Sunday, January 30, 2011

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



Saturday, January 29, 2011

Yeh Saali Zindagi - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Arunoday Singh, Chitrangda Singh, Irrfan Khan

One looks forward to getting surprised with the soundtrack of Yeh Saali Zindagi. After all the film has been directed by Sudhir Mishra whose films invariably boast of good, though different, music. They may or may not find instant appeal but then they are remembered long after the film has come and gone. Case in point being Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi, Chameli and of course Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi. His last release Khoya Khoya Chand may not be playing till date while Tera Kya Hoga Johny never saw a release. Still one definitely wants to check out what does first time composer Nishat Khan have to offer here along with lyricist Swanand Kirkire.

As expected, it's the title song 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' which kick starts the proceedings in the album. A rare track that features both Sunidhi Chauhan and Shilpa Rao, it by itself becomes special due to these two singers with a distinct voice coming together behind the mike along with Kunal Ganjawala. A track that starts off as a soft track, it picks up pace within a minute to give it a pacy feel, only to return into being a slow number all over again. With hevay Western influence to it, 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' is a well written, composed and sung track that delivers what one expected from the soundtrack of this Sudhir Mishra film.

Due to it being a superb composition in the offing, Yeh Saali Zindagi deservingly finds two more versions going for it in the album. While one of them is an all-female version with Sunidhi and Shilpa pairing up all over again, there is also a bonus version with Abhishek Ray going solo. While the former follows the same mood and form as the one that was heard earlier at the beginning of the album, the latter is a funky version which takes a different texture altogether. Though the male version (with quite a few English lyrics in it) isn't bad, one would still want to go back to the original for its intrinsic quality appeal to it.

Just when one thought that composer Nishat Khan would keep Yeh Saali Zindagi in an offbeat zone comes a celebration track in the form of 'Sararara'. The kind of song which can be comfortably slotted into a quintessential Bollywood track which is set in a 'ched chaad' mode, especially during the festivities of 'Holi', 'Sararara' is heard twice. While the first is helmed by Sukhwinder Singh, the second version has Javed Ali taking charge and doing quite well too. A decent sounding track which doesn't quite have a long lasting appeal to it and seems to have been included primarily for reasons leading to commercial appeal, 'Sararara' should do well with the film.

The moment Shilpa Rao goes 'tu ru ru ru ru', one knows that here is one song which one was expecting from Yeh Saali Zindagi especially after listening to the title track. 'Dil Dar-Ba-Dar' has a fusion appeal to it with elements of 'sufi' music interspersed with Jazz and Blue, hence leading to an interesting composition in the offing. While Javed Ali plays a supporting role in the song, 'Dil Dar-Ba-Dar' stays on to be entirely a Shilpa Rao track that can be heard multiple times without one getting tired of it.

Shilpa Rao and Javed Ali return with 'Ishq Tere Jalwe' which has the kind of start that reminds one of 'Bheegi Bheegi Si' [Gangster]. Nevertheless, the moment Javed Ali starts his rendition, one knows that 'Ishq Tere Jalwe' is an entirely different composition. Though the song starts off on a rather average note, the moment there is emphasis on the word 'Ishq' followed by Shilpa's arrival behind the mike; you know that this one too is a number worth listening. Yet again, the song follows the same mood as evidenced in Yeh Saali Zindagi and 'Dil Dar-Ba-Dar' to give the soundtrack a theme appeal.

Finally arrives 'Kaise Kahein Alvida' which is a Javed Ali solo. This one takes the album into a different zone as it has an Indian classical base to it and is pretty much the kind of track that lonely lovers listen to in the night. If you are looking for the kind of song which has an elevating appeal, this is not the one. However for those searching for something which is totally non-filmy and can be played on in a repeat mode and forgotten after the lights are switched off, 'Kaise Kahein Alvida' should do well.

Yeh Saali Zindagi isn't the kind of album which finds instant attention for itself, courtesy it's unconventional set up. Yes, there are songs out there which do impress and actually come with a long lasting appeal. However there is a lot that depends upon the appreciation that the film garners at the box office or later through word of mouth amongst the audience, something that resulted in Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi become a cult film amongst a segment of audience. Nishat Khan and Swanand Kirkire do well but one has to wait for the film to release and the following it gets before his music can be termed commercially successful.

Download Yeh Saali Zindagi Mp3 Songs
01 - Yeh Saali Zindagi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Sararara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Dil Dar-Ba-Dar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Ishq Tere Jalwe@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Kaise Kahein Alvida@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Yeh Saali Zindagi (Bonus Track)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Sararara (II)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Yeh Saali Zindagi (Female Version)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Yeh Saali Zindagi@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Sararara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Dil Dar-Ba-Dar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Ishq Tere Jalwe@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Kaise Kahein Alvida@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Yeh Saali Zindagi (Bonus Track)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Sararara (II)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Yeh Saali Zindagi (Female Version)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Yeh Saali Zindagi Videos


Friday, January 28, 2011

Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi & Omi Vaidya

Hindi cinema has never been short of movies which abound in humor. In fact, there's a barrage of funny films these days. Whether it's the gentle humor that keeps us smiling constantly [on the lines of Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee's films] or the incisive and sharp wit of TERE BIN LADEN, DO DOONI CHAAR and PHAS GAYE RE OBAMA or the boisterous laughathons attempted by David Dhawan, Anees Bazmee and Priyadarshan, we've enjoyed our share of laughs. But I genuinely feel that the comedy scene in Bollywood is slowly, but perceptibly changing, veering more towards realism and this is exactly what we get to watch in Madhur Bhandarkar's new outing DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI.

So we associate Madhur with somber/serious cinema, tackling issues that concern us, right from CHANDNI BAR to JAIL. By now famous for his socially relevant, hard-hitting films that take potshots at the upper crust, Madhur changes tracks with this one. DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI is a light entertainer at heart, but there's something about the landed gentry in this one as well. It exposes the dual lives they lead.

Without beating around the bush, let me pronounce that I was skeptical about Madhur's abilities when it came to handling light films. Oh yes, he has a terrific sense of humor in real life. On reel, he's synonymous with hard-hitting movies, isn't it? So what prompted this National Award winning film-maker to enter a new terrain - humor? I am sure, it has something to do with discovering newer horizons and taking on unexplored territories. So does the gamble work? Are Madhur's claims - of following Hrishi-da's footsteps with this one - mere hollow words or does he deliver?

Much like Madhur's earlier films, DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI is about real people, situations and problems. Except that the emotion isn't sorrow and the theme isn't dark this time. Irrespective of how his films are received, the one thing Madhur is known for is the unconventional story he wants the viewers to absorb. DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI isn't about three couples and how they discover love, it's about how these three guys who find love, but… let's leave it at that! Else, the twist in the tale will be in public domain.

The camaraderie between Ajay, Emraan and Omi and the unpredictable storyline post intermission is the driving point of this motion picture. In fact, if the first half is laced with light moments, the second half is where the twists-n-turns crop up and each of those stories get nurtured in the process. But there's a flipside too and that's the choice of actors in the finale. Ideally, the makers could've done with known faces in the end. It would've only been an icing on the cake. Also, there are a few rough edges in the narrative, but not the type that would make a big dent.

Also, I'd like to state, it left me wondering as to what prompted the censors to pass the motion picture with an 'Adults Only' certification? I would say that some of the recent films have had far more objectionable and explosive content than this one. Besides, Indian television is full of repugnant and obnoxious material which everyone has free access to. I guess, our censor board needs to be a little more liberal in view of the fact that times have changed and it's about time their attitudes towards cinema also changes.

Final word? This one is amongst Madhur's most accomplished works!

DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI is a slice of life film revolving around Naren [Ajay Devgn], Abhay [Emraan Hashmi] and Milind [Omi Vaidya] and their encounters with love.

A listless Naren, well in his thirties and going through a divorce [Rituparna Sengupta], falls in love with a vibrant and bubbly June [Shazahn Padamsee], who has just stepped out of her teens. Milind, a poet and an idealistic lover, is enamored by an ambitious and practical Gunjan [Shraddha Das], who is determined to follow her dreams. A charming casanova Abhay starts feeling an alien emotion called love when he feels increasingly drawn towards Nikki [Shruti Haasan], a modern girl who knows her needs and speaks her mind.

With its real characters and relatable situations, the film takes a witty look at love and the extent people will go to evade it or attain it.

DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI seizes your attention gradually. One of the reasons could be because Madhur narrates three stories concurrently. Ajay, who portrays the life of a harried bank manager going through a 'mid-life crisis', is very compelling. Watch him in sequences when he sets his eyes on his new office assistant [Shazahn]. Consider the character of Omi, a true-blue romantic, working as a matchmaker, who has never been able to find a soul mate himself. One comes across such people in real life as well. And, of course, there's Emraan, who uses affluent and well heeled women as a stepping stone to attain the resources and luxuries of life. His sequences with Tisca Chopra add spice to the proceedings. Ditto for the women in the film. Especially Shraddha and Tisca, who use men to their advantage. Very real characters. In fact, the variety of love and relationships that we get to watch here is so diverse from what we have been subjected to in Hindi movies since time immemorial. As a matter of fact, each of us must have experienced the varied emotions depicted in this film at some juncture in our lives.

While watching DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI, I recalled a much-acclaimed Basu Chatterjee movie SHAUKEEN, which had three lecherous older men trying to get naughty in their elderly age. Of course, both the films cannot be judged against each other except in view of the fact that both films have three middle-aged men and three elderly gentlemen [in the case of SHAUKEEN] trying to explore the love and lust aspect of their lives. Even the treatment and conversations in DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI are out of everyday life. It's more like a discussion happening between any three normal, everyday guys even when they discuss the opposite ***. There is no dialogue-baazi as such, it is just a normal tete-a-tete happening.

Madhur's attempt of dabbling in the comedy genre may appear dicey for a lot of his detractors, since he's known to be proficient in the art of creating serious/dark movies. But comedy is serious business and Madhur gets it right on most occasions. Let me add, this is not one of those imperceptive and dull-witted films that make an attempt to tickle your funny bone every five minutes. Madhur has interwoven some serious moments in the narrative, which makes it a slice of life film, but which sticks to the commercial format.

The screenplay writing is absorbing at most times. Having said that, I'd like to add that the writing could've been tighter at places. Shraddha's sudden exit leaves you mystified. Also, the film could've done with better names [read, eye candy] in the finale, when the three guys set out for Goa. The climax was already a highpoint and one definitely expected a better culmination. Also, the film could've been tightened in the editing suite.

The expectations from its music are on the higher side, especially after the success of Pritam-Ajay-Emraan's last venture ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI. But the problem is that it does not offer much variety, unlike OUATIM. 'Abhi Kuch Dino Se' and 'Tere Bin' are my picks. Cinematography [Ravi Walia] is up to the mark. Sanjay Chhel's dialogue are witty and just perfect for this genre.

Ajay proves his adaptability and versatility yet again. Having impressed us adequately in the past, Ajay portrays a character that takes you back to a very popular actor of his times, Amol Palekar. Ajay underplays his part effortlessly. Emraan, popular also for his skirt chaser image on screen, plays an obsessive philanderer here and he's electrifying. In fact, he spices up the proceedings every time he appears on screen. The role assigned to him is an extension of what he's attempted in the past, yet he interprets it so differently. Omi Vaidya's character gets subdued initially, but it must be said that the earnestness with which he portrays his part makes him endearing. He's remarkable in the sequence when he breaks down while reading the letter.

Shazahn looks like a doll and gets the character right. In fact, she adds so much freshness to the proceedings. Shraddha gives the right shades to her character. She's most convincing when she takes Omi for a ride initially. Shruti appears late in the film, but she leaves an impact nonetheless. Her scenes with Emraan are amusing. Tisca Chopra is superb, especially in the sequence when Emraan confesses that he's in love with someone else. Mukesh Tiwari is first-rate in a brief role. Aditya Raj Kapoor is fair. Rituparna Sengupta does well. Harward Rosemeyer leaves a mark in the funeral sequence.

On the whole, DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI is a feel good, light-hearted rom-com, a slice of life film which the populace and the regular lay person would relate to. Madhur Bhandarkar changes tracks from his trademark women-oriented movies on contemporary issues to a rom-com, which has the unmistakable Bhandarkar signature to it, and emerges triumphant in his new fangled endeavor. The film carries a tagline that reads 'Love grows… Men don't', which seems most appropriate after one has watched it. DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI, with its bona fide characters and pertinent situations, promises to bring a smile to your face and cheer you up. I strongly recommended it!

Download Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji MP3 Songs
01 - Abhi Kuch Dino Se@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Tere Bin@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Jadugari@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Beshuba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Tere Bin (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Tere Bin (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Abhi Kuch Dino Se@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Tere Bin@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Jadugari@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Beshuba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Tere Bin (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Tere Bin (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

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Yamla Pagla Deewana - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Kulraj Randhawa

In the 1970s and 1980s, Bollywood churned out hardcore masala films by the dozens. Those films appealed to the 'Balcony Class' as well as the 'Stall Audience' (terminology used for dissecting the audience then). Even today, films like SHOLAY, AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY, NAMAK HALAAL, DON, ROTI KAPADA AUR MAKAAN, DHARAM-VEER, MUQADDAR KA SIKANDAR et al, the most popular films of that era, appeal to the guy riding an auto rickshaw as well as the CEO of a multinational company. Masala films, in my opinion, can never go out of vogue. The gargantuan success of films like DABANGG and GOLMAAL 3 last year endorses this viewpoint.

The reason why masala films tick to this date is because they have the power to entertain. I've often heard my non-film friends comment that cinema, for them, symbolizes an outing with their family. They want to be transported to a world of make-believe in those 3 hours and forget their worries/sorrows/trials/tribulations in the process. YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA does that and does so most convincingly.

YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA is a tribute to the cinema of yore. Every rule in the book that made hardcore commercial films major money spinners then have been read minutely and integrated in the plotline of this one. Generally, movie makers often claim that their film is hatke, that it boasts of stuff that the viewer hasn't watched on screen before, but YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA makes no such claims. It is old wine bottled and packaged in a new avatar.

What makes YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA work? A variety of reasons, if you ask me. One, watching the Deol parivaar in one frame is an experience in itself. Two, drama, emotions and light moments are smartly integrated in the narrative. Three, the punches (most of them) are thoroughly enjoyable. Four, the entertainment quotient. Most importantly, it delivers what it promised in its promos: Laughter and amusement. It's a film that caters to the aam aadmi, who's keen on having a good time at the movies. It's definitely NOT for the hard-nosed critics or fakes who masquerade as champions of art house cinema.

But YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA has a flipside too: The romantic sequences are a bore and the music, barring the title track and 'Charha De Rang', is a earsore. Even the climax fight is very, very formulaic. But, thankfully, the plusses outnumber the minusses by leaps and bounds here. The second half, to be specific, salvages the show to a major extent.

Final word? The fans of Deols, even those who had drifted away, are sure to lap it up in a big way. Triple masti, triple mazaa, triple magic... Go, get entertained without using your intellect. The film begins in Canada, travels to Banaras and eventually makes its way to Punjab. The father-son duo of Dharam Singh and Gajodhar Singh (Dharmendra and Bobby Deol) are the biggest con-men in Banaras. Their happy-go-lucky existence involves drinking and pulling off hilarious cons on unsuspecting people. The only hitch in their perfect albeit notorious life arrives in the form of Paramveer Singh Dhillon (Sunny Deol).

A brawny and honest NRI from Vancouver, Paramveer lands up in Banaras claiming to be Gajodhar's elder brother separated at childhood. The duo willingly accepts Paramveer into their fold only to exploit his muscle power to serve their con games.

Meanwhile, Gajodhar falls in love with Sahiba (Kulraj Randhawa), a beautiful girl from Punjab. As their romance reaches its peak, her brothers (Anupam Kher and company) arrive and forcibly take her away. Paramveer saves the day with a crazy plan to win the girl back for Gajodhar, which leads them to the rustic heartlands of Punjab.

Like I pointed out at the very outset, YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA borrows from here, there, everywhere. You can draw parallels with Mirza-Sahiba, the legendary folklore that is popular to this date. Memories of BUNTY AUR BABLI and also DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE come alive while watching this one. The climax, of course, is straight out of 1970s cinema. In fact, writer Jasvinder Singh Bath makes it a point to offer the viewer a new punch every 15/20 minutes. Of course, some are enjoyable, some aren't.

From the writing point of view, the first half leaves you with mixed feelings. The undercurrent of emotions is electrifying and how one wishes director Samir Karnik and the writer would've tapped this aspect, instead of wasting precious celluloid on the romance between Bobby and Kulraj Randhawa. On the brighter side, the action at the start - Sunny saves Dharmendra and Bobby from Johny Lever's goons - is dazzlingly executed. It's aimed at the masses entirely. Also, a number of comic scenes tickle your funny bone in this hour.

The film redeems itself in the post-interval portions. The graph zooms upwards the moment the focus shifts from Banaras to Punjab. The introduction of Anupam Kher's character, his assorted brothers, the sequence when Sunny and Bobby ask for Kulraj's hand in marriage, the arrival of Dharmendra and also Sunny's Canadian wife Emma Brown Garrett subsequently, Sunny's speech in English at the election rally... the fun never stops. Of course, the villain's track (Puneet Issar) is an obstacle and the climax fight, like I pointed out earlier, tries so hard to be funny. Also, the film could've done with trimming.

Director Samir Karnik has targeted the film at the hoi polloi and that segment of moviegoers would love his effort. In fact, the film has several mass-appealing moments that would either send the masses in a tizzy of excitement or make them clap in delight. However, the clap-trap moments are more towards the second hour. Writer Jasvinder Singh Bath seems inspired by the cinema of Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra and if one overlooks the hiccups in the first hour, his screen writing does justice to the genre of the film. The songs aren't appealing, except for the remix version of 'Yamla Pagla Deewana', the yesteryear hit and 'Charha De Rang', which is melodious to the core. 'Tinku Jiya' should appeal to the front-benchers. The cinematography (Kabir Lal) is captivating; the lush green locales of Punjab are well captured on moving picture. Dialogue are well worded. The action sequences (Analarasu) are deftly executed.

Casting the Deols together is a trump card and their real-life bonding reflects delightfully on screen. Dharmendra is endearing and charming as ever. He enacts his part with effortless ease. Sunny is wonderfully restrained. The audience will love him as a sober guy and the ones who expect the brawny star to flex his muscles or raise his voice (the angry man persona) won't be disappointed either. Bobby is equally convincing, matching up to his iconic father and brother every time they appear on screen together. Kulraj looks beautiful and makes an extremely confident big screen debut.

Anupam Kher is outstanding. This is amongst his most lovable acts. Johny Lever is funny in a brief role. Nafisa Ali is graceful as ever. Sucheta Khanna is first-rate. Amit Mistry does very well. Mukul Dev should stage a comeback to movies with this one. He's too good! Himanshu Malik is okay. Puneet Issar is wasted. Emma Brown Garrett (Sunny's wife) is amazing. Ditto for the two child artists, enacting the role of Sunny's kids. Ajay Devgn's voiceover at the start sets the tone for the film.

On the whole, YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA is a hardcore mass entertainer that fulfils the expectations of the aam junta. Those who love Deols will adore this one, while those who don't, won't ignore it either. The film works big time for its mass-appealing second half and loads of entertainment it has to offer. The target audience is the masses and it is this segment of movie-going audience that should carry this film to success. Business at single screens should be exceptional, while the film should set new benchmarks in North India (Punjab specifically). Internationally too, the film should perform the best in U.K., U.S.A. and Canada.

Download Yamla Pagla Deewana MP3 Songs
01 - Yamla Pagla Deewana@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Charha De Rang@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Tinku Jiya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Sau Baar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Chamki Jawaani@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Son Titariya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Kadd Ke Botal@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Yamla Pagla Deewana (House Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - Charha De Rang - 1@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
10 - Charha De Rang - 2@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
11 - Charha De Rang - 3@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
12 - Gurbani@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Yamla Pagla Deewana@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Charha De Rang@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Tinku Jiya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Sau Baar@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Chamki Jawaani@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Son Titariya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Kadd Ke Botal@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Yamla Pagla Deewana (House Mix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - Charha De Rang - 1@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
10 - Charha De Rang - 2@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
11 - Charha De Rang - 3@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
12 - Gurbani@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Yamla Pagla Deewana Videos

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Patiala House - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma & Rishi Kapoor

Without an iota of doubt, expectations surmount whenever a filmmaker like Nikhil Advani, who has always been a connoisseur of excellent music, teams up with music giants of the stature of T-Series and so is the case in their latest venture, PATIALA HOUSE. The film stars "Khiladi" Akshay Kumar whose films have always boasted of chartbusting music and Anushka Sharma who too has been very lucky as far as music of her films is concerned. And it is just a coincidence that the music of both their latest, TEES MAAR KHAN and BAND BAAJA BAARAAT respectively is topping the charts presently. And we are quite sure that their next, PATIALA HOUSE, will follow suit. The reason being the multitalented Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy who have been assigned the task of handling the music department this time too, very much like Nikhil's last three ventures, KAL HO NA HO, SALAAM-E-ISHQ and CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA.

Since the film is about a UK based Sikh family, it's but natural that the music will have heavy Punjabi influences and the very first song, "Laungda Lashkara", is one such number. Hard Kaur, who also features in the film, spices up the mood and sends the tempo racing as she starts the proceedings with her much loved characteristic rap which features intermittently during the whole song and is one of the highlights of the track. Jassi ("Dil Legayi Kudi.." fame) is in cracking form as he renders this very different Punjabi love song, along with the sweet sounding Mahalaxmi Iyer, who modulates her vocals to match Anushka's husky ones. The tune that Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy choose is very rhythmic and foot tapping and the arrangements are not too harsh and loud, after all it's SEL and they never go over the top! It's after quite a while that we have had a sweet Punjabi favoured love song that we fall in love with instantly (like in LOVE AAJ KAL), one which leaves the listener asking for more. Anvita Dutt deserves credit for conjuring up lyrics that are not heavy duty and has just the right mix of Punjabi, English and Hindi, yet simple and comprehensible, one which most people can understand without taxing their brains. The remix version "Laungda Lashkara" by Harry Anand is more pacy making the song even more dance oriented targeting the youth and GenX.

All those who have loved S-E-L in their last chartbusting yet classy outing, MY NAME IS KHAN, this one is for them as the next song is pretty much in the same corridor as "Noor-E-Khuda". Soothing piano notes, just the right precursor that sets up the somber mood and commences the song, "Kyun Main Jaagoon", a semi-philosophical, introspective, soulful number. Shafqat Amanat Ali is excellent as his vocals convey the cry of anguish of the main protagonist played by Akshay Kumar (who not being allowed to pursue his passion) with ease and aplomb.

The soft flowing melody combined with just the right minimal music arrangements, especially the piano interludes, blend seamlessly with the vocals and make this song a pleasure to listen to. Anvita's lyrics once again deserves brownie points as the crux of the film is conveyed easily through some brilliant words- "Mujhe yun hi karke khwabon se juda, Jaane kahan chhup ke baitha hai khuda."

The song also appears in two more versions. First is "Kyun Main Jaagoon" Unplugged and "Kyun Main Jaagoon" Remix. The unplugged version is for those who like things soft, subtle .with minimal music arrangements, just guitar and piano and crystal clear vocals. The remixed version has been handled classily by Asia Dub Foundation and converts the soft soothing number into a happening track, fit enough for clubs and discotheques.

The title "Rola Pe Gaya" was just an indication that we were in for some rollicking fun in the upcoming track and how right we were because this song has everything that we were expecting and even more! The start is a bit misleading as one gets the impression of a traditional Punjabi "mehdi" wedding number, but Hard Kaur puts things right on track with her superb rap. With S-E-L's "Where's The Party Tonight" (KANK-2006) still popular, here is the follow up to the iconic party number as Shankar gets behind the mike for this fun celebratory track, and one is forced to jive, such is the groovy rhythm of the "dhamaal" track. Master Saleem, Earl and Mahalaxmi Iyer join in the fun with renditions that exude energy. Shades of Lata's evergreen "Rangeela Re" is very evident but the way SEL have used it to suit their style is commendable.

There was no need for a remix version and "Rola Pe Gaya Remix" by Harry Anand can be called space filler but the fun continues here as well so one does not mind at all.

Soft guitar strums evoke feelings of timeless romance as the next song "Aadat Hai Voh" unfolds and this song is nothing short of a marvel, and the reason is that SEL have not followed a beaten path as seemed from the start. The song has contrasting shades of soft love ballad converging into a superb hard rock crescendo and a back up chorus, which is absolutely mind-boggling, a tad, Vishal Bhardwaj style. And after SEL it's our rocker Vishal Dadlani who deserves kudos for an excellent rendition, superlative control over his vocals and magical voice modulations, from soft to husky. Just brilliant. Lyrics too are very good, "Usko banane wala kuch kuch toh behka hoga, Jab bhi padi hogi uspe nazar". A number one can hear over and over again until it becomes an "dat".

Suraj Jagan and Alyssa Mendonsa come behind the microphone for "Baby When You Talk To Me" which is a classy and clever fusion of soft rock (reminiscent of Beatles /Elvis era) and typical SEL melody and they succeed in their effort of providing thorough entertainment. The highlight of the track is the main chorus, "Baby when you talk to me, Manzil mili gali gali" which is also the "mukhda" of the song and as one can make out a light hearted fun filled love ditty. The song also appears as a remix version by Andrew T Mackay (produced and mixed by Shantanu Huldikar) and it's even better than the original. More zing, more fun!

Renowned Punjabi "sufi" singer, Hans Raj Hans(of Dil Tote Tote fame) continues the celebrations in his usual grand style as we come across another wedding track, "Tumba Tumba" (Tumba - A musical instrument, a plucked spike lute used in rural Punjabi folk songs) that sounds straight out of Sooraj Barjatya films (read HUM AAPKE HAIN KAUN). The composition is partly sung in the "qawwali" mode, and that is the best part about this song. Lyrics are full of humour and in parts a bit Punjabish, especially the start, but the rest of the song has simple wordings that fit in the situation, and one can imagine the whole setting of the song through the wordings. Indian musical instruments like "sitar", "ektara" and also harmonium have been used to good effect.

Last up is "Aval Allah", a very popular Sikh devotional song (hymn), which provides just the right finish to a classy album. A brief soul cleansing, spiritually enlighting number that sends the strong message of equality of all and is rendered superbly by Richa Sharma, whose strong and clear vocals are picture perfect for this track. The Shabad Gurbani, "Aval Allah noor upaaeiaa, Kudrat ke sab bandey, Ek noor te sab jag upajaiaa, Koun bhalae ko mande?" Roughly translated it means, "First Allah Almighty created the light, then by his creative power, he made all mortal beings. From one light, the entire universe welled up, so who is good and who is bad?"

To sum up, one is spellbound as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy prove once again that whenever they have been entrusted with the task of composing for a big project they always rise to the occasion and deliver the goods. Last year it was Shah Rukh Khan's MY NAME IS KHAN, where they showed their class and versatility, and they have come out with flying colours once again in case of PATIALA HOUSE.

Download Patiala House MP3 Songs
01 - Patiala House - Laung Da Lashkara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Patiala House - Rola Pe Gaya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Patiala House - Aadat Hai Voh@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Patiala House - Baby When You Talk To Me@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Patiala House - Tumba Tumba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon (Unplugged)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Patiala House - Aval Allah@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
10 - Patiala House - Baby When You Talk To Me (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
11 - Patiala House - Rola Pe Gaya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
12 - Patiala House - Laung Da Lashkara (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Patiala House - Laung Da Lashkara@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Patiala House - Rola Pe Gaya@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Patiala House - Aadat Hai Voh@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Patiala House - Baby When You Talk To Me@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Patiala House - Tumba Tumba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon (Unplugged)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Patiala House - Aval Allah@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
09 - Patiala House - Kyun Main Jaagoon (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
10 - Patiala House - Baby When You Talk To Me (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
11 - Patiala House - Rola Pe Gaya (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
12 - Patiala House - Laung Da Lashkara (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Patiala House Videos






Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji - Music Review

Read more! Cast :: Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi & Omi Vaidya

There are good expectations from the music of Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji for multiple reasons. Firstly and most importantly, the film bings together the team of Pritam, Emraan Hashmi and Ajay Devgn which did wonders in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai earlier this year. Secondly, the film showcases a new side of Madhur Bhandarkar with romcom being the chosen flavour. For his last musical Fashion, he had extracted some fantastic musical score from Salim-Sulaiman. One expects him to have done something similar for his newest endeavour as well. Neelesh Mishra, Kumaar, Sanjay Chhel and Sayeed Quadri write.

The album begins with a song which is pretty much the kind that one expects from a Pritam-Emraan combo. A soft love song with a childlike feel to it, hi Kuch Dino Se has a quintessential Mohit Chauhan stamp to it as the singer gets behind the mike. Also, one can't miss the countryside melody to it as Pritam spins a tune that is easy on ears and becomes catchy after a single listening itself. While the mukhda hooks you instantly, the 'antara' is set in the 70s and brings one close to the kind of middle-of-the-road cinema which was made in that era. A song by Neelesh Mishra which should get popular in weeks to come.

The song which should appeal instantly to all those who have grown on Sonu Nigam%s songs from Deewana, Yaad and Jaan (three cult non-film albums that the singer made a few years ago) is %Tere Bin%. Easily the song of the album, 'Tere Bin' has some heart felt lyrics by Kumaar (the young man is indeed spinning some very good words film after film) that make an instant connect with those deeply in love. Yet again, the 'sur' of the album doesn%t see any deviation whatsoever with first 'hi Kuch Dino Se' and now %Tere Bin% ensuring that the melody being created here remains intact.

No wonder, this song is special enough to be repeated in a 'remix version' (one doesn't quite mind that here) as well as the 'reprise version' (by Naresh Iyer). Though there is absolutely nothing wrong with Naresh%s version here (in fact it doesn%t even sound much different either), one would still want to go back to what Sonu renders.

To bring in some variety in the album comes 'Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala' which is a jazz track sung by new find Shefali Alvaris. Frankly, this is one sing that one takes time to warm up to. Again, the song doesn't offend one by any means. However, in an album where one was primarily hunting for a few more love songs, a naughty track like this which is written by Neelesh Mishra and has a 50s/60s setting to it, isn't quite the kind that one was expecting to come soon after. The 'remix version' though (by Antara Mitra) is spunkier and does catch your attention.

Nevertheless, one moves on to 'Jadugari' which again ends up giving what one was expecting from a Pritam soundtrack here. A rhythmic number which again has soft undertone to it, 'Jadugari' has a soft feel to it, courtesy the manner in which Kunal Ganjawala sings it. While one is tempted to believe that this would be picturised on Emraan Hashmi, it won't be surprising if Ajay Devgn manages to bag it as well. A song with a trademark Pritam feel to it, 'Jadugari' appears effortless and this is where its win lies.

Last to come is 'shuba' which is the first and the only duet in this album made of solo tracks. Antara Mitra is in her elements once again after 'Bheegi Si' (Raajneeti) and it is just apt that she takes the lead in this love song which has some new lyrics by Sayeed Quadri. She is later joined by Kunal Ganjawala who further adds on to the youth appeal of the album. Yet again, 'shuba' is one of those songs where just one listening can confirm that it is a song composed by Pritam.

Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji is a good album which has a consistent sound to it (except for 'Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala' which is not bad but does deviate a little from the rest of the songs). As expected from Madhur Bhandarkar, he makes Pritam compose some classy tunes which go well with the urban romcom genre. Due to this reason, the album doesn't have any hardcore massy number that could have possibly acted as an anchor on which Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji could have entirely depended upon. This also means that the album would need a certain time period in which it can be nurtured so that it finds widespread all around acceptability. This Pritam soundtrack would find more audience for itself once the film releases and turns into a (possible) success.

Download Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji MP3 Songs
01 - Abhi Kuch Dino Se@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Tere Bin@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Jadugari@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Beshuba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Tere Bin (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Tere Bin (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

01 - Abhi Kuch Dino Se@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
02 - Tere Bin@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
03 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
04 - Jadugari@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
05 - Beshuba@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
06 - Tere Bin (Reprise)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
07 - Yeh Dil Hai Nakhrewala@review-of-movies.blogspot.com
08 - Tere Bin (Remix)@review-of-movies.blogspot.com

Watch Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji Videos


Saturday, December 25, 2010

Tees Maar Khan - Movie Review

Read more! Cast :: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif & Akshaye Khanna

Farah Khan’s comic caper has a lot riding on it. It’s Farah breaking out on her own, free from collaborations that were safe bets from within a comfort zone. In some way it’s a comeback for Akshay Kumar whose had a horrible year of releases. And it’s also Katrina Kaif strongest claim for the top Bollywood heroine slot. (if she doesn’t already own it?)

A lot of question surround this movie but you forget about all of that within minutes when Tees Maar Khan theme song kicks in.

I’ll try my best not to spoil too much of the movie as I was fortunate enough to catch an early preview in London; but honestly speaking I could only spoil some of the comedic beats,not much of the plot.

It’s a pretty straight forward masala caper and most of the set up is in the trailers.

Tees Maar Khan urf Tabrez Mirza Khan ,the biggest con artist in the world, is hired to rob a train carrying an immense treasure for a set of conjoint twin “villains”. He also is a shameless plugger of his own name. There was maybe one too many reference to the title of the movie to my taste but all that is not important for what we get is easily one of the funniest and most entertaining entertainers of the year.

It’s what Housefulll wishes it was, what Action Replayy could never accomplish and what Golmaal lies in bed at night crying it could be one day.

First, I would suggest that if you have a chance, go and watch this movie on the big screen. Partly because it’s the kind of movie that is elevated with a participating audience and partly because it needs the big canvas so you can soak up all the gorgeousness in every shot.

I have a pretty good media set up at home but in no way could I understand the awesomeness of Sheila Ki Jawaani until I saw it today.

There were many discussions the previous weeks about which was the best item number of the year: Munni Badnaam Hui from Dabangg or Sheila Ki Jawaani.I am still not sure I have an answer for that question but what I can tell you is that there were moments in Sheila ki Jawaani that Katrina Kaif took the entire audience’s breath away.

It is EPIC and if I could, I would rewind it and watch it again. You might not be able to do that in a cinema (unless you’re Raja Babu) but what you do get in the theatre experience is the full force of Vishal- Shekar‘s “saaand” blaring through the speakers and every minute detail of Katrina’ s performance elevating the song to a whole new level.

In my opinion Katrina delivers the strongest female comedic performance since Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met. She is hilarious in every scene as Anya Khan the wannabe Starlet/Item girl and I really hope people stop asking her to prove herself over and over again. I think she has been doing that in her recent roles and this is probably one of her bests.

When reviewing our best Bollywood soundtracks of 2010 (click here) we thought that the Tees Maar Khan OST was maybe not the greatest (I am still not convinced of the Sonu Nigam’s Chipmunk voices) but it could only be fully judged when seeing it picturized. And lo and behold I was humming the songs exiting the theatre and want to get my hands on the soundtrack as soon as I can.

Although Salman Khan’s cameo in Wallah Re Wallah is featured in the promos, it still manages to send a bolt of excitement through your spine.

The first half of the movie just breezes by and the second half has a bit of a slower start but manages to put in a lot more heart in the movie.

So now on to the Khiladi. See I’ve always been fond of Akshay Kumar (especially his work ethic and just plain sincerity) but somewhere his lovable loud mouthed buffoon shtick and those indistinguishable Priyadarshan comedies just turned me away from him.

A movie that I unashamedly loved back in the day was “Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi” ,probably not the most discerning of choices, I admit but Akshay was amazing in it. That’s the kind of Akshay we get here. he is again ahead of the world, a real hero character kids would want to emulate (those fluorescent Jersey Shore Shirts can be omitted) . Someone who is witty, funny and confident. I don’t know if he ad-libs some of his lines in that throw away manner but it makes me crack up everytime and actually believe in Akshay as a leading man again.

Unfortunately for my non-hindi speakers the subtitles were not able to catch every joke thrown in but there are so many if you miss one you’ll surely catch the next one.

There are even “Inception- like” levels of joke-within-a-joke which film geeks can play filmi-bingo with. I would suggest inventing a drinking game around it, someone catches a reference and everyone drinks. Even I jumped with joy seeing Anil Kapoor’s most iconic dance and the whole Master India sequence. (Boney for reals, can we get that Mr.India sequel already??)

But you can also just enjoy the movie just as a fun masala caper with great dances and and performances from the lead as well as the supporting cast (woohoo Avtaar Gill!!) and we even get the final sequence where the whole team apears.

Akshay Khanna is hilarious as the oscar obsessed Bollywood superstar, some will claim it’s inspired by Amir or Shahrukh but I don’t see it really or at least nothing to create news stories about but I’m sure that won’ stop people.

There are certain moment that I did feel the ghost of Shahrukh Khan, who was rumoured as the main lead, loom over Tees Maar Khan. In some of Akshay’s hero poses, comedic repartés and even some of the choreography, you can can almost imagine what Shahrukh would have done with it. Even a few of the sets and décors were eerily similar to Om Shanti Om. But although fun to speculate that’s just context with no real importance to the film.

All in all I think this movie is a great move for Farah, Shrish Kunder and her production company in developing her Manmohan desai style even further. I am truly looking forward to her next paisa vasool flick but until then: go watch Tees Maar Khan on the big screen NOW!

Download Tees Maar Khan MP3 Songs


Watch Tees Maar Khan Videos



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