Ready - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Salman Khan, Asin, Arya Babbar, Paresh Rawal, Mahesh Manjrekar

Now this is what one calls a perfect project in the making. Salman Khan, Anees Bazmee, Pritam, Bhushan Kumar and that promise of an out and out entertainer - one strongly believes that the music of Ready can't really go wrong. There are movies that are termed as popcorn entertainers; now here is a soundtrack which one believes would be the kind that would be best enjoyed when being a little high. Though four different lyricists - Amitabh Bhattacharya, Neelesh Misra, Ashish Pandit and Kumaar - are roped in for a song apiece with Devi Sri Prasad also chipping in as a guest composer, you look forward to whether Ready indeed has enough 'dum' in it to be the biggest commercial soundtrack of the year so far.

Pritam lends a fantastic start to Ready with 'Character Dheela' and what actually catches your instant attention is the fact that despite this being a Salman Khan entertainer, the song has the trademark sound that the composer is known for lending to his songs. If one has liked the kind of tunes that Pritam has composed for Shahid in films like Kismat Konnection, Jab We Met and Badmaash Company, he is bound to totally lap up 'Character Dheela' due to the Salman element being cleverly integrated by Amitabh Bhattacharya through his smart lyrics (don't miss that reference to 'Munni' and 'Sheila').

Going totally by Salman's on/off screen image which in any case is hardly different these days, 'Character Dheela' by Neeraj Shridhar and Amrita Kak is a lot of fun for those four minutes that it plays. An interesting choreography with Zarine Khan exuding oomph (a distinct shift from her Veer image) is another good reason that further consolidates the fact that 'Character Dheela' would entice a lot of 'seetis' and 'taalis' when it plays on screen. A chartbuster all the way that also arrives in a 'remix' and accentuates the fun.

What follows next is the kind of romantic number that Salman had to his name in dozens during the 90s. Written by Neelesh Misra, 'Humko Pyar Hua' also has short English portions in between the 'antra' and has KK going subtle in his rendition with Tulsi Kumar giving him good support. Though the original tune as well as it's remix is fine and doesn't give any reason to complain, it is nowhere close to the kind that Salman has enjoyed in Veer (Surili Ankhiyon Wali) and Dabangg (Tere Mast Mast Nain). At the end of it all, 'Humko Pyar Hua' is one harmless number that will find some popularity going for it only after the film turns out to be a success.

What is definitely going to be popular though in the very first go is 'Dhinka Chika' which is all set to be the biggest chartbuster of the first half of 2011 at the least. A re-done version of Telugu number 'Ringa Ringa' (Arya 2) with the original composer Devi Sri Prasad being roped in here, 'Dhinka Chika' (also arriving again in the 'remix version') has Mika Singh and Amrita Kak bringing on the kind of attitude that was pretty much required for the song of this genre. Ashish Pandit's lyrics are as 'chalu' as it gets and reminds one of the songs that were made for Mithun Chakravorty, Jeetendra and Govinda during the 80s. Expect frenzy in theaters, especially single screens, when the song plays on screen.

Pritam returns on the scene with a quintessential North Indian 'shaadi byaah' celebration track 'Meri Ada Bhi' that starts off with the folk rendition of much heard 'Laung Gawacha'. A rhythmic track that surprisingly has Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at the helm of affairs (since he is known more for his soulful melodies rather than dance numbers), 'Meri Ada Bhi' is what one terms as the kind of number which has been made for family audience. Tulsi Kumar too is pretty much in elements here for this song that at places does tend to veer towards 'U and I' (Pritam's composition from De Dana Dan at places) courtesy the way Rahat approaches it before the composer manages to pull it all back.

Any regrets from Ready? Only one which is - 'it finishes off too soon'. From an album of this stature one expected at least a couple of more songs to make it a wholesome affair. However, with only four songs in the album, one longs to lay hands on a lot more. Nonetheless, from what is made available, there are good enough reasons to celebrate with 'Dhinka Chika' and 'Character Dheela' all set to be not just huge hits musically but also turn out to be massive crowd pullers. On the other hand 'Meri Ada Bhi' ends up adding good variety to the album with 'Humko Pyar Hua' carrying a potential to gather steam once the film releases. Once on shelves, Ready should be a sell-out due to all around craze amongst audience to check out what the music is all about. However, the momentum is only going to continue after the film hits the screens.

Download Ready MP3 Songs
01 - Ready - Character Dheela (Ishq Ke Naam)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Ready - Humko Pyaar Hua (Chal Chale)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Ready - Dhinka Chika@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Ready - Meri Ada Bhi (Ishq Ne Mere)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Ready - Dhinka Chika (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Ready - Humko Pyar Hua (Chal Chale) (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Ready - Character Dheela (Ishq Ke Naam) (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Ready - Meri Ada Bhi (Ishq Ne Mere) (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Ready - Character Dheela (Ishq Ke Naam)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Ready - Humko Pyaar Hua (Chal Chale)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Ready - Dhinka Chika@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Ready - Meri Ada Bhi (Ishq Ne Mere)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Ready - Dhinka Chika (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Ready - Humko Pyar Hua (Chal Chale) (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Ready - Character Dheela (Ishq Ke Naam) (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Ready - Meri Ada Bhi (Ishq Ne Mere) (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Ready MP3 Songs

Dum Maaro Dum - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Pancholi, Bipasha Basu, Rana Daggubati

Abhishek and Earl’s Thayn Thayn somehow sounds so much like a piece from Bluffmaster even with a different composer here. I guess this will sound good and look great once it comes out. Watch out for it.

Te Amo, the song sung by Ash King, is definitely a lovely one and Pritam does his own good thing with Ash’s voice, as long as you don’t compare this one to Dil gira daffatan. While Ash is lovely in the soft romantic song and natural with the English parts of the song, Sunidhi is not bad either. One song you would love.

Like in all Pritam albums, there is another version of Te Amo, a reprise by Pritam. I guess I need not tell you how a soft version of a soft romantic song would sound when Mohit sings it. The slight acoustic setting Pritam has given to the song is nice.

Mit Jaaye Gham. Dum Maaro Dum. Shirt. Potty. Nanga. Well, It’s like that only. All I can say is that after this song is on air, the censor board won’t have to do much to decide the audience. Families are NOT going to watch this one. Oh, as for the music, it’s okay. As expected, it’s made in kinda addictive mood. But lyrics, oh, well..

If there is something in the album that I was able to hear in a loop from the first time itself, here it is. Jiyein Kyun is not only good on music and singing, the lyrics are so lovely, I just fell for the song very soon.

As for the music, Pritam is almost in Metro mood here and Papon sounds so much like James in his singing. And Mr Sahni Jaideep, I love you. DO Listen to this one.

And then Zubeen Garg’s Jaana hai is a signature Pritam song in Zubeen’s very typical voice. Nothing too great, but there is definitely a special kind of depth in Zubeen’s voice that Always attracts you, which especially suits songs with a, what would I say, kashish, with a longing to go ahead and achieve something. And here is one such song. Liked it.

Overall, Dum Maaro Dum may be an album to hide from your parents (yes, at any age) after listening to that title song, but there are a few good songs in the album and while you love everything from Jiyein Kyun to Te Amo, Jaana hai and Thayn Thayn aren’t disappointing. In short, cool. In fact a bit too much in a some places, you know.

Download Dum Maaro Dum MP3 Songs
01 - DMD - Mit Jaaye Gham (Dum Maaro Dum)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - DMD - Te Amo@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - DMD - Jiyein Kaun@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - DMD - Jaana Hai@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - DMD - Thayn Thayn@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - DMD - Te Amo@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - DMD - Te Amo (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - DMD - Mit Jaaye Gham (Dum Maaro Dum)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - DMD - Te Amo@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - DMD - Jiyein Kaun@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - DMD - Jaana Hai@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - DMD - Thayn Thayn@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - DMD - Te Amo@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - DMD - Te Amo (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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Thank You - Music Review

Read more!

Cast :: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Suniel Shetty, Celina Jaitly, Irrfan Khan,
Rimi Sen, Mallika Sherawat

Anees Bazmee definitely does things in an upside down way. That’s how there is Thank You after Welcome. This one again comes from the Pritam’s Factory of Dance-n-forget Music. Here comes a review.

The album starts with Mika’s Pyaar do Pyaar lo, that you might have caught on TV. The oldie-newie song sounds more like a remix and looks very much like a try to redo apni to jaise taise from Housefull. I guess Pritam has been successful, but not so much as SEL were with theirs.

The next song, Razia, is sung by Saleem and Ritu Pathak, but Saleem can be confused for a girl with his high pitch here. Allah bachaye meri jaan ki razia gundon mein phans gayi sounds like a typical item song and Ritu sounds pretty good with her singing. Nothing new, just another good product from the Factory.

Pyaar tera pyaar mujhe = Main yahan bhi, main wahan bhi (Toh Baat Pakki). Next beat seems to be taken from Action replay. Even though I liked Neeraj Shridhar and Richa Sharma’s Full volume with it’s never-too-high notes, Pritam looks like he’s out of composition styles and trying to feed old things, though I don’t actually think it’s the case.

When I heard Sonu Nigam’s My Heart is beating, I was wondering why Thank You seems so inspired by Housefull. This one is sung by Sonu very much in Mohammad Rafi’s style, precisely like the ones the legend sang for Shammi Kapoor. With good promotion, song should do well. Liked Sonu’s singing in this one, and not bad work by Pritam as well.

Pyaar Mein is the last original song of the album, which is sung by Neeraj Shridhar and Javed Ali. Again, Pritam looks like captured in his own styles even while he gives a good song. While Javed Ali makes the song his own by singing it beautifully, Neeraj’s ‘chorus’ sounds lovely. But what fascinated me the most in the song was the backing vocals that appeared from the very start of the song. Unfortunately, I don’t know whose voice that is, though I presume it’s either Suzanne or Bianca Gomes as their names are mentioned for backing vocals in the album. Also, this is probably one song of the album which is good not only in music but also with words. Amitabh Bhattacharya is the guy holding the pen here. And another similarity with Housefull. OK. Excuse me for that.

And while I was looking for the backing vocals, one more thing I came to know was that Sachin and Jigar were among the programmers of the album. Nice to know that.

I didn’t try listening to the remixes especially they were all merely ‘remix’es and mentioned nothing more specific than that.
So overall, Thank you is an okay, run of the mill thing in which most of the songs are danceable while one particular song called Pyaar mein is something close to Tum mile’s level, but a bit lower than that, also because it’s so much similar. Quite what was expected from Pritam, or actually slightly better if you think of No Problem.


Download Thank You MP3 Songs
01 Pyaar Do Pyaar Lo - Mika Singh@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 Razia - Master Saleem & Ritu Pathak@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 Full Volume - Neeraj Shridhar & Richa Sharma@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 My Heart Is Beating - Sonu Nigam@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 Pyaar Mein - Neeraj Shridhar & Javed Ali@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 Razia (Remix) - Master Saleem & Ritu Pathak@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 Pyaar Do Pyaar Lo (Remix) - Mika Singh@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 Full Volume (Remix) - Neeraj Shridhar & Richa Sharma@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 My Hear Is Beating (Remix) - Sonu Nigam@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 Pyaar Do Pyaar Lo - Mika Singh@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 Razia - Master Saleem & Ritu Pathak@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 Full Volume - Neeraj Shridhar & Richa Sharma@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 My Heart Is Beating - Sonu Nigam@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 Pyaar Mein - Neeraj Shridhar & Javed Ali@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 Razia (Remix) - Master Saleem & Ritu Pathak@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 Pyaar Do Pyaar Lo (Remix) - Mika Singh@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 Full Volume (Remix) - Neeraj Shridhar & Richa Sharma@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 My Hear Is Beating (Remix) - Sonu Nigam@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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Game - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Abhishek Bachchan, Kangna Ranaut, Sarah, Jimmy Sheirgill

Shankar Ehsaan Loy are on a roll in 2011. First Patiala House, which came with some pretty decent tracks, then the official world cup song and now they have come with Game which is their latest offering. Apart from Shankar Ehsaan Loy, what makes Game, an album to look out for is that the movie is produced by Farhaan Akhtar and lyrics penned by his father Javed Akhtar. Already, S-E-L and Farhaan team have given us musical chartbusters like Dil Chahta Hai, Don and Rock On, so expectations from Game multiplies.

Game is an edge of seat who-dunnit thriller and if such movies are supported by good music, they turn out to be blockbuster hits like Race, Humraaz, Gupt and so on have proved in the past.

The album comprises of 4 original tracks, 3 remixes and 1 reprise. The first track is the title song It's A Game, which may appear in the starting credits or as a background theme piece, which may be running throughout the movie. Vishal Dadlani tries his best, but the song itself is ordinary. This may be the ideal song to open the movie, but ain't ideal enough to open the album.

Maine Kab Yeh Socha Tha, sung by Shaan, Anusha Mani and Loy, which comes in next, is a romantic number with a soulful melody. The number grows slowly on you, on repeated listening's you can't just help but fall in love with this track. It may not turn out to be a runaway hit but it is surely worth listening again and again, enjoy it while it lasts.

The next track is Mehki Mehki, which also features in the theatrical trailer is another melodious number sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Kshitij. The lyrics of this song are the best of the lot, and the singers especially Shreya has done a tremendous job with the vocals, Kshitij is also impressive. The song strikes the right chord instantly and is surely going to be loved by many. Definitely the best track of the album as it does not take much time in getting you addicted to it.

The final original track Kaun Hai Ajnabi falls in the category what Bardaasht Nahi Kar Sakta was for Humraaz or Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela was for Gupt or Khwaab Dekhe was for Race, it is a song which comes with a Super Hit tag. Once again its KK who weaves the magic ably supported by Aditi Singh Sharma. If picturized and promoted well this song can turn out to become pretty huge.

The remixes which are in next, again like any other bollywood album, make the original tracks look masterpiece. At best the remixes just pump up the tempo of the songs while the reprise of the title song is just about average.

Giving good music for a thriller is not everyone's cup of tea, but Shankar Ehsaan Loy do a splendid job this time with Game. Not to forget Dil Chahta Hai was a rom-com and Rock On was a musical, hence the music had great scope but thrillers do not allow that much of freedom, considering this although Game is not as great as a DCH or a Rock On but still full marks to S-E-L to come up with tracks such as Mehki Mehki, Kaun Hai Ajnabi and Maine Kab Yeh Socha Tha. Now with digital sales being the primary income source since people rarely buy CD's these 3 songs will be most favourite for many listeners.

The music of Game surely thrills you. Go get it as soon as possible!

Download Game MP3 Songs
01 - Game - Its A Game@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Game - Maine Yeh Kab Socha Tha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Game - Mehki Mehki@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Game - Kaun Hai Ajnabi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Game - Its A Game (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Game - Mehki Mehki (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Game - Kaun Hai Ajnabi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Game - Its A Game@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Game - Maine Yeh Kab Socha Tha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Game - Mehki Mehki@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Game - Kaun Hai Ajnabi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Game - Its A Game (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Game - Mehki Mehki (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Game - Kaun Hai Ajnabi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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Tanu Weds Manu - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: R Madhavan & Kangna Ranaut

For some strange reason, Hindi cinema has often projected an NRI youngster as a cool and hep dude, pretending to speak Hindi with an English accent. But that, in my opinion, is merely a façade. It%s far from real. Sure, there could be exceptions, but every NRI who arrives in India isn%t wearing an Armani or Versace. Neither is he a die-hard romantic like Raj or Rahul. In fact, a lot of NRIs I know are amused to note that while they held on to the traditions, the ones in India are more inclined towards the West.

Yet, the East-West love story remains a pet theme that continues to invade the Hindi screen. Films like PURAB AUR PASCHIM, DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE and NAMASTEY LONDON have explored this topic most convincingly. In fact, a lot many people feel that YRF and Dharma have highlighted this aspect in various films, which the diaspora has lapped up with glee. But, of late, films that carry with them the scent of the soil are being attempted by our storytellers. TANU WEDS MANU too highlights this facet.

The NRI in TANU WEDS MANU is docile, unassuming and soft-spoken, has no accent or attitude, believes in arranged marriages, relishes the evergreen songs of Mohammed Rafi, is old-fashioned literally. The girl is contradictory. She%s belligerent and dominating, also smokes, drinks and uses expletives, has had many ¯fairs%, has her new boyfriend%s name tattooed on her chest, is a straight-forward and fearless babe. This is their story!

Like his directorial debut STRANGERS, director Aanand L Rai opts for unconventional and unpredictable situations in TANU WEDS MANU. Of course, the fact that Tanu and Manu would tie the knot sooner or later is at the back of your mind, even before the reels have begun to unfold, but you want to experience their journey - their voyage from strangers to lovers.

TANU WEDS MANU has some great moments, some standard ones, some tedious ones as well, when you feel that the story is being stretched for no particular reason. The drama tends to get heavy after a point and that takes a toll on the film. In fact, the writing gets shaky in the middle of the second hour, although the finale is well thought of and implemented. You may call it clichéd or formulaic, but it works big time.

Meet Manu [R. Madhavan], a seedha saadha Doctor from London. Intelligent, temperate and from a respectable family, the perfect groom which every parent wants for their daughter. When he arrives in India, he realizes that India has changed and so have the people. The Indian women in particular are more attracted towards the Western lifestyle. Family pressure leads him to Kanpur to meet Tanu [Kangna Ranaut], the quintessential small-town girl who has studied in Delhi.

Tanu is a smart, intelligent girl who will do everything that her parents will disapprove. With a mind of her own and a love for rebellion, Tanu is dead against an arranged marriage. But destiny holds something totally different for these diametrically diverse personalities.

Although not similar to JAB WE MET, TANU WEDS MANU conjures up memories of the Imtiaz Ali-directed film. The Punjabi setting and the rebellious girl are two prominent similarities that one recollects instantly. Besides, in HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM, PARDES, JAB WE MET as well as TANU WEDS MANU, the girl is in love with someone else and the protagonist helps them take the relationship forward. But director Aanand L Rai ensures that TANU WEDS MANU retains its individuality and doesn%t come across as a replica/clone of those immensely likable films. In fact, his handling of several light moments as well as dramatic ones is exemplary.

TANU WEDS MANU has some wonderful moments in the first hour, but I%d like to single out the sequence when Madhavan confides in Deepak Dobriyal about Kangna not wanting to marry him. Also, the sequence at the interval comes as a bolt from the blue. It%s the writing in the post-interval portions that bothered me. Jimmy Sheirgill%s sequences aren%t as convincing. Also, since Kangna is shown to be a blabber mouth and also forthright and outspoken, why does she turn docile all of a sudden? It doesn%t go with her character, honestly. Also, since Ravi Kissen has Madhavan%s photograph [presumably handed to him by Jimmy Sheirgill], why is Jimmy unaware that Madhavan is the same guy when he meets him for the first time? A few hiccups, but not the type that really go against the film. However, the penultimate 15/20 minutes bring the film back on tracks. Actually, the climax is the highpoint of this enterprise.

The soundtrack takes you by complete surprise. It is earthy and charming. %Sadi Gali% and %Jugni% are two tracks that act as pillars and would help attract moviegoers to cineplexes. Also, the popular track of yesteryears, %Kajra Mohabbat Wala%, is well integrated in the narrative. Chirantan Das%s cinematography captures the lush locales of North India well.

Even though Madhavan enacts the role of an NRI, he doesn%t come across as a stereotypical phoren returned desi. He is real, restrained, yet forceful. To essay a character in such an understated manner is a challenge for any actor and he does it with complete understanding of the character. Unlike her past films, Kangna plays a part that has a zest for life and is bold and fun-loving at the same time. She%s audacious, but lovable. Nonetheless, she needs to work on her pronunciation/diction, which sounds so peculiar.

Jimmy Sheirgill springs a pleasant surprise. Known for portraying soft/positive roles, this one comes as a complete shocker. Though his role isn%t well etched out, he leaves a solid impression in the latter reels. Ravi Kissen is wasted. What is he doing in this film? Deepak Dobriyal is superb yet again. This dynamic actor is under-utilized in our films. Rajendra Gupta, K.K. Raina, Navni Parihaar and Deepti Mishra are effective. Eijaz Khan and Swara Bhaskar are wonderful.

On the whole, TANU WEDS MANU is a feel-good, light-hearted entertainer with the right dose of humor, drama and romance, besides a popular musical score and some smart dialogue that act as toppings. If you like simple, uncomplicated films that tug at your heartstrings, then chances are that you might just like this sweet little rom-com. In terms of economics, the right holders have already recovered a substantial amount from the sale of Satellite Rights. The merits of the film coupled with no major opposition till 1 April will ensure healthy returns on their investment, thus making the investors recover the remainder amount easily. The only concern is the inopportune release period for movies [World Cup] and chances are its business might get affected on days when crucial matches are played, especially when India is on field.

Download Tanu Weds Manu MP3 Songs
01 - Tanu Weds Manu - Sadi Gali@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Tanu Weds Manu - Yun Hi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Tanu Weds Manu - Rangrez@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Tanu Weds Manu - Piya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Tanu Weds Manu - Mannu Bhaiya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Tanu Weds Manu - Jugni@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Tanu Weds Manu - Rangrez (Hey Rangrez Mere Hey)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Tanu Weds Manu - Sadi Gali@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Tanu Weds Manu - Yun Hi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Tanu Weds Manu - Rangrez@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Tanu Weds Manu - Piya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Tanu Weds Manu - Mannu Bhaiya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Tanu Weds Manu - Jugni@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Tanu Weds Manu - Rangrez (Hey Rangrez Mere Hey)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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7 Saat Khoon Maaf - Movie Review

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Cast :: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Priyanka Chopra, Naseruddin Shah, John Abraham, Mohanlal, Irrfan Khan

The very thought of watching a Vishal Bhardwaj film excites a movie buff no end. Right from MAKDEE to KAMINEY, Bhardwaj's body of work stands out from the rest. The forward-thinking film-maker's fixation for adapting novels and plays is known to all and sundry by now. Continuing with his practice of adapting from the written form, the supremely talented storyteller now adapts Ruskin Bond's short story 'Susanna's Seven Husbands' for his new outing 7 KHOON MAAF. Known for walking the unusual path, Bhardwaj narrates an unconventional story yet again - of a woman who marries multiple times, following the untimely death of her husbands.

Till a few years ago, no one would've ever thought of making a film on a woman who marries, remarries, weds again, ties the knot yet again... in fact, she walks down the aisle multiple times. That's not all, the woman, we are told, kills each of her husbands subsequently. The theme might come as a jolt to the trditional moviegoers, since the wives on the Hindi screen are either depicted as docile and dutiful or fiercely independent and ambitious. The question is, will the orthodox Indian audience absorb a theme like this? It's blasphemous, some may opine. Imagine a murderous bride, some may rant.

There's talk that 7 KHOON MAAF is also loosely inspired from an Italian movie by the name SETTE VOLTE DONNA aka WOMAN TIMES SEVEN [1967], helmed by Vittorio De Sica. That one depicted seven short stories with adultery as the focal point [Shirley MacLaine, the protagonist, knits these stories together]. However, the resemblance could be coincidental and not an attempt to plagiarize that film.

7 KHOON MAAF works in parts. A few stories - involving Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham, Irrfan Khan and Annu Kapoor - are absorbing, while at least two could've been better narrated - Naseeruddin Shah and Aleksandr Dyachenko. The unfortunate part is that the uninteresting ones come in the latter half and coupled with its excessive length, the impact generated by a captivating first hour gets diluted in the process. Even the culmination doesn't sweep you off your feet.

Not just the unconventional plot, even the execution of the subject material is offbeat and quirky. There are several instances in the narrative where the viewer has to stay very, very attentive. Unlike other films, Bhardwaj wants his viewer to stay attentive and use his mind while watching the various stories in 7 KHOON MAAF. In one sequence, the camera zooms and the funeral transforms into a marriage, while another sequence depicts the marriage transforming into a funeral. Also, the mystery of the killer with five fingers and one toe is disentangled towards the end, but the sequence doesn't register as effectively thanks to the way it has been depicted.

Susanna [Priyanka Chopra] is unlucky in love. Her first husband, Major Edwin [Neil Nitin Mukesh], is overtly possessive and suspicious. After his demise, Susanna marries Jimmy [John Abraham] as she is floored by his musical talent. Jimmy becomes successful, but with success comes girls and drugs. He dies of drug overdose.

Enter Wasiullah aka Musafir [Irrfan Khan]. Impressed by his poetry, Susanna marries him, but discovers that he's a romantic in daytime, but a beast at night. He too gets eliminated. Susanna falls for the suave Nicolai [Aleksandr Dyachenko] from Moscow, but this marriage doesn't last long as Susanna discovers that Vronsky has a wife in Russia.

Following the death of a foreign national, the police start taking keen interest in the case. The officer Keemat Lal [Annu Kapoor] enters Susanna's life. Initially, he asks for sexual favors and later, persuades her to marry him. He dies due to cardiac arrest. After the death of Keemat Lal, Susanna marries Dr. Modhusudon [Naseeruddin Shah]. Susanne is depressed and he puts her on a mushroom only diet. But he's the first guy in her life who wants to get rid of her. Instead, she murders him.

In the end, Susanna marries yet again... for the seventh time. This time, to someone who knows she has committed the murders and sins. What happens next?

Though Priyanka is shown killing her husbands with the help of her ever-faithful staff, let this be told that it's not a scary or frightful experience. Sure, it's intense, but at the same time Bhardwaj injects humor in the narrative and that's the prime reason why the narrative never gets heavy or serious. I'd like to say this film is in a space of its own.

Also, though the protagonist marries and remarries, you don't feel any kind of animosity or hatred for the character. On the contrary, one empathizes with her never-ending pursuit for true love. One feels the pain, loneliness and tragedy that she goes through and that's what makes her the woman that she eventually turns out to be. Wicked, she is, but Bhardwaj offers reasons for her to get rid of those men. The reasons, in most cases, are convincing. But the transition from one man/husband to another is so sudden that Susanna comes across as a desperate lady hankering for yet another marriage.

Bhardwaj, the writer, leaves the viewer clueless about the two stories in the second hour. Fine, Susanna had learnt that her Russian husband had a wife and two kids tucked away in Russia, but the manner in which the entire case is solved leaves you baffled. In fact, one often wonders if it was so easy to murder a person and move on in life. How could the law enforcement remain a silent spectator despite multiple murders/mysterious deaths involving the same woman? The writing didn't appear foolproof and convincing to me.

Bhardwaj shares yet another responsibility in his films - handling the music department. One is assured that Bhardwaj would come up with lilting and high quality compositions, but the soundtrack of 7 KHOON MAAF is strictly okay. The Indian version of the Russian song 'Kalinka', 'Darling', is already a rage and it goes without saying that it's the best track of the enterprise. Rendered brilliantly, the song is sure to be one of the reasons why people will be tempted to watch the film.

Always ready to accept challenges in her career [AITRAAZ, YAKEEN, FASHION] and raising the bar with her performances, Priyanka accepts the challenge to portray ages from 21 to 65 in 7 KHOON MAAF. It must've been an arduous task to get the different age-groups right, but she proves her infinite acting potential yet again. Known to be an actress who stays true to every character that she is portraying, Priyanka delivers yet another sparkling, award worthy performance this time. There are several love-making sequences with her husbands and Priyanka has handled those [bold] sequences without inhibitions.

Amongst the remaining cast, Annu Kapoor leaves the maximum impact. He's simply outstanding! John doesn't really get much scope, Neil is effective, Irrfan is wonderfully restrained, Naseer is believable and Aleksandr is passable. Vivaan Shah, who narrates the story of Susanna, is a talent to watch out for. Though it's his maiden film as an actor, it doesn't seem like one. He is not your regular debutant and that's what makes his character appear so real. Konkona Sen Sharma does well. Usha Uthup and the two male helps are good.

On the whole, 7 KHOON MAAF is a dark film that has its share of positives and negatives. However, the film will meet with diverse reactions - some will fancy it, while some will abhor it. The film will appeal more to the critics/columnists and the festival circuit. However, it is not the kind of cinema that will set the box-office ablaze. Ideally, I would've given a two star rating for this film, but I am going ahead with an extra star for Priyanka Chopra's sterling performance!

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06 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Dil Dil Hai@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Yeshu@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Doosri Darling@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
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Patiala House - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma & Rishi Kapoor

Director Nikihil Advani and Akshay's last outing together, the infamous CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, remains a favorite punching bag to this day. Besides, PATIALA HOUSE comes at a time when people have had an overdose of Akshay starrers. I reiterate, there ought to be at least six months' gap between two films of a major star, while this is Akshay's fourth release in six months [KHATTA MEETHA - 23 July, ACTION REPLAYY - 5 November and TEES MAAR KHAN - 24 December]. Moreover, the film opens exactly one week before the keenly anticipated World Cup cricket matches and coupled with that, it will have no breathing space as the very next week witnesses the release of another much-awaited film 7 KHOON MAAF. Expecting PATIALA HOUSE to overcome these hurdles is tough, mainly when the chips are down!

The chips are down also because people assume PATIALA HOUSE to be something which it is not. Let me clarify that PATIALA HOUSE is not an 'extension' of Akshay's previous films. Sure, PATIALA HOUSE has its share of humorous moments, but the humor is of the subtle kind here. Nor can one compare it to NAMASTEY LONDON, since that film was more of a love story between a British-born Indian and a desi Indian, while PATIALA HOUSE is more of an inspirational film. It's about chasing your dreams as and when you get another opportunity, if you don't succeed the first time.

Essentially, PATIALA HOUSE is a somber film, with the focal point being drama and histrionics rather than the slapstick wit or in-your-face comedy that one anticipates from an Akshay starrer. It's more about familial bonding, with a sport [cricket] interwoven in the screenplay. This one doesn't tickle your funny bone; instead it moistens your eyes thanks to the poignant moments in the narrative, especially the penultimate moments of the film. Those exhausted of watching Akshay getting typecast in similar genre films will drop the charges while watching this one. This is, without a shred of doubt, amongst Akshay's finest performances.

On the flip side, the screenplay of PATIALA HOUSE is erratic - vacillating between engaging to run of the mill to flaccid moments. In fact, a chunk involving the game plan - the family trying various gimmicks and ploys to conceal the truth from Rishi Kapoor - is lame and bizarre. Ditto for the romance between Akshay and Anushka; it comes across as half-baked and looks tame. Even the members of the family, most of them, have ill-defined characters. Fortunately, these deficiencies get camouflaged as the father and son get set for an emotional showdown in the pre-climax. From this point onwards, right till the euphoric victory, the film reaches its pinnacle.

PATIALA HOUSE is an underdog. The expectations are zilch, the odds are not in its favor, but the film throws a pleasant surprise. Go for it!

At Patiala House lives the Kahlon family ruled by Bauji [Rishi Kapoor]. They follow his diktats as he tries to hold onto his 'Indian values' in the land of the goras. The younger generation at Patiala House wants to assert themselves and follow their dreams, but is held back by their respect and love for Bauji and the shining example of Bauji's eldest son, Parghat Singh Kahlon aka Gattu [Akshay Kumar].

Gattu's decision to turn cricketer and play for England is unacceptable to Bauji, who tears his dream apart right in front of his eyes. A dejected Gattu decides to live the life that his father forces upon him. Gattu genuinely cares and respects his father's opinion, so much that he is prepared to let his own dream be sacrificed in the process. Will Bauji loosen his hold and let the youngsters find their own dreams, instead of following his? Will Gattu get a second chance to live his life?

There's no denying that the story of PATIALA HOUSE reminds you of Gurinder Chadha's BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, wherein Parminder Nagra, as the second-generation Sikh girl, defied her parents' wishes to play football. However, PATIALA HOUSE is a film about attachments, affiliations and familial bonding, about respect and trying to adjust to contradictory values that generally crop up when one relocates to another country. More importantly, it's about dreams and aspirations and how fate offers you a second chance in life. PATIALA HOUSE is not one of those atypical mass entertainers that focuses only on providing entertainment, while the story takes a complete backseat. This one, thankfully, has a story to tell. And an interesting one, frankly. Also, as much as this film focuses on the relationship between the father and son, it also weaves the popular sport well in the narrative and that makes for an interesting viewing. However, the cricket factor is subsidiary; the focal point remains the father-son conflict. Nikhil Advani ensures that beneath the familial bonding and curbed aspirations, there's an underlined message as well: Chase you dreams, don't give up, you live only once!

The film has some striking moments and I would like to single out the ones when writers Nikhil Advani and Anvita Dutt Guptan take you back in time to a younger Rishi Kapoor and Akshay's childhood. The racist attacks and how it impacts the family is straight out of life. Besides, the vital sequence in the film - Rishi commands the young Akshay [enacted by Usman Qureshi] to abandon his plans of playing for England - is utmost convincing. The climax, of course, is powerful and the hallmark of this enterprise. It evokes emotions on dual levels - when the father decides to watch his son play cricket and also when Akshay wins the match for England. Ideally, the film should've concluded on this euphoric note, but the song thereafter lessens the impact of the exhilarated climax.

Director Nikhil Advani regains his position as a compelling storyteller, which he had lost post SALAAM-E-ISHQ and CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA. He illustrates his proficiency in the dramatic portions, handling the father-son sequences with dexterity. The soundtrack [music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy] is melodic, with 'Kyun Main Jaagoon' being the best track of the enterprise. The song conveys the spirit of the film well. The placement of 'Laungda Lashkara' may be debatable, but the song is tuneful nonetheless. The background score [also by S-E-L] is classy. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography is stunning.

Gattu is a character anyone can relate to or empathize with and to portray that convincingly is indeed difficult, but Akshay plays this part with rare maturity. It's a complex role to portray since he has to conceal the emotional turmoil he is experiencing within, yet wear a cheery expression against all adversities. The viewer is sure to connect directly and indirectly with this character, even if he/she may have not have experienced what he does in this film. Also, Akshay ensures that his bowling skills look absolutely realistic on screen and he does justice to the sport.

Rishi Kapoor, cast as the patriarch of a family settled in U.K., gets it right yet again. Note his dialect and body language in particular. As Bauji, the veteran actor delivers a sparkling performance, which would rank amongst his superlative work when you look back at his illustrious career. Dimple Kapadia doesn't really get much opportunity initially, but is wonderful in the penultimate sequence when she confronts Rishi Kapoor.

Anushka is an integral part of the story. She is Akshay's shoulder, an unconditional support for him and she fits perfectly into her character. Amongst the plethora of actors, Armaan Kirmani [as Akshay's brother] is excellent, Jeneva Talwar [as Armaan's pregnant wife, Akshay's sis-in-law] is top notch and Usman Qureshi [essaying Akshay's earlier years] is natural. Tinnu Anand is competent, as always. Prem Chopra is okay. Soni Razdan does a fair job. The kid who plays Anushka's brother is smart.

On the whole, PATIALA HOUSE is a film about attachments, affiliations and familial bonding. It's a compelling watch, more for its drama and histrionics than anything else. It's a film that explores the father-son relationship and not just those in India, but around the world should be able to relate to the predicament depicted in this film. The hallmark of the film is the merging of its engaging drama with cricket and that's what makes this product stand out from the earlier Akshay starrers. Especially its penultimate 30 minutes, which is the brightest spot of this enterprise. If the movie succeeds in pulling the heartstrings of the moviegoer, it would propel Akshay back in the same position he once was after the victory of NAMASTEY LONDON and SINGH IS KINNG.

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12 - Patiala House - Laung Da Lashkara (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Patiala House - Laung Da Lashkara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
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06 - Patiala House - Tumba Tumba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon (Unplugged)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Patiala House - Aval Allah@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
10 - Patiala House - Baby When You Talk To Me (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
11 - Patiala House - Rola Pe Gaya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
12 - Patiala House - Laung Da Lashkara (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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