Top Six Hidden Gems of the Theatre World : Angelina Lawson - Guest Author

There are many great theatres for people to enjoy while on a trip to London. Most travellers know about the big theatres and the terrific shows they have to offer, but there are also some smaller, lesser known venues that offer visitors a great and unique viewing experience. The Top Six Hidden Gems of the Theatre World in London are the Greenwich Theatre, The Royal Albert Hall, Waterloo East Theatre, Finborough Theatre, Kings Head and The Gate.

The Greenwich Theatre is a great theatre for visitors looking to attend a show at a location that is a little different from the standard, big London theatre house. The Greenwich Theatre has a unique history in that there has been a performing arts location at this site continuously since 1871. Though the theatre has had a variety of different names during its lifetime it has still retained a number of fascinating architectural details from its various incarnations.

Another great theatre for visitors looking for something more off the beaten path is The Royal Albert Hall. This theatre is best known for holding the Proms concert every year since 1941. However for families, the Albany Theatre is an additional theatre gem that offers club nights, children's performances and standard theatre performances. The Albany Theatre truly offers a little something for everyone.

Another hidden gem of the London theatre scene is the Waterloo East Theatre. The Waterloo East Theatre has just 150 seats so there truly isn't a bad seat in the House. This theatre also has a number of very reasonably priced shows, something you won't always find at other venues. An additional good theatre for visitors looking for a more intimate experience is the Finborough Theatre. The Finborough Theatre has just 50 seats and offers less traditional and more avant garde plays. The Kings Head is also a great, lesser known theatre. The Kings Head is unique in that it is located inside the Kings Head Pub. This theatre puts on a number of well known shows throughout the year.

A look at unknown gems of the theatre scene in London wouldn't be complete without mentioning the Gate Theatre in Notting Hill. The Gate Theatre is a truly distinguished theatre that offers quality international plays.

London Theatre ticketsfor all six of these venues are available for purchase over the internet. Overlooking these hidden gems would be doing you a great disservice.

Author Bio: Angelina Lawson is a Content Writer with an interest in topics relating Theatre, Films, art, culture etc. You can follow her @boxofficeltd on Twitter.

Top Summer Theatre Shows in London : Angelina Lawson - Guest Author

Top Summer Theatre Shows in London

The London theatre scene is famous all over the world, and rightly so. Few cities can match its breadth and depth. The options range from big, vibrant and lavish to simple and serious. Some of the shows are brand new and some are old favourites. Others are making a comeback after years of being on the shelf.

It’s summertime! The days are long and the nights light up with excitement. This year’s productions have been running for a while, all of the kinks have been worked out, and both professional reviewers and London theatre fans have picked their favourites. There’s no better time to go out to a show, especially in the west end, on the Strand.

 At the Adelphi Theatre, Sweeny Todd is back with a vengeance. This production, starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, has been described by the Financial Times as “…relishing its excesses yet still savouring its delicacy. It’s a dark, glinting treat.” and by the Daily Telegraph as “dark, nightmarish and thrilling.”

If you’re looking for something new and different, a bit edgy but family-friendly, then pick up tickets for Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre. This hilarious story of a smart girl in an dumb world was written by Roald Dahl and directed by Matthew Warchus. It is populated by talented professionals, young and old, and the Telegraph calls it “the best new British musical since Billy Elliot.”

Incidentally, you can still see a top quality production of Billy Elliot, if you’re so inclined. It’s at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Singing in the Rain, new and also at the Palace, and the Lion King, still at the Lyceum, are also reputed to be top quality, light entertainment.

Finally, if your ideal night out in London does not involve signing actors, you probably already know that War Horse, at the New London Theatre, is unmissable. Eugene O’Neill’s masterpiece Long Day’s Journey into Night is well acted at the Apollo, on Shaftesbury Ave. If you need a laugh, then the Wyndham's Theatre’s production of Abigail's Party will not disappoint.

Don’t miss the exciting plays, new and continuing, that London has to offer this season.

Nothing can compare to a night out at the theatre!

Author Bio:  Angelina Lawson is a Content Writer with an interest in topics relating Theatre, Films, art, culture etc. You can follow her @boxofficeltd on Twitter.

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: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

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

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.)

Vicky Donor Music Review (BD)

Vicky Donor Music Review

   A Mixed Bag

Vicky Donor Music Review
Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½
Music Director: Abhishek - Akshay
Lyrics:Kusum Verma

Vicky Donor does not need an introduction now; the trailer has already received a tremendous response thanks to unusual theme and star cast. As far as music is concerned, I frankly don’t have much hopes from debutant music directors Abhishek-Akshay.

Rokda
Singers: Akshay Verma and Aditi Singh Sharma
The opening track is peppy with simple lyrics and music arrangement. Akshay Verma, “Superchor” fame (from Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye!) is okay on vocals. Overall, the song lacks much needed vigor. A not so good start for an album, I must say.


Kho Jaane De
Singers: Clinton Cerejo & Aditi Singh Sharma
Clinton Cerejo and Aditi Singh Sharma beautifully croon Kho Jaane De. However, composition and music arrangements are yet again mediocre. Nevertheless, this one is a passable track.


Rum Whisky
Singer: Akshay Verma
The album by far has remained an average fare; but not anymore. “Oye Kithe Gai Sharaab Ki Gaddi” says singer and Bhangra beats take over addictively. “Rum Rum Rum Rum Rum O Whisky” sounds catchy and so does the composition. A quite surprising comeback by the debutant duo.


Paani Da Rang (Male)
Singer: Ayushmann Khurrana
Wow! Simply wow! Everything about this track is special. Unbelievably good composition, hummable lyrics and last but not the least, brilliant crooning by Ayushmann Khurrana; makes this one an outstanding number! Ayushmann Khurrana sounds polished and is a pleasant surprise. I would love to hear more from him! Full marks to music directors for making this a pop song ; composition seems to be a typical Qawali. This track is a perfect example of what I call a successful musical experiment. This song is going to stay in my playlist for a longer time.


Mar Jayian
Singers: Vishal Dadlani & Sunidhi Chauhan ; Bann

Mar Jayian has rich musical arrangement and nice lyrics but again composition is average, Vishal and Sunidhi fail this time to make this a romantic song. Vishal Dadlani for this romantic number is certainly not a good choice. Sad version by Bann (unconventional singing) is however, quite good. There was not any need to create a romantic version of this track.


Chaddha
Singer: Mika Singh
This uncanny titled song has equally uncanny lyrics and is genuinely witty. Indian instruments like Harmonium and Sarangi are well mixed with a pop beat. Mika does good job on vocals, song is energetic enough to tap your foot. It would be interesting to see where this situational number fits in the movie.


Paani Da Rang (Female)
Singer:  Sukanya Purkayastha   

 Bliss again! I am glad that music composers chose to reprise a different version of the best song of this album rather than forcing a remix. Singer Sukanya Purkayastha (who recently rose to fame by singing Kuch To Hai Zaroor for Kuch To Log Kahenge , a daily soap) sounds just perfect for female version. Again, full marks to directors for making this reprised version a rock number!

My Picks: Paani Da Rang (Male and Female Versions), Rum Whisky, Chaddha

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ½


UPDATE: Readers, please authenticate this. In the making of Pani Da Rang, director and actress says that Ayushmann is the singer - composer and lyricist of the song. Slightly contradicting to this, Ayushmann says that a friend of him "Kabir" composed this song during their college time! Its for sure that Abhishek - Akshay are not composers of this song. Its either Ayushmann or his mate. What do you all say?

Rockstar - A. R. Rahman Music Review

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")

Dum Maro Dum Movie Review (BD)

Bollywood Dil se Movie Review:Dum Maro Dum

Rating:****

Movie Information:IMDB Link

Cast:Abhishek Bachchan,Aditya Pancholi ,Monty Munford,Bipasha Basu,Rana Daggubati,Prateik,Anaitha Nair

Direction:Rohan Sippy

Genre: Thriller,Action,Drama

Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes


Movie Overview:

There was so much of antagonistic vibes about the movie prior to the release.People were more sort of afraid rather than reluctant to see Junior AB in the action after his utter fail Game (Check its movie review here). Personally speaking, my mates even bullied me as a goose like die hard fan of Abhishek (Some even felt that I watched premier due to Dipika's number, perverts!).


But I was sure to catch the premier because of two reasons: first - Sridhar Raghavan and second - Sriram Raghavan. 


The man is currently directing "Agent Vinod" ft. Saif in an Indian Avtar of James Bond. Previously,he has directed my very favourite thriller Johnny Gaddaar. Where as story writter here Sridhar Raghavan is a successful screenplay writer of Khakee, Apaharan and 6 more. After Kashyaps, I was sure that Sridhar will prove his name as of his brother and so I was kicked.

Let me clarify in the beginning only that a film cant work on sheer style (eg. Tashan) or sheer story (eg. Salaam - E - Ishq / Dus Kahaniyaan). A film should be okay in all the fields of cinema and brilliant in some of them. Here the brilliance is in direction, script and star cast.

Abhishek Bachchan as a cop has never failed! He was a pleasure to watch. So comfortable on screen ( Not to forget Bipasha lacked screen presence this time). The movie is very gripping and engaging. Thanks to good screenplay. It was almost perfect. 


Goa was never so splendorous! Looked as if I was watching Rio De Janeiro. By the time when movie ends, you are smiling.

The movie has another good cameo (not Dipika)!! It would be a spoiler if I reveal the name.

Quick Review:


Cast:

Very Apt for the story.Jr AB as cop, Rana as DJ, Pratiek-Anaitha as teen lover all are perfect.Bipasha lacks edge.Aditya Pancholi is good.Rest are okay.

Story And Screenplay:
A very positive aspect for the movie. Screenplay is good. Dialogues are crisp and witty at the same time entertaining."MC yaa BC - Middle Class yaa Business Class..."  "Main Sirf Duty Par Pita Hoon.." "Mere Paas Maal Hai..." will be remembered by one and all!

Editing And Cinematography:
The editing as i said could have been tighter(which I always say).Cinematography by Amit Roy is brilliant. Camera angles have never been more slick.This is an aspect which nowadays is strong in all the movies take it as Game, Thank You or 3 Thay Bhai.Goa as mentioned is a central character here.

Music And Background Score:
Music by Prittam is a mixed bag.( Read Music Review here). Thayn Thayn is the new replacement of Dabbangg Giri! BGM by MIDIval punditz is mind blowing. Almost Rahmanic! (They are TTV for India in Electronics!)

 
Direction:
A very well directed movie by Rohan Sippy. Full of style and sensibility. This is the third consecutive film of his with Jr AB (Kuch Naa Kaho and Bluffmaster) and the co ordination is clearly visible.

So take a puff darling and enjoy this stylish flick of the month! After I was out from the movie I decided to go with a three and a half, But by now, I feel a lenient four would not be exaggeration.

Rating:****

F.A.L.T.U. Movie Review (BD)

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review:F.A.L.T.U.

Movie Information:IMDB Link (some mistakes in cast there - No Amitabh or Abhishek here)

Cast:Jackky Bhagnani,Puja Gupta,Riteish Deshmukh,Arshad Warsi,Angad Bedi ,Chandan Roy Sanyal

Direction:Remo

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Duration: 2 hours

Movie Overview:

F.A.L.T.U. as obvious from the promos is very much inspired by Accepted (2006, I remember the movie tickled my funny bones).The movie marks the debut of Remo as a bollywood director.(He has a Bengali film in his bag as director).I had quite low expectations from the movie though the music was awesome(check out its review in this blog).

But I must say i under rated Remo. The movie is total-fun. The first half of the movie is as smooth as the original one. Funny dialogues, rich cinematography and sizzling star cast (yes the actress is charmer).

The problem starts in the second half. The movie loses its pace here.Screenplay gets quirky. Some meaningless melodrama here and some unwanted sequences(the film could have been tighter by 10 minutes).

By the mid of second half I thought that the attempt is not honest.The sudden transformation of genre from comedy to drama is a bit jerky. But all this complains came to an end as soon as the climax arrived( thanks to the ace choreography by Remo, something world class!). In last 10 minutes you feel that the effort by Remo is honest and honest enough to overtake the original movie.You cant manage but smile in the end when you leave the theatre.

Not to forget the tremendous audience response at the theatres(commendable as the world cup fever is on). If the world cup trivia and more hyped (GAME) was not the hurdle, the movie would have been a super hit for sure.Lets see how far it can go now.

Frankly the concept(though copied) is better than 3 Idiots (I personally find the movie over ratted).One should see it for sure.

Quick Review:

Cast:
Youthful and funny.Enough to describe the cast.Jacky and pooja sizzle on the screen.Chandan Roy Sanyal is brilliant again(as in Kaminey).This boy will rule here for sure.

Arshad warsi as google(metaphor-the person with all the solutions, i doubt why many reviewers failed to understand that) is gracing.Riteish Deshmukh as Principal Baaji Rao is a bit loud.

Story And Screenplay:
Not much to credit here as the story and screenplay at an extent(Mayur Puri who has more flops than hits) is not original.Some bollywood tadka to story is okay.

Editing And Cinematography:
The editing as i said could have been tighter.The over exposure of the official website was something kiddish.Again First half is brilliant and second half is okay.Film is shot with good different angles. And locations especially the college is exotic.Songs are shot very well(looks Remo's influence here).

Music And Background Score:
The best soundtrack in recent cinema. As i repeatedly mentioned in music review, the soundtrack is perfect for Background Score. And the same thing is done here by very talented Sachin - Jigar (with musical Teree Sang on their credit). The average songs like Awaaz do and Percentage is exceptionally placed well in the movie.

Direction:
As mentioned, The direction is good as compared to other choreographers turned directors (Ganesh Acharya, Farah Khan and likes) but he has still a long way to go. Nevertheless a good effort.

So F.A.L.T.U. is definitely not a faltu movie and should be enjoyed by one and all.

Rating:***1/2

Man Chandre - A Crazy Heart

Man Chandre - A Crazy Heart

Rahman is my lord since i began to understand music. So bear with me if I praise this superlative song a notch higher than it deserves.After i started the blog, i thought somethings missing in the posting section. And yes! the appreciation of the master pieces by music maestros was something that eched me. And so I decide to review my favourite musical idol - A. R. Rahman.

Many times Rahman underplays to his most marvellous tunes he has ever created. And one of it is "Man Chandre" from his album "Connections" (Remember Jiya Se Jiya signatured by Nokia). This song is rich with pain, pain of love, and pain of love lost.

The saga opens with beautiful and peaceful Matka beats (Like Taal). And soon Shraddha Pandit unfolds the lyrics which impulses directly in a second. She sounds mesmerising like never before. Till now you are already in love with song. And then you are completely lost in the unending pain of the heartbroken lover as soon as Sukhwinder Singh renders the same lines. Actually these are the only lines which makes up the lyrics.

Here they go:

Mann chandre nu raas naa aave,
Mann chandre nu raas naa aave,
Naa aave darwaas.
Jiggar daa saudaa kyon kar baithaa?
Mukdi jaandi aas.

Je lut jaandaa te lut jaandaa dil,
Hauke khaa ke chup jaandaa.
Je lut jaandaa te lut jaandaa dil,
Hauke khaa ke chup jaandaa.

Beparvaa daa ki kehna? Haaye!
Naa aave darwaas,
Jiggar daa saudaa kyon kar baithaa?
Mukdi jaandi aas!

Darad sautondaa, Bedardaan nu,
Bedardaa daa ki jaandaa?
Darad sataundaa, Bedardan nu,
Bedardaa daa ki jaandaa?
Bedardaa daa ki jaandaa?
(Thanks To Lyrics By Rahmanism)

The English translation of the lines goes as follows:

Crazy heart neither gets satisfaction nor can afford!
Why it did the deal of heart, now even the hopes are dying!
Once heart is gone, its gone! It hides after crying!
What to say about heartless people, there is no relief!

Pain hurts and heartless have no regret about it!
Crazy heart neither gets satisfaction nor can afford!
Why it did the deal of heart, now even the hopes are dying!
Once heart is gone, its gone! It hides after crying!
What to say about heartless people, there is no relief!

With a small poetry, only efficient composer like A. R. Rahman can manage to create a 8 minute song! And after those eight minutes you feel that the song ended so early!! Rahman uses chorus rarely but when he does that, you fall short from keeping your soul uneffected. Chorus from around 4th minute is my ring tone! And as soon as the song ends, you cant help it and you have to loop it again. I didn't get its meaning at first (thanks  to my poor punjabi learned from bollywood songs). And as soon I realised its meaning, i was more in love with song.

So rare are the beads in the musical ocean of bollywood that are not destined to be the part of necklace. But I want such beads in the bag of every fisher man!

Check out the song here.

Man Chandre Ft Sukhwinder Singh By ARR by iamhimanshudesai

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!