Shanghai Movie Review (BD)

Bollywood Movie Review: Shanghai

Four revolutionary films. What's the next, DB?

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Movie Information: IMDB, WikiCast: Emraan Hashmi, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pitobash Tripathy
Direction: Dibakar Banerjee
Genre: Thriller

Movie Overview:

Dibakar Banerjee, Abhay Deol and Emraan Hashmi. There cannot be any better reason to watch this movie and well, it’s worth the expectations. Shanghai, the desi adaption of  Z by Vassilis Vassilikos is a fine thriller.

First things first, you can feel the Dibakar Banerjee style in each and every frame of this around two hour movie. In first ten minutes itself, the culprits are revealed and there is no whodunit feeling in first half, but thanks to brilliantly panned screenplay (courtesy Urmi Juvekar and DB), the tension builds on in a continuum till the climax and climax pays it off.

The power of Shanghai lies in its characters and subplots. Director leaves much upon the imagination of viewers but, still it is amazing to witness such a powerful cinema with a short and complex story.

Abhay, Emraan and Kalki play their milestone characters and they play with such an ease that it is impossible to picture any actors in their shoes. Prosenjit Chatterjee, though plays a cameo, makes his presence felt throughout the movie, which is incredible.

Shanghai could have been a loud political thriller with grungy background score and over the top acting, but DB chooses the path less travelled. Like his last three films he chooses his own subtle and proportionately dramatic storytelling that makes it a standalone from clichéd and crass political thrillers. In order to keep the intensity of such a mature subject, Dibakar has deliberately avoided soulful songs like Khudaya and Dua, and placed situational tracks like Bharat Mata Ki and Imported Kamariya, which is a courageous effort.

The negatives? First half takes a bit more of time to create the situations and subplots making the movie a bit drag occasionally. Apart from this, I can’t find out any other loopholes in this movie.

Watch it or not? If you are a fan of “the real powerful cinema”, do go for it.

Teaser:




Quick Review:

Cast:
Emraan, Abhay and Kalki excels; Prosenjit, Farooq Sheikh (after a long time) and Pitobash shines. Every single actor in the movie is brilliant.

Script Analysis:
Story is very simple and there is simply no scope for elements like suspense and thrills; but really outstanding screenplay builds a solid and hard hitting cinema. Dialogues never sound too heroic or melodramatic, its just what is needed here.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing is loose in first half, but the damage control is done in second half. Cinematography by Nikos Andritsakis (LSD fame) is unconventional. Bharat Nagar itself is a character in movie and all credit goes to DOP.

Music And Background Score:
Music by Vishal Shekhar is good, there wasn't much scope for them here. Background score is minimal but edgy.

Direction:
Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Love Sex aur Dhokha and Shanghai. What's next?

Final Verdict:
Kasam Yeh Khai Hai, Shehar Shanghai Hai! Bharat Mata Ki Jay!

Box Office collection report:
Rowdy Rathore won't allow Shanghai to earn much profits, but like his all films, this film too, will be a Semi - Hit and I don't think makers would be expecting much from Shanghai on commercial basis.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Sneha Khanwalkar : The Sound Trapper (BD)

Sneha Khanwalkar : The Sound Trapper

Even though being a blogger, I am not much into social networks like linked in or facebook or orkut. However, few years back, when I heard Oy Lucky! Lucky Oye!’ s soundtrack; I opened my orkut account just to create a fan page of Sneha Khanwalkar.

Oye Lucky! Lucky! Oye was a gem in both aspects, visually and musically. I would even dare to mention that I loved OLLO and LSD more than Pulp Fiction! DeeBee’s a master story teller and Sneha Khanwalkar has been his choice of music direction since his previous two ventures. Here is why.

Sneha, depending on the genre of her film, picks up a bagpack and ventures out straight to that place. As for OLLO she went to Punjab, she recorded sounds there, found out few singers out of many hidden treasures, and recorded songs keeping the folk flavor and folk accent intact. As a result, OLLO sounded fresh as a breeze. Unfortunately, LSD didn’t require much of such outings but still she visited Rajasthan for a folk song I Can’t Hold It (don’t go by the name).

Now, this methodology of Sneha is shown on national television and man, it looks interesting. A show on MTV called MTV Sound Trippin will take us along with Sneha on her journey to 10 different places in India where Sneha will be recording 10 different songs. First two episodes of MTV Sound Trippin are out and songs recorded at Punjab and Banaras respectively have really come out well. I am simply a fan of her again.

Keep up the good work Sneha! Well done!

Here is her Wiki.

Here is some YouTube’d stuff about Sneha Khanwalkar.

Sneha Khanwalkar discussing Oye Lucky Lucky Oye's music:





MTV Sound Trippin's First Episode and Song Tung Tung:



MTV Sound Trippin's Second Episode Benaras and song Ram Ram






How did YOU find the Sneha Khanwalkar's music. Do comment!

Dangerous Ishhq Music Review (BD)

Dangerous Ishhq Music Review

An avoidable affair

Dangerous Ishqq Music Review

Rating: ❤ ❤  ½

Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya

Lyrics: Shabbir Ahmed and Sameer Anjaan

Himesh Reshammiya's previous Damadamm Music Review earned me many harsh and second - rate comments from HR fans all over the world. But I still stand on my words, Damadamm was strictly an average album. According to me, HR's best from the album released in last couple of years (Milenge Milenge, Damadamm, Kajra Re and Radio) is Radio. Songs like Rafa Dafa Kiya Nahi Jaaye and Jaaneman are still on my Ipod. So I forget the previous disasters and expect another Hit album as he seems in his old charming form after smash hit "Teri Meri Kahaani".

Tu Hi Rab Tu Hi Dua

Singers: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Tulsi Kumar

The album begins with a Sufi Qawaali type of number crooned by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Undoubtedly, he is irreplaceable in this genre. Considering contrasting textures of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Tulsi Kumar, female vocals sound a bit pale here. Shreya would have been an efficient alternative. Music production is below average but catchy composition covers up other loopholes.

Naina Re

Singers: Himesh Reshammiya , Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal

Naina Re reminds me the Himesh of Aapka Suroor album. I personally like the voice pitch used in Radio rather than this one (slightly nasal). Shreya is simply mesmerizing. A riff used repeatedly in the song has striking resemblance with “Unfaithful” by Rihanna. Rahat Saab and Shreya Ghoshal simply overpass Himesh’s vocals this time. Lyrics and composition are good. Thumbs up to vocals by Shreya and Rahat Saab, Himesh you missed it this time.

Ishq Mein Ruswaa

Singer: Anweshaa

Anweshaa’s Bollywood debut and she sounds matured enough. I love her voice and singing but again, music production is average, song relies a lot on composition and singing. Two songs of same genre, is a bit hindrance for me.

Umeed

Singers: Amrita Kak, Shabab Sabri

Umeed sounds like an age-old remix by HR. Lesser said about the song is better.

Lagan Lagi

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal and Shabab Sabri

Lagan Lagi is again, a classical Indian number with odd use of Dhols here. Shehnai sounds uncoordinated and due to sub standard music production values, song remains strictly an average fare.

Naina Re (Reprise Version)

Singers: Himesh Reshammiya and Shreya Ghoshal

 

The reprise version saves album a bit from the damage done by a couple songs from same genre and forcibly placed remixes.

Overall, this is something that an HR fan would like to forget and forgive. The album has good compositions to boast but second - rate music production values ruins all.

Hits: Naina Re (Both Versions)

Rating: ❤ ❤ ½

Ishaqzaade Music Review (BD)

Ishaqzaade Music Review

In Ishq with Ishaqzaade

Ishaqzaade Music Review

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Music Director: Amit Trivedi

Lyrics: Kaushar Hunir

Amit Trivedi's debut collaboration with Yash Raj Films, is a reason ample enough to have huge expectations from Ishaqzaade. Owing to Amit Trivedi's precipitous musical success, this one too, is presumed to be a melodious venture.

Aafaton Ke Parinday

Singers: Suraj Jagan , Divya Kumar

Ishaqzaade kick starts with an alternate rock - dubstep fused score that is vigorous and just sets the mood right. Thanks to major highlight Suraj Kumar and Divya Kumar’s contrasting vocals, rusty feel complements the devil-may-care attitude very well. Scorching guitar riffs and uniquely stylized singing gives a rich music production values to the track. Lyrics are a bit misfit, but passable. Nice start.

Ishaqzaade

Singer: Javed Ali and Shreya Ghoshal

Javed Ali and Shreya Ghoshal’s subtle crooning accompanied with jazzy saxophones and ambient guitar sounds like a typical Amit Trivedi track from Udaan and Aamir but clichéd composition is a big let down here. Track gets low in interlude and soon fades out of the attention. Average.

Chokra Jawaan

Singers: Vishal Dadlani and Sunidhi Chauhan

Chokra Jawaan is pretty much northern – suburban folk song with a kind of pedestrian lyrics. Song is definitely catchy thanks to “Chokra Jawaan” phrase looped for an eternity but musically this track is not very sound. "Ding dang ding” reminds me of Beedi from Omkara. I am a bit disappointed due to singing by Vishal and Sunidhi. Vishal as in Mar Jaiyan from Vicky Donor has overdone it again.

Pareshaan

Singer: Shalmali Kholgade

Pareshaan!! Pareshaan!! Pareshaan!! This one is definitely whole and soul of the album. I would like to have a special mention of singer Shalmali Kholgade. I saw her performing live at “The Bartender” concert and she was impressive! Her distinctive voice texture sounds like a pleasant blend of Madhushree and Shreya Ghoshal. Lyrics are good this time; soulful violins and harmonium are the icing on cake. Best deal of the album by far!

Jhalla Wallah

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal

What Vishal and Sunidhi overdid in Chokra Jawaan, Shreya does it perfectly in Jhalla Wallah. In terms of lyrics, singing, composition and music production, I like this song more than Chokra Jawaan. At the same time, I wonder why two songs of the same genre are placed in an album of only five originals. Anyway, this one is my pick rather than Chokra Jawaan.

Amit Trivedi has hit the right chords, but I felt let down by the remixes (which, AT generally avoids) and a couple of songs. Ishaqzaade is worth a buy; Pareshaan alone is worth the price of the whole album! I am in Ishq with Ishaqzaade!

Hits: Pareshaan, Aafton Ke Parinday

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Waar Movie Trailer : Pakistan's Most Slick Film Ever

Waar Movie Trailer

Movie Information:

Direction : Bilal Lashari
Writer - Producer : Hassan Waqas Rana

Starring : Shaan Shahid, Shamoon Abbasi , Aisha Khan,  Meesha Shafi, Ali Azmat & Hamza Abbasi

Movie Trailer:

Waar Movie Trailer Review:


I frankly, have watched only two Pakistani films ever till date. Khuda Kay Liye and Bol (both ShoMan films!) and to put it straight, both the films are classic. Both this films, somehow don't fit in the "commercial" category. Today, while I was YouTubing, I bumped into this trailer of a film called Waar starring Shaan Shahid (he and Ali Azmat are the only ones I can recognize from the full star cast,pardon me) and I was like wow!


The trailer that begins with a touchy dialogue gets too slick in the next couple of minutes. It has all elements of a commercial action thriller;slick action, stylish cinematography and some never-before-seen stuff in Pakistani movie (including a kiss!)

The movie made on a budget of 2 million USD looks too slick considering the budget (in Bollywood, even romantic flicks spend 2 - 5 M USD), that really commendable.

I have seen several music videos of director (Sajni and Chal Bulleya are some of them) and hope he presents what I am waiting forward to see after such a promising trailer! Bring it on!



(P.S : This is the first trailer review posted on BD , hope that indicates my eagerness to watch Waar.)

Agent Vinod Movie Review (BD)

Bollywood Movie Review: Agent Vinod

India's answer to Hollywood

                                                 

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Movie Information: IMDB, Wiki
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Ram Kapoor, Gulshan Grover,Adil Hussain, Ravi Kishan

Direction: Shriram Raghvan
Genre: Action Thriller

Movie Overview:

First things first, is this movie an Indian answer to Bourne series or Bond series? Hell, yeah!

I frankly don’t realize why many the so called critics are criticizing this flick, but neither they, nor do I have the ability to judge the director Mr. Raghavan ( I feel like writing a whole article on his style of direction).

The only backdrop of this movie was the Bollywood touch given to the flick considering the mass appeal (a couple of unwanted songs, and a couple of illogical scenes like pre-climax one). Minus them, this movie is a reference source for aspiring directors.

Saif is a star and he plays his layered character with an astonishing ease! The protagonist is a complex man; he is tough, cunning, flirt and funny. Kareena’s character on the other hand was a bit undeveloped but still Kareena carries herself well on the screen.

A kick-start opening, a sudden interval and an unusual end; the movie is a real thriller. Dialogues are just perfect; never get too melodramatic or heroic.

Many people are complaining about the complex narrative that the director has chosen to represent a relatively simple plot. If the narrative had not been complex, film would have got boring, but due to the complex narrative (which I personally did not find complex), the film remains interesting from start to end.

The songs, which are otherwise okay, sounds good in the film (especially title track). Background score by Daniel B George is peppy; the retro feel at places makes the movie entertaining.

What’s more? Brilliant performances, Stylized (in true means, unlike some movies which declare themselves stylish) action sequences, razor sharp editing and super paced screenplay.


Final Verdict: I am going again, darn those critics!

Teaser:




Quick Review:

Cast:
Saif Ali Khan as Agent Vinod makes his one year void in cinema worth a wait. Kareena is okay. Supporting cast performs outstandingly well. Prem Chopra, Ram Kapoor, Shahbaz Khan, Gulshan Grover and Dhritiman Chatterji ; all are noteworthy. Performances alone can compensate the price of a ticket.



Script Analysis:
Shridhar Raghvan has looked after detailing. No doubt, he has lapsed at some moments, by bringing unnecessary Masala in the movie, but overall screenplay remains engaging and script, though has an ordinary plot, looks fresh.

Editing And Cinematography:
All praises to editor Pooja Surti, the film never gets melodramatic. First half many seem confusing due to lots of action going on the screen, but second half clears the cloud, brings much needed stability in the movie. Cinematography by C.K. Muraleedharan is first rate.

Music And Background Score:
Music by Pritam fits the bill, background score Daniel B George is good.

Direction:
Sriram Raghavan is Indian Tarantino! Full marks for direction.

Final Verdict:
I can have a word of mouth with those critic who rate Don 2 the ultimate thriller and rate Ra One almost perfect; this movie, for god’s sake, is the real action thriller deal.

Darn you critics, I love this flick.

Box Office collection report:

Owing to high budget and mixed reviews from critics, the film will depend a lot on words of mouth to work magic on box office. Still, the movie will get back its investment.

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ½

Kahaani Movie Review (BD) : Vidya Balan

Bollywood Movie Review: Kahaani

Vidya "Baghchi" Balan's yet another landmark performance

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤  ½
Movie Information: IMDB, Wiki
Cast: Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Direction: Sujoy Ghosh
Genre: Suspense Thriller


Movie Overview:

Vidya Balan is the “hero” of Bollywood in current scenario. Take it The Dirty Picture, No One Killed Jessica or Ishqiya, she has been “one woman show”. There was a time when movies flaunt a triumphant mileage on Box Office owing to posters of lead actor; but was elated to see Vidya Balan as the lead in poster of Kahaani. The recent national award boasts my stiff certainty that she will rule the BO for a significant time.

Kahaani is all about Vidya “Baghchi” Balan and long-lost-back- again director “Sujoy Ghosh”. Unconventional stories like this requests an unbelievably exceptional performer, Vidya just does that charm with this movie.

There are not scores of suspense thrillers to tot up which balance an ideal symmetry between thriller, suspense and entertainment. Of course, there are some graceful names in suspense genre (Manorama Six Feet Under) and thriller genre (Shaitan), but Kahaani does both, along with a vital element wit.

Kahaani is a technician’s delight. Rock solid script, witty dialogues, exceptionally tight editing and ambient background score makes it a difficult job to find fault for us. Just for sake of finding some, I state unused music (as background score) and screenplay in second half (climax just overpowers all the faults) as minor loopholes.

Visuals are brilliant; Kolkata is captured magnificently and aesthetically on a 70 mm canvas.

You certainly can’t afford to miss this Kahaani!

Teaser:



Quick Review:

Cast:
Vidya Balan’s character is complex and multi layered, but Vidya Balan carries it off with an astonishing ease. Every actor in film has acted well (even child artists are marvelous); but along with Vidya Balan some noteworthy characters are Parambrata Chatterjeeas as Rana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Khan, Saswata Chatterjeeas as Bob (incredible!).  Indraneil Sengupta and Abir Chatterjee does good cameo.

Script Analysis:
Sujoy brings a very fresh script after not so happening previous two movies. Film is entertaining throughout the movie, an element of anxiety sustains till the climax and climax is worth the wait. Story is completely unpredictable and may leave one shocked and disturbed. Writing is brilliant and witty conversations between Vidya and characters around her makes this movie a memorable experience.

Editing And Cinematography:
Editing and cinematography as said earlier, are awesome!

Music And Background Score:
Music by Vishal Shekhar is very good (sorry for not reviewing it here, Piya Tu Kaahe Rutha, Kahaani Female Version, Ekla Chalo Re and Sotti Bolchi are good). Background score is ambient.

Direction:
Sujoy Ghosh is back again.

Final Verdict:
Please go for it.

Box Office collection report:
The movie has complete potential to be the first Sleeper-Hit of the year.


Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤  ½ 

Ekk Deewana Tha Movie Review (BD)

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)

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

Rabbi Shergill

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.

Ra One Movie Review

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)

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

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: ❤ ❤ ❤ 

First Post;)

Hello world!This blog will provide you al the information of movies releasing on the friday.With movies,you will be updated to music albums of the same.
Different sections of blog includes as follows:
-BD Movie Reviews
-Critics Movie Reviews:
This section includes movie reviews from my side as well as from the critics like taran adarsh,nikhat kazmi,rajeev masand etc.
The movie information and trailers and rating at imdb will also be given.

-Music Reviews:

Comments Appreciated!

Bless All!