Showing posts with label Imran Khan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Imran Khan. Show all posts

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Break Ke Baad - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Imran Khan , Deepika Padukone

Aditya Chopra's DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE, Karan Johar's KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and Farhan Akhtar's DIL CHAHTA HAI continue to inspire and motivate film-makers to this date. Danish Aslam's debut film BREAK KE BAAD borrows from the above-mentioned films, besides Imtiaz Ali's LOVE AAJ KAL and several other films churned out by Yash Raj and Dharma.

I don't think it's sacrilege to seek inspiration from a great film, a taut script or soulful music, but the storyteller ought to take that extra effort to present something more than what we've watched before, in his/her film. That's where BREAK KE BAAD fails to connect.

BREAK KE BAAD deals with space issues in a relationship, a much exploited and abused word used a lot in the present-day scenario. Space is almost like a break-up mantra and BREAK KE BAAD explores this concept rather than being a conventional love story. It has that typical Hollywood inspired urban drollness, approach and responsiveness, but what comes across on screen is a poor replication of romance-laden movies that we have enjoyed over the years.

BREAK KE BAAD goes wrong, sorry horribly wrong in its writing. The screenplay is full of glitches, the writing is juvenile, the situations are amateurish and I actually wondered how a shoddy screenplay like the one in BREAK KE BAAD was green-lit and approved in the first place. The intention was to make a cool film for the urban youth, but the writers [screenplay: Renuka Kunzru and Danish Aslam] have messed up and how!

Abhay [Imran Khan] and Aaliya [Deepika Padukone] have known each other since they were kids. Their friendship turned into love at the tender age of 15, when Abhay realized that Aaliya is the girl for him.

Aaliya's life is defined by her burning desire to become an actress and she is unmindful of what or who comes in her way. Abhay, who is still unsure about what he wants to do, finds himself competing with Aaliya's incessant plans and projects to fulfill her dreams. Things come to a head when Aaliya decides to go to Australia to study and Abhay has to deal with the prospect of a long-term relationship, secretly fearing that he will lose Aaliya forever.

They decide to give their relationship a break, so that Aaliya can pursue her dreams. As time passes by, Abhay realises his skills, while Aaliya realises that there is no joy in achieving one's dreams if one has no one to share it with.

The basic idea of BREAK KE BAAD may compel you to think that it's going to charter a new path completely, but what comes across is a sham. I mean, the lovers break up for a flimsy reason [there's no persuasive rationale actually], then become friends, then go separate ways, then become friends again, then argue animatedly and then get married. Besides, the film is talk-heavy, extremely verbose and the chatter is pointless, senseless and ludicrous.

One fails to understand why the girl drops the guy like a hot brick. Actually, there's no valid reason for her to do so. He is so committed, so devoted, so trustworthy that any girl would give her left arm to be with him. But the girl comes across as a no-brainer and expectedly, realizes her folly only towards the finale [as expected in a screenplay of convenience]. Besides a faulty screenplay, even the supporting characters [Sharmila Tagore, Shahana Goswami] are wasted.

Director Danish Aslam has handled a few moments well, that's it. A love story ought to be embellished with a lilting musical score, but Vishal-Shekhar disappoint this time. The songs are strictly okay and one misses that winning track that makes a love story memorable. Cinematography [Andre Menezes] is alright.

Both Imran and Deepika take a step forward as actors. Having watched Imran closely from JAANE TU YAA JAANE NA days, I feel that he has come a long way in his fifth outing and you can see a marked difference in his performance. As far as Deepika is concerned, I like the spontaneity that she brings to the character. After LOVE AAJ KAL, this is another film that will make people sit up and notice her talent. Sharmila Tagore is wasted. Ditto for Shahana Goswami. Yudhishtir Urs irritates. Lillete Dubey gets to deliver some spicy lines. Navin Nischol gets minimal scope.

On the whole, BREAK KE BAAD has a vibrant Imran and Deepika as its USP, but a faulty and an unpersuasive screenplay as is its major stumbling block. Fails to impress!

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Friday, October 15, 2010

Break Ke Baad - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Imran Khan , Deepika Padukone

After a rather quiet 2009 that saw a sole album release for Vishal-Shekhar - Aladin - the composer duo is on a roll. They had a peppy outing in I Hate LUV Storys, gave to audience a quality wholesome score in Anjaana Anjaani and now are delivering music for yet another young romcom Break Ke Baad. With Vishal & Shekhar staying on to be the first choice for many a filmmakers when it comes to music for an outing seems to be designed on the lines of Hollywood romcoms, their coming into Break Ke Baad is not a surprise. What's surprising though is to see Prasoon Joshi on the credits as a lyricist with whom Vishal-Shekhar are working for the first time. However, since Prasoon has worked in last three films made by Kunal Kohli (Hum Tum, Fanaa, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic), it is understandable as well. One looks forward to check out what does this unique pairing has to offer in their first outing together.

Expect something unconventional, yet striking, in the opening track of the album - 'Adhoore'. This isn't a word which is common when it comes to Bollywood lyrics. Also, it has a hint of sadness to it due to the meaning that it carries. Still, Vishal-Shekhar do an amazing job in making a cracker of a track that gets on you in the very first listening. A contemporary urban track that is miles away from being a conventional 'lambi judaai' affair, 'Adhoore' works for its modern take on love. Add to this fact that Vishal Dadlani is quite effective behind the mike as well along with Alyssa Mendonca and you know that this song has in it to find a way up in the charts. The 'remix version' further ensures that club hoppers won't mind playing it on at top volume all over again.

Neeraj Sridhar is a regular with composer Pritam and has delivered a dozen odd chartbusters with him already. However, when it comes to Vishal-Shekhar, they have used him quite sparsely. This is the reason why when one sees them roping in Neeraj for 'Ajab Leher', one waits to check out what they really have to offer. First thing that they succeed in achieving is to make Neeraj sound different. Of course, his voice - as heard before in many a song - is quite pleasant but he goes ahead with a different take in this fun number where the protagonist seems to be having a good time talking about his 'padosan'. Shekhar Ravjiani, Vishal Dadlani and Rhys D'Souza play a supporting role as back up vocalists in this song which basically belongs to Neeraj. A sweet number with a simple tune to it which is pretty much akin to a nursery rhyme, 'Ajab Lehr' should look good on screen and take the narrative forward.

When you read the credit details, it is hard to decipher what exactly would the lyrics 'Dhoop Ke Makaan' actually convey. Coming from Prasoon Joshi, one can expect a poetic outing every now and then and it is no different in case of the number in question. Also, one can see a strong Gulzar influence here as well. Nevertheless, the song is pretty soothing on ears, whether it comes in its regular or 'acoustic' version. The way Shekhar Ravjiani goes on to sing this one, it is crystal clear that the composer was just hiding behind his talent as a singer for long. His voice has that intrinsic happy feel to it, something which was the hallmark of Udit Narayan, and this is what that makes even this supposedly sad track turn out to be pretty engaging. This song which also has Sunidhi Chauhan and Hitesh Sonik as the co-singers may not reach out amongst masses but for those who like their music to be soft and carry a quality feel to it (a la 'Kucch Kam' in Dostana), 'Dhoop Ke Makaan' is the one to be played on a repeat mode.

The album picks up pace with 'Dooriyan Hain Zaroori' which again has a sad meaning to it, reason being that it deals with the distance that comes in due to a break up. Still, all credit to the way it has been designed that one never feels dejected, let down or bored when this song plays. In fact this track that has been designed as soft rock has some very good arrangements coming into play that turn it into an out and out youthful urban affair that should work amongst the cosmopolitan crowds. Monica Dogra, a rock band member, is pretty effective in this well paced song with Vishal Dadlani ensuring that he justifies his own inclusion as a singer.

By this time around, it is apparent that Break Ke Baad is the most loaded Vishal-Shekhar album ever, reason being that they also appear as singers in almost all songs, barring one. This solitary song where they have entrusted another singer to totally drive the proceedings is 'Main Jiyoonga' which has now-getting-popular Nikhil D'Souza taking centre-stage. Though there are additional vocals by Mikey Mcclearyu and Gino Banks, it is Nikhil who seems to be having all the fun in this yet another soft rock track which deals with the aftermath of a break and looking forward in future. Any sadness here though? Naah!

The same arrives in English as well with Vishal Dadlani giving an altogether different impression of him as a singer here. While he has been doing his bit with vociferous songs like 'Dan Te Nan' [Kaminey] in the past, it is nice to see him going subdued, yet energetic, for this fun take on living life to the fullest. Of course a track like this does have a restricted audience for itself but in the context of the film, it should fit in pretty well.

Break Ke Baad is an unconventional album, especially when one looks at it from the Bollywood standpoint. Change is good and it is slowly but steadily, audience too are warming up to conventional sound. Rock On was a prime example of that, the music of which was dismissed by many in the first hearing. However, when compared to Rock On, Break Ke Baad still has some elements that augur well with the romcom affair. While this is a quality album for sure, what has to be seen is the way the songs are picturised, promoted and brought to audience. If the film is a success, the songs should only take further leaps amongst the target audience which basically comprises of urban youth who have a taste for modern sound.

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Thursday, July 1, 2010

I Hate Luv Storys - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Imran Khan & Sonam Kapoor

The first thing that attracts you to (I Hate Luv Storys) is its title. Let's face it, we adore love stories... at least I do. We idolise the characters decades after the movies have come and gone. The songs that come on our lips instantly while playing a game of antakshri are romantic songs as well. In fact, the biggest moneyspinners, let's face it, have been love stories, right? So how can we 'hate' a love story?

No matter how mushy or cheesy they are, we find love stories irresistible because of the tremendous rush we experience at the end. Some of us are big suckers for love sagas, aren't we? That's precisely the reason why this title (I Hate Luv Storys) nagged me no end every time I watched the promo of this film.

Helmed by first-timer Punit Malhotra, (I Hate Luv Storys) is typical candyfloss romance with a story that's not jaw-droppingly different, let me forewarn you. But if you're young at heart or a diehard and hopeless romantic, you'd lap up (I Hate Luv Storys) like a kid laps up his fav candy.

Now to the vital question: If (I Hate Luv Storys) rests on a thin plot, what is it that drives the film for the next two hours? My answer to that is, four factors: The fresh pairing and chemistry between the lead cast, tremendous youth appeal, terrific music and magical moments that make a love story work.

The makers have never claimed that (I Hate Luv Storys) will change the face of Hindi cinema. Nor did they ever claim that (I Hate Luv Storys) will change the mindset of the viewer towards romantic films. So let's sit back and enjoy the fun ride. This one's by the youth, for the youth. It's this age-group that would come out smiling, cheering and rooting for this prem kahani.

'I hate love stories' is the maxim Jay (Imran Khan) lives by. But as an assistant director to Veer (Samir Soni), the most famous romantic film-maker of Indian film industry, Jay has little option but to live with larger than life, glossy, cinematic love on an everyday basis. Things only get worse when he is made to work under the new production designer on the film, Simran [Sonam Kapoor], with whom he shares the strangest first encounter.

Simran loves love stories, so much so that even her life has begun to resemble one. With her ideal job and the perfect boyfriend Raj [Samir Dattani], she lives a blissful, dreamy life. One that is rudely interrupted by Jay's cynicism.

Writer-director Punit Malhotra wins Round 1 by casting the right actors in the roles of Jay and Simran. In fact, it wouldn't be erroneous to state that the casting is the trump card of this film. But what Punit ought to know by now is that every story ought to have a strong grip to keep your attention arrested for the next two hours. In this case, the film rests on a waferthin plot, with not much movement in the story in the first hour. In fact, the story barely moves in the first part.

Yes, post-interval, the story does gather momentum and though you're well aware of the journey and what the culmination will be like, you don't mind the ride because you can't take your eyes off Imran and Sonam. Also, a love story works if one pines for the on-screen lovers and in (I Hate Luv Storys), you genuinely want the duo to sort things out, which means that you're involved in their lives. Even the finale - it won't be fair on my part to reveal how this movie concludes - may be filmy or cliched, but let's face it, it works.

Let me draw parallels with another love story, also starring Imran Khan. Recall the finale of JAANE TU YA JAANE NA, which had Imran riding a horse to reach his sweetheart [Genelia] at the airport. I distinctly recall, a lot of people found the end bizzare and rightly so. Can you imagine anyone galloping to the international airport in Mumbai? But I was truly surprised when I learnt that the youth were whistling and clapping all through. The finale is different here and you exit the auditorium with a smile on your face.

Director Punit Malhotra is heavily inspired by Mills & Boon novels and several Bollywood films... love stories all. But like I pointed out earlier, Punit needs to polish his writing skills, although the director in him bails the writer out and takes the film to a different level. The sequences between Imran and Sonam are well penned, but the ones between Sonam and her parents or Sonam and Samir Dattani are half-baked. Directorially, Punit shows super-confidence in moulding the two actors in their respective parts, so much so that you get sucked into Jay and Simran's world after a while.

A love story ought to be embellished with a lilting score - that's a compulsion - and Vishal-Shekhar are in true form this time. The score is trendy, energetic and beyond fantastic and what's more, it's already a rage. In fact, the musical score only takes the movie a step ahead. Ditto for Salim-Sulaiman's background score, which matches the mood to the T. Ayananka Bose's cinematography is awesome. The ace DoP proved his credentials in KITES recently and with (I Hate Luv Storys), he should find himself entrenched in the top bracket. The styling [Manish Malhotra] is top notch.

Imran enacts his part effortlessly. Though the role doesn't demand histrionics, you keep reacting to Imran because of the magnetism he radiates. The devilish streak in his character is sure to appeal to the youth. Besides, Imran has been photographed and presented very well. Sonam is a revelation. Sonam finally gets a role that does justice to her as an actress. The ease and class with which she carries off the glam look is fantastic. She's like a whiff of fresh air and you actually wonder, is she the same girl from SAAWARIYA and DELHI 6? In fact, (I Hate Luv Storys) will only multiply Imran and Sonam's fan base manifold.

Samir Dattani is decent, although his role gets sidelined as the story moves forward. Samir Soni's character reminds you of a certain hi-profile director and he plays the part extremely well. Kavin Dave, as Imran's buddy, is first-rate and steals the show in several scenes. Aamir Ali is perfect, while Pooja Ghai doesn't get scope to deliver. Bruna Abdullah looks sensuous and adds to the glam quotient. Ketaki Dave [Sonam's mother] is wasted. Anju Mahendru [Imran's mother] is adequate.

On the whole, (I Hate Luv Storys) is a young and vibrant love story with tremendous appeal for the yuppies. The fresh pairing and the on-screen electrifying chemistry, the lilting musical score and the magical moments in the film should attract its target audience - the youth - in hordes. If you're young or young at heart, this one's for you!

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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

I Hate Luv Storys - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Imran Khan & Sonam Kapoor

Vishal-Shekhar’s I Hate Love Stories had been a long expected album. And guess?, they have done it. Bin tere, I hate Love stories, and Sadka kiya, I’m loving it.

No wonder this is a film by Karan Johar, who can write reams and reams on love. But this time it’s different. Though the banner is old, the director of I Hate Luv Storys is new. Following the footsteps of Karan is the young director Punit Malhotra and the onus to deliver musical hits in this bittersweet love story is on composer duo Vishal-Shekhar.

So the music of the film is bound to be under the scanner not only because of its banner and contemporary love tale but also because of the newfound chemistry between Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor which is already a hit among the youngsters. With a fresh pair and dream-like locales, the film ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ promises a gamut of melodious songs.

The album starts with Jab Mila tu, which is quite like Dostana’s Jaane Kyun. That way, the song cannot be called very fresh but sounds fine, and will be stuck to our tongues the way Jaane kyun did.

The second song of the album is one of the best, or probably the best, Bin Tere (how many songs are called Bin tere, any idea?). Well, the song, sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and Sunidhi Chauhan is a wonderful piece of music and definitely worth a listen. Go for it.

The third song of the album is a peppy title song, bas pyaar ka naam na lena, I hate love stories, sung by Vishal Dadlani. Very, very tongue sticking,though I don’t think it’s one for longer times.

Bahara is the next song of the album. The song came as a surprise to me as I had not expected Sona Mahapatra in a Vishal-Shekhar album. I wonder if she has ever worked with the duo. Well, Sona is not the only singer in the song, in fact she is more in the background while the song is actually sung by Shreya Ghoshal. A medium-fast-paced song with a touch of folk. Definitely a good one again.

They had one king of rock with them. But they brought in another one. Yes, Vishal Shekhar call in Suraj Jagan for their next number Sadka Kiya, with Mahalaxmi Iyer. Frankly, Sadka is probably the song I have loved the most till date and the more I am listening to it, the more I am falling into the song. A song that keeps itself light, has beats something like Falak tak (Tashan), with Suraj going high in places, in a way that you would love. The best part, on top of the wonderful music and singing, there are those great lyrics, sadka kiya yoon ishq ka, ke sar jhuka jahan, deedar hua.

If this was not enough, here is more in remixes, no, reprises and mixes and remixes. The first to come up is Shekhar with a reprise of Bin Tere. Now there’s only a guitar and Shekhar’s voice. A real reprise, with hardly any background music. One of the toughest and the best things Shekhar has done. Kudos boy.

Now, a chill mix, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan singing what Shreya and Sona sang earlier. Definitely good work by Rahat and worth listening to song, but I think I have fallen for the original version already.

At the end there is a remix version of Bin Tere, which doesn’t sound bad.

Overall, I Hate Luv Storys seems to be a soundtrack which is better than plain good. A few songs may remind you of things here and there, but overall, almost every song of the album is good, which is a big deal. Well done Vishal-Shekhar.

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