7 Saat Khoon Maaf - Movie Review

Read more!
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!

Download 7 Saat Khoon Maaf MP3 Songs
01 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Darling@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Bekaraan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Awaara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Tere liye@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
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
09 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama (Acoustic)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Darling@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Bekaraan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Awaara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Tere liye@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
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
09 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama (Acoustic)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch 7 Saat Khoon Maaf Videos

7 Saat Khoon Maaf - Music Review

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

Hype came when Theatrical trailers arrived at screens. Most expected movie of Priyanka Chopra showed once again hope for another masterpiece like FASHION. We listened DARLING in the trailer and later it's telecast-ed. It can be easily said that Darling's the first finest pieces we have heard in 2011 and so on expectations aroused for another mind blowing Vishal Bharadwaj album like "Kaminey", "Ishqiya" or "Omkara".

Carrying a Spanish feel in heart, DARLING's all set to burn the charts this moment. The two phenomenal female voices of Rekha Bharadwaj & Usha Uthup have just made the fire spread away to most far position. A spectacular composition and catchy lyrics by Gulzar have done a splendid job. "Darling" is the song of the moment. If Darling's slowed up in tempo at times and new lyrics have been added to it to make it a bit more beautiful, then you got a similar song to it that even has a nice title, DOOSRI DARLING. "The Darling series" has surely benefited the whole album.

To describe Sussana's romance with a muslim poet, BEKARAAN can be said the perfect choice of song. Strongly close to "MADHNO" from "LAMHAA", Bekaraan has a sweet & calm rhythm that can easily bind you in its spell. Sweet vocal by Vishal Bharadwaj himself, he has easily succeeded in composing a beautiful romantic number.

We see K.K. in a complete new avatar in O MAMA, a pulsar romantic track. With Rocking composition & catchy lyrics like "Sar Ko Aksar Nochta Hai Dil Mera", "Ek Meow Si Ladki", the song sounds even more better. On the whole, O Mama is far far successful to create a super impact on listeners and has K.K. written all oevr it as the reason for it's sensation.

With a Sufi Feeling in it, AWAARA makes arrival in the soundtrack and Vishal Bharadwaj has made the right desicion to choose Master Saleem as the vocalist as he is a perfectionist in these kind of tracks. Awaara has a melancholy strain in it and might be used in the background of any scene in the movie. Allover, it's purely a situational number that is quite impressive.

Pure & melodious romanticism enters the list when TERE LIYE, the most impressive song of the album enters. It surely carries the theme of Sussana in it under the magical vocal of Suresh Wadkar. Impressive & touchy lyrics by Gulzar are just the icing on the cake. After a long period, Suresh Wadkar delivers such a splendid song, Thanks to Vishal Bharadwaj. Will remind you about another sweet masterpiece "AB MUJHE KOI" from "ISHQIYA" by Vishal himself.

Suraj Jagan, the most rocking singer today whose throat has no limits to scream. If you are planning to compose a wild & acid based song, then you will have to make it sung by him. DIL DIL HAI purely signifies any live performance in the whole movie and Vishal has wisely appointed Suraj in it. A wild, completely rocking, full of electric guitars, drums and beats, this 185 minutes long track will impress young listeners most.

At last arrives a calm and strange track, YESHU that is sung by Rekha Bharadwaj. If you have heard "BADI DHEERE JALI" from "ISHQIYA", then you will find much similarity in both of them. Allover, a fair listen.

Vishal Bharadwaj albums always signify different tastes in a single dish and 7 Khoon Maaf is not different from it. 7 Khoon Maaf has ability to be another musical success in Priyanka & Vishal both's filmography. Delivered, as expected. We Hope Vishal Bharadwaj does justice with Ruskin Bond's "Sussana's Seven Husbands" in his movie. Final Word? Not 1, Not 2, Not Even 3, 4 Stars Maaf For the music of 7 Khoon Maaf.

Download 7 Saat Khoon Maaf MP3 Songs
01 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Darling@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Bekaraan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Awaara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Tere liye@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
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
09 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama (Acoustic)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Darling@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Bekaraan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Awaara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - 7 Khoon Maaf - Tere liye@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
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
09 - 7 Khoon Maaf - O Mama (Acoustic)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch 7 Saat Khoon Maaf Videos

Jhootha Hi Sahi - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: John Abraham, Pakhi, R Madhavan, Raghu Ram, Anaitha Nair, Manasi Scott

Every film should be judged purely on the basis of its merits/demerits. Comparisons or drawing parallels with another film, even if it's helmed by the same director, is not right, in my opinion. But if the posters/billboards/newspaper ads/promotional material of JHOOTHA HI SAHI has an eye-catching line that screams 'From the director of JAANE TU YA JAANE NA', if not comparisons, the expectations from JHOOTHA HI SAHI do multiply five-fold, since JAANE TU YA JAANE NA was, in terms of economics, the biggest hit of 2008.

Sadly, Abbas Tyrewala's new offering JHOOTHA HI SAHI falls flat for this reason [it doesn't meet the expectations] as well as several other reasons. What comes across is unexciting, boring and lethargic. Moments make a love story work and JHOOTHA HI SAHI never reaches there. It lacks the fizz and heart, to put it bluntly. Also, the chemistry between the lead pair - John Abraham and Pakhi - is plastic.

Another department where the film fumbles, besides writing, is its music. It's an unspoken rule that love stories should be embellished with terrific music, but maestro A.R. Rahman's compositions in JHOOTHA HI SAHI are lifeless.

When Siddharth [John Abraham] wakes up one night to a call from a desperate man threatening to jump out of the window, he isn't prepared for what lies ahead. A mixed-up phone number. A desi suicide helpline in London. And various callers demanding that Sid give them a reason to live. Or else... Until one fateful night, Mishka [Pakhi] calls. And they both discover an unlikely bond.

Sid becomes her nameless friend. Her faceless philosopher. And she becomes his reason to rethink about life. Along the way, he also lies to her. Lies about his exciting adventures and daring escapades. The mountains he has climbed and the sharks he has tamed. Until the day they accidentally meet. And Sid falls in love.

How can he tell her the truth? That he's just a simple bookseller? With four friends, a small apartment and a girlfriend whom no one likes and he doesn't love.

The first and foremost thing that you expect from a film is an engrossing story and of course, a cohesive screenplay that keeps your attention alive for the next two hours. But the screenplay [Pakhi] is devoid of moments that bring a smile on your face at the end of the screening. Ideally, one would expect the focus to be on the principal pair, but the sub-plots [the friends and their sequences] dominate a good chunk of the film. And that, consequently, makes the film verbose, talk-heavy, tedious and verrry lengthy.

On retrospection, the female protagonist [Pakhi] comes across as a confused character, who finds stability in her life when John stages an entry, but goes back to her ex [Madhavan] for no particular reason. And the moment she does that, she drops John like a hot potato. That's not all, she, all of a sudden, dumps her ex too and goes back to John. Thanks to this reason, the character comes across as someone who's stone-hearted, cold and confused and that's also the reason why you don't jump with joy when the lovers unite towards the end.

Also, like I pointed out earlier, the multiple tracks in the film are a deterrent. The track of the gay couple is silly and unimaginative, while the relationship between the aggressive and dominating pregnant sister and her Japanese fiance is weird. Also, if the sensibilities of the film are Western and the humour British, the ending becomes Bollywoodish conveniently. The entire sequence at the bridge looks so filmy.

Director Abbas Tyrewala has filmed a number of sequences impeccably, but the writing is flaccid and the prime reason why the film fails to register an impact. Rahman's music is of the fast-forward variety and that's all the more surprising since the duo [Rahman and Tyrewala] had come up with a winning score in JAANE TU YA JAANE NA.

John makes a sincere attempt to look the part, but he's awkward, especially in sequences when he stammers. Pakhi is a complete miscast. She looks too matured and has her limitations as an actor. Amongst the sundry characters, Raghu Ram is noticeable. R. Madhavan should avoid such flimsy characters.

On the whole, JHOOTHA HI SAHI is an absolute letdown in terms of content. Given its high costs on one hand and weak merits on the other, the film will make a big hole in the pockets of its investors.


Download Jhootha Hi Sahi MP3 Songs
01 - JHS - Cry Cry@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Jamuna Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - JHS - Hello Hello@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - JHS - Do Nishaaniyan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - JHS - Pam Para@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - JHS - I.ll Be Waiting@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Thames Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - JHS - Do Nishaniyaan (Heartbreak Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - JHS - Call Me Dil@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - JHS - Cry Cry@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Jamuna Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - JHS - Hello Hello@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - JHS - Do Nishaaniyan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - JHS - Pam Para@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - JHS - I.ll Be Waiting@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Thames Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - JHS - Do Nishaniyaan (Heartbreak Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - JHS - Call Me Dil@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Jhootha Hi Sahi Videos

Jhootha Hi Sahi - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: John Abraham, Pakhi, R Madhavan, Raghu Ram, Anaitha Nair, Manasi Scott

No, it’s never easy to comment on a song composed by Rahman. Reasons are many. For one, they’re never ‘bad.’ You’ll always like them at least a bit even if at the start they sound strangest thing in the world. Secondly, he has built so high reputation and expectations in people’s minds that it’s not easy to get to that level even with the best songs. And then, he has so many fans. But the worst thing is that u can not always be sure of disliking a song of his. Probably that is why he is Rahman.

The album starts with the child’s play called Cry Cry. A song that is going to be a hit simply because of it’s simplicity. Though I didn’t like the lyrics of the song much, the message the song gives is good and Rashid Ali and Shreya’s singing is sweet. Not too good in terms of music, but a likeable thing.

The next song of the album is Maiyya Yashoda, something to be enjoyed. Sung by Javed Ali and Chinmayi, the song sounds quite good, though somehow I didn’t enjoy Chinmayi’s singing so much as I generally do. It may be because of Javed Ali who sounds relatively more fun. Rahman sounds like in his old mood here, and though the song is nothing like Radha kaise na jale, and doesn’t get close to that standard too (especially due to the huge difference in the standard of lyrics), the song somehow reminds me of Lagaan. Anyway, likeable stuff again.

The next song, Hello Hello, is Rahman’s own Karthik calling Karthik. The song that talks of phone and is sung by Karthik, may not sound too impressive initially as all the beeps and ringing might be intriguing, but the melody of the song, even though short, sounds fine. The lyrics are good too and to top it all, Karthik sounds really smooth here. Especially the lines ‘mujhe chhod do, mujhe thaam lo, kho jaane do, mera naam lo, sab theek hai, ho jayega‘ go in a beautiful flow. Doesn’t sound like a very long term thing, but sounds good for now.
The next song Do Nishaniyaan brings us the wonderful combination of Rahman and Sonu again, and in their old avatar this time. A slow, soft, soulful song where you like the lyrics without even hearing them. You only get a jerk when he talks of a ‘phone’ among those dreamy words, but then, it becomes a part of the song soon. Anyway, something wonderful in the album that I know will be liked more every time I hear it. Do listen.
Pam pa ra is definitely not the best song of the album. Oh, you know what I mean. The song sung by Shreya Ghoshal with Suzanne D’Mello is neither as catchy as Lattoo and nor has the attitude of Aye Bachchoo, and still sounds something like them both. Do I need to say more?
The next, I’ve been waiting of Vijay Yesudas, though, is something to cherish again. Quite smooth with the English lyrics, quite good with Hindi, and easily shifting from one language to the other, Vijay makes me love his simple singing in the song. A good, part romantic, part classic, part experimental song from Rahman. Thanks, sir.
The next thing on the album is Maiyya Yashoda (Thames Mix). If I didn’t tell you, the earlier version was called Jamuna Mix. Of course a remix of Jamuna, Thames still sounds fine, and except that the singers’ voices sound a tiny bit too much in the background, the song is all good to ears.
The next on the list is the Heartbreak reprise of Sonu Nigam’s Do Nishaniyaan. This time Rahman and Abbas seem to have decided that the life of this song is lyrics and hence put them right on top. Sonu Nigam sings this one awesomely too and gets us one more small lovable song.
The end of the album comes with the same name it started with. I need not think twice to know that Abbas Tyrewala is a fan of Rashid’s voice and after a lovely Kabhi Kabhi Aditi and a lovable kahin to hogi wo, he starts and ends his new album with Rashid only. In Jhootha hi Sahi, while the first song of the album is the opener of the movie to public, the last one is a pure Rahman piece that is just lovable.
One of the best, or probably ‘the best’ song of the album, Call me dil-Jhootha hi Sahi is the double title song as it takes in both, the earlier title of the movie ‘Call me Dil’ and the final title ‘Jhootha hi Sahi.’ I won’t say much about the song, just listen to it.
Overall, Jhootha hi Sahi is quite good an album from Rahman. The music is good and while I was expecting the lyrics to go really down after cry cry, they aren’t that bad either. The album starts attractively, and ends beautifully. In between you get a wonderful ‘I’ve been waiting’, a soothing ‘Do Nishaniyaan.’

Download Jhootha Hi Sahi MP3 Songs
01 - JHS - Cry Cry@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Jamuna Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - JHS - Hello Hello@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - JHS - Do Nishaaniyan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - JHS - Pam Para@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - JHS - I.ll Be Waiting@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Thames Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - JHS - Do Nishaniyaan (Heartbreak Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - JHS - Call Me Dil@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - JHS - Cry Cry@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Jamuna Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - JHS - Hello Hello@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - JHS - Do Nishaaniyan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - JHS - Pam Para@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - JHS - I.ll Be Waiting@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - JHS - Maiya Yashoda (Thames Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - JHS - Do Nishaniyaan (Heartbreak Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - JHS - Call Me Dil@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Jhootha Hi Sahi Videos

Aashayein - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: John Abraham, Anaitha Nair, Sonal Seghal & Farida Jalal

Rahul Sharma (John Abraham) is all set to marry girlfriend Nafisa ( Sonal Sehgal) after amassing a huge sum in gambling. Life seems to be on song, until he discovers he has cancer. How does Rahul cope with the threat of death round the corner? Does he crumble and give up or does he manage to rediscover life in what's left of it....

The film may have been lying in limbo for over two years now, but this does not detract from the quality of this small and sensitive film that takes a look at terminal illness in a totally non-filmy fashion. Okay, the theme may be depressing: the big bad C-word and the attendant fears that go with it. But Kukunoor chooses to look at it from the other side of midnight.... From a vantage point where fear and despair are replaced by a life-sustaining desire to wrench out all the beauty from the world before curtain call by a bunch of death row patients.

When Rahul learns about his debilitated state, he runs away from his devoted girlfriend (Sonal) and ends up in a home for terminal patients. He hopes to hide his pain away from the people he loves and longs for. But the home literally turns out to be a home away from home where the hopeless man rediscovers new hope, new friends, unbound happiness, a lightness of being and a new purpose in life. But more than all this, he gets a chance to live out his favourite fantasy: playing Indiana Jones in a veritable temple of doom, complete with hat and whip. His job is wish fulfillment... a valiant attempt to ensure the inmates die with a smile on their lips.

But more than all this, it is the new relationship he strikes with the 17-year-old, tantrum-throwing Padma (Anaitha Nair) that adds a zing to the proceedings. Rahul and Padma kick up some fine chemistry with their unusual pairing which defies traditional definitions. Like true soul mates, they learn to share and respect each other's pain and grief, even as they revel in fun and games on the picturesque beach resort with its odd assortment of sad-and-happy inmates.

Don't go looking for popcorn stuff and Aashayein is sure to hold your attention with its gentle grace and dignity. Also, watch out for heart-warming performances by John Abraham and Anaitha Nair who lend credibility to the role of terminal patients celebrating life before the final salute.

Download Aashayein MP3 Songs

01 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

02 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

03 - Rabba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

04 - Ab Mujhko Jeena@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

05 - Shukriya Zindagi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

06 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

07 - Chala Aaya Pyar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

08 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan (II)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

09 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

10 - Ab Mujhko Jeena (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

11 - Shukriya Zindagi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

12 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

13 - Shukriya Zindagi (Sad)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

02 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

03 - Rabba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

04 - Ab Mujhko Jeena@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

05 - Shukriya Zindagi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

06 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

07 - Chala Aaya Pyar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

08 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan (II)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

09 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

10 - Ab Mujhko Jeena (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

11 - Shukriya Zindagi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

12 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

13 - Shukriya Zindagi (Sad)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Videos

Aashayein - Music review

Read more! Cast :: John Abraham, Anaitha Nair, Sonal Seghal & Farida Jalal

Since Aashayein is not a regular comedy or a boy-meets-girl film, one is at the least sure that the music too won't belong to the regular category. Not that there are hopes of anything extraordinary in the offing, more so because emphasis on music isn't quite high in Nagesh Kukunoor's films. While one is more or less sure that there isn't any chartbuster track that would be put on display in this soundtrack that has songs by Salim-Suleiman, Pritam and Shiraz Uppal, one still plays on 'Aashayein' to hear something striking that may just be round the corner.

It's a soft beginning for 'Mera Jeena Hai Kya' that has Pritam's brother-in-arm Neeraj Shridhar coming behind the mike. The mood is totally different from what one has heard of this combo in the past as the composer-singer 'jodi' gets into a lovey-dovey outing that has a soft rock base to it. Written by Sameer, the song sees an interspersion of English lyrics as well. A song about a protagonist who is looking forward to a better life due to arrival of his loved on, 'Mera Jeena Hai Kya' (which also appears in the 'remix version', just as most of the other songs in the album do) just about manages to be passable.

There is something peppier that comes along in the form of 'Dilkash Dildaar Duniya'. Even though the beginning is a little 90s with hint of Kumar Sanu/Babul Surpiyo tracks from the era gone by, 'Dilkash Dildaar Duniya' settles down to an extent once the song title makes an appearance. Yet another love song with an urban base to it, this one does have good energy that ensures that Aashayein manages to hang on. With Tulsi Kumar as the female voice behind the song, this Kumaar written track (appearing later in the 'remix version) too doesn't turn out to be that one chartbuster which could have helped Aashayein cover some distance.

It was just a few weeks back when a song titled 'Rabba' had arrived as a part of a non-film album. The same song is now heard in 'Aashayein' with Shiraz Uppal singing as well as composing it. The song sticks to the mood of the album and turns out to be one of the better numbers that one has heard so far. Of course this song too doesn't belong to the world of Bollywood and continues the non-filmy flavour of the album. A Shakeel Sohail written track, it makes for a decent hearing but that's about it.

The soft rock flavour continues with composers Salim-Suleiman and lyricist Mir Ali Husain taking over the album from this point on. First of their compositions here is 'Ab Mujhko Jeena' which reminds one of the non-film songs from the 90s. A song about looking up in life, it aims at being spirited and hence reminds of the sound of Iqbal, a film which again had Nagesh Kukunoor at the helm of affairs. As one realises by this point in the album, the songs are mainly meant for adding on to the background score rather than being the kind that would be chartbusters in isolation.

Next to arrive is Shafqat Amanat Ali who sings yet another solo track which goes as 'Shukriya Zindagi'. Just like most of the other numbers in the album, this one too is about thanking life for being beautiful, something which is the core essence of Aashayein. This time around, the song moves at a relatively slower pace and is far more attached to the Indian roots. No, you can't be heard singing around this track or dancing to its 'remix version' but its 'sad version' may just work for those who like their films to over overtly emotional.

The saddest song in the album is 'Pal Mein Mila Jahan' which reminds one of the kind of compositions that were created in the 60s. This song about finding happiness and loosing it subsequently comes in two versions - one by Shankar Mahadevan and another by Shreya Ghoshal. However, yet again the song is only for the film's narrative. Also, its inherent sad appeal means that it would find very few takers and that too only after audience has seen the film.

Last to arrive is Mohit Chauhan's 'Chala Aaya Pyar' which carries on the sad mood that has been created in the album. In fact one realises that while the start of Aashayein was still on a relatively happier note, the latter part takes a pensive route; something that doesn't quite end the album on a happy note.

Aashayein was never meant to be an album for the quintessential Bollywood music followers. However, even otherwise it just about manages to pass muster. It has its chances to find some takers only if the film succeeds at the box office.

Download MP3 Songs

01 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

02 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

03 - Rabba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

04 - Ab Mujhko Jeena@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

05 - Shukriya Zindagi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

06 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

07 - Chala Aaya Pyar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

08 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan (II)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

09 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

10 - Ab Mujhko Jeena (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

11 - Shukriya Zindagi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

12 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

13 - Shukriya Zindagi (Sad)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

02 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

03 - Rabba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

04 - Ab Mujhko Jeena@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

05 - Shukriya Zindagi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

06 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

07 - Chala Aaya Pyar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

08 - Pal Mein Mila Jahan (II)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

09 - Mera Jeena Hai Kya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

10 - Ab Mujhko Jeena (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

11 - Shukriya Zindagi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

12 - Dilkash Dildaar Duniya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

13 - Shukriya Zindagi (Sad)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Videos