Thursday, February 18, 2010

Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Ajay Devgan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Paresh Rawal, Satish Kaushik, Akhilendra Mishra,Sanjay Mishra, Viju Khote

Amita Pathak, daughter of producer Kumar Mangat, has stepped into the shoes of a producer for the first time, with ‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?’ The movie has been presented by two banners, Warner Bros. Pictures and Wide Frame Films. Bringing 3 National Award Winners together for the first time, director Ashwani Dheer promises the flick to be a rip-roaring comedy.

Forming a married couple, Puneet (Ajay Devgan) and Munmun (Konkana Sen) are living happily in Mumbai. One day, a distant relative, Chachaji (Paresh Rawal) comes from a far off village and enters their household unannounced. The couple’s life takes interesting twists and turns from hereon. The unwanted guest overstays his welcome to such an extent that the frustrated couple has no other option, but to come up with various ideas to hasten his departure.

Atithi tum kab jaoge is not the music album you were expecting. But then, it gives you an idea of what you can expect from the movie. Before anything else, I would like to say one thing: Be it composer, lyricist or singer, they all know what they are doing. Something that is not very common if not rare.

Atithi tum kab jaoge has six songs out of which none is a ‘typical’ song. Here is a review of the album.

Aaja Aaja sung by Raghubir Yadav, Ajay Jhingaran and Rajneesh, you know about the song if you hear the first line properly. It goes like Jihva pe chhale pade panth nihar nihar, aankhon mein hai cataract aaya, aaja aaja pukaar. Clearly the making of a comic song. And then, the song goes on giving you some flavor of comedy in the song before you get it in the movie. The song is catchy and likable. Should be wonderful in the movie. Try this one for sure.

Next one, called Atithi tum kab aaoge, sung by Amit Mishra, is more of background music than song. Doesn’t mean much after the first song that gave music as well as comedy.

Dohay sung by Amit again are simply a selection of some Rahim and Kabir dohas from my Hindi syllabus during school. No words about them of course. Good enough music.

Jyoti Jalale is what you get everytime when you go to a pilgrimage or even the nearby temple sometimes. Completely on the music of Beedi Jalaile, and taking the same lyrics as base, a Mata Bhajan is created and then this one is sung by the singer of Beedi itself, Sukhwinder Singh. I am still wondering what the song is doing there, but it’s exactly what T-Series has been giving us for years.

Sukh Karta Dukh harta is a collection of some shlokas with some non-traditional instruments. Seems to be background piece again.

Overall, Atithi tum kab jaoge is something you never expected, or at least I did not. Anyway, don’t forget to listen to Aaja Aaja, and try even Jyoti Jalaile if you don’t mind a mata bhajan on Beedi tune.

One wondering whether Pritam has been declared the composer of the album for just one song Amit Mishra is the one who has sung all the Dohas and Shloaks. The official website of the movie declares Amit Mishra as the ‘composer of the title track.’

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01 - Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge - Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge@review-of-movies.blogspot.com



Prince - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Vivek Oberoi, Aruna Shields, Nandana Sen, Niroo Singh, Isaiah, Sanjay Kapoor,Dalip Tahil, Manish Anand, Mayur Puri, Rajesh Khattar, Mohit Chauhan

Prince, a 2010 Bollywood Hindi movie, is a fast paced slick action thriller, starring Vivek Oberoi, Aruna Sheilds, Nandana Sen, Neeru Singh in lead roles.

Movie will keep you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns. Throw in a conspiracy that will send thrills up your spine and you will be on a ride that will redefine the word extreme!

One of the savviest thieves in the world commits the biggest heist of his life. He wakes up next morning to realize he has a gunshot wound on his arm that he doesn’t remember getting.

In his quest to find answers he discovers his name is PRINCE, he used to work for a man named Sarang and his girlfriend’s name is Maya.

He is being hunted by the secret service of India- I Grip, the CBI and the biggest white collared criminals in the world. He is the most wanted man in the country because only he knows the whereabouts of the heist, which contains a secret that is linked not only to his loss of memory but threatens the future of the human race.

PRINCE can rely only on his razor sharp instincts to salvage himself. The web of deception spins and PRINCE gets even more entangled. Nothing and no one can be trusted.

1. O Mere Khuda
This song already became a hit before the official release. Can't decide what is better - Atif Aslam's voice or the music. Atif isn't winning any critic appreciation for his voice quality but this song is a charbusters without doubt.

2. Tere Liye
It isn't fair for any singer when paired with Atif Aslam, so is the case with 'Tere Liye'. Shreya Ghoshal can't match up and its a Atif song all the way. Music is not new but enjoyable.

3. Kaun Hoon Main
A soulful track, the title itself says a lot about its composition. Will leave you in a trance.

4. Aa Bhi Ja Sanam
Few seconds into this song you'll realize the unique way in which Atif have sung this song. Painful, heartwarming experience.

5. Jiyara Jiyara
This simply doesn't work. After listening to such good songs in a long time I felt this is song is misplaced but no, it comes with the album. A semi Punjabi song by Alisha Chinai and raps by Hard Kaur is a no show.

6. Ishq Mein
I am 100% sure that the theme of this song is copied but can't remember the song. If not the voice you will definitely love the music.

Overall Music Review of Prince
This is a complete Atif Aslam album and will cater to his fans only which by no means are small in numbers. His songs tends to be very similar but not in this case, all are very original backed with superb music skills from Sachin Gupta. Also, this could be Sachin Gupta's best work till date. Don't just listen to this album but also feel the emotions.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

My Name Is Khan - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Shahrukh Khan ,Kajol,Soniya Jehan,Jimmy Shergill

MY NAME IS KHAN makes two strong statements...

The first: B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (after death) are designations used to label years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. There's a third designation now - 9/11. Post September 11, the world stands divided. Terrorist outfits continue to strike in the name of religion and the common man, not even remotely associated with these groups, is bearing the brunt. The world is not a safe place anymore.

The second statement: There're two sets of people in this world - the good and the bad. No matter how strong the evil forces are, good always triumphs.

MY NAME IS KHAN mirrors the era we live in. Not a day goes by when you haven't heard/read/watched news of terror attacks and innocents being killed. We live in turbulent times. Also, the movie states - and states very strongly, without mincing words - Not all Muslims are terrorists.

Karan Johar's cinema got more real from KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA onwards. In MY NAME IS KHAN, the storyteller attempts to make a social statement and succeeds completely. At the same time, it takes no sides. If the protagonist says 'My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist', it also exposes those who misadvise the youth with inflammatory and rabble-rousing speeches.

Karan's take on the issue deserves the highest praise, since a subject like this is difficult to attempt. Final word? MY NAME IS KHAN is Karan, SRK and Kajol's best outing to date. Do I need to add anything more?

Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan)moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother (Jimmy Shergill) and sister-in-law (Sonya Jehan). Rizvan, who has Asperger's syndrome, falls in love with Mandira (Kajol). Despite protests from his brother, they get married and start a small business together. They are happy until September 11, when attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change.

When tragedy strikes, Mandira is devastated and they split. Rizvan is confused and upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey across America.

Let me alert you. The story unfolds feverishly from the very start itself. So if you miss a scene or two, chances are you would've missed some vital links in the story. The fact is, there's too much happening in the first half. Although the narrative tends to get leisurely-paced at times, the wheels continue to move from one episode to another.

A number of sequences are endearing. For instance, the romance between SRK and Kajol is subtle, yet charming. But it's SRK's relationship with Kajol and their kid that's one of the best parts of the movie. Your heart bleeds when an accident occurs and their lives are torn apart. Kajol's outburst - first, when her son meets with a catastrophe and second, when she confronts SRK - are truly shattering.

MY NAME IS KHAN's strength lies in the fact that you root for Khan all through. At the same time, you are weighed down when he's in a vulnerable situation, especially when he's labelled a terrorist and thrown behind bars. You don't realize it, but the fact is that you, as a spectator, have already got entwined in Rizvan and Mandira's lives.

There's a slight hitch in the second hour, when SRK returns to Georgia to save a hurricane-ravaged hamlet. Also, the media exercise tends to add to the length of the film. Nonetheless, it's a minor hiccup that doesn't rob the film of its punch.

There's just one word to illustrate Karan's direction - exemplary. One of the finest storytellers of our generation, he deserves brownie points for deviating from 'Karan Johar brand of cinema' and attempting a film that knocks on your heart and stimulates your mind. With MY NAME IS KHAN, Karan takes rapid strides as a storyteller.

Shibani Bathija's screenplay is truly arresting. Shibani and Niranjan Iyengar's dialogues are noteworthy and at times, applaud-worthy. Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography is awe-inspiring. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music gels well with the nature of the film.

When a film stars two of the finest talents of the country, you expect nothing but the best. SRK, well, how does one describe his performance? To state that this is his best work so far would be cutting short the praise he truly deserves. In fact, no amount of praise can do sufficient justice to his portrayal of Rizvan Khan , who has Asperger's syndrome. His latest work is several notches above anything he has done before. The only compliment that I can think of is, SRK has a new screen-name now. Raj is passe, Rizvan it is.

Kajol is pure dynamite and casting her for this character was the most appropriate decision. No other actress could've matched SRK in histrionics the way Kajol has. In fact, SRK and Kajol compliment each other wonderfully well and this film only proves it yet again. It's a powerhouse performance from this supremely talented actress.

The film boasts of a number of capable actors, but the ones who leave a rock-solid impact are - in this order - Zarina Wahab, Sonya Jehan, Jimmy Shergill, Arjun Mathur, Parvin Dabas and Arif Zakaria. Sugandha Garg is confident. Navneet Nishan supports well. Vinay Pathak leaves a mark in a brief role. Tanay Chheda (young SRK) and Yuvaan Makaar (SRK and Kajol's son Sameer) are excellent. The American actors, especially the kid who plays Sameer's friend, deserves mention.

On the whole, MY NAME IS KHAN is a fascinating love story, has an angle of religion and a world-shaking incident as a backdrop. It not only entertains, but also mesmerises, enthrals and captivates the viewer in those 2.40 hours. At the same time, a film like MY NAME IS KHAN is sure to have a far-reaching influence due to its noble theme. I strongly advocate, don't miss this one!

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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.

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01 - Neeyat@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Rann - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Amitabh Bachchan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Paresh Rawal, Mohnish Behl, Suchitra Krishnamurthy, Rajat Kapoor, Gul Panag, Neetu Chandra, Rajpal Yadav, Prakash Trivedi, Sudeep, Rahul Pendkalkar, Neena Kulkarni,Simone Singh, Iklaq Khan, Alok Nath

Ramgopal Varma is itching to tell a new story in his movies. You may garland him for his efforts or loathe him if you feel letdown, but you need to hand it to him for picking up stories that defy stereotype.

This time, in RANN, the maverick film-maker does an expose on the games the heavyweights in the media play to further their interests. RGV goes into the newsrooms and also behind it and throws light on the politician-industrialist-media nexus. Also, it's an insider's account of how news channels that are greedy for ratings sensationalize stories to grab eyeballs.

On surface, you don't want to know what goes behind the scenes and how, at times, news are 'created' by vested interests. But RANN scratches the surface and opens a can of worms. RANN also mirrors the fact that just like there are good and bad people in every field, there're some rotten ones in the media too who succumb to temptations and create news to climb the ladder of success.

RANN is a serious film and RGV knows what he's talking this time. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that you recall RGV's SARKAR while watching RANN, even though the two films are as diverse as chalk and cheese. You recall SARKAR because RANN is an equally powerful film that shows a world we've only seen from the exterior.

RANN is for those who enjoy serious cinema. It's more for the intelligentsia, for the thinking viewer. Definitely not for those who seek refuge in frivolous masala capers.

Vijay Harshvardhan Malik [Amitabh Bachchan] is the founder of a private news channel, India 24/7. A upholder of journalistic ethics, his channel is battling for survival. Jay [Sudeep], his son, looks at his father's news channel purely as a business enterprise that must make profits to justify its existence. He hates that his competition [Mohnish Bahl] is doing better than him.

The story takes a turn when a corrupt politician, Mohan Pandey [Paresh Rawal], decides to use the channel to his advantage by using Vijay's son-in-law Navin [Rajat Kapoor]. Pandey aspires to be the Prime Minister and indulges in a vicious campaign against his political opponent.

Navin is the most insecure man on earth and won't rest till he becomes the number one industrialist in the country. He, in turn, involves his brother-in-law Jay in Pandey's game plan.

A film like RANN would fall into the pit if [i] its writing wouldn't be razor-sharp and [ii] the choice of actors would be incompetent. RGV's movies, generally, are embellished with competent actors who deliver super performances. In this film, every member of the cast shines in his/her role, the length of the role notwithstanding.

The writing is watertight and convincing. Besides, the subject matter has been presented in the most simplistic manner, which makes it easy to decipher. However, the episode showing Riteish's investigation tends to get confusing at one point, but the climax compensates for the minor hiccups here and there.

Amit Roy's cinematography is eye-catching. Dialogues are power-packed. In fact, one can identify with the well-penned dialogues. The background score plays a crucial role. It heightens the impact of various scenes.

Amitabh Bachchan is spectacular yet again, especially towards the finale. His speech and the way he delivers it are remarkable. Sudeep is terrific. To stand up to giants like Bachchan and Paresh Rawal is no mean achievement. Riteish is only getting better and better with every film. In fact, he surprises you constantly.

Paresh Rawal, seen in an RGV film after a long, long time, is at his vicious best. Rajat Kapoor is incredible. Mohnish Bahl gets the role of a lifetime and he sinks his teeth into it. This film should open new vistas for him. Gul Panag is natural and so easy on the eyes. Neetu Chandra does her part well. Suchitra Krishnamoorthy is too good. Rajpal Yadav contributes to some funny moments. Neena Kulkarni and Simone Singh are perfect for their parts.

On the whole, RANN is truly a well-made film. No two opinions on that. The film should be patronised by viewers of serious, sensible cinema. Recommended!

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01 - Besharam@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Gali Gali Mein@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Kaanch Ke Jaise@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Mera Bharat Mahaan@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Rann Hai @review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Remote Ko Baahar Phek@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Sikkon Ki Bhook (The Vande Mataram Song)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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Ishqiya - Movie Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, January 22, 2010

Veer - Movie Review

Read more! Cast:: Salman Khan,Sohail Khan,Mithun Chakraborty,Jackie Shroff,Zarine Khan, YashodharaLisa Lazarus,Gita Soto,Neena Gupta,Aryan Vaid,Bharat Dabholkar,Bunny Anand,Shahbaaz Khan,Puru Raaj Kumar,Tim Laurence,William Chubb,Rajesh Vivek,Ashok Samarth,Vinay Apte,Yogesh Suri

Gadar fame Anil Sharma's latest venture 'Veer' starring Bollywood Machoman Salman Khan is all set to hit the theaters.

Beautiful model Zarine Khan is making her Bollywood beauty with 'Veer'. Zarine has already hogged limelight for her similar look with Salman's girlfriend Katrina Kaif.

The Bollywood "Wanted" boy has been returning to period drama, which is based on Nikolai Gogol's book, 'Taras Bulba'.

Interestingly, the story has been written by Salman Khan himself some 20-year-ago. The film has been completed at a huge budget of Rs 44 crore (Approx).

The story of the film 'Veer' is based on a love story between Pindari soldier and Rajasthani Princess in the backdrop of war of independence.

Salman plays a character of brave Pindari soldier named Veer. The Pindari community prefers death over dishonour and fights till last breath.

Zarine, who looks a like Katrina, plays the role of princess Yashodhara, who falls in love with Veer.

The movie starts with the colonial India of British rule. The Kings of India fall prey to Britishers' divide and rule policy. But there is a community, who proffered death to save the independence.

Set in colonial India, the film encapsulates a period when the British enslaved India with their divide and rule policy and kings and nawabs fell for it, except for the Pindaris who preferred death to dishonour and fought till their last breath. Salman plays one of the bravest and strongest Pindari soldiers named Veer.

As Veer takes on the might of the British Empire, he also has to fight the conniving King of Madavgarh as well as his own jealous tribesmen. The stakes are high as he has to avenge his father's dishonour as well as get over the hurdles in love as he romances princess Yashodhara, the daughter of his sworn enemy.

Shot extensively in Rajasthan, it is a story of bravery, treachery and love.

Also shot in Britain, it is also the first Bollywood film to be shot in the premises of Buckingham Palace.

Despite having the facility of special effects, the film also boasts of using thousands of real horses and other animals for authenticity.

You must watch Veer for to know at what cost Salman fight, at stake is his love for princess Yashodhara, daughter of his sworn enemy? or at stake is his thirst to avenge his father's dishonour?

The movie is all set to beat the records of Salman's last blockbuster Wanted. Salman looks awesome in a role of Pindari soldier while Zarine also proved her worth in the movie.

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