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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Tanu Weds Manu - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: R Madhavan & Kangna Ranaut

There are limited expectations from the music of Tanu Weds Manu as the film hasn't been projected as a musical. Also, since there aren't many recognised names attached to the music department (composer Krsna, lyricist Rajshekhar), one doesn't quite know what to expect. However, since the film has a small town setting to it, one does expect the kind of score that would have a rustic flavour to it.

Though one doesn't know what exactly would arrive in the album, Tanu Weds Manu does boast of a cracker of a start with 'Sadi Gali' having all in it to turn into a smash hit in quick time. A Punjabi track by Lehmber Hussainpuri which is different from the routine 'bhangra' tracks, 'Sadi Gali' is a fun celebration number that hooks you in the first listening itself. A foot tapping number with a quintessential desi Punjabi flavour to it that carries the potential to find popularity wherever and whenever it is played, it will find good acceptance especially up North.

The album shifts track soon after with Mohit Chauhan humming around in his characteristic tone. A love song, 'Yun Hi' is about a guy professing his love and expecting the girl to nod in agreement as well. With easy on ears lyrics by Rajshekhar, the song maintains an overall simplicity in its tone and sails through smoothly. Though 'Yun Hi' is not the kind of song that has chartbuster written to it (due to an overall laidback presentation), it is harmless when given a hearing. Meanwhile Ujjaini can also be heard in the background as a backing vocalist.

Next to arrive is a Sufi number 'Rangrez' by Krsna. The longest track in the album which lasts over six minutes, 'Rangrez' has a core essence of love to it and is situational in appeal. Also, it can be expected to play a multiple times in the film's narrative. With an unadulterated presentation sans any external influences that would have threatened to take away from the traditional flavour that it carries, 'Rangrez' would primarily be appreciated by the followers of Sufi music. Later the song also arrives in another version which is rendered by Puranchand Wadali and Pyare Lal Wadali.

By this time around though one does start missing another terrific number like 'Sadi Gali'. However the album keeps it's soft and sober mood that had started with 'Yun Hi'. Resultantly the song that arrives is 'Piya' which actually turns out to be the best of the lot since 'Sadi Gali'. Sung by Roop Kumar Rathod, 'Piya' has a semi-classical flavour to it and shows the range of composer Krsna who spins a tune which is extremely easy on ears. With an old world charm to it, 'Piya' should sound even better when seen along with the film.

There is fun that returns to the proceedings with 'Mannu Bhaiya' which immediately reminds one of 'Genda Phool' [Delhi 6]. Call it the North Indian influence here but the combination of melody and rhythm is on the same lines as the one that was created by A.R. Rahman a couple of years back. Sung by Sunidhi Chauhan who goes restrained in this celebration number where friends and families of the bride and groom get together to tease the couple, 'Mannu Bhaiya' is yet another 'desi' track that maintains its essence. While Ujjaini Mukherjee and Niladri Debnath give Suidhi some support behind the mike, Manjeera, Rakhi Chand and Vivek Naik are the backing vocalists.

Last to arrive is a fun number 'Jugni' which is as Punjabi as it gets and gains that slot in the album which is reserved for a chartbuster. Even though the song's duration is a mere 3 minutes here, Mika makes it worth it by letting his hair down in this dance number that should be pronto aired across all music channels to gain added visibility.

Tanu Weds Manu would have settled down to just being a decent album if not for 'Sadi Gali' and 'Jugni'. These are the two numbers that acts as the pillars of Tanu Weds Manu that should not just add value to the album but also help the film gain added visibility in weeks to come. While 'Mannu Bhaiyya' and 'Piya' add further variety to the album, it's the aforementioned dance numbers that are most enjoyable.


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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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

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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

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3 Idiots - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani , Sahastrabudhhe, Mona Singh, Parikshit Sahani, Javed Jaffrey.

Life is all about listening to your heart and chasing your dreams. That's the essence of 3 IDIOTS, directed by the supremely talented Rajkumar Hirani. Let me come to the point right away. There are films and there are more films. And then there's 3IDIOTS.

Come to think of it, 3 IDIOTS carries a huge 'burden' on its shoulders: The 'burden' of humungous expectations. And it's not without reasons...

# 3 IDIOTS is Aamir's next release after the record-breaker GHAJINI.

# 3 IDIOTS is Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's third film together, after MUNNABHAI MBBS and LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI, landmark films.

# Three actors from the path-breaking RANG DE BASANTI team - Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman - team up yet again. Plus, Aamir's teaming up with Hirani. It couldn't get bigger!

3 IDIOTS is over-hyped and that could be dangerous for any film since it's the expectations which kill a film if the content doesn't match up to the hype. In this case, all izz well!

Now let's demystify the myths...
3 IDIOTS is not about idiots or nincompoops. It's about three engineering students who believe in 'I'll Do It On my Terms' and that's what the three characters achieve in life and that's what Hirani, Chopra, Aamir eventually achieve at the end of themovie. Making a movie on their terms! .

One more thing! You cannot draw parallels with any other film, past or present, successful or unsuccessful. And though people may draw parallels with GHAJINI or the MUNNABHAI series, it would be sacrilege to do so. 3IDIOTS [based on a novel 'FivePoint Someone' by Chetan Bhagat] doesn't tilt, it stands tall.

Here's yet another illusion: 3 IDIOTS belongs to Aamir Khan. Yes, it does, but also to R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Kareena Kapoor and Omi, the entrant in Hindi movies, who delivers an equally sterling performance. The film would be incomplete without any of these characters.

To cut a long story short, all you'd like to say about the film is, All izz very, very, very, very, very well. Watch this film to know what it means!

Two friends [R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi] embark on a quest for a lost buddy. As they make their way through the perilous landscape [Shimla, Manali, Ladakh], another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend - the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho [Aamir Khan], who, in his unique way, touched and changed their lives.

It's a story of their hostel days that swings between Rancho's romance with the spirited Pia [Kareena Kapoor] and his clash with and oppressive mentor, Viru Sahastrabudhhe [Boman Irani]. And then one day, suddenly, Rancho vanishes...

Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave? The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them threeidiots. Where is the original idiot now?

Hirani is a genius and that has been proved twice in the past. He proves it for the third time with 3 IDIOTS. Screenplay writers Hirani and Abhijat Joshi and screenplay associate Vidhu Vinod Chopra narrate a story that's straight out of life. A story that each one of us can relate to or identify with.

Very often, we've read news-reports of students committing suicides because they've to live up to the family's pressure/expectations. This film depicts it at the very start, when a student commits suicide. But the issue doesn't end there, for 3IDIOTS raises a pertinent question: Was it suicide or murder?

Hirani balances the rough and smooth incidents in their lives beautifully. The sequences in the campus, right from the ragging sequence at the start, to Omi's speech when the word 'chamatkaar' is changed to 'balatkaar' [superb; will bring the house down], to the trio getting caught in an embarrassing situation at the reception of Kareena's sister [Mona Singh], to the dinner sequence at Sharman's house, to Kareena and Aamir driving Sharman's seriously ill father on their bike to the hospital... the funny moments would make your jaws ache.

The interval point is a shocker. The point at which the first half ends will leave you stunned. Now what was that? Kahani mein twist!

The mystery is solved soon after the intermission ends and a new journey begins. That's one of the USPs of the film. Just when you think that the story would be solved, a new story begins. Of course, the pace dips slightly in its second hour, especially during the delivery sequence of Mona [which may appear filmy to a few], but the immediate sequence, when the baby boy is born and also the subsequent sequence between Boman and Aamir bringthe film back on track. The culmination to the film is novel and yes, it's a master stroke from the writing point of view!

Every person behind the camera gives his/her best to the film. Hirani and Joshi's screenplay is the mainstay of the film. If you fondly recall 'Gandhigiri' from their previous film LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI, you'd have a new phrase to chew on this time: 'All Izz Well'. Muraleedharan C.K.'s cinematography is awesome. Note the aerial view at the very start, when Madhavan and Sharman begin the journey to Shimla or the picture perfect look of Ladakh... the DoP does a magnificent job.

Shantanu Moitra's music may sound plain ordinary to ears, but when viewed on screen, the score is just perfect. 'Give Me Some Sunshine', 'All Is Well', 'Zoobie Doobie' are three tracks that would grow on you after you've watchedthe film . The choreography of 'All Izz Well' [Avit Dias] and 'Zoobie Doobie' [Bosco-Caesar] are eye-catching. The background score [Sanjay Wandrekar , Atul Raninga, Shantanu Moitra] is right.

3 IDIOTS belongs to everyone. But, yes, there's no denying that Aamir makes you forget all his past achievements as you watch the amazing actor play Rancho. To state that this ranks amongst his finest works would be an understatement. Madhavan is incredible, especially in the sequence when he explains hispoint of view to his father [Pareekshit Sahani]. Sharman is outstanding from start to end. This was a difficult role to portray and only an actor of calibre could've pulled it off. Boman is superb as the vicious head of the institute. The scenes between Aamir and Boman are extra-ordinary and it's a treat to watch these two powerful actors clash on the big screen, without getting overdramatic. Boman's appearance, mannerisms and dialogue delivery are exemplary.

The length of Kareena's role may not be as much as Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman, but she registers a strong impact nonetheless. Omi is excellent and the viewers are sure to love his acidic tongue and gestures in themovie. Mona Singh doesn't get much scope. Jaaved Jaffery is competent. Pareekshit Sahani is decent.

On the whole, 3 IDIOTS easily ranks amongst Aamir, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's finest films. Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3IDIOTS. It's emotional, it's entertaining, it's enlightening. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way.

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3 Idiots - 01 - All Izz Well@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 02 - Zoobi Doobi@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 03 - Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 04 - Give Me Some Sunshine@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 05 - Jaane Nahin Denge@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 06 - Zoobi Doobi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 07 - All Izz Well (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

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3 Idiots - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani , Sahastrabudhhe, Mona Singh, Parikshit Sahani, Javed Jaffrey.

3 Idiots. One of the most awaited movies of the year. Its music is finally out. When a team like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and Amir Khan is involved we can surely expect something different as far as music is concerned. Music of 3 Idiots is composed by none other than Shantanu Moitra famous for his light, straight-from-the-heart melodious tunes. Moitra has taken heavily from Ravindra Sangeet. Anyway, moving on with the review, Lyrics of 3 idiots have been penned by Swanand Kirkire famous for his "Mann Ye Bawra" lyrics. Kirkire’s writing is as fresh as morning dew and for a movie like 3 idiots the words chosen by him are very apt, young audience can connect to the songs very well.

The music itself is delivered by the underrated Shantanu Moitra, a gifted composer who has been the firm choice for Vidu Vinod Chopra ever since Moitra produced the exceptional, career defining and widely acclaimed soundtrack for Parineeta (2005). Lyricist Swanand Kirkire has been partnering Moitra for most of his career and has proved a stalwart companion. But “3 Idiots” presents a unique challenge for them in that the music is likely to feature more as situational / background amidst the laughter and comedy scenes.

So here we go, album has 5 original songs and 2 remixes.

All Izz Well – Album opens up with ‘All Izz Well’. A very energetic number sung by Sonu Nigam, Swanand Kirkire and Shaan. The whistle in the song makes it more fun to listen. Lyrics are very catchy and the song is likable upon the very first listening itself. It has a remix version also.

Zoobi Doobi – A soft romantic number with a kind of liveliness that appeals to you despite the normal tune. Sonu Nigam & Shreya Ghoshal are once again great behind the mic. The only let down in this song are the average lyrics. This song also has a remix version.

Behti Hawa Sa Thha Wo – Sung by Shaan and Shantanu Moitra himself, this is a situational song(sung for Amir Khan’s character Rancho). A typical soft Shaan number, surely will be liked by all. Use of flute adds feathers to the melodious tune.

Give me some sunshine – Perhaps the best song of the album. This song has been sung by Suraj Jagan but the highlight of the song is the commentary by Sharman Joshi. A very, very fresh song. Listen to it as soon as you can for no words can describe the beauty of this masterpiece.

Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe – Sung by Sonu Nigam this intense song is yet another jewel of this crown. The song kind of grows on you upon many hearings. Give it 3-4 listenings at least if you don't like the song initially. I'm sure you will like it.

Tracks 6 and 7 are "Zoobi Doobi Remix" and "Aal Izz Well Remix" respectively. Both are remixed well by DJ Amyth and Darshan. But the original compositions are still the best!

Without doubt Moitra's soundtrack succeeds in adding immense value to the movie in terms of atmosphere and background support. It is fresh, authentic and real. But you have to say it also disappoints as a stand-alone soundtrack apart from a couple of songs (particularly Zoobi Doobi and "Give Me Some Sunshine"). To be fair to Shantanu, the scope was always going to be limited with such a theme as the one presented in 3 Idiots, let’s not forget the movie is an all out entertainer / laugh riot with a strong emphasis on friendship, humour and adventure so it was never going to be remembered for its music. Most of the songs aren’t even given a chance with shortened lengths thus limiting their potential for a lasting impression. Also ask yourself why there are only 5 original compositions here? Consequently, the soundtrack can and should only really be judged after seeing the movie. In fact the music portrays a serious undertone to the movie hitherto unknown to many fans. That's how intertwined it is with Vidu Vinod Chopra’s story of the 3 Idiots. There's more to the movie than meets the eye and the same can definitely be said for the music.

Download MP3 Song
3 Idiots - 01 - All Izz Well@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 02 - Zoobi Doobi@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 03 - Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 04 - Give Me Some Sunshine@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 05 - Jaane Nahin Denge@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 06 - Zoobi Doobi (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

3 Idiots - 07 - All Izz Well (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogpost.com

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