-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

Music across the border has always received appreciation and applause in India as well as world. Many musical geniuses from time to time have left their own impact on a listener. Take it Reshmaji or Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Saab. Adnan Sami or more recently, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; these artists are blessed with enormous love and support from Indo-Pak people.

Apart from some much popular artists like Aatif Aslam and bands like Jal, there are some brilliant artists that need to be heard and praised.

Here are two of my favorite artists from Pakistan. Many more to come later on this blog! Till then, enjoy!

Bilal Khan

The John Mayer Of Pakistan; Young Pop Sensation; Bilal Khan is most famous for his vocals and guitars. Apart from Audio, his videos have always been trend setting in terms of direction and DOP.

Here is his most famous one, Bachana with more than 1 million views on YouTube:

and the Coke Studio version of Toh Kya Hua, speechless (1 million + on YouTube):

Bilal Saeed

The upcoming Pop sensation, he got his big break in Pakistan from PMR (Pak Media Revolution) and truly, he deserves it. 12 Saal -his masterpiece, written,sung and produced by himeself, is a rage on YouTube.

His most famous one 12 Saal:

another one Ranjha, not a rage, but definitely worth checking (bear with quality):

Readers,

More artists coming soon, your recommendation is most welcomed!

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu Music Review (BD)

2011-12-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

BD Music Review : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Amit Trivedi, you should work more often.

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Music Director: Amit Trivedi

Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya

BD Music Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Amit Trivedi and Dharma production are together for first time, we haven't heard much from Amit Trivedi this year, so expectations are already high. He is known for youthful fresh sounds, and this is how EMAET is supposed to be.

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Singers: Benny Dayal, Anushka Manchanda

Wow! Lively, upfront and vivacious are the words to describe this ultimate party number. Apart from Prittam and Vishal – Shekhar, not many music directors favor world music genre, but Amit Trivedi relies profoundly on world music, rock and fusion. Lyrics are good; vocals by Benny and Anushka Manchanda are prime attraction. This song will surely set the dance floor on the roll this new year.

Gubbare

Singers: Amit Trivedi, Shilpa Rao, Nikhil DSouza, Amitabh Bhattacharya

Harmonium-Keyboard combination,to begin with is a brilliant novelty. A peppy composition needs fresh vocals and Amit Trivedi manages to do it dazzlingly well. “Ai Dil Tujhe Pata Hai” part is simply splendid. Amit Trivedi uses his trademark music style; whistling, chorus and soft rock with brass band- saxophone. The soundtrack has been descent so far musically.

Aunty Jee

Singer: Ash King

Another out and out party number, with uncanny lyrics and energetic composition; the song sounds situational. Unlike Suno Aisha, this number is not addictive, and might not fare that well.

Aahatein

Singers: Karthik and Shilpa Rao

Karthik, for a change croons vocal this time, for Amit Trivedi style track. Melodious composition, good lyrics and Shilpa Rao’s singing makes it audible. But again, the song is not hummable.

Kal Chalna Shuru Tu

Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Shilpa Rao

Kar Chalna Shuru Tu is yet another situational song with profound lyrics. Vishal does a fair job on vocals, soft rock again, keeps you rolling and relaxed. Overall, a track neither exceptional nor awful.

One Line Music Review: EMAET is neither as melodious as Aisha nor much out of the box like No One Killed Jessica, this one lies somewhere between them.An Average one.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Rabbi Shergill

2011-11-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

In times of Kolaveri Di, I thought of writing on something that is provoking, meaningful and pure bliss (that doesn't mean I hate Kolaveri Di, I love it, not because it is technically brilliant, but it's highly addictive).

Rabbi Shergill, the name behind Bulla Ki Jaana (2004) is truly a rock star. Right from the lyrics (that are so deep, insightful and touching) and the music of many different genres like rock, sufi and pop, he is a divine figure in urban Punjabi music. There are several blogs for this genius, so to envelope his work in a blog post is tough. These are my personal bests from Rabbi.

Bulla Ki Jaana (Rabbi 2004)

Tere Bin (MTV Unplugged)

Heer (MTV Unplugged)

Avengi Ja Nahin (Avengi Ja Nahin,2008)

Bilqis (Avengi Ja Nahin, 2008)

And this one is from his next album, Ganga (Rabbi's upcoming album)

And yes, do check out the lyrics and translation of Rabbi's work from the following sources:
Rabbism .If you want lyrics and meaning of any song from Rabbi, comment down.

Don 2 Music Review (BD)

2011-11-17T06:13:00.000-08:00

BD Music Review : Don 2 Chase Continues

Don 2: Another duh in waiting?

Don 2

Music Directors: Shankar - Ehsaan - Loy

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

BD Music Rating: ❤ ❤

Ra.One was a musical treat. And the previous installment of “Don” was hip musically. But Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy has consistently failed in recent times (exception: ZNMD) and this one could be their comeback album. So expectations are obviously high, let’s see if we have another musical blast here after Rockstar. Excel Entertainment has always served good music (take it the previous: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara).

Aa Raha Hoon Palat Ke

Singer: Shah Rukh Khan

The soundtrack commences with dialogue that I have already heard as ringtone of many phones. Yes, the dialogue that made people whistle and screech in Don 2 trailer and it seems that the album will take it to the next level. A very promising start, I must say.

Zara Dil Ko Tham Lo

Singers: Anusha Mani, Vishal Dadlani

The song starts off well with Anusha Mani crooning some good notes, but alas! As soon as Vishal Dadlani comes into the scene, the song starts sounding ordinary. I have heard him singing so many good songs in this genre, but this is epic fail. The typical Shankar-Ehsaan –Loy song with the typical Javed Akhtar lyrics is a big letdown. Sorry but that’s the truth.

Hai Yeh Maya

Singer: Usha Uthup

Okay after the disastrous opening, the album seems to be coming on track. Saxophones around 0:10 are pleasant surprise, but wait! This is again the same sounding composition. The trio has wasted Usha Uthup’s voice here. She is in fact the apt choice for this genre, but again, poor composition and lyrics are to blame, the song never connects to the listener.

Dushman Mera

Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Sunitha Sarathy

Oh! I am fed up now, seriously. This is not at all happening. Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy seriously need to rediscover them. Lyrics, composition and music, everything is just not up to scratch!

The King Is Back

Singer: Sunitha Sarthy

Okay, this track is nice. Beats are catchy (not innovative), music production is slick, guitars are rocking and overall, the song emerges out to be the front-runner of the album after previous distress.

Mujhko Pehchan Lo

Singer:K.K.

The reprised version of Don’s Title Track lacks the tempo and energy of the previous version. KK does a good job but I still can’t get Shaan out of my mind. This song is good not because it is better than the previous version but because the initial songs were complete mess and the album seems to be recovering. But I hardly see any change in music section. It seems that all the songs of Don 2 are composed at one go with same beats and are trimmed later. This album is nowhere close to the previous one.

The Don Waltz

Instrumental (Thankfully!)

Thank god! The Don Waltz is blissfully relaxing. The soft melody gives the much-needed massage to head as well as ears that just got malfunctioned after listening to the trans-world music genre that sounded second – rate. This piece does some damage control and I expect something better from the Trio next time.

One Line Music Review: Don 2 Music is epic fail! Don't buy!

Rating: ❤ ❤

Rockstar Movie Ending (BD)

2011-11-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

Rockstar Movie Ending

An ending of a never ending saga

Dear folks, Those who has not seen “Rockstar” yet, please don’t read the article. Those who don’t complain about ending, probably because they paid more attention to the movie, this article is a waste of time for you. Many people will find this post amateur probably because they have understood the movie very well. Guys, please don’t read ahead, this article is not for you.

This post is for my friends who could not pay attention to the movie due to incoming calls (pun intended), or those who missed the movie due to late arrival post interval. Some people left cinema halls even before the ending; this article is my dedication for them.

WARNING:SPOILERS AHEAD

This is the first time I am writing two articles for a single movie, so it is palpable that I really love this movie. The movie according to me is the greatest love storytelling in recent times in Bollywood. Most of the Bollywood movies nowadays have adapted screenplay from Tollywood movies, most of them have a predictable start, interval and more importantly the end. But Rockstar is far beyond the conventional movie making.

The story begins with Ranbir escaping Prague Police and somehow managing to perform at the show. But that’s not the beginning neither the end. The movie begins when we see Ranbir singing Jo Bhi Main for girls waiting at the bus stand. And the movie progresses in continuation till he departs from Nargis in Kashmir.

In mean time we see that Aditi Rao Hydari is personally interested in Jordan’s character and she interviews some people who seem close to Ranbir but, are not. Then she interviews Kumud Mishra. Here is when the next flashback part of the movie begins where we see that Ranbir was thrown out of his home and he lived in a Dargah and the story continues till he is seen publishing his first music on recommendation of Shammi Kapoor.

hen, Kumud Mishra fixes the interview of Ranbir with Aditi (In a short flashback, we see the row between Ranbir and Piyush Mishra where Ranbir mocks over Mishra’s advices) and the story moves on without any more flashbacks, Ranbir now heads to Prague and reunites with Nargis.

Interval...

After Interval the story moves straight without any flashbacks till the point where Nargis, is diagnosed to have bone marrow.

Now heading towards the ending….
We see that Nargis is in coma and her condition has worsened. Then her younger sister calls Ranbir as she wants to confirm if Nargis is pregnant. Ranbir is soon to perform at the concert but as soon as he receives the phone, he leaves the concert and goes straight to meet Nargis. Meanwhile, we see a flashback where we shockingly realize that Nargis is pregnant. In ICU, Ranbir realizes that Nargis has stopped responding (she doesn’t kiss back Ranbir, obviously, she is in coma :-P). This is when Ranbir realizes that Nargis will die soon. Ranbir then surrenders to cops. He is bailed from Patiala Court and he does his "middle finger act". He saw this thing done by Jim Morrison, and now he realizes why JM did so.

Climax…

Ranbir sings Nadaan Parinday in a hope that Nargis’ condition will improve and they both will reunite (lyrics are haunting BTW!) meanwhile, Ranbir feels that Nargis is with him on the stage, but she is not. The end credit rolls as soon as we see Ranbir and Nargis superficially together on the stage. The ending suggests that Nargis has died in coma and the naive falcon (Nadaan Parinda- Nargis) has returned home (reunited with Ranbir, not in physical way, probably her soul is now omnipresent with Ranbir). The abrupt end at this point indicates that Love is eternal.

Ranbir is not dead.Nadaan Parinday indicates that Ranbir is still alive, more heartbroken and tragic. There is a scene where Ranbir pukes and later we see Ranbir in bath tub and his burning guitar, indicating that he is still burning inside and is not happy anymore! So tragic and yet so subtle.......

Dear Imtiaz,

It needs great guts to present a simple but effective love story in a different way. It needs more guts to convey the poignant ending in a positive way. You did it, and did it very convincingly. I absolutely loved the way screenplay is written.

Dear Folks,

Those who complain that the movie is dragged in second half, I disagree with you. This is the time when we see pure passion amidst the lovers (Aur Ho song is poetically describing the love at its passionate best). This is the time where the viewer is allowed to gulp in the quick storyline that covers a span of almost a decade in hundred minutes.

To those, who complain that there was no emotional attachment with the story, my heartily condolence to them!

UPDATE: Article edited and thanks to Mitesh Saraf and AJ Rox for pointing out goofs.

(P.S : This is my interpretation of an open ended movie, discussions with logic are welcomed...)

Rockstar Movie Review (BD)

2011-11-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Rockstar

Rockstar: Old wine new bottle romantic saga with music as backbone.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Movie Information: IMDB, Wiki

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fhakri, Piyush Mishra, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shammi Kapoor, Shernaz Patel
Direction: Imtiaz Ali
Genre: Romance, Drama, Musical,

Movie Overview:

From the maker of “Jab We Met”, “Love Aaj Kal” and “Socha Na Tha” (Abhay Deol – Ayesha Takia starrer unnoticed gem) and writer of “Ahista Ahista” (Abhay Deol – Soha Ali Khan, a beauty) comes once again, the much hyped and anticipated Ranbir Kapoor’s in and as “Rockstar”.

First things first, Rockstar is not about music, it’s about love. A love that is pure passion; A love that needs more of feelings and emotions rather than modern life logical conclusions and reasoning. The movie is all about Imtiaz Ali style romance, where a lover is drifted along with the highs and lows in a beautiful cinematic journey. Rockstar is thus, much about love and a little about music. Am I complaining? No, not at all.

Let me bluntly state the problem first: Editing in second half and open-ended story telling. These are the only goofs in Rockstar and it seems that Director wanted to keep it that way only. That is why Rockstar is classy!

Yes, Rockstar is classy and not massy. The movie will stay out of reach for those who love typical Bollywood Masala where a hero goes dishoom-dishoom with a funny bad guy or a hero who tries to lure heroine with not so original one liners and his hot looks. In this flick, hero never uses his brains to lure heroine neither he is that intellectual to understand love. The movie has uncanny romantic angle where love is never discussed but is always understood. Imtiaz ali has rendered romance so well in the movie via lovable situations and witty dialogues, which makes you forget all loose threads of movie. At some point, the love may seem unconvincing but Rockstar is based on Rumi’s words and this says it all:

“Away beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I will meet you there”

The slick screenplay manages to portray flashbacks with style, but this can get a layman confused at places. The abrupt ending over which, I will write a whole article soon, may disappoint the popcorn people. That is why I said, Rockstar is classy not massy.

To overcome all the goofs, we have Ranbir and Rahman. Ranbir has proved with this movie that he deserves to fix in the slot of top Bollywood actors. He single-handedly manages to lift up the whole movie and takes it to another level. This is the role of a solo hero, which is yet not done by Imraan Khan or John Abraham (Shahid did it in Kaminey, BTW). Ranbir deserves accolades from people as well as critics. He should win some awards or at least nominations for Janardhan Jakkar a.k.a Jordan and a.k.a JJ. His character is an open diary, something easier to read, tough to understand. And how Janardhan turned to Jordan, that journey, is cry of an anguish by a rock star.

Rahman did it once again! I found his songs the bliss in second half (the couple next to me found it bore!).

What’s more? Nargis Phakri in a hot-cool avatar, eye candy locations of Kashmir, Prague, Delhi etc. thanks to brilliant cinematography. And an ending that needs guts.

UPDATE: Re-rated the movie as the first five star movie on Bollywood Dil Se. I didn't want to regret later. I know the movie is not perfect, but lets keep it as it is. The article on Rockstar's ending is done. Click Here!

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
Brilliant performances! Ranbir, Shammiji, Piyush Mishra, Aditi Rao Hydari all are outshining. Kumud Mishra and Shernaz Patel are noteworthy.

Story And Screenplay:
Story and screenplay are flawed but yet intriguing. Dialogues are bang on and will be remembered easily. As said earlier, ending is uncanny.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is brilliant in parts but somehow gets loose in second half. Aarti Bajaj's cinematography is first rate.

Music And Background Score:
Music is already a rage among people. Rockstar rocks and Rahman makes it rocking by his music. Background score is outstanding too. I am waiting for its background release as there are some good pieces (for example say, Electric Guitar version of Tum Ho and a medley of Shehar Main and Katiya Karoon)

Direction:
Imtiaz Ali, you did it man!!

Final Verdict:
The critic which rates it poor has no right to judge love stories (personal point of view, sorry if that was rude)! I rate it a five!

Box Office collection report:
Rockstar will not find it tough to recover its money. Hit!

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

(P.S: This is a pure passionate love story where neither Ranbir or Nargis say “I Love You” (oh Ranbeer didn’t mean it when he said so in the famous “girlfriend banja meri” scene). Imtiaz, you are the man!)

Ra One Vs Robot Vs Bodyguard Vs Enthiran Collections

2011-11-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

There are buzz in B-Town about Ra One Vs Robot or Ra One Vs Bodyguard collection. Figures are hallucinating and so are the people. Here is the clear comparative table of Ra One Vs Bodyguard Vs 3 Idiots Vs Enthiran.

All these figures are stated officially by the production houses and Bollywood analysts. I have not stated any figures from my side, just collected the exact figures and represented them bluntly for analysis.

Have a look.

	Ra One	Bodyguard	3 Idiots	Enthiran
Cost Of Production	150 crores (approx)	60 crores	35 crores	132 crores*
Print and Publicity Costs	52 crores	10 crores	25 crores	30 crores
Total Budget^	202 crores (approx)	70 crores	60 crores	162 crores
First Day Net Collection	18 crores	21 crores	13 crores	20 crores
Seven Days Net Collection	96 crores	103 crores	79 crores	117 crores
Net Box Office Collection	170 crores (approx)	227 crores (approx)	358 crores	265 crores
Overseas Net Collection	42 crores (approx)	38 crores (approx)	29 crores	61 crores
Additional and Ancillary Collection	55 crores	40 crores	35 crores	49 crores
Total Collection^	225 crores (approx)	305 crores (approx)	423 crores	375 crores
Total Profit	23 crores (approx)	235 crores (approx)	362 crores	215 crores*
Verdict	Hit	All Time Block Buster	All Time Block Buster	All Time Block Buster

*Excludes 45 crores salary (profit + fees) of Rajnikanth.

^ For all versions
Additional and Ancillary Collection includes Satellite Rights, Music Rights and Other Collections from merchandise and media partners

(All Figures In INR)

The Dirty Picture Music Review (BD)

2011-10-31T23:37:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review : The Dirty Picture

The Dirty Picture

Music Director: Vishal - Shekhar

Lyrics: Rajat Arora

BD Music Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

There has been much buzz in B-Town about Vidya Balan‘s next “The Dirty Picture”. Ekta Kapoor’s preceding high budget venture Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai was a commercial and a musical success. Therefore, there are unquestionably high expectations from this movie. Moreover, lyrics are penned by Rajat Arora (story-screenplay, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai) and music by Vishal – Shekhar; so it would be interesting to experience the music of 80’s by the duo that is prominent for western musical influences.

Ooh La La

Singers: Bappi Lahiri, Shreya Ghoshal

Ooh la la, that is what you start singing as soon as you finish the rendition by Bappi Lahiri and Shreya Ghoshal. Bappi Da is the apt choice for this one. The “Dafli” and “Dhols” are musically sound. Lyrics add a hot spice to this peppy number. Above all, this one is the perfect commencement for the album. Well done!

Ishq Sufiana

Singers: Kamal Khan (Male Version), Sunidhi Chauhan (Female Version)

This song is sung by Kamal Khan and I doubt if the pop star would fit anywhere in this album, but wow, he has sang this romantic number quite well. There is a sufiana touch in singing and the composition is an absolute delight. Lyrics are meaningful at the same time, simple. I expect this number to pick up among mass as soon as the Ooh La La fever slows down.

The female version by Sunidhi Chauhan could have been better, if was sung by Shreya Ghoshal.

Honeymoon Ki Raat

Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan

Yes, you read it right. The song is titled “Honeymoon Ki Raat”. Pop in 80’s would be the best possible phrase to describe this number. Brilliant music production, perfect lyrics, addictive composition and spicy singing can make you go gaga. Vishal – Shekhar have flavored the 80’s vividly, kudos!

Twinkle Twinkle

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal and Rana Mazumder

The song has very suggestive lyrics. This song would heve been better, if was sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, giggle! Vishal – Shekhar seems to be inspired from RD’s music for this song, but somehow the song lacks the zest and it misses the spark of RD’s music. Rana Mazumder does a fabulous job as RD's substitute. A good listen though.

One Line Music Review: Oh, the album has four originals, one reprised version and one remix. I wish if album was bulk quantity wise , anyway, it is bulk quality wise. Is this “Dirty Picture” worth buying? Yeah sure!

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Ra One Movie Review

2011-10-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Ra One

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Movie Information: IMDB Link , Wiki

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Sahana Goswami, Armaan Verma, Satish Shah, Tom Wu

Direction: Anubhav Sinha

Genre: Sci-Fi

THIS REVIEW CONTAIN SPOILERS!

I have been observant that the movies that create a huge hype before their release always prove to be disappointing. Take it Mausam or Bodyguard or Ra-One, the big budget releases in recent times have not been able to fulfill the expectations from them.

Shahrukh Khan has put 2 years of his life in this movie, and going strictly by the cinematic experience, the movie is not worthy of it. Instead of reviewing this movie in conventional way, here is the review of Ra One based on two pillars – Ra – Ones or the bad ones due to which the movie is a letdown and G – Ones or the good ones which somehow make this movie a one time watch.

Teaser:

Ra – Ones for the movie (The reasons why Ra-One fails to create the magic of Robot):

Everyone would have Ra – One Vs Robot (Enthiran) criteria in their mind, but no one will compare it directly, sorry if I go beyond the line, but this is what I really feel.I dont know why people are comparing Ra One and Bodyguard, its extremely foolish!

Story:
The “Truth Always Triumphs” thing is presented in such a messy way, that the viewer gets confused, bored and clinched. Plot of the movie is taken from various films like Terminator – 2, Bicentennial Man and many other Hollywood movies.

There is extremely poor characterization of protagonist and antagonist, how can a super hero made up of infrared or ultraviolet rays eat something? More doubtingly, how can someone evolved out of rays be strong as steel? There may be logic behind all these gimmicks, but frankly, they are too complicated to understand. Someone please educate me. The epics in these genre like Avatar, Terminator Series, Batman Series or say Robot or Krrish click in the viewer’s mind due to clear concept and simple story which is missing in Ra – One. Shahrukh as South Indian father seems to be mocking at the particular caste, which is pathetic. Even if the intension behind Shekhar Subramanium’s character may be to create some giggling moments, it does not.

Screenplay:
Again, very dull show. First ten minutes are entertaining but not needed at all. By the end of boring first half, one feels that the second half would pay back to the prior damage, but it does not. Almost every alternate sequence sans Ra – One or G – One seems unwanted. Three consecutive songs in first half and two in second half nowhere benefit the story that is so predictable.

The screenplay is a mash of Hollywood movies. Chase sequences are inspired from Matrix, Car lifting sequences from X Men and the HART thing looks ditto from Iron Man. The desi quotient is missing in the screenplay (unlike Robot, which was so original, and if some portion was inspired, it never got me bored). There is never, an emotional attachment with the movie. Even, the thrill element essential for climax sequence is missing.

Direction:
Anubhav Sinha has completely failed as a Sci – Fi director. Unlike visionary Shankar's Enthiran, the movie has loopholes (actually potholes) that are almost impossible to hide.

If the movie is made for children, then why the hack, there is a load of adulterated humor throughout the movie. Lingo of Kareena is objectionable. There are vulgar dialogues on “Lee sisters” and “Main Part”, Moreover; Teen uttering “Condom Condom” is not fair Mr. Director. Sequences like Student seeing personal tape of a teacher, Pierced nipples of SRK, Power Yoga, Shahrukh asking for Keys to a blonde in ill-disciplined way, Shahrukh getting physical with Kareena Kapoor are all absolutely unbearable in a film made for Children. Despite all these Gay Jokes and Pink humor, movie is given a U Certificate, which is undoubtedly arguable.

The director has missed many sequences. Say, the birthday sequence of Prateek, where we see blonde women wearing bikini-blouse kind of top and skirt. What are these ill – dressed women doing in the birthday of a kid? Why someone would sing a song like Chamak Challo (where Kareena is dancing without Sari) at a birthday party? Shahrukh is laid in Coffin at first and then his ashes are shown, how is it possible? Kareena lights up candles with off candle. How can a super hero made up of light radiations eat curd and noodles? What was G- One doing by hanging on the antenna at roof top? Receiving DTH signals? Such loopholes are acceptable in a mindless entertainer, but certainly, not in a Sci – Fi movie.

Minor Ra- Ones:
Background music is very weak; there are soundtracks of 70’s in a train chase sequence. I would sue the makeup artist of Sahana Goswami, she is such a beauty, but she does not look so in the movie. Actors like Satish Menon, Satish Shah and Dilip Tahil are wasted.

G-Ones for the movie:

VFX:
This is the only reason to watch this movie. The technology used is simply spell bounding and first of its kind in India. Sound Engineering is first class. Resul truly deserves to be the Oscar winner. Kudos to Red Chilies!

Cinematography:
Cinematography is splendid. The movie “looks” splendid in 3 D. Chamak Challo song and Dildaara Songs are very well filmed. London as well as Mumbai is shown vibrant and vivacious.

Performances:
Thumbs up for Shahrukh as G-One (not as Shekhar but), ditto for Arjun. Tom Wu steals the show. Kareena looks gorgeous. Above all, I loved Sanjat Datt’s cameo and the master act of Rajni Da. Lovely.

One Line Review: Shahrukh fans will watch it anyhow. Non Shahrukh fans should watch it ONCE in 3 D, strictly for the sake of technology used. I go with generous three out of five for the movie, accounting only the G-Ones, If I count Ra-Ones then, it would be miserable to rate this movie.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Desi Boyz Music Review (BD)

2011-10-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review : Desi Boyz

Desi Boyz

Music Director: Prittam

Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Kumar, Amitabh Bhattacharya

BD Music Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Make Some Noise For The Desi Boyz

Singers: KK and Bob

After splendid “Mausam” I expect much from Prittam with this one. The album kicks off with the track heavy on distortion. The tune has a very Prittam kind of feeling and reminds of Aahun Aahun at some places as well. Yet undeniably, this one is the USP of the album. Three highs of the track: stupefying lyrics, guitars around 2:10 – 2:30, and Krishnan Kunath (was missing in Mausam). The song is too energetic to charge up the party busters.

Subha Hone Na De

Singers: Mika Singh & Shefali Alvaris

I must say, Prittam has enhanced a lot on music production. This one is again very flippant song with a very odd pair rendering vocals – Mika and Shefali Alvaris. And yes, the singers make this song alive. This track is basically a pop song with uncanny lyrics, but the singers (it’s good to hear Mika singing something that is not of folk genre) make it exceptional. Rap portion is funky. Tune sounds much like English pop songs of 90’s though. I am more than satisfied till now.

Jhak Maar Ke

Singers: Neeraj Shridhar & Harshdeep Kaur

Brilliant acoustics make sure that this song will hap too. And yes, it does, till an extent. This one is a typical Prittam – Neeraj Shridhar track. I wonder why Prittam experimented with Harshdeep Kaur rather than his regular Sunidhi Chauhan, anyway Harshdeep carries off her part well. The song lacks vigor unlike previous two but it’s worth lending ears to this one.

Allah Maaf Kare

Singers: Sonu Nigam and Shilpa Rao

The track begins with very engaging guitar work. Tune is somehow of ordinary level. Sonu Nigam tries to create a mood but the innovative chorus (the pitch bend around 0:10 and 1:30) spoils it. The song fails to create a strong imposition and relics like a song without feel. Shilpa Rao is wasted.

Let It Be

Singer: Shaan

I have been observant that Jhak Maar Ke, Allah Maaf Kare and this one (Let It Be) all start off in a same fashion, with fascinating guitars. This time its Shaan to croon yet again a typical Prittam composition. This track lacks very much required innovation. Lyrics keep on the flow and so does the singing. But song lacks the glimmer like the first two.

Tu Mera Hero

Singers: Mika Singh & Shefali Alvaris

With same tune and music production, this is the second version of Subah Hone Na De. I liked Subah Hone Na De more.

To conclude, there are remixes of all the originals except Let It Be.

One Line Music Review: The album starts on a high note but fails to keep up the pace or soul, good but not exceptional.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Azaan Movie Review

2011-10-14T02:49:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Azaan

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤
Movie Information: IMDB Link , Wiki
Cast: Sachiin J Joshi, Candice Boucher, Dilip Tahil, Sajid Hassan, Amber Rosh Revah, Sarita Chaudhary
Direction: Prashant Chaddha
Genre: Action Thriller

Movie Overview:

Azaan is an attempt to make a spy action thriller of Hollywood echelon and makers have partly succeeded in their job. The movie is shot exotically, and seems polished but misses out the real thrill element of an action thriller. Thanks to very poor screenplay, a viewer is never connected with the movie, and thus enjoys this stylish odyssey at a superficial level only.

Sachin Joshi isn’t apt choice for this movie. The actor, who is also the producer of the movie, is unfortunately, a big letdown. If he would have casted some veteran actor of Bollywood and invested good amount in publicity and marketing, and the movie would have turned a money making machine for him.

Unfortunately, one of the most expensive movies of Bollywood (precisely 180 crores) will flop in an unnoticing approach.

I can easily summarize my experience of Azaan as follows.

Good:

Cinematography (arguably, the best that Bollywood has even seen)

Background Score (Undoubtedly, the best that Bollywood has heard this year till date)

Novel theme (biological warfare and undercover agent concept)

Bad:

Sachin Joshi’s performance (and strictly okay performances from veterans like Dilip Tahil and Sajid Hassan due to scare scope)

Scattered screenplay (probably the worst one for such a tight-edited movie)

Nevertheless, I will watch this movie again, just to hear the background score by Salim – Sulaiman.

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
Bad performance by Sachin Joshi and average performance by all the actors. Candice Boucher (playboy cover girl) and Amber Rose Revah (From Paris With Love fame) do their cameos well. It would not be wrong to say that Sachin Joshi has messed up the movie.

Story And Screenplay:
Story is good, screenplay is scattered, inconsistent and full of flaws.

Editing And Cinematography:
Kudos to editor and cinematographer!

Music And Background Score:
Music is good. Afreen and Khuda Ke Liye sounds good and are shot well. Background score is grandiose!

Direction:
Direction is a series of hits and misses. Some sequences are brilliantly directed where as there are major loop holes post interval.

Final Verdict:
If screenplay (bad) and hero (very bad) were of the same standards like its cinematography (far better than most of Bollywood movies) and background score (far better than any movie released this year), then believe me folks, this could have been the Bollywood's answer to Bourne series.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤

Soundtrack Movie Review (BD)

2011-10-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Soundtrack

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Movie Information: IMDB Link , Wiki
Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Mrinalini Sharma, Soha Ali Khan, Manu Rishi, Mohan Kapoor, Ankur Tiwari, Siddharth Cuotto, Yateen Keryekar
Direction: Neerav Ghosh
Genre: Drama

[First things first, I rate movies based on what I see! And not what I could have seen. I have read reviews where critics mostly criticize the movie saying that the movie is good but it could have been better. Their statement is accepted if the movie fails to leave its proposed impact on the moviegoer. However, say, a movie is made to make a viewer laugh, and then you can’t criticize the movie saying that it did not make you cry. Reviewers say this movie, Soundtrack lacks humor in first half and it’s predictable in second half.

Now, to those reviewers, I would like to ask, did director ever intended to make you laugh out loud throughout the movie? I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Of course, the movie has dull moments but nothing is perfect. Regarding its predictability, I believe this is not a thriller, where you can expect twists and turn. The genre is drama and mostly, dramas have predictable story.]

Movie Overview:

In recent times, Bollywood has witnessed many melodramatic remakes (most of them, remade from South Indian movies). Soundtrack, though a remake of Canadian movie It’s all Gone Pete Tong (officially mentioned in the end credits of the movie), is thankfully not over-the-top.

The movie is narrated in a documentary style, seldom taking interviews of many famous music personalities. The movie has an intriguing screenplay, where a viewer is supposed to get connected with the movie and its character and it happened to be the case with me.

Rajeev Khandelwal as Raunak Kaul is just marvelous. He is thoroughly in synch with his character and he has proved his versatility with this movie. Soundtrack is all and all a movie for Rajeev Khandelwal fans.

Soundtrack, has very good music but the background score of the movie sounds a bit pale. Two songs, Naina Lagey and Banao are placed wrongly in background score, which can’t be digested in a musical drama. The “Johnny Joker” element added to make it a bit artistic movie, is appreciative, but not needed.

Camera works is fancy. Cinematography is brilliant. Direction is good, not excellent.

The movie could have been narrated in a heroic way but the director chooses a subtle way (not to misinterpret as a mediocre way) of narration giving it an artistic touch rather than commercial appeal.

To conclude, there are only two loopholes in this movie, first, no strong implication of mood of the movie. Second, background score of the movie.

Soundtrack, thus, deserves accolades and appreciation of viewers. Folks, don’t waste your money and time in the other movies this Friday, just go for this one! Highly recommended!

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
Rajeev Khandelwal is brilliant. He transits well from a DJ hunk to a deaf musician. Mrinalini Sharma is unbelievably hot. Soha Ali Khan acts well (yes, you read it right). Both the ladies represent contradictions in Rajeev’s character. Mrinalini makes you go high in first half and Soha makes you feel dry in second. Mohan Kapoor is very good as a Casanova kind of manager. Ankur Tiwari (yes, the singer-composer) and Siddharth Cuotto (yes, the singer) are noteworthy. Manu Rishi is wasted.

Story And Screenplay:
Story and screenplay (majorly) is adapted from It's All Gone Pete Tong so not to credit much. Dialogues are fresh, crisp and hap devoid of any melodrama, which is commendable.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing by Sanjey Roderick and Ambar Vyas is tight. Screenplay is intriguing and fast paced (at some extent, inconsistent too). Cinematography is fine and high on production values.

Music And Background Score:
Music is good. Read the Soundtrack music review here. Background score is okay.

Direction:

Direction is good, still a long way to go. I hope to see more of him soon.

Final Verdict:
Don’t trust the reviewers that rate Bodyguard as first class, and do go for this movie. You won’t be disappointed, if you love good cinema.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Force Movie Review (BD)

2011-10-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Force

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½
Movie Information: IMDB Link , Wiki
Cast: John Abraham, Genelia D'Souza, Vidyut Jamwal, Mohnish Bahal, Raj Babbar, Aaitha Nair, Sandhya Mridul, Mukesh Rishi
Direction: Nishikant Kamat
Genre: Action, Romance, Humor

Movie Overview:

Force, first of all, is a remake without much creative inputs from the makers. This does not necessarily make it a dull movie; actually, those who will see this movie sans watching Khakha Khakha would love it. I have seen Khakha Khakha (Tamil original starring Surya) and Gharshana (Telugu Remake starring Venkatesh) as well. Nevertheless, frankly, I enjoyed this remake as well.

Nishikant Kamat has proved with this movie that he can manage both art cinema (previously, he directed Mumbai Meri Jaan) and commercial cinema on a perfect balance. Force, is an out and out commercial movie, yet it stands out strong on technical aspects.

John Abraham has done his role immensely well. Those who feel that John was emotionless or was underplaying his role, must understand that his character in the movie is like a hit machine. Thus, it becomes quite essential to stay calm, look cool and under act your character. Come on folks, this is not Singham or Dabbang. Coming to John’s physique, I was amazed. John has truly the best body in B - Town.

I even concluded one more thing after seeing the movie. Genelia D’souza is the sweetest actress in the recent times. After her Telugu movie Bommarillu (it was just lovely, do watch it folks) I feel this is her second best. Okay. Accepted that she has done mainly bubbly roles in her filmography, but the roles that have been played by Genelia, I doubt if anyone could do them so well (I found Asin dull in Hindi remake of Ready).

Music, which sounds okay, looks great on screen thanks to brilliant cinematography and choreography. I am overall quite impressed with the way the movie is remade. One should also keep in mind that the original movie dated back to 2003, and so re-creating the same mood is a tough job.

The only problem that I found in all the three versions of the movie is a simple story. Unlike Ghajini or Wanted (to an extent), which belongs to the same genre – action thriller, this movie doesn’t have twists and turns to unfold the story. The movie neither has romance to the level of Ghajini or humor quotient to the level of Wanted (I do not define these movies as a benchmark, but these two are just names of the same genre).

Therefore, when you leave cinema, the two things that you remember is John’s physic and Genelia’s cute acting.

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
John looks cool. Genelia acts like a candyfloss. Newcomer Vidyut is remarkable. Mohnish Bahal and Sandhya Mrudul fits up the bill. Raj Babbar seems wasted.

Story And Screenplay:
The only downside of otherwise a brilliant movie. The predictable story and adapted screenplay (almost) are to be blamed at most. A major loophole of the movie. Dialogues somehow keep a layman entertained.

Editing And Cinematography:
Aryanka Bose does her job as a DOP efficiently. Cinematography is world - class. I mean it. Editing is good. No complaints here. Not to forget, the action sequences, are very well choreographed and I have probably seen for the first time, the real man to man combat in the movie. The action sequences never look unreal.Kudos.

Music And Background Score:
Check out Force Music Review here. Music and background score are apt.

Direction:
Nishikant directs the movie very well. I somehow feel absence of his creative inputs in story - screenplay section. Anyways, If the purpose of the movie is to entertain the people, then the makers have succeeded.

Final Verdict:
Raw action + blissful romance - lack of strong story and sub plots = one time entertainer.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Rockstar - A. R. Rahman Music Review

2011-09-30T02:14:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Music Review: Rockstar

Add caption

Rockstar

Music Directors: A.R. Rahman

Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Rumi

Bollywood Dil Se Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Phir Se Udd Chala

Singer: Mohit Chauhan

Finally, we have it! Rockstar’s music is out today after many speculations. The journey of 14 masterpieces begins with this one. Mohit Chauhan (who appears on 7 songs out of 14) starts off with his known style of singing. The song is simply breath taking. Everything right from Rahmanic beginning to Techno transition after about a minute, Mohit Chauhan’s voice, and lyrics, all sound apt. Previous two albums of Rahman did not have hummable lyrics but this time its Irshad Kamil. So the album will appeal to mass and class both.This is the way to begin the A. R. Rahman album. I love these phrases.

Kisi manzar par main ruka nahi,
Kabhi khud se bhi main mila nahi,
Yeh gila toh hai main khafa nahi,
Shehar ek se gaon ek se,
Log ek se naam ek hoo…

Jo Bhi Main

Singer: Mohit Chauhan

O ye ye! After the kick-start, the album starts progressing on its theme viz. Rock! And yes, a soft rock in Mohit Chauhan’s voice. Lyrics and composition rock big time. However, there is nothing new in sounds for this song but composition simply rocks me. And Rahman’s music arrangement is so brilliant, that it can make an ordinary sounding song the ultimate addiction.

Kateya Karoon

Singer: Harshdeep Kaur

This song is one of the best songs of the album. The typical Punjabi folk sounding track has some brilliant crooning by Harshdeep Kaur. I remember she was a contestant in a reality show on NDTV. The song pumps great oomph until the end, but the song gets a beautiful subtle ending. One more reason to love the song is its lyrics. The meaning of Saari Raatein katiya karoon is “to spin, all night” and tera roon is “your cotton”. The literal meaning says that the beloved wants to spin the cotton of her lover by which she means that she would do anything for him the whole night.

Kun Fayakun

Singers: A. R. Rahman, Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan

Be and it is! This is the literal meaning of Kun Faaya Kun (even I was unknown about it, I goggled it). Music of A. R. Rahman is distinctive from the parallel bunch of music directors due to many reasons, but the strong main reason is the divinity and soulfulness in his music. Be it Khwaja Mere Khwaja or Piya Haji Ali, Rahman has always worshipped Allah with his whole heart, and this song can be added to the roll for sure. Javed Ali scores once again after Maula from Delhi - 6.Rahman composed this song especially for Dargah Of Nizammudin and I have no doubt why it sounds so pious.

Sheher Mein

Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Karthik

Groovy! That’s the only word to describe the song. Song has very familiar music arrangement but what makes the song an outstanding one is the composition and lyrics. Mohit Chauhan does a nice job once again. I feel Mohit Chauhan will reach new horizons after this album. The blend of Indo – Western lyrics add different flavor to the song as well.

Hava Hava

Singer: Mohit Chauhan

Dear readers, please don’t mind when I refer about Rahman’s composition in each and every song of the album. Yes, Rahman again brings out the unique, addictive, unexpected composition that sounds so fresh due to innovative music production. Mohit Chauhan seems to be singing in “The Masakalli” mood and I can’t help but to grove simultaneously by the uncanny crooning.The song has a brilliant ending as well.

Aur Ho

Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Alma Ferovic

I loved Mere Yaar Mila De from Saathiyaa. The song Aur Ho has the same mood, but that’s the only thing similar between the two songs. The prior one had Indo-Arabic beats where as this one has a rock attitude! Lyrics sound grungy and painful. Alma Ferovic is noteworthy. I wish if Rahman had sung all the songs, just a notion. Aur Ho! This what the title says, and so do I, bring it more!The song is a slow poison.

Tango For Taj

Instrumental

The first instrumental of the album. It kicks off with the trademark Rahman style piano orchestral and soon turns soulful due to violins and mouth organs. I must say, Rahman at its melodic best!

Tum Ko

Singer: Kavita Krishnamurthy

Kavita Subramanium aka Krishnamurthy has delieverd some massive hits with Rahman and this one will be one of them, for sure. Soothing, the only word to describe the whole musical experience that Rahman has created. The synthesized bass beats with Tabla and violin is something that only Rahman can serve.

The Dichotomy of Fame

Instrumental Feat. Balesh on Shehnai & Kabuli on Guitars

Well, correct me if I am wrong, but this song is actually picturised on the legendary Shammi Kapoor. This song is the second (and last) instrumental on the cover. And I get to know about two more rock stars after this instrumental, Balesh and Kabuli. Balesh is a prodigy of Shehnai and so is Kabuli on guitars.

Naadaan Parindey

Singers: A. R. Rahman, Mohit Chauhan

This song is filmed for climax. I may sound raw and informal, but yes, the song gives me goose bumps! I guess this one will surpass Sadda Haq as soon as its promo comes out. Love the way Irshad does it and love the way Rahman does it! Simply addictive!

Tum Ho

Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Suzanne D'Mello

I have been listening this tune now and then in the trailer of Rockstar, but the song itself is very different than what it seems in the promo. The song is the reprised version of Tum Ko Paa Hi Liya, but reprised version in its true forms. The lyrics, tempo and beats, all differ from the Kavita Subraminium song. however, I like both. It’s a tough choice to pick out one from these two.

Sadda Haq

Singers: Mohit Chauhan feat. Orianthi on Guitars

(Choral Vocal Arrangements by Clinton Cerejo)

The song is a rave hit already. And no doubt, it deserves all the hype. Actually, it was Sadda Haq, that created the superlative hype for this album, and I think, the album fairly survives the expectation. Orianthi was the lead guitarist in the MJ’s (ill fated) This is it! Concert. I heard her single “According To You” and I was completely blown. She is brilliant! Moreover, I would like to interprete my version of the meaning behind the lyrics of Sadda Haq:

Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh….

O Echo Friendly Nature Ke Rakshak
Main Bhi Hu Nature
Rivazon Se Samajo Se
Kyun Tu Kate Mujhe
Kyun Bate Mujhe Is Tarah

Kyun Sach Ka Sabak Sikhaye
Jab Sach Sunni Na Paye
Sach Koi Bole Toh Tu
Niyam Kanoon Bataye

Tera Darr, Tera Pyaar,
Teri Waah Tu Hi Rakh
Rakh Sala

The protagonist demands the world to give his rights back to him. He is furious when the people differentiate him in the name of god, culture and tradition. He is fed up from the mean world that teaches the lessons they themselves never follow. He is thus, rebellious and thus, demands his rights back.

The Meeting Place

Singers:Ranbir Kapoor

A beautiful piece to end up the memorable journey, in Ranbeer's voice! The credit for lyrics goes to poet and sufi saint Rumi.

Before I conclude, I would like to mention few notions. Firstly, forgive me if I wrote Rahman twice or thrice in every song review. Secondly, forgive me if I rate it a 4.5 and not 5, even I don't know the reason. Finally, this album is undoubtedly the album of the year.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

(P.S: I don't have the sense to criticise Rahman's music. No one has. So I would like to change the title as "Rockstar Music Impression" rather than "Rockstar Music Review")

The Cheapmunks

2011-09-26T04:11:00.000-07:00

Well Well Well, Last time I blogged about Iyer sisters, and I like these sisters too. They call themselves The Cheapmunks.

The Cheapmunks Suhana and Mahek mix out the popular western and eastern songs in a commendable manner. Two guitarists to cover and seldom , a man on Tabla sets them on fire! They don't have a wiki page or a website or a Youtube Channel. So the videos posted here are unofficial and low in quality, do bear with it.

This is their major hit, and probably the only single recorded digitally.

This is their first audio, which was released as a fun innovation on facebook and turned out to be rage.

Well, I really like this cover of Bewafaa.

Lastly, you may check out this one.

Common T Series, Release Rockstar's music now, so that I stop my urge to listen quality music for sometime.

Shankar Tucker and Iyer Sisters

2011-09-20T23:24:00.000-07:00

Apart from digging music and movies, I explore YouTube videos for new, fresh and not-much-known artists.

Today, I am going to introduce you all with Shankar Tucker and Iyer Sisters. Shankar Tucker is a cross-culture Clarinetist and Composer. He has now, started his work in Bollywood. His recent one was with Prittam in Mausam. Know about more of him here.

Iyer Sisters are known for their collaboration with Shankar Tucker. And their combination has produced some very soulful and divine music.

Have a look.

Ashai Mugam

Munbe Vaa (Cover)

O Re Piya (NOT BY IYER SISTERS, OBVIOUS FROM VIDEO :p)

Hope you like it :)

Ra One Music Review Bollywood Dil Se

2011-09-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Music Review: Ra.One

Ra.One

Music Directors: Vishal - Shekhar

Lyrics: Kumaar, Anvita Dutt, Vishal Dadlani & Niranjan Iyengar

Bollywood Dil Se Rating: * * * *

Chamak Challo

Singers: Akon and Hamsika Iyer

Wow! I had already heard the leaked version (international version of the song which was available on iTunes) of the song, but this version is par better. Akon undoubtedly makes his smashing debut in Bollywood. I am in love with the song due to three reasons: First, Akon’s Hindi; Second, Hamsika Iyer’s vocals; Third, perfect song arrangement by Vishal – Shekhar. My expectations are sky-high now.

Dildaara (Stand By Me)

Singers: Shafqat Amanat Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Clinton Cerejo

The song sounds a bit like Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Nevertheless, song picks up lately in a beautiful way. The lyrics unlike Chamak Challo have some meaningful, soulful lyrics. I am in love with this album now.

Rehnuma Mere Rehnuma

Ho Tere Naam Saa,

Ab Koi Bhi Lafz Nahi,

Padh Kar Dekhi So Kitabein So Dafaa,

Dildaara Dildaara Ab Raddi Bhar Sa Jag Saara,

Dildaara Dildaara Tere Nazron-Karam Par Sab Waraan,

Dildaraa Dildaraa Jab Tujhse Haara, Dildaara Dildaara ho…

Criminal

Singer:Akon, Vishal Dadlani, Shruti Pathak

Simply amazing! This song by Akon (this time to, crooning in English and Hindi) is equally good like Chamak Challo. I can’t wait to see this song on the top charts now. Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak render their part very well. Well done V-S!

Bhare Naina

Singer: Nandini Shrikar, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani

After three upbeat songs, I was expecting something from different genre. And Vishal – Shekhar surprises completely by semi classical rock song. Nandini Shrikar is marvelous. Chorus and Vocals by Vishal – Shekhar leaves much needed deep impact of the song on your mind.Lovely!

Right By Your Side

Singer:Siddharth Coutto

Siddharth Coutto (Life Sahi Hai and Love in C major fame) this time, pairs up with Vishal – Shekhar to deliver another peppy number. This is typical Vishal – Shekhar composition which we have been hearing in every movie from duo. Nevertheless, song will get its fame after the movie releases.

Raftaarein

Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani

This song I feel, is the theme of Ra One. The song with a fusion of 90’s beat and modern influences is a great cocktail. Vishal – Shekhar lives the mood of the song all the way. Nice riff.

Jiya Mora Ghabraye

Singers: Sukhwinder Singh and Vishal

As soon as the song began, I wondered how Sukhwinder Singh would fit the bill. Sukhwinder Singh in recent times have been singing songs like Singham and Dabbang, where as this one is completely Trans – techno song. But I was almost blown away after one and a half minute of the song, Sukhwinder Singh carries the song so well. Vishal’s grudged vocals make this song even better. The techno beats from 2.55 onwards sound almost Rahmanic!!

Comes The Light

Instrumental

This riff seems like the backround score piece of the movie. Anyways, it sounds good. Orchestral arrangements make it delightful.

I am on

Instrumental

The alternate rock theme I am on is stunning. I have been hearing such instrumentals in Transformer Series and Bourne Series. I welcome the revolutionary concept of background score along with the originals.

Song Of The End

Instumental

This one in the true means is subtle, soulful arrangement that definitely turns out be winner all the way. Violins sound majestic.

To sum up, we have four remixes and one internation version of Chamak Challo. All in all , this album is going to give a tough competition to Rockstar! The album can not deserve anything less than a four.

Rating: * * * *

(P.S.: The source is the leaked album on internet. Please order the original CD on flipkart.com at 25% discount. I have pre-ordered it! )

Rascals Music Review (BD)

2011-09-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review: Rascals

Rascals

Music Director: Vishal - Shekhar

Lyrics: Anvita Datt & Irshad Kamil

BD Music Rating: * * *

Rascals

Singer: Neeraj Shridhar

I expect the album to be very peppy and upbeat. The title song has all the chances to be a youth anthem. The song has a good sum of catchy lyrics, peppy music and funky vocals by Neeraj Shridhar. The music arrangement sounds very innovative, thanks to instruments like harmonium and violin along with synthesized beats. Above all, lyrics make you loop this song again.

Tik Tuk

Singer:Daler Mahendi and Monali Thakur

The sprightly mood of the album continues with this Daler Mahendi song. The lyrics sound ordinary and quite meaningless this time. The song gets very much lifted due to rap section. Monali Thakur brings the north Indian flavor in the song.

Pardaah Nasheen

Singer: Neeraj Shridhar and Sunidhi Chauhan

Now, the songs start to be repetitive. The song has brilliant backing vocals by Vishal and music production sound like good quality stuff. Somehow, the song is neither hummable nor addictive.

Shake It Saiyyan

Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan and Haji Springer

The last original of the album has again very catchy lyrics. After a strong start, the song fumbles in interlude. With Sunidhi Chauhan singing the song and some heavy bass beats banging to back up her vocals, you can’t escape from this foot-tapping number. Californion rapper Haji Springer makes the song more qualitative.

Only four originals and that too of the same genre make this album an average one. The album is not outstanding or innovative, but in the end, Vishal – Shekhar has successfully managed to keep the mood of the album. Bluntly speaking, three out of four songs are first-rate, so I rate this album a three. Now, I am waiting for the happening soundtrack of Ra.One.

Rating: * * *

(P.S : This rating has nothing to relate with my previous music album review. And to all those HR Fans who have outrageous attitude towards my review, folks! This is my personal review. I respect your point of view; you respect mine. As simple as that.)

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Movie Review (BD)

2011-09-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

Rating:* * *
Movie Information: IMDB Link , Wiki
Cast: Katrina Kaif, Imran Khan, Ali Zafar, Tara D'souza
Direction: Ali Abbas Zafar
Genre: Drama, Romance, Humor

Movie Overview:

To begin with, I did not have much expectation before I entered the cinema hall and had the feeling while leaving it.

The Yashraj film’s next trademark romantic flick “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan” tries too hard to be a mass entertainer, but unlike Band Baaja Baaraat, this movie falls flat.

The director Ali Abbas Zafar (has no connection with Ali Zafar) works upon the common Bollywood formula of a love triangle but sadly, the movie fails to maintain a balance between love and humor quotient.

The movie sparkles for about first half an hour, and as a viewer, you feel delighted. But gradually, the movie centers to the same old story with some added Masala in it.

The messed up screenplay and ordinary performances are something to blame a big time. There are unnecessary comic scenes and over-the-top performances, due to which, the movie fails to create an emotional under current.

The movie has many references of Bollywood movies (or say spoof), which somehow keeps you glued on the seat. But the main thing in a rom-com, the flavor of romance is missing here.

The songs, in fact boosted the movie, which was supposed to be the role of screenplay writer.

Overall, I would still recommend you to go for the movie. If one can go for Bodyguard due to Salman, one can also go for MBKD due to Katrina.

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:
Imran Khan is as usual in the role of a chocolate boy, and his sweet image does trick for him. Katrina Kaif looks uncomfortable on the screen, she tries too hard to fit in her character and she somehow, fails to do so. Ali Zafar (though in a small role) has delivered a brilliant performance again. I want to see him more often. Tina D’souza is remarkable.

Story And Screenplay:
The major let down of the movie. The story is completely predictable. Screenplay does not help to narrate the story in a smoother way either. Dialogues manage to cover up the void. Some scenes like the Chat show scene and Dabbang spoof are genuinely funny and scens like Katrina’s confession about love to Imran are touchy.

Editing And Cinematography:
Sudeep Chatterjee’s cinematography is ditto like all the Yashraj Films, exotic, lively and vivacious. Editing is okay.

Music And Background Score:
A very positive aspect for the movie. Songs are well picturised and choreographed. Well done Sohail Sen!

Direction:
Ali A. Zafar as a director has done a good job but Ali A. Zafar as a screenplay writer has a long way to go.

Final Verdict:
This is out and out Katrina Kaif movie, if you are a Katrina Kaif fan, it would be treat for you else you can miss the movie.

Rating:* * *

Damadamm Music Review Himesh Reshammiya (BD)

2011-09-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review: Damadamm

Damadamm

Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya, Sachin Gupta (Promotional Song)

Lyrics: Sameer, Shabbir Ahmed

BD Music Rating: * * 1/2

Damadamm

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Vinit Singh & Alam Gir Khan & Palak Muchhal & Shabab Sabri & Sabina Shaikh & Rubina Shaikh & Punnu Brar

The album commences with a Trans – qawalli, exactly due to this reason, the song doesn’t get on at first listen. The song seems more like a remix rather than the original soundtrack. The lyrics sound anomalous when compared with beat. The song lacks psyche. I am disappointed.

Umrao Jaan

Singer:Himesh Reshammiya & Purbi Joshi

The song begins with slow tabla and Bhangra beats and irksome lyrics no touching, no touching ; only seeing seeing. As soon as the song starts, you feel as if the song is going to swift up a little, but that momentum never comes (Instead of it, Himesh places a high-paced remixed version). Frankly, I am bored by now.

Aaja Ve

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya

Yeah! This is what needed. The guitar in the beginning marks its presence. Then the high – bass beats takeover. Himesh’s voice and tune both sound familiar, yet I like the song (may be because of previous two disasters). Anyways, the song is hap and sounds cool.

Madhushala

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Aditi Singh Sharma

Well, all those who wonder why the stress is given on the word “Ishq Unplugged” here is the reason. The movie was tentatively titled Ishq Unplugged rather than Damadamm. Talking about the song, first, I hate the way Himesh pronounces Khushboo and Madhushala. The changes in tempo makes it innovative. The song has a good tune, but Himesh’s voice ruins all. Female vocals are first-rate and the same is exactly opposite with male vocals. This one seems quite a situational song. As an audio piece, it sounds weird. It might get addictive later to HR fans, but I feel it won't do so to me.

Yun To Mera Dil

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Sadhana Sargam

Again, the song initiates with beautiful rendering of guitars. This is a song where you anticipate for Mohit Chauhan, but you heed a not-so-fresh voice of Himesh. Himesh has wasted a good tune owing to his voice. And as I am about to skip the song, I hear the beautiful voice of Sadhna Sargam. But why, for the god sakes, she is offered only one line to sing!

Hum Tum

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Vaishali Made

The song has some catchy lyrics. Actually for the first time while listening this album, I feel touched. The soul has soul, tune, beats and of course, brilliant lyrics. The album now gives me mixed feelings.

Tere Bina

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya

The song has good slow, jazzy beats and beautiful chords on keyboards. The lyrics are soulful and so is the singing. The song has a little resemblance with Teri Yaad from Namaste London. Somehow, I feel that Himesh manages soft songs very well, but he falls flat when it comes to upbeat songs.

I need more space

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya

I am right. Himesh’s voice doesn’t suit upbeat songs. In addition to this, he has now tried to present a rock song in his voice. And let me clearly state it, the song is not at all rocking. The song lacks the attitude and sounds more like a sad song. Rock singers thrash their vocals from mouth and not from their nose Mr. Himesh.

Mango

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Aditi Singh Sharma

This is a soft song, so it is supposed to be good. And it is. The song which could have been easily addictive remains a mediocre attempt due to juvenile lyrics.

Bhool Jaun

Singer: Himesh Reshammiya and Sachin Gupta

Well well! Himesh trusts on someone else rather than him this time, Sachin Gupta, and let me tell you folks, Himesh has done a good thing. The song is not exceptional, but somehow it clicks to your ears. Himesh could have allowed Sachin Gupta to manage some more songs of the movie, rather than him doing the peppy tracks.

And there are five more remixes on the cover. Some songs which I personally find addictive are “Aaja Ve” , “Hum Tum”, and “Tere Bina”. Out of ten originals, only three are outstanding, this forces me to give the album a two and a half out of five.

Rating:* * 1/2

Bol Movie Review (BD)

2011-09-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review:Bol

Rating:* * * *1/2

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast: Humaima Malik, Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan, Manzar Sehbai, Iman Ali, Shafqat Cheema

Direction: Shoaib Mansoor

Genre: Drama

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Movie Overview:

Bol is the second venture of a genius director Shoaib Mansoor (PP,SI, from Pakistan) after Khuda Kay Liye. The movie established a new box office record in Pakistan; but it would not get its audience in India or UK because of its conflict with the Salman Khan starrer Bodyguard.

I saw the movie in a multiplex where hardly ten people attended the screening of Bol in the first week of release itself.

Talking about the movie, the movie deals with an ordinary Pakistani family, where there are seven daughters (I was amused to see only five of them on screen) in a household and only one man, the male parent to earn. The movie has a very heartwarming story with the burning issues like gender discrimination, staunch religious beliefs, child abuse and above all, the political backdrops of the Pakistan.

The director focuses on all the burning issues very well within a span of almost three hours. The message of the movie is very clear; There exists two nations in Pakistan – the orthodox nation (where a daughter’s marriage are fixed with a man almost double than her age only because he belongs to the same sub-caste) and the modern nation (where the same daughter secretly marries to her lover). And with so many sub-plots and a strong story, I was amused to see a picture perfect screenplay (we see the father’s marriage with a prostitute and the daughter’s marriage with her lover in the same frame).

Khuda Kay Liye was a brilliant attempt, but Bol is a picture-perfect drama.

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:

The central characters of the movie played by Manzar Shehbai (the father) and Humaima Malik (the daughter) are the whole and soul of the movie. Both the performances are flawless. Atif Aslam (though criticized by many) plays his part very well.

Story And Screenplay:

Story and screenplay is the major asset of the movie. The first half is very tight and intriguing, where as the second half could have been better in terms of screenplay. I never go in detailed analysis of script for which one can refer its synopsis at Wikipage or IMDB.

Editing And Cinematography:

Editing, as I said earlier could have been better in second half. The movie could have been reduced by 10 minutes. Cinematography was top class. The locales of Lahore are very well captured and the camera angles are brilliant.

Music And Background Score:
In a Shoaib Mansoor movie, music plays the key role and background score is minimal; same is the case with this movie. The songs “Dil Pareshan Hai” , “Dil Jaaniya” and “Hona Tha Pyar” are hummable where as “Aaj Bol Do” and “Mumkin Hai” sound good.

Direction:
I am Speechless!

Final Verdict:
Watch a revolution on the screen in form of a kitchen – sink drama this summer folks! I rate it a deserved four and a half out of five.

Rating:* * * *1/2

Bodyguard Movie Review (BD)

2011-08-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Bodyguard

Rating: * * * 1/2

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Hazel, Mahesh Manjrekar

Direction: Siddique

Genre: Action, Romance, Humor

Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes

Movie Overview:

After Dabbang and Ready, this film is going to be third consecutive feather in Salman’s cap. The movie, is remade thrice, which itself proves its worth and impact on the box office. This version of the movie, as the other two is good.

But here’s the game, I felt a little disappointed with the treatment of the movie. The screenplay rushed at an odd pace. The first half was intriguing and speedy, but the second half stammers a bit. Again, in the last 20 minutes, we see a hurricane of emotions.

The movie has all the proportionate elements of a Masala Movie, but I seriously felt a letdown in the humor quotient of the movie. The so-called “Tsunami Singh” was a hugh disappointment, rather than him, his T Shirts looked funny. The dialogues were above average.

A die-hard Salman fan might get disappointed, but it was a pleasure seeing Salman in a romantic movie; that too; was totally unexpected. Music boosted the movie, due to which, the faulty screenplay gets sidelined.

After watching this one, my recent favorites from Salman goes in the following order.
1. Dabbang
2. Bodyguard
3. Wanted
4. Ready

Give it a try folks!

Teaser:

Quick Review:

Cast:

Salman Khan is in top notch here. Kareena is back in the form. Mahesh Manjrekar, Aditya Pancholi, Raj Babbar are remarkable. Rajat Rawail as Tsunami is a letdown. He acts well sans comic timing. Hazel Keech (as friend of Kareena) is noteworthy.

Story And Screenplay:

Story and Screenplay by Siddique are both adopted from the original version. Story is good with strong subplots (though over looked in the movie), where as screenplay is inconsistant. Dialogues needed to be more powerful.

P.S. the phrase Main Maarta Kam, Ghasithta Zyada Hoon was missing in the movie (thanks to my friend who noticed it)

Editing And Cinematography:

Editing by Sanjay Sankla is good, he manages to keep the movie on track inspite of futile screenplay. Cinematography by Sejal Shah is marvelous.

Music And Background Score:

This section proves to be the strongest backbone of the movie. Himesh Reshammiya has lived upto the expectations from the fans. Background score from Sandeep Shirodkar is top class.

Direction:

It would be an amateur statement to state Siddique as a debutant.This man has 27 films on his credits (Tollywood, Kollywood and Bollywoood), out of which most of the movies have turned to be a cult hit. He is flawless on the director's chair.

Finally, watch it! Even if you are not a Salman Khan fan, you wont regret watching this one.

Rating:* * *1/2

Force Music Review (BD)

2011-08-30T01:06:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review :Force

Force

Music Director: Harris Jayraj, Lalit Pandit (Dum Hai To Aaja)

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

BD Music Rating:***

Khwabon Khwabon

Singer: K.K. ,Suchitra

First of all, the movie is a remake of Surya starrer Khakka Khakka The music director of the movie, Harris Jayraj (his second Bollywood movie after RHTDM, almost after 10 years) is kept intact for the Hindi version. This song is recreated from Uyirin Uyirae (Cheliya Cheliya in Telugu, I play it too often on my Ipod). The music arrangement, singers and everything else is served without any change from previous versions except lyrics. The lyrics by Javed Akhtar make this song equally beautiful. K.K. as usual is good but female vocals by Suchitra are remarkable.

Chahoon Bhi

Singer: Karthik, Bombay Jayshree

Wow, Bombay Jayshree in Bollywood! I still hear her "Zara Zara" from RHTDM, and it seems that I will be looping this song till her next one comes in the market. The song is beautiful, Melodious, Jazzy; to conclude, the song is a typical Harris Jayraj song. Karthik fills up the bill in the second interlude of the song. The album has progressed well till now.

Dum Hai To Aaja

Singer: Mahua Kamat

This song is by guest composer Lalit Pandit. It's good to hear a rock song from him, but frankly the song is a mediocre attempt. Lyrics and Vocals by Javedsaab and Mahua Kamat are good, but somehow the song lacks the feel and attitude of a rock song. The singer tries too hard to create an impact but the overall ambiance of the song is sub-superior.

Main Chali

Singer: Naresh Iyer, Shreya Ghoshal

This genre is the fortage of Harris Jayraj. Melody with beats. I have listened his so many Telugu albums and I love his Orange or recently Rangam, this album sounds much like those two. The lyrics fail this time, sounds more like some Tollywood movie dubbed in Hindi.

Dil Ki Hai Tammana

Singer: Vijay Prakash, Shalini Singh, Neha Bhasin

Again a melodious tune from Harris Jayraj. The lyrics are very good this time. Vocals by Vijay Prakash are remarkable. The song lacks new innovations and is thus, an ordinary attempt.

Now, the album comes to a sudden halt. Only five songs in an album by Harris Jayraj!! This is something unexpected. Overall, This is an ordinary Harris Jayraj album. Songs make you feel good, but don't leave a deeper impact on you. RTHDM was a cult, unfortunately, FORCE is not!

Rating:***

Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande Movie Review (BD)

2011-08-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande

Rating:* * 1/2

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast: Parvin Dabas, Sharat Saxena, Vansh Bharadwaj, Anupam Kher, Ashish Nayyar,

Kuldip Ruhil

Direction: Parvin Dabas

Genre: Drama, Humor

Duration: 1 hours 50 minutes

Movie Overview:

Parvin Dabas’s directorial debut “Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande” is an attempt to mix comedy with a burning issue, but the final output of this, is not satisfactory.

The movie deals with the issue of Real Estate Mafia in a modest way. The movie which could have been an out and out entertainer, fails miserably mainly due to poor screenplay.

The dialogues, which remain a quintessential part of a comedy movie, go ordinary here; which is another prime reason behind the failure.

The story has undoubtedly a huge potential to turn a blockbuster, but lack of treatment says it all.

The main limelight of the movie was Parvin Dabas the actor and Parvin Dabas the director.

Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande is an honest attempt made at a very good issue. The film has solid direction, descent performances and okay-dokay music. However, the film fails because of loose editing, mild treatment and dazzling screenplay.

Overall, the movie is a onetime watch if you like something out of the box.

Quick Review:

Cast:

Parvin Dabas is phenomenal Vansh Bhardwaj is impressive. Anupam Kher underplays well.And the rests are good.

Story And Screenplay:

Story by the director himself is the most positive prospect of the movie. Screenplay is okay.

Editing And Cinematography:

Editing is loose. And Cinematography is brilliant. Sub urbs of Delhi are well captured.

Music And Background Score:

Music by Dhruv Dhalla and Siddharth - Suhas is okay. Mast Kalandar and Naino Wali Whisky are good, rest is bad.

Direction:

Very good direction from a debutant. Though, this one was not a master piece, would love to see more from you Mr. Dabas.

Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande is not so sahi movie and not even a galat attempt, it is a one time watch.

Rating:* * 1/2

Not A Love Story Movie Review (BD)

2011-08-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Not A Love Story

Rating:* 1/2

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast: Mahie Gill, Deepak Dobriyal, Ajay Gehi, Prableen Sandhu, Zakir Hussain

Direction: Ram Gopal Verma

Genre: Drama

Duration: 2 hours

Movie Overview:

Pathetic! This was what I thought when I got out of the movie theatres. I would not be modest to criticize the movie, so do not expect many good things about the movie.

The movie is a bizarre combination of love, sex, angst, ambition and deceit. However, nothing seems to work out of it. The movie is based on the real life story of Neeraj Grover murder case, but it is a total disaster of the story.

The film is utterly disappointing in the first half, where the love story looks more of soft porn. The unconvincing screenplay and slow pace of the movie bores the viewer.

The background score by Sandip Chowta Projects (!?) literally perturbs you. The ailing sounds in the name of digital zing, does not please the ears but makes it increasingly flustering to bear the movie.

The camera angles of RGV are getting increasingly indigent with his every movie. Mr. RGV, there is a big difference between style and sensibility. Focusing on the leading lady’s curves does not make a style. Try to get inside the story rather than getting the cameras inside the leading lady’s skirts.

In the second half, we see a little glimmer where film seems to pace fast during the court room scenes and the drama starts making some sense, but bizarre (in a way, complex) ending diminish all the hopes left.

The only takeway was the performance from the leads. Mahie Gill is brilliant and Deepak Dobrial is apt. One more positive asset of the movie was the most complex and multi layered love story between the Robin (Deepak) and Anusha (Mahie); but the director says its “Not a love story” and I say “Let it be!”

Quick Review:

Cast:

Good performance from Deepak Dobrial as a passionate and possesive lover and commendable performance from Mahie as an aspiring actress. Ajay Gehi, Neil Bhoopalan and Zakhir Hussain fit the bill.

Story And Screenplay:

The story is based on real life story. The story looks interesting but inconsistant screenplay spoils it all.

Editing And Cinematography:

Editing is faulty, and cinematography is very poor.

Music And Background Score:

Music is a good deal. Woh Ek Pal and Rangeela Re sound good. Background score is horrible.

Direction:

Direction is good. Ram Gopal Verma tries to create a multi layered love story but does not get it right this time.

Not a love story is an avoidable venture.

Rating:* 1/2

Arakshan Movie Review (BD)

2011-08-19T20:29:00.001-07:00

Bollywood Dil se Movie Review:Arakshan

Rating:* * *

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar

Direction: Prakash Jha

Genre: Drama

Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes

Movie Overview:

First, the film will surely have the diverse opinion amongst the viewers. Prakash Jha’s directorial venture “Arakshan” according to me is an ordinary fare.

The film has a very loose screenplay and a poor script; due to which the film could never create an overall percussion of this burning issue. The film remains focused on the issue of reservation until the first half but loses its grip from the second half (where the film diverges completely from reservation point of view to parallel education system, say tuitions or coaching classes).

The director actually presents the Arakshan from a very narrow point of view. He deals with the Arakshan system in the field of education (and he deals well) but what about Arakshan in jobs or economic affairs? Here he arrantly fails to answer the viewers.

Even for the reservation system in schools and colleges, the makers never take a stand for either side; he just displays both the sides of reservation system merely via debate and never concludes for an effective output out of the debate. The film in the second half looks more like the success story of “super 30” (Google it).

As far as performances are concerned, Amitabh and Manoj Bajpayee are the highlights. The whole movie revolves around them. The love angle between Saif and Deepika is side lined and the screen space of Saif Ali Khan is so less that he could have been mentioned as in guest appearance on the rolling titles.

I have never questioned the ability of Mr. Jha to handle the sensitive issues of the society, but I must say he has failed this time.

The movie is still a onetime fare only if you ignore the title of the film.

Quick Review:

Cast:

Brilliant performance by AB and Manoj Bajpayee. Nothing much to tell aobut Saif as his role was very short ( I feel thats why Ajay Devn refused the movie) and Deepika' dialogue delievery is getting well film by film, must say that.Veterans like Yashpal Sharma are wasted due to uni dimensional script.

Story And Screenplay:

The story is completely predictable and the film has almost no twists and turns in the script. Screenplay is very poor.

Editing And Cinematography:

The editing is loose. The duration of the movie almost three hours, seem too much for a simple story. Cinematography is okay.

Music And Background Score:

Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is an utter flop. Minus "Accha Lagta Hai" all the songs fail to amuse the viewer. Prakash Jha as usual manages to get good background score.

Direction:
I dont see loopholes in the direction. But the screenplay itself is so weak, that a director cant help it.

Arakshan has no zing thing in it. I rate it a 3.

Rating:* * *

Mausam Music Review (BD)

2011-08-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil Se : Mausam Music Review

Mausam

Music Director: Prittam

BD Music Rating: * * * 1/2

Rabba Main To Mar Gaya

Singer: Shahid Mallaya and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

The song has already made a good hype in the promos. Irshad Kamil has penned very beautiful lyrics (He is consistently brilliant. Refer my previous post, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan). The singer Shahid Mallaya sounds like Roop Kumar Rathod; but has done a commendable job. Indian instruments like flute (so beautiful and melodious) sound very romantic. This one creates good tux for the album! The other version by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is an interesting mix too.

Sajh Dhaj Ke

Singer: Mika Singh

The song is a mediocre attempt, I must say. The lyrics are bang on, and create a good tempo “Sajh Dhaj Ke, Tashan Main Rehna”. Mika is good. The problem lies in the genre of the song. The song starts as a folk song, turns into bhangra track with some electronic beats and Hinglish lyrics in between. Amidst this fusion, the song looses the soul unlike Mauja Mauja and other Bhangra tracks from Prittam and Mika.

Ik Tu Hi Ik Tu Hi

Singer: Hans Raj Hans and Shahid Mallaya and Wadali Brothers

Wow! This one is something good. Thanks Prittam. You shine in this song. The tune itself is mesmerizing. Moreover, lyrics add sparks to the song. I am in love with this song. This song completely impulses me; makes me feel nostalgic; so nostalgic. There are three versions of this song, One by Hans Raj Hans, other one by Shahid Mallaya and the Mehfil Mix by Wadali Brothers. The best one is the reprise version.

Poore Se Zara Sa Kam Hai

Singer: Ustad Rashid Khan

This is something unexpected from Prittam. A semi classical song from Prittam. Lyrics are noteworthy. Ustad Rashid Khan is outstanding. His singing creates new levels for the song. The song expresses intense emotional desires and this is what Mausam is all about, Intense Romance. This will surely be a hard-core romantic flick.

Aag Lage Us Aag Ko

Singer: Karsan Sargathia

This one is again a descent attempt. We have heard this kind of song in the climax of almost every Yashraj Movies and Dharma Movies. The tune is inspired from Gujarati Folk songs. The very famous folk singer ( Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje and Kesariya Balam) does a good job.

Mallo Malli

Singer: Tochi Raina and Lember Hussainpuri

Now, this is good. Prittam is sure about the genre this time, unlike Sajh Dhaj Ke, the song is electronic Bhangra track. In addition, this one reminds me of Aahun Aahun, Love Aaj Kal. There are two versions of this song, one by Tochi Raina and other by Lember Hussainpuri (Sadi Galli fame). Both the versions sound equally good and it is difficult to pin point the better one.

Four tunes out of six are outstanding, one is average and one is avoidable. Overall, this album reminds me of the romantic tunes of early 2000’s. Welcome back, Prittam!

Rating:* * * 1/2

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Music Review (BD)

2011-08-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review : MBKD

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

Music Director: Sohail Sen

BD Music Rating:* * * *

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

Singer: K.K.

Matrimonial si aankhein, sabko ab taakein - jaakein…Dil se dilli ho, Dhadkan se ho london… and I am like wow! The lyrics set you in a peppy mood. Music complements the lyrics, but I must say the song is all about Irshad Kamil’s lyrics. Sohail Sen is an ace composer, and I hope he gets it better this time. I loop this song again for its lyrics.

Dhunki

Singer: Neha Bhasin

First of all, to all my avid readers, Dhunki normally means a piece of cotton, but here the lyricist uses it with reference to “cannon” (again, a brilliant word by Irshad Kamil). The song has got a good mix of guitars, drums and lyrics. The video ft. Katrina Kaif is already rocking a big time.This entire thing is nicely enveloped in a good tune.

O malang hua dil ye mera…

Choomantar

Singer: Benny Dayal, Aditi Singh Sharma

The specialty about this song is the singer. Benny Dayal, I am a big fan of his singing and his range, he is completely versatile singer. Take it Pappu Can’t Dance Saala, or Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi; he has never disappointed me. Female vocals by Aditi is also noteworthy.

Isq Risk

Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Now, this is something unexpected from Sohail Sen, A qawwali. In addition, he has brilliantly done it with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; I do not have that dignity to criticize the maestro. Moreover, the song has proved it; Sohail Sen is a damn versatile composer. (I have stopped mentioning about lyrics, as I can’t just praise Irshad Kamil all alone).

Madhubala

Singer: Ali Zafar, Shweta Pandit

From here on, the album gets mono-tonic. The last two songs supply the Desi North Indian flavor to the album. I quit don’t like Dholki and Matki kind of sounds, unless produced for some experimental use. The song reminds me of Khaike Pan Banaras Wala.

Do Dhaari Talwaar

Singer: Shahid Mallaya, Shweta Pandit

The last one is again a Bhojpuri kind of track. I could anyhow, listen both the tracks due to Irshad’s lyrics.

The album proves three things. Firstly, this album is a typical Yashraj Films production, musical yet not path breaking. Secondly, if anyone could replace Gulzar, it is Irshad Kamil (I really mean it). And Finally, Sohail Sen is a multi dimensional composer unlike some music composers who keeps on playing same beats now and then, and do not use variety of instruments in the music. Due to brilliant music produced by Sohail Sen and awesome lyrics by Irshad Kamil, I rate this album a four.

Rating: * * * *

Soundtrack Music Review (BD)

2011-08-06T02:02:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review :Soundtrack

Soundtrack

Music Director: MIDIval Punditz, Karsh Kale

BD Music Rating:***1/2

Atomizer

Singer: Gaurav Raina, Karsh Kale

The opening track of the album “Soundtrack” is actually reused here. It was the first track of the album “Hello Hello” by Music Dir. Duo MIDIval Punditz. The name may be new to the layman, but these two youngsters from Delhi rock a big time with Papon (Anurag Manhanta, singer of Jiyein Kyun from Dum Maro Dum) and Karsh Kale. The opening track is a fusion of electronic and Dhol beats. But the lyrics in English don’t fit the bill. Still, a good one.

Banao Banao

Singer: Papon

This is one of my favorite tracks from Papon. The song is featured live on MIDIval Punditz concerts but this studio version is salient. The track is actually a dope song, which we can figure out from lyrics like Gaanja nahi dawa hai, Hawa hai, Gale ka manjan hai, aaknhon ka niranjan hai…

Ek Manzil

Singer:Vishal Vaid

Oh my god! This is what I was expecting! Unlike Atomizer, the song has got good lyrics (actually, brilliant lyrics), soul and Indian touch along with electronic beats. Singer Vishal Vaid is a man to watch out for sure. Now, this is another hotshot from duo. I feel this is the point from where the album gets uplifted.

Check out its beautiful lyrics…

Main uska woh mera ho

Sehra ho ya dariya ho

Yeh faasla afsaana

Fasaana hamara ho

Chand aashik ho, ek paagal ho

Chand khanjar ho, ek kaatil ho

Chand toofan ho, ek sahil ho

Chand ghoongroo ho, ek payal ho

Chand gazlein ho, ek mehfil ho

Chand ehmak ho, ek aakal ho

Chand raahein, ek manzil

Ek manzil, ek manzil

Fakira

Singer: Vishal Vaid

Now, the theme of the movie gets clear. The film is all about dope and love. This is another dope song after Banao. Lyrics like Jhoom Mastaana, Jhoolelal really makes it a good one. The beats sound more electronic than Ek Manzil (which sounds a bit of rock).

Main Chala

Singer: Kailash Kher

I have mixed feelings about this song. The lyrics are so beautiful, beats are outstanding too. But somehow, the song lacks soul. Music Director doesn’t mean what he is serving to us. Of course, Kailash Kher has done a good job, but due to monotonous music, the song gets boring after a couple of minutes.

Naina Lagey

Singer: Papon

The pride of Assam rocks again. Papon, you are great! The song which could have been a mediocre riff of trance and electronic gets a way too superior due to the vocals by Anurag Mahanta. I got observant on one more thing, the lyrics of the soundtrack are not actually lyrics, but they are just phrases rendered at times and looped throughout the song. Take it Banao, Ek Manzil or this one, lyrics are very small phrases

Symphony Of the Streets

Instrumental

Now this is what electronics is all about. Symphony Of The Streets; a brilliant innovation as a piece, but I wonder how the director will be using this track in the movie. It would be interesting to see the song on screen rather than hearing it.

Soundtrack Theme

Instrumental

The track is the instrumental of the best song of the album – Ek Manzil. Nothing much innovative here, but yet it is a pleasant audacity.

What the F!

Singer: Anushka Manchanda

Yes. This is the name of the track. The song has got good dose of lyrics this time, and music is Pop (I wish It could have been electronic); but the song has no soul. The song sounds like random English Pop number being played in clubs, whose lyrics have no message or no connection. The song sounds situational.

Well, the album has definitely a potential to turn tables. But what it lacks is soul. Moreover, random arrangement of the remixes hinders the progress of the soundtrack. I wonder why two remixes are featured. First of all, no remix can compete with the originals (recent exceptions: Hawa Hawai and Khoya Khoya Chand from Shaitan), and if you don’t arrange the order of the songs well, then you don’t create an overall effect of the album. The album has its own highs and lows, but still it’s a good thing to stumble upon.

Rating:* * * 1/2

Bodyguard Music Review (BD)

2011-07-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review :Bodyguard

Bodyguard

Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya, Prittam

Lyrics: Shabeer Ahmed, Nilesh Mishra

BD Music Rating:***

Bodyguard

Singer: Salman Khan

My gosh! The chilled up guitars in the song is a brilliant innovation Himesh Bhai! And this song is all about the spirit of the movie. Salman's dialogues in the song reminds of Main Hu Yuvvraj. Actually this should have been Bodyguard theme, instead of Teri Meri instrumental. Lyrics sound Juvenal and raw. The song gets a little loopy after 2:00. Overall, a nice song to promote on teasers.

Desi Beat

Singer: Mika, Amrita Kank

A hard core Bhangra track of the album. And no price for guessing, Mika is the singer. The song has all the elements of a Bhangra song, which might not be musically hit but a sure shot visual treat. The Lyrics are peppy with phrases "Desi Beat Baja De Dholiya". The hip hop version of the song is more hep. Vocals of Alam Gir Khan sound better than Mika!

Teri Meri

Singer:Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal

What a melodious song! And mind blowing vocals by Shreya Ghoshal. But the song is all about boasting vocals of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. He does not sing with throat (neither from nose ofcourse) but he sings straight from heart. The song gets vintage feeling thanks to the brilliant orchestras. Nice mix. Reprise Version is also pleasant.

Bodyguard theme is the instrumental of Teri Meri.

I Love You

Singer: Ash King, Clinton Carejo

Ash King!!! I absolutely love his voice. He is of course, Rahman’s discovery. And this guy has all the songs a chartbuster till date. Keep it Dil Gira Daftan or Te Amo or this one. Lyrics set up a good romantic mood. Clinton Carejo backs up some fine notes with Ash King. This is the only song of Prittam for the album, but a deserved one to include on the covers.

The unplugged version by Shaan is good but the original version is better.

4 orignals on the cover.5 remix, 1 reprise, 1 unplugged and 1 instrumental to end up a huge music album. I expected Himesh Reshammiys's voice for couple of tracks like Teri Meri Reprise and Bodyguard title track but nevertheless, album is good. Almost of same standards of a Salman Khan movie.

Rating:***

Singham Movie Review Bollywood Dil Se (BD)

2011-07-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Movie Review: Singham

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kajal Aggarwal, Prakash Raj, Sachin Khedekar, Govind Namdeo

Direction: Rohit Shetty

Genre: Romance,Humor,Action

Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

Movie Overview:
"Ajay Devgn , Prakash Raj, Rohit Shetty, Aave Singham, Kajal Aggarwal, Majja Satkeli, Gotya…" These are some phrases that keep rolling onto your mind as soon as you leave the theatre. While you are inside the theatre, movie never gives you a chance to halt for a second; it’s a helluva fun ride.

Say it a Masala Movie, Family Entertainer, Paisa Vasool Movie or South Indian remake, I absolutely love this movie. I saw the portrayal of Pure India, Young India and Beautiful India in this movie unlike some movies which tend to show harsh realities and stuff.

Ajay Devgn ( People say Salman is a Mass Actor, But I have never seen people in PVR Cinema cheering and clapping so much in any Salman Khan movie like they did for Singham ). He is undoubtedly a Hero. And Singham is all about his heroic portrayal done brilliantly by Rohit Shetty. Prakash Raj is one of the best (apart from remakes) that we have imported from Tollywood. He is a perfect goon, the tag which I would give to Amrish Puri or Amjad Khan or Prem Chopra.

Direction by Rohit Shetty is awesome! Cinematography by Dudely is breezy and spirited (thanks to brilliantly shot action sequences.Who cares even if it is larger than life!) Screenplay by Yunus Sajawal is zippy. If these aspects would not have been better, than movie would have been high on style and low on content; which I am glad is not the case with Singham.

Bunch of Marathi Actors and Kajal Aggarwal are takeaways too. The later looks as sweet as candy floss. Background Score (mostly made up from its title track) is up roaring and plays a major role behind Singham’s coolness.

The movie is made to make you feel good. And does it? Hell yeah!!

Quick Review:

Cast:
Ajay Devgn as Singham, looks and acts like a Singham. I wonder what would have been if Surya was selected as Singham. Kajal Aggarwal is absolutely adorable. Marathi actors like Govind Namdeo, Sachin Khedekar, Sonali Kulkarni (she was a bit loud) are the backbone of the movie.

Story And Screenplay:
There is nothing new in the story, but is it needed? No. Even an ordinary story with brilliant performance and Direction can be hot shooted. And this is what Singham does. Screenplay is dynamic, the story never loses its energy.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is tight in first half. The film looses grip in second half where a song is added, which wasn't needed at all.Real India is really well shot! Goa seems to be favorite of Bollywood these times. Action Sequences are soul of the movie.

Music And Background Score:
Music by Ajay - Atul is very good. All the three originals are well shot in the movie, but Maula was not needed to be included. Background score by Amar Mohile as I wrote earlier, is up roaring.

Direction:
Rohit Shetty's best till date.

A sure shot hit of the year!!

Rating:****

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Movie Review (BD)

2011-07-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Movie Review: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast:Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar,Abhay Deol,Katrina Kaif,Kalki Koechlin

Direction: Zoya Akhtar

Genre: Romance,Humor

Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes

Movie Overview:

“Seize the day”, is the whole and soul of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. I was actually quite low on expectations with this movie. But this movie has turned out to be a vagabond of friendship, love, adventure, emotions and above all, LIFE.

I always believed that Farhan Akhtar is a good showman. Right from Rock On!!, Luck By Chance and the duh Kartik Calling Kartik. But this movie has proved it that he has all the elements that are needed in an actor. He can dance, can cry (can sing of course) and now, he can make you laugh. Abhay – Farhan – Hrithik are the three mesquiteers.

Zoya Akhtar is one more reason to watch this movie. The way she directed Luck By Chance was not all serendipitous, and she has proved it. ZNMD is all her baby. The male bonding penned and filmed by her is pleasant.

The Spanish locations are exotic. Dialogues (By Farhan Akhtar) are real and spontaneous. Movie runs with its own good slow pace, which is very much needed for the road movies.

Many scenes halt the heart and literally put you on an adventure mode.

Movie would have been a way better if songs were good. Editing needed a bit more stitch. I have no complaints regarding the length of the movie, as I can watch this Spanish odyssey for more than two hours with a tub of pop corn and a coke.

Overall, this road movie is a trip to remember.

Quick Review:

Cast:
Just perfect. Hrithik - Abhay - Farhan reminds you of Akshaye - Saif - Amir of Dil Chahta Hai (Nothing apart from these is similar in these two movies.) Kalki, as usual fits into her role. Katrina is good. Adriana Cabrol is noteworthy.

Story And Screenplay:
An ordinary story shot in an extra ordinary way. The usual story seems interesting as it is transfused in the form of a Road Movie. Reema Kagti has done a good job. Screenplay is good. Dialogues are very good.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is okay. Cinematography is exotic, stylish and vivacious. Scenes of under water diving, bull fights, tomatino festival, air diving all are very well shot.

Music And Background Score:
Music is strictly okay.Senorita is good. Khwabon Kay Parinday is soulful. Background score is apt, could have been better.

Direction:
I am a fan of Zoya Akhtar now, thats all.

Overall, A perfect movie to be on your DVD Collection!

Rating:****

Murder 2 Movie Review (BD)

2011-07-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

Murder 2 Movie Review

Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast:Emraan Hashmi ,Jacqueline Fernandez, Sudhanshu Pandey, Prashant Narayanan

Direction: Mohit Suri

Genre: Thriller,Action

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Movie Overview:

Murder 1 was inspired from "Unfaithful" and now this one, from "Chaser”, It’s awful to see Mahesh Bhatt replicating the English movies.

Now, talking about the movie, the makers have chosen a very smart way of banking the brand “Murder”. The sequel is not at all the sequel. Nothing apart from the makers are same in this movie. But in order to create some hype and sensation, screenplay and story are hampered and unnecessary sex scenes are muxed in an uncanny way.

Emraan Hashmi and Prashant Narayan (I loved him in Yeh Saali Zindagi) were just splendid! Jacqueline is supposed to be the eye candy and she does it well. She adds more spice than Mallika Sherawat.

Music is a plus point of the movie. Aye Khuda is shot in a brilliant way (Mohit Suri did the same thing in Awarapan). Haal – E – Dil sounds good too. Background score by Raju Singh is okay.

The fault with the movie is in its screenplay. Due to the urge to mix up erotica with thriller, Shagufta Rafique messes with the flow of the movie. Dialogues are crisp.

The actions and visuals were dark and intense, apt to the theme.

Overall, Mohit Suri had his heart and mind on the correct track while making the movie, but if the story and screenplay were better (or should I say logical); the movie would have worked wonders. A worth watch anyways.

Quick Review:

Cast:
Emraan is shining and so is Prashant. Jacqueline is okay, her dialogue delivery has improved. Sudhanshu is good. Rest of the cast is okay.

Story And Screenplay:
Story is inspired from "Chaser" which in turn, was inspired from Korean movie. Screenplay as I said, has some loopholes. Dialogues are fun. Some scenes like one where Emraan and Prashant at chemist store etc. are well shot.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is good.First half is thrilling and engaging, but the second half turns out to be ordinary. The story gets predictable by the end.

Music And Background Score:
Music is good. Its review is already the most popular page on the blog. Background score by Raju Singh (I wonder why he has not given a single tune in the music section considering that his association with Bhatt's has proved to be a hit) is thrilling.

Direction:
Mohit Suri does his job brilliantly. Anurag Basu refused to direct the movie after directing the first part, but Mohit has never let the Bhatts' down. The movie is as dark and raw, as it is supposed to be.

Overall, you are thrilled and glued to seats until you are in a cinema hall, but as soon as you leave the halls, you don't remember much except dialogues.I rate it a 3.5/5

Rating:***1/2

Singham Music Review (BD)

2011-07-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review: Singham

Sigham

Music Director: Ajay - Atul

Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire

BD Music Rating:***

Singham

Singer: Sukhwinder Singh

As soon as the sanskrit verses start, I certainly predicate that the song is going to be a cult hit like Dabbang and Omkaara title tracks.But as soon as Sukhwinder Singh starts rendering mesmerizing tune, I simply feel overpowered and energetic. Theme (Music and Lyrics) of the track is just omnipotent. Music is a very well fusion of violins, Dhols and Flute. The song never loses energy level, even in the interlude. A very well use of chorus is made throughout the song. Music is thus very innovative. I feel glad to see Ajay-Atul on the cover (I still remember Hanuman Chalisa from Waah! Life Ho to Aisi) and last 45 seconds of the song just enthrall me into the new divines!! It’s a real good start to the album. Ave Singham!!

Saathiya

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal, Ajay Gogavale

The song seems ordinary at first listen. Sounds meliorate on the next and superlative on the next to next! The track is distinguished from ordinary ones by use of violins (again!), very Indianised instruments (like Matka) and singing of the male lead. The male lead, Ajay Gogavale, who happens to be the one from music director duo,is just splendid. The voice texture in the voice gives his solo singing, a chorus feel!! Shreya Ghoshal is apt for the song and lyrics fill up the bill.

Maula Maula
Singer: Richa Sharma, Kunal Ganjawala

Well, after brilliant first two songs, this one is a mediocre. The lyrics are beautiful, tune is ordinary and singing is good. Its a long time since I heard from Kunal Ganjawala. Music is not innovative here like the previous two. An average track.

And surprisingly, all the originals come to an end here. Rohit Shetty likes to serve more songs but this time I am little disappointed with only three originals on the cover. Ajay – Atul definitely makes good music for first two tracks, and if they could serve some more variety in genres, It would have been easier to rate the album.

Never mind, I rate this album a lenient three out of five for its two super hit tracks.

Rating:***

Shaitan Movie Review (BD)

2011-06-10T00:18:00.000-07:00

Movie Information:IMDB Link

Cast:Rajeev Khandelwal,Kalki Koechlin,Pawan Malhotra,Shiv Pandit,Gulshan Devaiya,Neil Bhoopalam,Kirti Kulhari

Direction: Bejoy Nambiar

Genre: Thriller,Action

Duration: 2 hours 7 minutes

Movie Overview:

The movie as I guessed earlier, is a revamped version of Anurag Kashyap directorial debut (which is still in the claws of Indian Censor Board) "Paanch" starring Kay Kay Menon.And now after almost a decade of his first yet unreleased movie, Anurag Kashyap producing this movie and getting it through the censor board without any cuts is a good slam to the Indian Censor Board. Clearly the movie is more intense and dark than Paanch. The movie is a way more profane with mild to severe abuses, implicit sex and nudity, and explicit violent scenes. And yet the movie has passed without a cut (showing a fact that censorship has improved a lot).

The movie is almost perfect on cinematic aspects. Casting and Direction is flawless.Cinematography is something best I have seen so far. Every scene is shot in the ultra stylish way leading to a brilliant story telling.
First half of the movie is extremely engaging and entertaining, the second half lacks a bit by predictable turns and twists.

All the subplots of the movie like their characters are very strong take it as subtle love story of Rajeev Khandelwal (So graceful on the screen) or the one with Amy's mother, every character has its own story to tell and they tell it in their own ultra stylish way.

The "Shomu" cameo (By someone who has done commendable job in AK's last produced movie) and Nikhil Chinnapa add the surprise factor to the movie.

Yet again a brilliant piece of cinema by Anurag Kashyap Production and kudos to Bijoy Nambiar.

Quick Review:

Cast:

All male debutants Shiv Pandit,Gulshan Devaiya and Neil Bhoopalam are hopeful and very bright on acting skills.Rajeev Khandelwal (A main reason that could bring female fans for the movie) is absolutely charming. Pawan Malhotra and rest are good.

Story And Screenplay:
Story is in a way inspired from real events as well as the movie Paanch. Screenplay by the director himself is very piquant. Dialouges are crisp. The writing section is almost flawless.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is very good. Few stiches in the second half could have help this movie to get a five star rating from me. Cinematography By R. Madhi is undoubtedly the best till date in the history of Bollywood.

Music And Background Score:
No words to describe the music and background score. Absolutely speechless!! I can watch this movie again for the music and background score only.Khoya Khoya Chand, Josh and Pintya song sequences are the limelight of the movie.

Direction:
What a vehicle for a debutant's launch! Shaitan is ofcourse Anurag Kashyap's baby. But the true credit of the movie should go to Bejoy Nambiar. Bijoy, give me something as good as this and I will be your patron.

The movie due to many off-screen reasons deserves a five. But as a reviewer keeping personal aspects aside, I rate this movie a deserved 4.5

Rating:****1/2

( The review also featured on IMDB. Click here to see )

Ready Movie Review (BD)

2011-06-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil se Movie Review:Ready

Rating:***1/2

Movie Information :IMDB Link

Cast: Salman Khan,Asin,Arya Babbar,Paresh Rawal,Puneet Issar,Mahesh Manjrekar

Direction: Anees Bazmi

Genre: Humour,Action,Drama

Duration: 2 hours 22 minutes

Movie Overview:

After Wanted and Dabbang (there flicks were so well received that Veer's average collection has vanished).Salman is going to be an Indian Rajnikant soon.His larger than life image, though restricted to his fans only, but definitely works wonder with his movies.Ready is no exeption. The movie has opened to full houses throughout the country and is supposed to be another super hit for him. The movie is also supposed to suppress the next release "Shaitan" which I feel will be better cinematic experience.

Ready is a baby of two showmen, Salman and Anees Bazmi. The movie has all Anees Bazmi elements like slap stick jokes (sometimes PJ), vibrant colors, great locations and song picturesqueness. And the movie has all Salman Khan elements like his typical dancing style, dialogue delivery, and comic timing.

The movie is well supported by efficient star cast (Paresh Rawal's chemistry with Salman is more appealing than Asin and Salman).Regular dose of songs and humor helps to scroll down the movie in a smooth way. No doubt, first half is clumsy, but film picks up the pace in the second half. And as soon as the movie ends, a Salman Khan fan is sure to get a good smile.

Such movies are never meant to be logical or extraordinary, so wasting your time in observing loop holes in the movie is no smart thing.

Cameos by many stars are totally successful in making Ready an another extravagant movie.

(Only) If you are a Salman Khan fan (I am not much, but I adore him in real life), get ready for Ready.

Quick Review:

Cast:

Salman Khan himself fills up the bill.And he is well supported by Paresh Rawal and Co. Asin is gracious. Puneet Issar and Mahesh Manjrekar does their job well.Sudesh Lahiri deserves applause for leaving his comical impression in a Salman Khan movie.

Story And Screenplay:

Story is same old bollywood masala movie with no unusual twists and turns. Considering the fact that the movie is a remake of Telugu movie Ready (Ft. Ram and Genelia D Souza) the Hindi writers had not much to do at the creative tables.

Editing And Cinematography:

Okay. Editing (Ritesh Soni) is faulty.The story takes a long time to pick up. Though this void is covered by one man show by Salman, the slow pace cant be ignored. Cinematography is good. Vivacious locations and very well picturised songs works in the favor of the movie.

Music And Background Score:

Music is already reviewed here. Devi Sri Prasad rocks with his "Dhinka Chika / Ringa Ringa" and Prittam does a good job with his "Character Dheela" (Zarine looks good) . The rest of the songs are average but screen presence of Salman-Asin makes them watchable.Background score is good.

Direction:

Anees Bazmi is back again after some not so good movies No Problem and Thank You. Hope to see him making such masala movies for a long time.

If you love Salman, you will love Ready.If you want to enjoy some popcorn and candy floss along with friends for a weekend, Ready is ready for you.

Rating:***1/2

Murder 2 Music Review (BD)

2011-06-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review :Murder 2

Murder 2

Music Director:Harshit Saxena,Mithoon,Sangeet Haldipur,Siddharth Haldipur

Lyrics:Sayeed Qadri

BD Music Rating:***

Haal E Dil

Singer:Harshit Saxena

First of all I would like to appreciate the Bhatts for giving the youngsters the deserved platform in the music Industry. Harshit Saxena (from Amul Voice Of India) is the one this time. The debutant song from him is a lovely lovely musical gift to the listner.Lyrics are typical candy floss kinda romantic.Though a Prittam kinda song, he is no Prittam, listen to the beats and tune carefully,so original and so groovy.Welcome to the industry Harshit!

The Acoustic one is an average one compared to the original but yet a pleasure.

Aa Zara Karib Se

Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan

Another debutant duo Sangeet Haldipur, Siddharth Haldipur.But sadly the song is not innovative. Its like Ismail Darbar tunes mixed with DJ Suketu beats.Sorry, But a long way to go.

Aye Khuda

Singer: Kshitij Tarey, Salim Bhat, Mithoon

As soon as the album was out, My friend messaged me, Mithoon is back and back with bang! And he is absolutely correct. Mithoon welcome back!!!! The song is a perfect ten on soul thanks to ace singing by Mithoon,Saim and Kshitij. The song will be a huge hit as soon as the fever of Haal - E- Dil is reduced.Lyrics are surprisingly soulful and touchy!

Phir Mohabbat

Singer: Mohd Irfan, Arjit, Saim Bhat

Most soulful track of the album.Looks like an unplugged version, the song is one of my pick for the album. Waste of time to describe it, just listen it!

Tujhko Bhulana

Singer:Sangeet Haldipur, Roshni Baptist

Again the song is a miss.

So 5 original and 3 Remixes ends the album.The album as expected is good like all Emraan Hasmi movies. But due to Sangeet-Siddharth tracks and three remixes, I give it a gracious three out of five.

Rating:***

Delhi Belly Music Review (BD)

2011-06-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review :Delhi Belly

Delhi Belly

Music Director:Ram Sampath

Lyrics:Amitabh Bhattacharya, Munna Dhiman, Ram Sampath, Akshat verma and Chetan Shashital

BD Music Rating:****

Bhaag D.K. Bose

Singer:Ram Sampath

The song is the biggest commercial hit of ace composer Ram Sampath(I predicted in Luv Ka The End review that hes gonna rock in Delhi Belly and I was damn right). The song is supposed to be the youth anthem of the nation. The rock song at its hilarious best. Lyrics are supacool!
As it seems, 'D K Bose, DK Bose,' juxtaposed together and sung to fast instruments, is a popular expletive in India.My expectations are sky high now.

Nakkaddwaley Disco, Udhaarwaley Khisko

Singer: Keerthi Sagathia

"Teri Tirchi Nazar Ne Dil Ko Kar Die Pencher!!!" the Qawali with blues and song helluva fun ride. Lyrics by the movie writer himself Akshat Verma are like adaption from Mushaira Or Hasya Kavi Sammelan. Too cool song!!

Saigal Blues

Singer: Chetan Shashital

A reprise tribute to Saigalsaab. The song continues the flow and the mood of the album.Fun and funk that's what the album is all about.
Ram Sampath,you are the man!

Bedardi Raja

Singer: Sona Mohapatra

Sona Mohapatra(I still remember her songs Abhi Nahi Aana and Tere Ishq Nachaya) is the lead of this folk song.The song seems situational.Though fun not funky which is satisfied by another Version of the song,the funky one.Smart move,huh?

Jaa Chudail
Singer:Suraj Jagan

Another rock song.Ram Sampath simply rocks!! And Amitabh Bhattacharya (Most of his albums are hit. all in a span of 2 years.He has a success story....Aamir,Dev D,Udaan,Anjaana Anjaani,Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai,No One Killed Jessica,Thank You,Ready) is now my favorite after Gulzaarji.

The lyrics for the break up song goes...

Chhoti chhoti baato'n se
Tune jo sataya mujhe
Ungli pe nachake tune
Chuna jo lagaya mujhe
Arey jaa jaa jaa
Go to hell....

Arey jaa ja ja
I want silence
Jaa chudail
Jaa chudail
Ya ya
Ja chudail

Palkon pe bithaya tujhe
Ruthi toh manaya tujhe
Pyaar mein toh khuda
Bhi banaya tujhe par (par)
Tujhko kadar nahi
Yeh le dekh thenga mera
Ha ha ha
Tail lene ja tu
Koi kya ukhad lega mera
Ae..
Abey ja ja ja
Go to hell...
Ja ja ja
Once again
Jaa chudail
Ja chudail
Chudail...fida...

Phoolon sa chehra tera
Dil pe tha pehra tera
Reh gaya ab wahaan
Dard gehra tera
Hat...

Phool vool kuch nahi
Sada hua aalo hai tu
You know what you are
Hoor nahi pari nahi
Jungli ek bhaalu hai tu

Arey ha ha ha
Go to hell
Arey ja ja ja
Everybody
Jaa chudail
Jaa chudail
Jaa chudail
Chudail....
Abey ja ja ja
Go to hell
Ja ja ja
Once again
Jaa chudail
Jaa chudail
Chudail
Yea yea.

Tere Siva

Singer:Ram Sampath, Tarannum Mallik

The album would have been a 4.5* if this track wasn't on the album.

Switty

Singer:Keerthi Sagathia

Yes,after the previous hurdle,the album gets back on the track again.Frankly, the remixed version of the song was not needed.still Fun Fun Fun! Munna Dhiman competes with Amitabh Bhattacharya this time in the battle of words. Good job by Lyricist.

I Hate You (Like I Love You)
Singer:Keerthi Sagathia, Sona Mohapatra, Shazneen Arethna, Aamir Khan

The song is catchy,funny and rocking. Lyrics are witty.With Amir Khan giving the vocals and delivering funny punch lines (Jo chauka udte huye jaye usse chakka kehte hai.Lawl) the situational song will be striking like a lightning on televison soon.Good one.

After the unreal Shaitan, yet another revolutionary combo of Retro,Blue,Funk and Rock seen in the recent time(Love you, Bollywood).Delhi Belly is something to keep it in your collection.

Rating:****

Shaitan Music Review (BD)

2011-06-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review :Shaitan

Shaitan

Music Director:Prashant Pillai, Amar Mohile, Ranjit Barot, Anupam Roy

Lyrics:Sanjeev Sharma

BD Music Rating:****

Enter

(Instrumental)

The very short instrumental is placed to introduce you to the new age sounds of this new age album.Thoguh the instrumental is too short,seems apt for the intro music.

Bali (The Sound Of Shaitan)

Singer: Farhad Bhiwandiwala, K.S. Krishnan, Preeti Pillai, Hitesh Modak, Kalloist

To review the song, few lines are not enough. Read the complete review of the song (here).

Nasha

Singer: Prashant Pillai, Bindu Nambiar

After divine Bali, comes the absolute rahmanic- Nasha! Prashant's vocals are just outstanding. Same goes for Bindu Nambiar (Readers are welcomed to point out a relation between Bijoy and Bindu Nambiar, I am ignorant). Lyrics are apt for the songs. Music arrangement and production is so so rich.The song deserves accolades.Punjabi touch in the end is very innovative.

Josh
Singer:Colin Terence, Abhishek, Shradha

An Amar Mohile track. Amar Mohile (the ace background scorer and good music composer) teams up with Rock On With MTV show ft Colin Terence for a Hinglish Rap. The rap song with techno beats and dhol (towards the end) has some Jazzy saxophones making it a heady cocktail of Eastern - Western influences. Well done!

Fareeda
Singer:Suraj Jagan

The typical rock song with dark lyrics and rocking vocals by Suraj Jagan. The music by Prashant Pillai is ordinary (for this song only) but the lyrics are definitely commendable. Sanjeev Sharma seems well versed in Urdu.Overall an average song.

Hawa Hawai
Singer:Suman Sridhar

(Most reviews left this song unreviewed) The song is re - creation of Hawa Hawai by Laxmikant - Pyarelal. (PS this is reprise version not the remixed one). Glad to see the original credits on album cover(both Javed Akhtar and Laxmikant-Pyarelal are credited). The singing by Suman Sridhar is good. Her last attempt Tonight from Luv ka the end was slightly better. Anyways a good song.

O Yaara

Singer:Kirti Sagatia, Preeti Pillai

Yet another less explored genre, Sufi Rock. The song opens with beautiful blend of Sufi vocals and killer guitars.But the song soon gets slightly boring due to confused and continuous transition of the song from rock to Sufi genre. I feel the soul of a Sufi Rock is missing here.The song slowly catches you, but strictly fails to sting you on the first go.

Pintya
Singer:Chandan Shive

First one from Ranjit Barot for Shaitan. The song goes the typical folk way till 1:07 but soon the techno portion begins. And this portion is well produced and mixed with folk portion.Special credit to the guitarist, the song seems to be made for the background score of the movie.

Zindagi
Singer:Ranjeet Barot

The next one from the man himself, Ranjit Barot.The song is good mainly due to the soulful lyrics and good singing.Music is a bit misfit.But the lyricist again makes Urdu- Hindi his fortage and saves this otherwise mediocre song.

Amy's Theme
(Instrumental)

Like the previous one, this instrumental is a sheer explodinasa of soul. The instrumental is soulful and soulful and soulful...the chorus makes it even more soulful!I love this one.

Nasha(Rock and Soul Version)
Singer:Ranjit Barot, Farhad Bhiwandiwala, Bindu Nambiar

The special mention of the song because of its variety from the original version.This one is as cool as the previous one, and is sung by Ranjit Barot who appears to be a composer for the movie too!

This proves the rare observed comfort level between two music producers working on the same movie. Both musical men, complement each other rather than competing to each other.Bless!

Retro Pop Shit
(Insrtumental)

Now another composer is introduced here. Anupam Roy for only one track. But the track seems quintessential. This one is a pure pop! Unlike those indi-pops served to us in the name of pop.The good fusion of trance with the pop around 2:12 makes it a perfect Retro Shit!Excellent job!

Unleashed
Singer: Bhayanak Maut

Most reviewers have declared this as an instrumental by Prashant Pillai. Sigh! The song is (first ever death metal featured in an Indian movie) composed by Pune based Metal band Bhayanak Maut. The song will definitely take the movie to the new heights. Too unreal to believe that the director has guts to introduce Death Metal to the music industry.Lyrics by the same band is like all other metal songs - Inaudible.

Outro
(Instrumental)

A brilliant outro to the brilliant music album. The instrumental seems to be an official soundtrack of Need For Speed Game or GTA Vice city. Kudos.

Here are few final words to describe the album.
Unreal,Experimental,Brilliant!!

Rating:****

Bali The Sound Of Shaitan

2011-06-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

Let me first introduce the new name "Prashant Pillai" to my readers(though they are few :p). As he says he is a music producer + media entrepreneur + foodie. He is the prime music composer of Shaitan. And his masterpiece (according to me) "Bali - the sound of shaitan" is a gem.

The song opens with the electro beats which is soon backed by the killer vocals. The lead vocalist K.S. Krishnan who happens to be the lyricist of the song is simply unreal and toxic.The Hindi portion is sung by Preeti Pillai (who is lead singer of his most of Kannad songs). The way she says "Khwabon Aate Ho,Dil Main Samate Ho" is simply funky!

Around 1:10 the interlude of the song begins.And the guitars and disc breaks accompanied by classical sounding vocals cant stop your foot tapping.And then you are amused as soon as song reaches around 1:50. The typical Tamil Hip - Hop is now indianized by good flavored mixes of shehnai and damroos.

But no its not over yet.Soon begins Rap portion and then around 2:25, around 2:25 you hear superb beat boxing (very innovative) samples along with the Hindi lyrics by male voice.

And now from 2:57, the perfect blend of various sound instruments and vocals are very well arranged and all the sounds right from the beginning, are heard all together within the next minute.

When the song ends, you cant control but play it again.The song is the ultimate addiction of the album!!

Here are the lyrics (courtesy Google search),
Athisaya raagam aananda raagam
Palaya ragam apoorva ragam
Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho
Athisaya raagam aananda raagam
Palaya ragam apoorva ragam
Ragam ragam

Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho
Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho
Rarara tu chal jathe ho
Rarara tu chal jathe ho

Athisaya raagam aananda raagam
Palaya ragam apoorva ragam
Athisaya raagam aananda raagam
Palaya ragam apoorva ragam

Than than than than thagi thagina thagi thagina tha ditha thagi thagina thagi thagina thagina thagina
Nag nag nag nag nagilal pathe ad pathe

Hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye
Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho
Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho
Dil mein sama the meri rooh mein bas jaate ho………………..

Athisaya Raagam Aananda Raagam
Palaya ragam apoorva ragam
Hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye hoyye
Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho

Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho
Khwabon mein aate ho aur dil mein sama the ho

The song will be the anthem of the youth soon if the movie clicks. Prashant Pillai, hope you achieve millions of patrons like your guide and mentor A. R. Rahman.

Kucch Luv Jaisaa Music Review (BD)

2011-05-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review : Kucch Luv Jaisaa

Kucch Luv Jaisaa

Music Director:Pritam

Lyrics:Irshad Kamil

BD Music Rating:***

Naina

Singer:Mohit Chauhan, Monali Thakur

When I saw Pritam on the cover for the music, I decided to check if Pritam is in different avatar this time or not,sadly he is not. Opening track sang beautifully by Mohit Chauhan sounds so so similar to Bheegi Si Bhaagi Si of Rajneeti. Even lyrics by Irshad Kamil with Pritam has become unanimous.Hope we see a magic with A. R. Rahman and Irshad Kamil combo in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar.And yes one more disappointment, though female singer is appointed, Mohit Chauhan sings both male and female lyrics!!!

Thoda Sa Pyar (Love And 2 Reprise Versions)

Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan, Anupum Amod,Mannan Shah, Naresh Iyer and Shefali Alvaris

Anupam Amod is astonishing once again. Sunidhi Chauhan as usual is comfortable. No innovations again in the music department.Again a soft romantic number. The whole album, thus, in a way gets monotonous.Sad but Pritam has lost sparks!

Reprise Version by Mannan Shah is a little bit more soulful than the first one.

The third and final version is the best song of the album.English portions by Shefali Alvaris is superb! Here is the innovations in music. Pritam sounds creative. But its too late as this is the last track of the album.

Baadal Pe Paon

Singer: Mannan Shah

A little better song than the first two.Sounds similar to Socha Hai with typical Jaaved Saab kinda lyrics.Yet the song is pleasant due to the new talent Mannan Shah.A descent effort.

Khwab Sa (Rock And Reprise)

Singer:Nikhil D’Souza

I am a fan of the singer since Break Ke Baad and Haunted 3 D and now KLJ. His songs are undoubtedly the highlight of the otherwise very dull album. He sounds as fresh as he did in first two albums of his. Rock version is slightly better than the reprise one. But both are very good to ears.

Yet another average album from Pritam. With all the love songs (like Dil To Bachcha Hai Jee) album is strictly for Pritam lovers only.

Rating:***

Luv Ka The End Music Review (BD)

2011-05-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

BD Music Review :Luv Ka The End

Luv Ka The End

Music Director:Ram Sampath

Lyrics:Amitabh Bhattacharya

BD Music Rating:***1/2

F.U.N. Fun Funaa

Singer: Ali Zafar

Ram Sampath is a very talented music director for me.He is always fresh and never hesitating to venture new genres. His association with MTV and Bumpy, is I think is the prime reason for his appointment with this project.All his flicks Khakee, Family, Jumbo And Aagey Se Right were average but all of them had atleast one out of the box song.

This song is sadly not the one.This is a feel good Rock song we come across now and then. A mediocre effort!

Freak Out

Singer:Joi Barua, Aditi Singh Sharma

Though the song sounds to be extended version of FUN Fun Fanna, the elemental difference is lyrics.Lyrics are perfect. Very very suitable for Teens or Young age. A song which is though avoidable, graces the album.

Luv Ka The End

Singer: Aditi Singh Sharma

The front liner of the album. The song is a full on Rock song with rocking singer of Dev D fame Aditi Singh Sharma. Though its another Rock song, it surprisingly sounds different. The song is a very well conceived piece by the music director and lyricist.

The Mutton Song

Singer: Krishna

Very Very fresh song.The song deserves full score for its unique genre, singing, lyrics and most especially the unique name. Lyrics are witty, music is peppy, and singing is bang on! Ram Sampath creates a good will for his next one - Delhi Belli!

Heppy Budday Beybee

Singer:Jimmy Moses

A short piece offered as a bonus song by Jimmy Moses (Jhonny Lever's mimic).Cool!

Tonight

Singer: Suman Sridhar

A fairy tale song.This song is soothing thanks to great singing and music production.The tune is even more mesmerizing.The song gives us a very pleasant end to the album.And we hope even better next time from this talented music director.

The album has its own feel and theme. The album will mainly influence the college going students or high school teens. The High School Musical kinda songs are so on into Bollywood now!Good one!

Rating:***1/2

Shor In The City Movie Review (BD)

2011-05-19T00:25:00.001-07:00

Bollywood Dil se Movie Review:Shor In The City

Rating:****

Movie Information :IMDB Link

Cast: Tusshar Kapoor, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Preeti Desai, Pitobash Tripathy, Nikhil Dwivedi, Radhika Apte ,Sundeep Kishan ,Girija Oak

Direction:Raj Nidimoru ,Krishna D.K.

Genre: Humor,Action,Drama

Duration: 2 hours

Movie Overview :

This is the third hit on the row for Ekta Kapoor. First of all kudos to her. The movie released without much attention or speculation. But like all other mind blowing gems, take it Udaan or LSD or Do Dooni Chaar last year, this one is a purely reverberant.

Movie is a cock-tale of three stories simultaneously taking place in Mumbai within the span of 11 days of Ganesh Chaturthi. The narration consists of three different class and tastes having different background struggling in one or the other way to get a place in the heart of India.

Let me mention one name first of all, Pitobash Tripathy. I remember him right from the 3 Idiots. I knew the man has got the talent and he has accorded himself very well in the character. He brings in the gags in each and every scene he is featured.The film has got one of the strongest end credits and all thanks to the brilliant scene in the end credit.

Rensil has a descent debut and is same with Preeti Desai.

In the end, this Shor is a must watch!

Quick Review:

Cast:

Good performances is a key point. Zakhir Hussain and Pitobash are commendable. Rests are good. Nikhil Dwivedi is wasted.

Story And Screenplay:

Best section of the movie.Stories,though simple, are well narrated. Screenplay is engaging.Writing team comprising Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K., Sita Menon has done a good job.

Editing And Cinematography:

Editing is good.The track fails to show the third story connecting with the other two in the end. Tusshaar Kapoor's track could have been chopped a little.Cinematography is good.But could have been better considering the fact that the Mumbai was to be captured on celluloid.

Music And Background Score:
Music is unconventional.( Read Music Review here).All songs are used in the background score which boosts the movie in a positive way.

Direction:
Duo in the direction. And direction is definitely a strong asset of the movie.

Minus some goofs in story and editing, the film is a helluva roller-coaster ride!

Rating:****

Chalo Dilli Movie Review (BD)

2011-05-19T00:25:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Dil se Movie Review:Chalo Dilli

Rating:***

Movie Information :IMDB Link

Cast: Lara Dutta, Vinay Pathak, Akshay Kumar(Do not know why he is credited with lead instead of Guest Appearance)

Direction: Shashant Shah

Genre: Humor,Drama

Duration: 2 hours

Movie Overview :

This is the first venture of Lara Dutta as a producer (She looks dead-drop gorgeous in the movie). The so called road movie is inspired from many English flicks like "Changing Lanes" and many more. So the movie, frankly is not original unlike the last venture of director Dasvidaniya.

This is a kind of movie which is better to be enjoyed on weekends on DVD players.A good entertainer with its own loop holes (and huge loop holes).

The best thing in the movie is the star cast.

Vinay is witty and Lara is a chick!

Overall an above average movie.

Quick Review:

Cast:

Strongest section of the movie. Lara Dutta and Vinay Pathak are the whole and soul of the movie. Sad that Lara Dutta has her own sweet place in Bollywood and is not a front runner in the Bollywood.

Story And Screenplay:

Arshad Sayed has done both the job loosely.Story is a mix of many different stories from Hollywood. And similarly screenplay is also distracting. The movie fails to focus on any one track and keeps on struggling to catch your attention. Film starts well but falls flat by the interval and is never picked up.Even humor quotient is less.

Editing And Cinematography:

Editing is poor. Cinematography is brilliant. Nikos Andritsakis has successfully captured spices of Rajasthan and Delhi.

Music And Background Score:
Music is poor. Background score is okay. Item song "Laila" is a good picturesque.

Direction:
Shashant Shah has his heart in his place but mind is not focused due to loose screenplay and editing.

Challo Dilli never tries to be out of the box or extravagant. The movie remains a descent entertainer from the start till the end.

Rating:***

Stanley Ka Dabba Crtitcs Movie Review (BD)

2011-05-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the other famous critics' review for the film:Stanley Ka Dabba

Reviewer:Rajeev Masand
Site:IBN Live
Movie Rating:****
One Line Verdict:This is a film with the perfect ingredients; made with honesty and a touch of innocence. No wonder it leaves you feeling very rewarded.

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Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi
Site:Times Of India
Movie Rating:***1/2
One Line Verdict:Don't miss this rich and nuanced soul curry for both, the young and adult heart.

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Reviewer:Taran Adarsh
Site:Bollywood Hungama
Movie Rating:****
One Line Verdict:Simplistic, honest and sensitively told, STANLEY KA DABBA takes you back to your school days.

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Reviewer:Anirudha Guha
Site:NDTV
Movie Rating:****
One Line Verdict:Amole Gupte shot Stanley Ka Dabba on Saturdays, during five hour-long workshops he conducted with children at a school in Chakala, Mumbai. The budget was minimal, but the determination to tell a good story was supreme. The result is a film you need to not just watch but cherish.

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Ragini MMS Critics Movie Review (BD)

2011-05-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the other famous critics' review for the film:Ragini MMS

Reviewer:Rajeev Masand
Site:IBN Live
Movie Rating:**1/2
One Line Verdict:It's nothing you haven't seen before, but it keeps you engaged for most of its 100-minute running time.

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Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi
Site:Times Of India
Movie Rating:***1/2
One Line Verdict:Watch it for its novelty and for the fact that Ragini MMS makes a heady cocktail of sex and horror that's so very different from run-of-the-mill Bollywood.

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Reviewer:Taran Adarsh
Site:Bollywood Hungama
Movie Rating:****
One Line Verdict:Ragini MMS is terrifying enough to make you jump on your seat. Let me call it a creepy, spine-chilling date movie! On the whole, RAGINI MMS amalgamates components of horror, paranormal and sex seamlessly.

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Reviewer:Komal Nahata
Site:KoiMoi
Movie Rating:***
One Line Verdict:Ragini MMS will entice and excite the youth for its fine blend of sex and horror.

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Luv Ka The End Critics Movie Review

2011-05-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here are the other famous critics' review for the film:Chalo Dilli

Reviewer:Rajeev Masand
Site:IBN Live
Movie Rating:**
One Line Verdict:I’m going with two out of five for Luv Ka The End. Give me one of those American teen comedies any day

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Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi
Site:Times Of India
Movie Rating:**1/2
One Line Verdict:Great idea, poor execution: that's the irony of this film Luv Ka the End which promises to catapult Yash Raj productions as the MTV of the film industry.

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Reviewer:Taran Adarsh
Site:Bollywood Hungama
Movie Rating:***1/2
One Line Verdict:On the whole, LUV KA THE END appeals to the sensibilities of Gen X. This one's for the yuppie Facebook and Twitter generation. Go, have a blast!

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Reviewer:Anirudha Guha
Site:DNA
Movie Rating:***
One Line Verdict:Peppy and conversational dialogue, relatable instances and a lot of madness make Luv Ka The End an enjoyable chick flick.

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Haunted 3 D Critics Movie Review (BD)

2011-05-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the other famous critics' review for the film:Haunted

Reviewer:Rajeev Masand
Site:IBN Live
Movie Rating:**
One Line Verdict:I’m going with two out of five for director Vikram Bhatt’s Haunted. You’ll be laughing hard for hours after you’ve watched this film. Not what you expect from horror, is it?

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Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi
Site:Times Of India
Movie Rating:***
One Line Verdict:Experiencing the horror in 3D is indeed a novel experience for the viewer, specially since it is smartly done. Each time the ghosts lunge out at you, stick out their tongue or flail their limbs, you jump back in your seat.

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Reviewer:Taran Adarsh
Site:Bollywood Hungama
Movie Rating:***1/2

One Line Verdict: On the whole, HAUNTED is for today's movie savvy audience. It succeeds in keeping you tense and edgy, as a true poltergeist/horror flick should.

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Reviewer:Anupama Chopra
Site:NDTV
Movie Rating:**
One Line Verdict: Vikram uses formulaic horror tropes – mist, screeching doors, books that fall by themselves and blaring background music that insists that you be scared. I was trying not to laugh out loud. I’m going with one and a half star.

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Chalo Dilli Crtitics Review (BD)

2011-05-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Here are the other famous critics' review for the film:Chalo Dilli

Reviewer:Rajeev Masand
Site:IBN Live
Movie Rating:**
One Line Verdict:'Chalo Dilli' starts off smoothly but becomes a repetitive and predictable mess when its writers fail to fully exploit the comic possibilities of such a ripe scenario.

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Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi
Site:Times Of India
Movie Rating:***1/2
One Line Verdict:The story of Chalo Dilli may be simple, straight and sprinkled with all the predictable twists and turns you can envisage in a drama that pitches a snooty, spoilt woman against a desi Indian male.But hey, the film has so much soul, specially in the climax, it makes up for any shortcomings in story and vision.

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Reviewer:Taran Adarsh
Site:Bollywood Hungama
Movie Rating:***
One Line Verdict:On the whole, CHALO DILLI is exciting and amusing in parts. The film has some terrific moments, but the writing could've been more persuasive towards the post-interval portions.

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Reviewer:Anirudha Guha
Site:DNA
Movie Rating:*
One Line Verdict: Chalo Dilli is a confused cocktail of Jab We Met, Bheja Fry, Dabangg and Delhi 6 with an item number thrown in. With a so-so first half and a disastrous second half, Chalo Dilli could be easily missed.

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Shor In The City Critics Review (BD)

2011-05-13T21:28:00.001-07:00

**Here are the other famous critics' review for the film:Shor In The City(BD Movie Rating:4*)**

Reviewer:Rajeev Masand
Site:IBN Live
Movie Rating:***1/2
One Line Verdict:A delicious mix of quirky humor, gruesome violence, and surprising sensitivity, 'Shor in the City' works on the strength of its smart script and consistent performances from its ensemble cast.

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Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi
Site:Times Of India
Movie Rating:****
One Line Verdict:Don't miss this black comedy that has heart and soul.

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Reviewer:Taran Adarsh
Site:Bollywood Hungama
Movie Rating:***1/2
One Line Verdict:On the whole, SHOR IN THE CITY belongs to one of those rare categories of movies with sensibilities that would not only entice the festival crowd and the cinema literate, but also lure the ardent moviegoer.

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Reviewer:Anirudha Guha
Site:DNA
Movie Rating:***
One Line Verdict:Shor In The City is the kind of reassuring film you yearn to watch amid, well, what ‘Bollywood’ has to offer every week.

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