Showing posts with label Anupam Kher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anupam Kher. Show all posts

Friday, September 10, 2010

Dabangg - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Vinod Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Om Puri, Anupam Kher, Tinnu Anand, Mahesh Manjrekar

The fight between good and bad has been the fodder of many a Hindi film of 1970s and 1980s. In fact, it wouldn't be erroneous to state that these films dominated the cinema of yore and a lot of us, who have grown up on masala films/wholesome entertainers, will vividly recall the serpentine queues outsidecinema halls and a mad scramble to book the tickets of those films. hardcore masala films were relished with glee by the audience then.

However, for some inexplicable reason, masala films became extinct or should I say, disappeared from the face of Hindi cinema over a period of time. GHAJINI and WANTED revived this genre, bringing back memories of the bygone era. Now DABANGG takes this genre one step ahead.

Be forewarned. DABANGG is rustic, has loads of action, harps on the age-old mother-son and varied relationships [half-brother, step-father], eventually turns into a vendetta fare, has a number of songs placed smartly in the narrative [including an item number]... but the packaging is slick and polished. Sure, it's old wine, but packed in a brand new bottle, with a new brand ambassador [Salman Khan] endorsing this masalathon.

Most importantly, it has Salman like never before. Breathing fire and venom, Chulbul Pandey aka Robinhood Pandey taps Salman's star power like no film has and the result is sheer magic. In fact, DABANGG stands on three pillars - Salman's star power, smashing stunts and super music.

Final word? Salman fans, rejoice! You walk in DABANGG with 100% expectations and you exit with 200% gratification. Entertainment guaranteed. This film will create a pandemonium of sorts, a mass hysteria, crushing old records and setting new benchmarks at the box-office.

Set in Uttar Pradesh, DABANGG is a story of Chulbul Pandey [Salman Khan], a totally fearless but corrupt police officer with unorthodox working methods. But even the most fearless at times face a tough fight with their innermost demons. Chulbul has had a bitter childhood. His father passed away when he was very young, after which his mother [Dimple Kapadia] married Prajapati Pandey [Vinod Khanna]. Together, they had a son Makhanchan [Arbaaz Khan].

Prajapati favors Makhanchan, which does not go down well with Chulbul. He decides to take control of his destiny and detaches himself from his step-father and half-brother. His sole attachment is his mother. However, after his mother's demise and an unsuccessful attempt to mend wounds, Chulbul snaps all ties with his step-father and half-brother.

Rajo [Sonakshi Sinha], with her unique perspective of life, enters his world and turns life upside down. Chulbul starts to see life more positively and also gets sensitized to the value of a family. But his detractors, especially the dubious Cheddi Singh [Sonu Sood], have their own vested interests and emerge as spokes in the wheels, putting one brother against the other. Makhanchan ends up carrying out an act oblivious to the consequences.

When Makhanchan realizes he has been used, he turns to Chulbul. Will Chulbul take his extended hand? Will the brothers be able to thwart their detractors?

The job of a promo is to give a gist of the film and prepare the audience well in advance about what to expect when they saunter into an auditorium. The promos of DABANGG have sent the right signals to the audience about it being a paisa vasool entertainer. Let's face it, DABANGG has nothing ground-breaking to offer as far as its plot is concerned. We've visited similar stories in the past, but what makes DABANGG shine, and shine brightly, is Salman's star power, which camouflages the aberrations wonderfully. The darling of the masses has been cast in a role that his fans love to see him in, which explains why this film works from start to end.

Like I pointed out earlier, DABANGG is special for two more reasons: S. Vijayan's stunts and Sajid-Wajid's music, with an additional song by Lalit Pandit. Talking of action scenes, Salman's introduction at the start and the fight-to-finish in the climax will send the masses in frenzy. To state that the action scenes are outstanding, especially the fight in the finale, would be an understatement. In the finale fight, when Salman's shirt tears apart and the rippling muscles and the bare-chest fight ensues, mark my words, it will lead to chaos at mass-dominated centres, especially at single screens. The climax will be one of the prime reasons for repeat viewing, for sure.

It's difficult to accommodate music in an action film, but Sajid-Wajid come up with a melodious score. The title track, 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain' and 'Munni' [composed by Lalit Pandit] are the icing on the cake.

Director Abhinay Singh Kashyap is in his element. He's made an out and out entertainer with an eye at the masses and he succeeds in his endeavour. Doing justice to vintage formula is no cakewalk, let's not forget. Besides, the director stays away from going overdramatic while handling the dramatic and emotional moments. This explains why you don't exit the theatre with a spinning head. Mahesh Limaye's cinematography is perfect. I'd like to make a note of the editing [Pranav V. Dhiwar], which is super-slick in action scenes. Dialogue, especially those delivered by Salman, will be greeted with claps and whistles. Especially the one 'Itne chhed karunga'.

Salman Khan is the boss, when it comes to playing to the masses. This film reaffirms this truth. The role provides him ample opportunity to prove his star power and he does it with remarkable ease. Let me put it on record. DABANGG is yet another landmark film in his career, besides MAINE PYAR KIYA, HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN, JUDWAA [tapping the funny side], TERE NAAM [tapping the emotional side] and WANTED.

Sonakshi Sinha looks fresh, acts confidently and pairs off very well with Salman. Most importantly, she delivers the right expressions and is not overpowered by the galaxy of stars in the cast. Arbaaz Khan is efficient. He underplays his part well. Sonu Sood is electrifying, matching up to Salman at every step. In fact, the fight in the finale between Salman and Sonu is awe-inspiring.

Vinod Khanna is excellent in a role that has grey shades. Dimple Kapadia is truly wonderful. Anupam Kher is, as always, good. Ditto for Om Puri. Mahesh Manjrekar doesn't get ample scope. Mahi Gill is alright. Tinnu Anand is effective. Murli Sharma is nice. Malaika Arora Khan sizzles in the 'Munni' track.

On the whole, DABANGG is a full on entertainer with three aces - Salman Khan like never before, stylish action and super music. It's a foregone conclusion that DABANGG will open huge. As far as the business prospects are concerned, the film will set new benchmarks, so much so that DABANGG will be one of the yardsticks to gauge the level of business in times to come. Sure to fetch an earth-shattering opening, the film will create a pandemonium at the box-office, cementing the status of Salman Khan as the darling of the masses and making the distributors laugh all the way to the bank.

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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Dabangg - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Vinod Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Om Puri, Anupam Kher, Tinnu Anand, Mahesh Manjrekar

Well, it can now be comfortably said that Salman Khan and his composer duo of Sajid and Wajid are definitely a team. One look at the last few films of Salman and the declaration does come with a strong standing. Wanted, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, Veer and now Dabangg - Film after film it is the same team which is coming together to get the music in place. Add to this the fact that this combination along with lyricist Jalees Sherwani has invariably delivered and you know that Dabangg too is in safe hands. What does one expect? Well, a mix of all genre of songs, something that was also the case with Salman's last masala action entertainer - Wanted.

Dabangg begins on a highly positive note with 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain' which is written by guest lyricist Faaiz Anwaar. This track easily sits amidst the best of what Sajid-Wajid have offered in their musical career so far. Easy on ears, extremely melodious, good pace and instantly catchy, 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain' has a Sufi base to it which is elevated to further heights due to one man - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. His name spells quality and it is no different in case of 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain' which is all set to be a chartbuster and has en evergreen appeal to it. No wonder, not just it arrives at the very beginning of the album, it is also repeated in a duet version with Shreya Ghoshal (good again) and a 'remix version' (not really the preferred version).

An attempt to recreate the flavour of 'Beedi Jalaile Le' turns out to be just a good - not extraordinary - outing in the form of 'Munni Badnaam'. Lalit Pandit is the guest composer and lyricist of this song which has a UP-Bihar setting to it (which goes in synch with the backdrop of the film as well) and is sung in a rustic style by Mamta Sharma and Aishwarya. The lyrics, though definitely not vulgar, cater mainly to the gentry, what with references to Bipasha Basu as well as Bebo (Kareena Kapoor). A foot tapping (as is the 'remix version'), a lot will depend upon how it is picturised on Malaika Arora Khan because in isolation, it is not the kind that has in it to cover a huge distance all by itself.

Well, if one thought that 'Don't Say Alvida' was the best that Sajid-Wajid, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal had to offer to Salman in Main Aurr Mrs Khanna then watch out for 'Chori Kiya Re Jiya'. Boasting of simple lyrics by Jalees Sherwani (who takes over the scene from this point on), 'Chori Kiya Re Jiya' is yet another winner that Dabangg can guarantee for itself. Melodious, sweet sounding and instantly bringing a smile on your face, 'Chori Kiya Re Jiya' is the kind of number that ensures a comfortable hearing as well as viewing due to an intrinsic innocent appeal.

What is not so innocent though is 'Udd Udd Dabangg' which is the kind of title song that is totally on the same lines as the one heard in title track of Omkara. What is also common is Sukhwinder Singh who was vociferous in Omkara but is hauntingly subdued yet powerful in Dabangg. It takes a couple of listening to grasp the mood of 'Udd Udd Dabangg' and though it is not the one to be sung around, it makes for a good inclusion in the background score of the film's narrative. Wajid too joins Sukhwinder for this rustic number that should auger well with Salman's fans.

Just a few months back, music lovers were offered an energetic 'drunken song' in the form of 'Taali Maar' [Veer]. In fact it was one under rated number that deserved to cover a bigger distance. An effort is made to create a song on the same lines, 'Humka Peeni Hai', with Salman as the centre of attraction yet again. However, the results aren't as exciting as 'Taali' with 'Humka Peeni Hai' turning out to be just about average. Wajid, Master Salim and Shabab Sabri come together to get the energy into the proceedings but somehow the tune by itself doesn't excite a listener enough to play it over and over again, despite the arrival of a 'remix version' a little later.

The album ends on a high note though with 'Dabangg Theme', which just like the 'Most Wanted' track in Wanted comes with good enough ammunition to keep the listener hooked. Chances are that you have gone through the theatrical promo of Dabangg already. If so, there is good news because the same promo is heard in 'Dabangg Theme' with even the dialogues being kept intact. For the fans and followers of Salman Khan, it is a much cherished added bonus to listen to some powerful dialoguebaazi.

Dabangg delivers what it promised. One expected a masala soundtrack and this is what one gets with a couple of item song sequences, a couple of theme tracks and two love songs which are actually the highlight of the film. A soundtrack that has something in store for mass (Munni Badnaam, Humka Peeni Hai) as well as class (Tere Mast Mast Do Nain, Chori Kiya Re Jiya), Dabangg should see good response at the music stands.


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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Lamhaa - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Kunal Kapoor, Anupam Kher

Lamhaa opens in the year 2009 and talks about the separatist protest movements that initiated in Kashmir which (it repeatedly claims throughout the film) had started ‘18 years’ back in the year 1989. Not only does the film goes appallingly wrong with elementary mathematics, but also adds to the audience ambiguity through its constantly changing geographical boundaries and jumbled history.

Lamhaa mercilessly doesn’t deal with the Kashmir issue in an outright jingoistic approach like those countless formula films that have been made on the theme that show India as a clear-cut hero and Pakistan as a definite villain to exploit patriotic sentiments. This film highlights several discrepancies in our own country from corrupt army officers, conniving politicians to scheming businessmen. But beyond that when it attempts to fit in a clichéd conspiracy theory within the preset political premise, it falls flat on its face.

Officer Vikram (Sanjay Dutt) is sent on an undercover operation to Kashmir when the Indian intelligence gets information of a probable big terror attack in the valley. There a separatist leader Haji (Anupam Kher) has been fighting against the Indian government since 1989 for Azad Kashmir. Haji’s protégé Aziza (Bipasha Basu) supports her mentor in his mission. Haji’s other ex-protégé Aatif (Kunal Kapoor), who is now a reformed militant, wants to contest elections from the valley to win his people and province.

For Vikram, spying seems to be a child’s play. He sneaks into the police commissioner’s office in broad daylight as if playing hide-and-seek with him. He walks into a seamster’s shop who gives him ‘tailor-made’ tips and tracks terrorist identity by just having a look at their jackets. (Was the writing conveniently inspired by the investigative tele-series CID?) For no good reason Vikram keeps stalking and supporting Aziza in her attempts. Thankfully (though the background score gives a slight hint) a romance track is averted.

Through all his lackadaisical spying, Vikram finally learns that the neighbouring country is going to repeat the assault of 1989 on a larger scale. So as you look forward to a striking climax, you are sorely disappointed to discover that the supposedly colossal conspiracy merely ends up being a bombing plan on a political rally, seen for a zillion times in Hindi films. The intended twist in the plot is predictable and the convenient culmination is void of any dramatic moments.

It takes time to absorb the wide-ranging characters and their varied conflicts in the film and yet you do not understand all of them. Vikram is specifically chosen for the Kashmir operation though he doesn’t belong to the region. Yet there is no background account to justify his character, making him look shallow. In the initial reels, one tends to get confused if Anupam Kher’s Haji is a protagonist or antagonist as he keeps juggling between the two identities through the film. His fallout with Aatif is merely mentioned in a flashback scene. And then there is Mahesh Manjrekar playing Peer Baba in a cameo who remains quite undefined through the film.

The screenplay by Raghav Dhar and Rahul Dholakia appears disjoint with constant unconnected scenes and subplots. Though the writing attempts to touch several related concerns from the half widows of Dardpura village, victimized prostitutes to the psychosis of the border security soldiers; these works only peripherally without being plugged into the core narrative. Bipasha Basu’s public humiliation scene seems to be distinctly derived from Monica Belluci’s Maléna . Nevertheless the actress is poignantly effective in her outburst.

The pacing seems too hurried and the restless editing by Ashmith Kunder and Akshay Mohan barely allows you to breathe, gasp, feel, absorb, react or relate. The incessant disturbing camera movements by cinematographer Jamie Fowlds annoy you more than having an effect. Mithoon’s soothing musical score has its charming moments.

The performances are not bad but don’t rise above the script. Sanjay Dutt plays his age but his character seems half-baked. Bipasha Basu is decent in a different role. Kunal Kapoor adds grace to his character but sounds meek in delivering political speeches. Anupam Kher is effective.

For the common man, the politics of Kashmir has often been a complicated topic. This film doesn’t make it any simpler. Lamhaa doesn’t enthrall beyond a few interesting moments.

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Saturday, June 12, 2010

Lamhaa - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Kunal Kapoor, Anupam Kher

Lamhaa is an upcoming Hindi movie of Bollywood based on Kashmir. Lamhaa music is composed by Mithoon. It is the much awaited Hindi movie directed by Rahul Dholakia.

Sanjay Dutt’s long pending Lamhaa is finally about to release. Lamhaa’s music will be out soon too. And my guess is, it will be worth waiting for. After a long gap, Mithoon is coming back with Lamhaa and this time he’s coming up with almost all new singers, for him that is.

This time Mithoon’s album is going to feature Rahman’s old favorite Chinmayee in at least two songs while in one of the songs she will be singing with Mika Singh. Another song in the album is given to Palash Sen of Euphoria while he also brings pop-singer Arun Daga for a song. Besides all these singers, Mithoon will be singing himself for the album too.

Zameen-O-Aasma” song of Lamhaa Hindi music is sung by Kshitij Tarey. The song begins with slow-paced music. Lyric of the song appears from the background. It is the classical song of the movie.

Rehmat Zara” is another slow-paced song of Lamhaa. It is sung by Mithoon & Mohd Irfan. Soon, the song turns into “Jhankar” and band music. Lyric of the song is as faster as its music.

Saajnaa” song of Lamhaa album is sung by Mika & Chinmayi. The song also tunes on slow-paced piano music. Mika has introduced a very different voice in this song. It is one of the best soundtracks of Lamhaa album.

Main Kaun Hoon” song of Lamha music is sung by Palash Sen. It is another slow-paced soundtrack of Lamhaa album. Lyric of the song is incredible. It is a situational song of the movie. The song has introduced the best music also.

Salaam Zindagi” song begins with kids voices. The song is sung by Arun Daga & Mohd Irfan. It is an inspirational soundtrack of Lamhaa music. The song is dedicated to the life. The soundtrack has introduced the best lyric. It has quite different music and lyric from other soundtracks of Lamhaa album. Lyric of the song is really melodious. It is my favourite song of Lamhaa album.

Madno” song of Lamhaa music is sung by Kshitij Tarey & Chinmayi. The song also begins with poetic lyric. The soundtrack has slow-paced music. The song has romantic essence. I love the song much.

Overall, Lamhaa music has introduced the best soundtracks. However, all songs tune on the same music. Despite it, “Salaam Zindagi” and “Madno” is the best soundtrack of Lamhaa music. Mithoon has really tired to give something new to the listeners with Lamhaa music.

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Ishqiya - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Naseruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan, Anupam Kher

Get ready for tangy, pungent, sizzling and spicy stuff. Be forewarned, ISHQIYA isn't the fluffy, candyfloss, saccharine sweet story of lovers breaking into songs in mustard fields. In ISHQIYA, you just don't know what turn the story may take next. Not just the story, even the characters here are so impulsive and unpredictable.

You need to have a strong stomach to absorb ISHQIYA. It's high on drama, it's wild, it's real. But it's not dark, it's not sleazy, it's not crass. Frankly, you don't expect debutante director Abhishek Chaubey to make a stereotypical fare thanks to the tutelage by his guru Vishal Bhardwaj, who loves to swim against the tide and undertake risks in film after film.

You could call ISHQIYA a distant cousin of OMKARA. Set in Gorakhpur in North India, the film has a rustic feel, depicts characters that may make you uncomfortable and is laced with saucy lingo. Yet, it's different than OMKARA.

Final word? You can't help but fall in ishq with ISHQIYA. Tired of sherbat? Try this spicy jaljeera for a change!

Two thieves, Khalujaan [Naseeruddin Shah] and Babban [Arshad Warsi], are on the run from their boss, Mushtaq. They seek refuge at a friend's house, but instead meet his widow, Krishna [Vidya Balan]. The time spent together draws the duo to her, Khalu with his tinted vision of old-fashioned love and Babban with his lustful eye. But the past catches up with all three!

There's no denying that the promos had prepared me of the journey ahead, yet it took me a good 15-odd minutes to get into the world of Khalujaan, Babban and Krishna. But once you get sucked into their world, the blurred images start getting clearer and clearer and you become an active participant in their journey.

The first hour passes in a jiffy, but the story actually gets dramatic and volatile in its second hour. It's at this stage that things start getting more and more unpredictable. Thestory does a somersault every 10 minutes and by the time it reaches its finale, you're curious to know how the debutante director would conclude this saga. The end, of course, will have its share of advocates and adversaries, but the fact remains that it's offbeat.

Abhishek Chaubey is a welcome addition to the ranks of avid storytellers. His choice of the subject and also handling of the material is what makes this film so eminently watchable. Not once do you feel that ISHQIYA has been helmed by a first-timer. Note the change of events in the song 'Dil To Bachcha Hain Ji' or the kidnap drama and the heated argument that follows thereafter. Even the passionate lovemaking sequence between Arshad and Vidya has been dexterously canned.

However, Chaubey and his team of writers could've kept the writing simplistic towards the finale. It's complex and also lacks clarity. Yet, all said and done, screenplay writers Vishal Bhardwaj, Sabrina Dhawan and Abhishek Chaubey deserve kudos for coming up with a film that keeps you hooked for most parts.

Vishal Bhardwaj's musical score has his unmistakable stamp all over. The film is embellished with two lilting gems - 'Ibne Batuta' and 'Dil To Bachcha Hain Ji' - which are a rage with listeners already and have been juxtaposed beautifully in the plot. Mohana Krishna's cinematography is first-rate. Dialogues [Vishal Bhardwaj] are acidic and a few lines are indeed startling.

Every actor in ISHQIYA delivers a sparkling performance! Naseeruddin Shah is superb as a romantic. He is matchless in the sequence when he learns the truth about Vidya and Arshad. Arshad packs in a bravura performance yet again. Post MUNNABHAI films, Arshad should be liked in this one the maximum. Vidya continues to surprise. It's a dynamic performance undoubtedly. PAA and ISHQIYA are two landmarks in her career.

The actors enacting the role of Jijaji, the kidnapped victim and Vidya's husband are all perfect. The child, who interacts with Arshad, is natural. In fact, every performance in ISHQIYA is worthy of mention.

On the whole, ISHQIYA is definitely worth a watch. The film has a riveting plot, great performances, soulful music, an absorbing story and skilful direction to make the viewer fall in ishq with it.

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Saturday, January 9, 2010

Pyaar Impossible - Movie Review

Read more! Cast:: Uday Chopra,Priyanka Chopra,Dino Morea,Anupam Kher

SHREK has been one of the most loved movies of our times. An ogre falls in love with a princess and after overcoming their share of obstacles, the couple live happily ever after. Most Hindi movies take a similar route, don't they? We love happy endings. We want the underdog to accomplish his dreams. We feel euphoric if he walks into the sunset, holding the hand of his beloved.

A love story works if you fall in love with the on-screen characters and also if it knocks on the doors of your heart. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE does that. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE may not be the ultimate romantic film, but you can't deny the fact that there's something about this film that stays with you, that you carry home... sorry, carry in your heart.

PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE also works because its protagonists, Uday and Priyanka, deliver sparkling performances. No wonder, you get drawn in their world in a jiffy.

Final word? Watch PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE if you are or even if you're not a romantic. It has its heart in the right place!

In a university in California, Alisha [Priyanka Chopra] is the name of that dream everyone wished came true. The most beautiful girl on campus, she makes hearts flutter like leaves in the wind. Everybody loves Alisha.

It is no surprise then that Abhay [Uday Chopra] loves her too. Abhay is a nerdy, awkward, bespectacled geek of the college who is so far removed from her world. She doesn't even know that people like him actually exist.

One day Abhay musters up enough courage to go and express his true feelings to her and realizes that it is never gonna happen. He comes to terms with the fact that Alisha isa Princess and he is just a Geek. That is when their ways eventually part. Later, their paths cross again, as Abhay is busy trying to launch his career. Fate again brings him face to face with the woman of his dreams, Alisha.

Will Abhay have the strength to believe in himself and attempt to achieve what he never thought possible?

You may draw parallels with Chris Columbus' I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER [2009], but the fact is that Uday Chopra's story in PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE [yes, he has penned the story, screenplay and dialogue] could be anybody's story. This is not about a nerd who wants his program back from a suave hacker. It's about a simpleton, his feelings, the complications in his life and the final triumph. Haven't we seen so many jodis in real life, who may not pair off well, but look compatible? Let's not forget, opposites attract!

You may also draw parallels with Aditya Chopra's RAB NE BANA DI JODI, but writer Uday Chopra and director Jugal Hansraj steer clear of anything that could be similar to Adi's film. The [sole] similarity starts and ends with a simpleton falling in love with an attractive girl.

Uday's screenplay remains faithful to the main plot, not deviating one bit. At the same time, it could've been tighter in the post-interval portions. There were ample occasions when Uday could've opened his heart, his motive of arriving in Singapore, that he's not a nanny, that he had been cheated by Dino. But he doesn't!

Thankfully, the writing is back on track towards its climax. Right from the kiddie song, to Priyanka realising that she loves Uday, to the press conference when Uday stands vindicated and Dino exposed, the penultimate moments are the mainstay of the enterprise.

Jugal Hansraj has the trappings of a competent director. He has handled several sensitive moments with dexterity. Salim-Sulaiman's musical score is pleasant, but it can do with that extra push [promotion] from the music division. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography is top notch. Dialogue [also penned by Uday] are straight out of life.

PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE works largely due to the efficient performances by its principal actors - Uday Chopra and Priyanka Chopra. Both deliver sparkling performances. Priyanka has evolved into a fantastic actor and this film proves it yet again. Five minutes into the film and you realise that you are not watching Priyanka, but Alisha Merchant. That's what this fine actor does to you.

Uday gets it right as Abhay. Sure, the actor has been a part of several films in the past, but this one awakens you to this sincere performer, who, unfortunately, has never got his due. He plays the role of a Geek with astute understanding and it's thanks to his super portrayal that you feel for this character. This should be the turning point in his career.

Dino Morea springs a surprise and carries off his part very well. Anupam Kher is perfect in a brief role. Advika Yadav, the kid playing Priyanka's daughter, is adorable. And a terrific actor too!

On the whole, PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE is a feel-good film. If you are a romantic, this one's for you. Even if you're not, still watch it. Its one of those films that will bring a smile on your face - something that most Hindi films don't do these days!

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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Ishqiya - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Naseruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan, Anupam Kher

With its Sufi elements, the mellow retro-styled Dil to Bachcha Hai will have you hooked right from the start, Vishal doing a magnificent job with the instruments, the claps, the accordion (or harmonium, I am not quite sure!) et al. And Rahat Fateh Ali sounds so beautifully at home rendering this track as compared to the songs he sang last year. The remix also has an alluring arrangement, but doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original. The English part sung by Clinton Cerejo doesn’t gel in with the actual lyrics. Ibn-E-Batuta starts off exuding a heady feel akin to Raat Ke Dhai Baje, Dil Haara and the likes. But somewhere along the course of the song the effect starts wearing off, in spite of the high energy vocals by Mika and Sukhwinder. The two remixes can be steered clear of, totally lacking the class or the charm that was there in the Dil To Bachcha Hai remix. The first remix in fact sounds more of a travesty with its annoying chipmunkish processing of Ibn-E-Batuta.

Rekha Bharadwaj gets behind the microphone to deliver Ab Mujhe Koi, a conventional ghazal set to a rather unconventional background consisting of guitars, keyboard and drums. Needless to say Rekha does a wonderful job of rendering the song. She returns to sing the last track of the album, Badi Dheere Jali, a track set to raag Miya Ki Todi I think. The arrangement sees a wonderful fusion of western and eastern instruments.

After giving a very massy soundtrack in Kaminey, Vishal this time opts for a mix of the massy and the esoteric. For that reason Ishqiya’s soundtrack is not going to enjoy the widespread acceptance that Kaminey’s did, barring the first two songs. Nevertheless Ishqiya once again demonstrates the class act that Vishal Bharadwaj is. And in Dil To Bachcha Hai I already have my first entry for the top 15 tracks of 2010!

Dil To Bachcha Hai
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's voice suits any song he sings, 'Dil To Bachcha' is also no exception. This is not the typical soulful track from Rahat but a complete different composition, much required for the singer too, as he was getting monotonous.

Ibn-E-Batuta
I don't understand what the title means but its a very catchy word. This is a rough song with music hitting straight on your face. The video picturization adds a lot of character to this song.

Ab Mujhe Koi
Music is simple and plain, only the basic guitar tunes are used. The singer Rekha Bhardwaj tries to connect with the audience but fails.

Badi Dheere Jali
This song is too depressing. Painfully slow accompanied by sitar music is a no show.

Ishqiya Music Album is half good and obviously half bad attempt. Importance to music is clearly not seen in the original tracks but remixes offer more then the required. First 2 tracks - Dil To Bachcha Hai and Ibn-E-Batuta are made for the crowds, absolute entertainers and the other 2 songs are painfully slow, dead beat tracks from Rekha Bhardwaj. The album offers us something new which was also necessary considering the theme of the film but no song can grasp your attention for long.

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Pyaar Impossible - Music Review

Read more! Cast:: Uday Chopra,Priyanka Chopra,Dino Morea,Anupam Kher

Days after Yash Raj Films and composers Salim-Sulaiman came up with the soundtrack of Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year arrives the music album of Pyaar Impossible. In fact this may well be the first for both the production house as well as the composer duo who have seen some work of theirs arriving in such quick succession. Given the fact that the film is titled Pyaar Impossible, has a glossy teenage feel to it and bears a vibrant look, one expects a happy soundtrack from the five songs, each of which is written by Anvita Dutt Guptan.

The promos look fresh and going by the soundtrack of this album, it could very well be the perfect rom-com Hindi movie for that ideal date. It certainly has got the lead actors bang-on, one being the hottie and the other is…whatever.

The lyrics written by Anvita Dutt sound simple, reflects femme attitude and with Miss PC lip syncing to it, makes one imagine delicious things.

Alisha has full-on attitude and is full of punk. Her voice is provided by Anushka Manchanda who is full of that required zest. Salim Merchant pitches in along with the chorus to give this song that extra edge. The Remix version is quick paced and has its own flavor.

Dominique Cerejo’s smooth vocals along with husky Vishal Dadlani talk about lovely things which are possible, but at the end it says Pyaar Impossible. It’s a lovely romantic number sure to top your list. Remix version - take your own pick!

You And Me has a feel similar to preceding tracks talking about two people different, yet one longs for the other. It’s an interesting combo of Neha Bhasin and Benny Dayal which make it a treat for your ears.

Starting off as a full-on rock track, 10 On 10 reeks with attitude. Mahua Kamat and Anushka Manchanda are perfect to get that across. The lyrics of the song are cool, hep and perfect for a prom night. It will soon become every hot chick’s anthem and every guy wanting his dream girl to be right there! Naresh Kamat is the sole male voice in this female dominated song.

Rishika Sawant sings Ek Thi Ladki with an element of simplicity and a story-telling mode. The composition has innocence to it just like reflected in nursery rhymes. It should be played with the credits of the movie rolling at the start.

The soundtrack is very much suited to the theme of the movie with each song reflecting how different the girl is from the boy in the question. The makers do get some catchy and fun-filled compositions across without treading the conventional route. Brilliant!

Due to its situational feel, one can't be expecting mega popularity for the album here. However, if one understands the intent of the album, the songs have been pretty much made to facilitate the album's narrative rather than being chartbusters that would get audiences in theaters. In this aspect, Salim-Sulaiman create a good situational album that may well drive the narrative rather than just fitting into it.

Download MP3 Song
01 - Alisha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com





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