Posts Tagged ‘Hindi Film Industry’
Music Review – My Name is Khan
EXPECTATIONS
What kind of expectations can one have from the music of a film which is directed by a man who pretty much has a patent on a music genre itself – ‘The Karan Johar music’? Ever since the release of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai music more than a decade back, there have been imitations galore. Some have been flattering, some have been homage, some have been mere mimicry, some have been plain lacklustre while some have managed to follow it to the T. ‘Karan Johar genre of music’ has found many fans and followers while the man himself has continued to raise the bar up with his subsequent outings like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
MUSIC
When singers like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan and Richa Sharma come together, you know for sure that there is a quality outing in the offing. This is what one gets from ‘Sajda’, a qawalli, which boasts of some intoxicating rhythm and comes so quickly on your lips that just one listening and you can already hear yourself humming it around. It is amazing to see Rahat Fateh Ali Khan delivering a chartbuster track practically every second month and this New Year couldn’t see a better outing than ‘Sajda’ which maintains an Indian quality to it throughout it’s duration. Boasting of a timeless appeal to it, ‘Sajda’ is a kind of number that is not dependant upon the movie for which it has been composed and promises to play on for many more months to come.
Ever since the days of Dil Chahta Hai, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy can be identified with a particular style of music and ‘Noor E Khuda’ just takes the tradition further. A soft track that is as experimental as it gets, courtesy coming together of Adnan Sami and Shankar Mahadevan who sing ‘Noor E Khuda’ rather seamlessly. It is remarkable to witness one of them picking up from where the other left without the listener getting any hint of a handover taking place behind the mike. In the latter half of the song, Shreya Ghoshal makes an appearance and one can sense the female protagonist pining for her lost love. Placed in the background where the character played by Shah Rukh Khan gets set on his big journey, it has the kind of lyrics by Niranjan Iyengar which are bound to make much more meaning when heard and seen in the film’s context.
First quintessential love song that one was actually waiting for to appear in My Name Is Khan makes a belated appearance in the form of ‘Tere Naina’. Rendered by Shafqat Amanat Ali who goes solo for the song, ‘Tere Naina’ is pretty much in the same mould as ‘Sajda’ and could have pretty much picked from where the latter left. Yet again, there is an intrinsic Indian appeal to ‘Tere Naina’ with a Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy stamp to it which makes it a song worthy to be heard in a repeat mode. A pure love song which takes a few hearing before it catches up with you, ‘Tere Naina’ is for those who love to have a bit of class in their music.
By the time ‘Allah Hi Rahem’ comes, one has set high standards for My Name Is Khan. This is why this Rashid Khan sung number stays on to be situational at best. Yes, it carries on the Sufi flavour as prevalent in the album but still doesn’t turn out to be the kind of track that one carries home after the film’s screening is through. Also, as a part of the album, since there are other better songs to pick and choose, ‘Allah Hi Rahem’ merely turns out to be the kind of number that one has heard and seen before and hence can be just given a quick hear and forgotten.
‘Khan Theme’ which follows next is an extremely well orchestrated piece that boasts of a live recording, a rarity in today’s time, and has a mesmerising appeal to it. Lasting close to two and a half minutes, it has a pensive feel to it which pretty much follows the theme, mood and expected treatment that one expects from the narrative. Expect it to play in the opening and end credits roll.
Lastly comes Shankar Mahadevan and Suraj Jagan sung ‘Rang De’ which is a complete departure from what one has heard in the album so far and takes a soft rock route. Since it’s Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy at the helm of affairs, there is a slight Indian classical touch to it as well (at places) but overall ‘Rang De’ stays on to be a quintessential rock track which brings home the message of peace and togetherness. One wonders though if the song would find a place in the film’s narrative or instead would have a music video devised around it.
OVERALL
Contrary to popular misconception, Karan Johar’s music hasn’t stuck on to the world of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. It has continued to evolve and though it’s hard to ignore the romantic breeze evidenced in his films, the fact is that he has in fact strived to be different, though not completely but at least partially, in each of his outings. However, in My Name Is Khan, he along with Shankar Ehsaan Loy and lyricist Niranjan Iyengar have brought not a partial but a substantial difference to the way music in his films is being looked at. Doing something like this was always meant to be a calculated since music as heard in My Name Is Khan doesn’t belong to the kind that results in blockbuster sales. However, given the fact that the film boasts of who-is-who of the film and music world, has a guaranteed chartbuster in the form of ‘Sajda’, comes with a huge curiosity value and overall boasts of a quality feel to it, it is bound to become further popular after the release.
Movie Review – Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year – Ranbir Kapoor, Yashraj Films
Some films absorb you instantly, from the very outset. But it takes time to get into the world of a salesman who thinks from his heart.
Come to think of it, ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is about a simpleton, but the story of his struggle and accomplishment isn’t the kind that would charge you or make you charter a similar path in life. Also, the story of an underdog who comes up the hard way should make you feel euphoric in the end, right? But ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR doesn’t.
Frankly, ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. It’s a decent film, no two opinions on that, but the question is, [a] Is the story powerful enough to excite you and [b] Does it grab your attention in entirety? Sadly, the answer to both the questions is in the negative.
There’s another problem and this is strictly from the point of those seeking entertainment. A Yash Raj film with Ranbir Kapoor [after AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI] essaying the title role, coupled with fun-filled promos ['Pocket Mein Rocket Hain'] might make you assume that it would offer loads of entertainment, but this has barely a song or two, as good as no romance and hardly any comic moments – the recipe for most Hindi movies.
In a nutshell, ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is a dull and dry experience.
Harpreet Singh Bedi [Ranbir Kapoor] has just graduated and his marks are, well, let’s say a little embarrassing. But marks never stopped him from dreaming of an exciting and adventurous career, and they never will.
He takes a deep, positive breath and dives into the world of sales, rumoured to be an ultra cool career. It’s everything he dreamt of, with its smooth dressing, smoother talking men and women who can sell ice to an Eskimo, dreams to an insomniac and a lifetime mobile connection to a dying man. But soon, his idea of success begins clashing with the strange ways of these ‘professionals’ and ‘bosses’ he looked up to.
ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR may be based on a simpleton’s life, but the viewer gets a hang of things only towards the second hour. The entire first hour is devoted to establishing the characters and also getting used to the way sales persons go about their business.
There’s not much excitement in the first hour, barring a few attention-grabbing scenes that pop up intermittently. The story just flows, with the viewer not reacting much to the proceedings. But things change for better towards the post-interval portions when the protagonist and his colleagues’ lives get complicated.
At least two sequences deserve a mention here. The first, when Ranbir and his boss have a lengthy telephonic conversation. The second, when the boss realises his folly and apologises to Ranbir. But, unfortunately, the culmination to the story doesn’t give the feeling of euphoria or victory. Ideally speaking, it should have. That’s one of the reasons why the impact is missing.
Shimit Amin is an efficient storyteller and he has been most faithful to the plot, but if the plot itself has its limitations, there’s not much he can do to boost the proceedings. Jaideep Sahni has had the courage to narrate a new story, but the story is one-dimensional. Also, there screenplay is devoid of songs, romance and entertainment, which will go against the film completely.
Salim-Sulaiman’s background score is effectual. Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography is alright.
Ranbir Kapoor is an exceptional actor and ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR mirrors this fact. The actor underplays his part beautifully, which only goes to prove that he’s equally at ease essaying straight-out-of-life roles. Prem Chopra is exceptional. A number of new faces enact pivotal roles here, but the ones who stand out are Ranbir’s boss Puri and colleague Nitin. Both are fantastic.
D. Santosh is first-rate. Gauhar Khan leaves a strong impression. Shazahn Padamsee doesn’t get any scope.
On the whole, ROCKET SINGH – SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. Lack of music, romance and entertainment, coupled with zilch hype, will go against the film. A colossal disappointment!
Movie Review – 3 Idiots – Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sharma Joshi, R Madhavan
Life is all about listening to your heart and chasing your dreams. That’s the essence of 3 IDIOTS, directed by the supremely talented Rajkumar Hirani. Let me come to the point right away. There are films and there are more films. And then there’s 3 IDIOTS.
Come to think of it, 3 IDIOTS carries a huge ‘burden’ on its shoulders: The ‘burden’ of humungous expectations. And it’s not without reasons…
# 3 IDIOTS is Aamir’s next release after the record-breaker GHAJINI.
# 3 IDIOTS is Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s third film together, after MUNNABHAI MBBS and LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI, landmark films.
# Three actors from the path-breaking RANG DE BASANTI team – Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman – team up yet again. Plus, Aamir’s teaming up with Hirani. It couldn’t get bigger!
3 IDIOTS is over-hyped and that could be dangerous for any film since it’s the expectations which kill a film if the content doesn’t match up to the hype. In this case, all izz well!
Now let’s demystify the myths…
3 IDIOTS is not about idiots or nincompoops. It’s about three engineering students who believe in ‘I’ll Do It On my Terms’ and that’s what the three characters achieve in life and that’s what Hirani, Chopra, Aamir eventually achieve at the end of the movie. Making a movie on their terms!
One more thing! You cannot draw parallels with any other film, past or present, successful or unsuccessful. And though people may draw parallels with GHAJINI or the MUNNABHAI series, it would be sacrilege to do so. 3 IDIOTS [based on a novel 'Five Point Someone' by Chetan Bhagat] doesn’t tilt, it stands tall.
Here’s yet another illusion: 3 IDIOTS belongs to Aamir Khan. Yes, it does, but also to R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Kareena Kapoor and Omi, the entrant in Hindi movies, who delivers an equally sterling performance. The film would be incomplete without any of these characters.
To cut a long story short, all you’d like to say about the film is, All izz very, very, very, very, very well. Watch this film to know what it means!
Two friends [R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi] embark on a quest for a lost buddy. As they make their way through the perilous landscape [Shimla, Manali, Ladakh], another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend – the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho [Aamir Khan], who, in his unique way, touched and changed their lives.
It’s a story of their hostel days that swings between Rancho’s romance with the spirited Pia [Kareena Kapoor] and his clash with and oppressive mentor, Viru Sahastrabudhhe [Boman Irani]. And then one day, suddenly, Rancho vanishes…
Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave? The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them three idiots. Where is the original idiot now?
Hirani is a genius and that has been proved twice in the past. He proves it for the third time with 3 IDIOTS. Screenplay writers Hirani and Abhijat Joshi and screenplay associate Vidhu Vinod Chopra narrate a story that’s straight out of life. A story that each one of us can relate to or identify with.
Very often, we’ve read news-reports of students committing suicides because they’ve to live up to the family’s pressure/expectations. This film depicts it at the very start, when a student commits suicide. But the issue doesn’t end there, for 3 IDIOTS raises a pertinent question: Was it suicide or murder?
Hirani balances the rough and smooth incidents in their lives beautifully. The sequences in the campus, right from the ragging sequence at the start, to Omi’s speech when the word ‘chamatkaar’ is changed to ‘balatkaar’ [superb; will bring the house down], to the trio getting caught in an embarrassing situation at the reception of Kareena’s sister [Mona Singh], to the dinner sequence at Sharman’s house, to Kareena and Aamir driving Sharman’s seriously ill father on their bike to the hospital… the funny moments would make your jaws ache.
The interval point is a shocker. The point at which the first half ends will leave you stunned. Now what was that? Kahani mein twist!
The mystery is solved soon after the intermission ends and a new journey begins. That’s one of the USPs of the film. Just when you think that the story would be solved, a new story begins. Of course, the pace dips slightly in its second hour, especially during the delivery sequence of Mona [which may appear filmy to a few], but the immediate sequence, when the baby boy is born and also the subsequent sequence between Boman and Aamir bring the film back on track. The culmination to the film is novel and yes, it’s a master stroke from the writing point of view!
Every person behind the camera gives his/her best to the film. Hirani and Joshi’s screenplay is the mainstay of the film. If you fondly recall ‘Gandhigiri’ from their previous film LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI, you’d have a new phrase to chew on this time: ‘All Izz Well’. Muraleedharan C.K.’s cinematography is awesome. Note the aerial view at the very start, when Madhavan and Sharman begin the journey to Shimla or the picture perfect look of Ladakh… the DoP does a magnificent job.
Shantanu Moitra’s music may sound plain ordinary to ears, but when viewed on screen, the score is just perfect. ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’, ‘All Is Well’, ‘Zoobie Doobie’ are three tracks that would grow on you after you’ve watched the film. The choreography of ‘All Izz Well’ [Avit Dias] and ‘Zoobie Doobie’ [Bosco-Caesar] are eye-catching. The background score [Sanjay Wandrekar, Atul Raninga, Shantanu Moitra] is right.
3 IDIOTS belongs to everyone. But, yes, there’s no denying that Aamir makes you forget all his past achievements as you watch the amazing actor play Rancho. To state that this ranks amongst his finest works would be an understatement. Madhavan is incredible, especially in the sequence when he explains his point of view to his father [Pareekshit Sahani]. Sharman is outstanding from start to end. This was a difficult role to portray and only an actor of calibre could’ve pulled it off. Boman is superb as the vicious head of the institute. The scenes between Aamir and Boman are extra-ordinary and it’s a treat to watch these two powerful actors clash on the big screen, without getting overdramatic. Boman’s appearance, mannerisms and dialogue delivery are exemplary.
The length of Kareena’s role may not be as much as Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman, but she registers a strong impact nonetheless. Omi is excellent and the viewers are sure to love his acidic tongue and gestures in the movie. Mona Singh doesn’t get much scope. Jaaved Jaffery is competent. Pareekshit Sahani is decent.
On the whole, 3 IDIOTS easily ranks amongst Aamir, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s finest films. Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3 IDIOTS. It’s emotional, it’s entertaining, it’s enlightening. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way.
Movie Review – Pyaar Impossible – Priyanka Chopra, Uday Chopra
SHREK [and its instalments] has been one of the most loved movies of our times. An ogre falls in love with a princess and after overcoming their share of obstacles, the couple live happily ever after. Most Hindi movies take a similar route, don’t they? We love happy endings. We want the underdog to accomplish his dreams. We feel euphoric if he walks into the sunset, holding the hand of his beloved.
A love story works if you fall in love with the on-screen characters and also if it knocks on the doors of your heart. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE does that. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE may not be the ultimate romantic film, but you can’t deny the fact that there’s something about this film that stays with you, that you carry home… sorry, carry in your heart.
PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE also works because its protagonists, Uday and Priyanka, deliver sparkling performances. No wonder, you get drawn in their world in a jiffy.
Final word? Watch PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE if you are or even if you’re not a romantic. It has its heart in the right place!
In a university in California, Alisha [Priyanka Chopra] is the name of that dream everyone wished came true. The most beautiful girl on campus, she makes hearts flutter like leaves in the wind. Everybody loves Alisha.
It is no surprise then that Abhay [Uday Chopra] loves her too. Abhay is a nerdy, awkward, bespectacled geek of the college who is so far removed from her world. She doesn’t even know that people like him actually exist.
One day Abhay musters up enough courage to go and express his true feelings to her and realizes that it is never gonna happen. He comes to terms with the fact that Alisha is a Princess and he is just a Geek. That is when their ways eventually part. Later, their paths cross again, as Abhay is busy trying to launch his career. Fate again brings him face to face with the woman of his dreams, Alisha.
Will Abhay have the strength to believe in himself and attempt to achieve what he never thought possible?
You may draw parallels with Chris Columbus’ I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER [2009], but the fact is that Uday Chopra’s story in PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE [yes, he has penned the story, screenplay and dialogue] could be anybody’s story. This is not about a nerd who wants his program back from a suave hacker. It’s about a simpleton, his feelings, the complications in his life and the final triumph. Haven’t we seen so many jodis in real life, who may not pair off well, but look compatible? Let’s not forget, opposites attract!
You may also draw parallels with Aditya Chopra’s RAB NE BANA DI JODI, but writer Uday Chopra and director Jugal Hansraj steer clear of anything that could be similar to Adi’s film. The [sole] similarity starts and ends with a simpleton falling in love with an attractive girl.
Uday’s screenplay remains faithful to the main plot, not deviating one bit. At the same time, it could’ve been tighter in the post-interval portions. There were ample occasions when Uday could’ve opened his heart, his motive of arriving in Singapore, that he’s not a nanny, that he had been cheated by Dino. But he doesn’t!
Thankfully, the writing is back on track towards its climax. Right from the kiddie song, to Priyanka realising that she loves Uday, to the press conference when Uday stands vindicated and Dino exposed, the penultimate moments are the mainstay of the enterprise.
Jugal Hansraj has the trappings of a competent director. He has handled several sensitive moments with dexterity. Salim-Sulaiman’s musical score is pleasant, but it can do with that extra push [promotion] from the music division. Santosh Thundiyil’s cinematography is top notch. Dialogue [also penned by Uday] are straight out of life.
PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE works largely due to the efficient performances by its principal actors – Uday Chopra and Priyanka Chopra. Both deliver sparkling performances. Priyanka has evolved into a fantastic actor and this film proves it yet again. Five minutes into the film and you realise that you are not watching Priyanka, but Alisha Merchant. That’s what this fine actor does to you.
Uday gets it right as Abhay. Sure, the actor has been a part of several films in the past, but this one awakens you to this sincere performer, who, unfortunately, has never got his due. He plays the role of a Geek with astute understanding and it’s thanks to his super portrayal that you feel for this character. This should be the turning point in his career.
Dino Morea springs a surprise and carries off his part very well. Anupam Kher is perfect in a brief role. Advika Yadav, the kid playing Priyanka’s daughter, is adorable. And a terrific actor too!
On the whole, PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE is a feel-good film. If you are a romantic, this one’s for you. Even if you’re not, still watch it. Its one of those films that will bring a smile on your face – something that most Hindi films don’t do these days!
Katrina Kaif signed opposite Akshay Kumar for Tees Maar Khan
he news that has been doing the rounds for sometime now is about the search for the heroine of Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder’s flick Tees Maar Khan. The film has been in news since its announcement. First it was Akshay replacing SRK as the lead, followed by the ‘namesake’ casting coup, wherein Akshaye Khanna was roped in for the film.
As far as the heroine for the film was concerned, the rumor mills went overboard with names that ranged from Sonam Kapoor to Deepika Padukone and likes. But, according to Bollywood Hungama‘s confirmed sources it is neither Sonam, nor Deepika, because it is Katrina Kaif! When we spoke to Shirish to confirm the news, all that he said was, “I cannot say anything right now. I can only speak about it in a couple of days.” Our source also went onto add that the trio of Akshay, Katrina and Farah have shot a cover page shoot for a daily (which is supposed to be out in a couple of days) to announce the coming on board of Katrina as Tees Maar Khan‘s leading lady.
With Katrina coming on board, expectations are bound to be sky-high about Tees Maar Khan, considering the hit track record that Akki-Katz have delivered in the past, like Namastey London, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng to name a few. What remains to be seen is that will Tees Maar Khan follow suit or will it create a new track record?