Showing posts with label Raima Sen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raima Sen. Show all posts

Friday, October 15, 2010

Aakrosh - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Ajay Devgn, Bipasha Basu, Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Amita Pathak, Raima Sen

Shameful as it may sound, honour killings still exist in many parts of the country. The misconception is honour killings are all about the murder of a female family member by one or more family members, since the perpetrators / wrongdoers believe that the victim has brought dishonor / disrepute upon the family by having a relationship with a man of different religion or social status or marrying against the parents' wishes.

The fact is men are also victims of this practice, especially when it affects the reputation of a particular caste and community. Many grooms have been killed by the father or brother of the bride and this is exactly what AAKROSH attempts to highlight.

Made with right intentions, AAKROSH enlightens you on the caste system which continues to be at its rigid best, with people from the rural areas refusing to change their attitude towards marriage. Having said that, I'd like to add that AAKROSH is strikingly similar to the Hollywood film MISSISSIPPI BURNING, which, reportedly, was loosely based on the FBI investigation into the real-life murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi in 1964.

After attempting a series of some pleasant, some forgettable laughathons, ace director Priyadarshan embarks upon a hard-hitting drama that draws one's attention to a relevant issue in a non-compromising approach. But there's a flipside too: This one's a dark film. Also, a number of sequences in the narrative can make you uncomfortable [the brutal killings especially] and the spoken language, at places, is harsh, acidic and volatile.

Final word? A gripping fare.

AAKROSH revolves around a lower caste guy who, along with his two friends, goes to his hometown Jhanjhar. These three students go missing soon after. The government appoints CBI officers Siddhant [Akshaye Khanna] and Pratap [Ajay Devgn] to investigate the matter.

Investigating in Jhanjhar becomes a tough task for these officers as the local police [Paresh Rawal], with the help of local bigwigs, refuse to co-operate with the two officers. Besides, the officers cannot break the ice with the locals, due to years of fear instilled in them. The effect of their investigation causes mayhem in Jhanjhar, with the wrongdoers spreading terror and killing people in broad daylight.

There's no denying that Priyadarshan is a creative thinker with an amazing ability to handle comedy as well as intense drama. In AAKROSH, the director succeeds in giving an effectual and authentic look, but there's a problem: The unnecessary length, which dilutes the overall impact of the film. The first half is excessively lengthy and the second, though crisp, could've also done with trimming for a stronger impact.

A number of sequences hold your attention and I'd like to single out the penultimate 20 odd minutes, which leave a stunning impact. Also, the chase sequences - all of them - are executed with panache, especially the one when Ajay chases a key suspect on rooftops. But, like I pointed out earlier, a film like AAKROSH is dark and brutal and therefore, has its limitations. Also, the screenplay [Robin Bhatt, Akash Khurana] vacillates between engaging and not-too-engaging moments at times.

There's not much scope for music in the film and even otherwise, Pritam's score is bland. 'Issak Se Meetha', an item song filmed on Sameera Reddy, is strictly okay. Cinematography [Tirru S] is striking, while the sepia look gels well with the theme of the film. Dialogues [Aditya Dhar] are well-worded and powerful when required.

Ajay and Akshaye, known for intense acts, deliver bravura performances. Ajay pitches in a remarkable act, establishing himself as one of the iconic actors of the country. Akshaye is superb yet again and only someone who has complete understanding of the craft could've delivered such a fine performance.

Bipasha, who was seen in LAMHAA in a deglamorised role, has turned extremely sensitive and serious towards issue-based films. Though the length of her role isn't much, she sinks her teeth in the non-glam role and delivers a really fine performance. Paresh Rawal is menacing as the uncouth cop. In fact, this is amongst Paresh's best works. Reema Sen is excellent. Amita Pathak doesn't have much to do. Jaideep Ahlawat is good. Pankaj Tripathi is perfect. The remaining actors enact their parts well.

On the whole, AAKROSH is not the standard Bollywood fare with the usual song-and-comedy routine. This one strikes a punch. Being an issue-based cinema, it will magnetize the thinking viewer and the intelligentsia mainly. It should find more flavor with the North Indian audience.

Download Aakrosh MP3 Songs
01 - Isak Se Meetha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Saude Bazi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Man Ki Mat@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Isak Se Meetha (Dhol Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Sasural Munia@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Ramkatha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Isak Se Meetha (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Saude Bazi (Encore)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Isak Se Meetha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Saude Bazi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Man Ki Mat@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Isak Se Meetha (Dhol Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Sasural Munia@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Ramkatha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Isak Se Meetha (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Saude Bazi (Encore)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Aakrosh Videos



Posted by Anonymous at 7:49 AM 0 comments
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Sunday, September 19, 2010

Aakrosh - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Ajay Devgn, Bipasha Basu, Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Amita Pathak, Raima Sen

When the world was getting blown away with Rahman’s Jhootha hi Sahi, Pritam’s Aakrosh came out too, and it was good to see I was liking the songs even with Call me Dil running in my mind already. Without saying a lot, I start the review.
The album starts with Tere isak se meetha kuch bhi nahi. The Item number sung by Kalpana Patowary with Ajay Jhingaran is quite good and the girl’s voice shines in the very start, though later on the voice sounds a bit pressed under the instruments. Still, one more hit in the list UP-Bihar songs is ready.

The second song, Saude Bazi by Anupam Amod is a surprise from the first note sung by the chorus. A beautifully arranged composition by Pritam, I felt the song should go a long way, right when I heard it for the first time. Soft, Romantic, with a different voice, and lovely lyrics. What else would one want. Superb.

The next song that talks bad about the heart is Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Man ke mat pe mat chaliyo. A song with some whattay-line-man lyrics, is all about its lyrics, even though Pritam’s music is pretty fine and Rahat’s singing is lovable as always. Definitely a yes.

The next song, Shreya Ghoshal sung Sasural Munia is a song with earthy lyrics that sounds more like a remix than a song. Not bad if you’re keeping the stall audiences in mind but not really the music thing. Try if you want.

The next song on the list, Sukhwinder Singh’s Ramkatha comes as a surprise as Pritam keeps things quite in control in a song where minimal music is required. As quite clear by the name, Ramkatha is not really a song, but a rendition right from the filmy-Ramleela. Well arranged, well sung by Sukhwinder, Ramkatha is something you might like to try at least once. Loved the part where Sukhwinder talks of Agni Pareeksha. Do try I’d say.

The last thing I’m going to talk about here is another version of Saude Bazi, called Encore version, sung by Javed Ali. I haven’t checked very keenly, but roughly the arrangement sounds almost the same as in the previous version, while Javed’s plus and minus both are his well known voice. Still, probably this one is more musical. While the first one was more of a ‘new’ thing, especially with Anupam’s voice.

The thing I’ve not talked about, not even heard, are the two remixes of Tere isak se meetha. Overall, the album makes a very good first impression and as you go ahead, it only gets better. Keeping in mind the absence of regular Pritam singers, Mohit and KK and Neeraj Shridhar, the album is a wonderful break by Pritam from his regular albums.


Download Aakrosh MP3 Songs
01 - Isak Se Meetha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Saude Bazi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Man Ki Mat@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Isak Se Meetha (Dhol Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Sasural Munia@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Ramkatha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Isak Se Meetha (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Saude Bazi (Encore)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Isak Se Meetha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Saude Bazi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Man Ki Mat@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Isak Se Meetha (Dhol Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Sasural Munia@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Ramkatha@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Isak Se Meetha (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Saude Bazi (Encore)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Aakrosh Videos



Posted by Anonymous at 6:00 AM 0 comments
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Friday, February 26, 2010

Teen Patti - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Amitabh Bachchan, Madhavan, Siddarth Kher, Druv Ganesh, Vaibhav Talwar, Shraddha Kapoor, Boman Irani, Ajay Devgan, Raima Sen, Saira Mohan

The earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. That's so true! Let's face it, money is the root of all evil. When we have more, it is never enough. This is exactly what Leena Yadav's TEEN PATTI tells you.

TEEN PATTI is not only about gambling on table, but all those gambles that we take in our life. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Hollywood film 21, TEEN PATTI is akin to a roller coaster ride; if there are highs, expect the lows too.

Leena Yadav's take on greed and deception has some defining moments, but the fact is that the writing lacks clarity. Let me explain. Probability is a very interesting theory in mathematics. But the problem is, is it easy to comprehend for the average viewer? Frankly, despite Leena's best efforts, only a handful of viewers will be able to comprehend the goings on and the theory of probability.

Besides, the narrative is such that it caters to the intelligentsia mainly. For the average moviegoer, thirsting for entertainment, it has little to offer.

The reclusive genius Venkat [Amitabh Bachchan] has cracked a theory that could redefine the principles of probability and randomness. Venkat is encouraged to test his theory in the real world by professor Shantanu [Madhavan], an ambitious colleague of Venkat.

Although Venkat has no interest in the money that could come from practicing his equation to crack 'Teen Patti', which could rake in all the moolah, he eventually succumbs to Shantanu's charismatic persuasion. Soon, with the help of a few students, they explore the underground gambling dens of Mumbai.

But what starts out as an experiment between a charismatic young professor and an eccentric older one soon descends into a game neither of them can control.

It takes time to get the hang of things in TEEN PATTI. But once the two professors and the students begin their sojourn to the dark alleys, the film comes into its own from thereon.

The story moves back and forth, with Bachchan narrating his side of the story in flashbacks to Sir Ben, which is well integrated in the narrative. The intermission point - when the mystery about the unknown caller deepens - only heightens the expectations from the post-interval portions.

But there're hiccups! The pace gets excruciatingly slow in this hour and also, it tends to get repetitive. Among the cameos - Jackie Shroff, Ajay Devgn, Tinnu Anand and Shakti Kapoor - only the ones featuring Tinnu and Shakti stand out, while Ajay's scene seems forced.

The writing is erratic [Shiv Subramanyam, Leena Yadav], with some portions touching the peak, while a few touching the ebb. The suicide of one of the students and how it puts an end to the game is a master stroke from the writing point of view. Bachchan's speech in the finale, when he's bestowed with the Sir Isaac Newton Award, moves you no end. But between the suicide and the finale, the film tends to get uninteresting.

Leena's direction shows maturity in her second outing. A number of sequences are deftly executed. But how one wished Leena would learn the art of narrating stories within commercial parameters. Aseem Bajaj's cinematography is striking. The visuals are simply incredible. Salim-Sulaiman's music has two catchy tracks - 'Neeyat' [the moves of the dancer are tantalising] and the track towards the end credits. The usage of B&W in this song is truly imaginative. The choreography of both these songs [Ashley Lobo] is superb.

Bachchan plays the role of a mathematician with remarkable ease. One cannot imagine anyone else in this character other than Bachchan. Especially noteworthy are the sequences between Bachchan and Sir Ben. Madhavan is excellent. The actor displays the grey shades most convincingly. The film introduces four new talents and each is confidence personified. Siddharth, Shraddha and Dhruv get maximum footage and they stand out. Vaibhav has tremendous screen presence, but his role lacks meat.

Raima Sen is alright. Barry John is first-rate. Anjan Srivastava is good. Mahesh Manjrekar is effective. Saira Mohan is hardly there. Sir Ben Kingsley is an amazing actor and expectedly, he's brilliant here. It's a treat to watch these two magicians - Sir Ben and Bachchan - perform on screen.

On the whole, TEEN PATTI is a fresh concept, made well, but limits itself to the intelligentsia and big city audiences mainly.

Download MP3 Songs

Watch Movie

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Monday, February 1, 2010

Teen Patti - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Amitabh Bachchan, Madhavan, Siddarth Kher, Druv Ganesh, Vaibhav Talwar, Shraddha Kapoor, Boman Irani, Ajay Devgan, Raima Sen, Saira Mohan

The ‘Teen Patti‘ album is dark, edgy and has all the makings of a soundtrack for a riveting suspense thriller. That said, the release of the album could not have come at a better time. The movie is only beginning to generate hype. With a star-cast like Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben Kingsley, you already have an ace up your sleeve. Speaking about aces, though very little of the film’s plot is know, it is said to revolve about a mathematician who has cracked a formula that is applicable to the card-game ‘Teen Patti‘. Thus, begins a journey of lies, deceit, betrayal and greed.

Teen Patti is a niche album because many of the songs are in English, but if you like it, you could listen to it all day. Among our favourites on the album are: Neeyat and its remix, Life is a game and Summertime and the living.

‘Life Is A Game‘ begins with Amitabh saying ‘Paisa kya ek number hai…bhook hai paisa‘. Those lines probably sum up the movie itself. The music is a little overdone and Big B’s interrupting baritone monologues do not exactly make for pleasant listening. All the same, its dark and eerie, like ‘Golden Eye’ from James Bond.

‘Summertime‘ is a lazy blues tune. This tune has some nice vocals and heavy up-tempo orchestration. ‘Neeyat Kharab Hai‘ is like ‘Tinka Tinka’ from Karam. It’s slow, deliberate and does get a little strenuous at four minutes, something only the visualization can ease. Its remix has elements of eletronica and is more groovy with rap vocals et all.

Title track ‘Teen Patti Ke Gulam‘ is upbeat and trancy, like something from the Acid Factory soundtrack. Its remix has different beats to essentially the same track. Both can easily pass of as lounge tracks considering they’re both brisk, trippy psychedelic songs.

The album concludes with ‘Intezar Me Chupa Kahin‘, which starts off slowly before picking up pace and culminating into a crash-driven rock anthem. At its peak, the drum-work is fluid, guitar solos are good and vocals are rough enough to pass this off as an out-and-out hard rock number. However the music oscillates between two extremities of the genre.Intezaar me chupa kahi is a rock song featuring Naresh Kamat who modulates his tone and pitch very well. The song builds up rather nicely and the guitars are impressive. There is an element of suspense in the song. A good rock song after ages! The remix is tolerable.

Download MP3 Songs
01 - Neeyat@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Videos


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