Posts Tagged ‘Hindi Movies’
Music Review: 3 Idiots
The moment name Aamir Khan is seen in the credits, the word ‘quality’ comes naturally. Such has been the brand value Aamir has made around him that everything else, whether it is the director, composer or the co-star, comes secondary. Of course with names like Rajkumar Hirani, Kareena Kapoor and Vidhu Vinod Chopra involved, one can’t discount the overall package affair that 3 Idiots turns out to be. Still, when it comes to the music of the film, one can’t really claim to have huge expectations. Reason being that the composer at the helm of affairs is Shantanu Moitra who hasn’t had a single commercially successful album other than Parineeta. Yes, he has been critically acclaimed but due to the kind of music he has created and the genre he has explored, mass acceptance has still eluded him. Even a Lage Raho Munnabhai showed some good sales once the movie turned out to be hugely successful at the box office. This is the reason why one plays 3 Idiots (that has lyrics by Swanand Kirkire) with reasonable, rather than extraordinary, expectations in place – Aamir Khan notwithstanding.
MUSIC
It’s a gradual beginning to ‘Aal Izz Well’ that gives a clear indication of what the film is all about. Arriving with the theme of ‘care-a-damn’ attitude, ‘Aal Izz Well’ is completely different from dozens of campus tracks that have been heard over the years. Swanand Kirkire’s lyrics make an instant impression while Shantanu’s rhythmic treatment ensures that the song would be played in many a campus festivals and student get togethers from here on. Catching the pulse of youth, whether from today, yesterday or tomorrow, this Sonu Nigam and Shaan sung track, which also appears in a deserving ‘remix version’, belongs to chartbuster variety. One wonders though that why did Shanatanu have to croon like Anu Malik for an interspersing piece?
Only song in the album featuring a female voice comes in the form of ‘Zoobi Doobi’. The chosen one here is the obvious name without whom not a single A-list album gets completed today – Shreya Ghoshal. A song-n-dance affair that almost spoofs the conventional rain tracks that have been heard and seen in Bollywood over the decades, ‘Zoobi Doobi’ combines melody with rhythm with Sonu Nigam joining the show. Belonging to the 50s and 60s variety in the way it has been composed, ‘Zoobi Doobi’ (which too has a ‘remix version’ for itself) is good though its longevity would depend upon the way it has been choreographed and the extent to which the film succeeds.
From this point on, the album takes a situational turn, as visible in ‘Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh’ which comes next. Starting on a pensive note, the number is about a couple of friends (Madhavan and Sharman Joshi) who are searching for their lost partner (Aamir Khan). The number has a distinct Bengali music touch to it, whether in terms of the way it has been orchestrated, arranged and even sung. With minimal instruments in the background, this number sung by Shaan and Shantanu Moitra describes the character played by Aamir and how he carried a carefree and lively persona. With a hint of sadness to it, ‘Behti Hawa’ is primarily for the screen.
Just like it’s predecessor, ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ too has a slow beginning with Sharman Joshi narrating a line about youth being allowed to live life the way they want. Soon after Suraj Jagan starts singing this track about how kids are deprived of their innocence in the world of education that dictates what they should be doing rather than them making a choice. Meanwhile, Sharman keeps interspersing the song with anecdotes from the childhood (experimenting with chemistry, forced to get 99% marks etc…). Yet another campus track, though softer in mode and tone this time around, the song has its high point every time the line ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ comes on the forefront.
The finale is interesting with Sonu Nigam coming up with one of his best renditions in recent times. He changes the pitch of his voice extraordinarily well in ‘Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe’ which again appears to be the set in a mood where the friends are rooting for each other and making sure that they don’t fail in their pursuit for a better life ahead. After singing two popular tracks ‘Shukran Allah’ [Kurbaan] and ‘Don’t Say Alvida’ [Main Aurr Mrs Khanna], this is yet another quality outing for Sonu Nigam who hits just the right notes. Special mention to Swanand for his words that should make a definite impact in the film’s narrative.
OVERALL
3 Idiots is a good quality album that has two super strong tracks – ‘Aal Izz Well’ and ‘Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe’. Both are poles apart though because while former is for mass audiences, latter should find a perfect placement in the film’s narrative. ‘Zoobi Doobi’ is nice while ‘Behti Hawa’ and ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ would be known more after the film’s release. Immense curiosity value around ’3 Idiots’ would ensure that in the initial days, the album disappears quite quickly from the music stands. After that, it would be the strength of the film and its run at the box office that would do the talking for the album as well.
AB Corp plans to launch ‘Auro’ merchandise after the release of Paa
After the release of Paa, merchandise connected to the film’s young protagonist Auro played by the Big B, is being planned. For the first time his younger fans will have Big B merchandise including dolls to play with.
The producers, AB Corp Ltd, have planned an ‘Auro’ blitzkrieg to connect the character with children across the world.
While a series of Auro merchandise are planned post the film’s release, on Children’s Day, Mr. Bachchan as Auro will come on television with a very special message for children.
Confirms the director, ”We’re most definitely targeting Paa at children and parents alike. Mr Bachchan’s Auro is a special child suffering from an extremely rare age-hastening disease. Auro could’ve easily become lonely isolated or abandoned. Paa shows how special ‘special’ kids can be. It has a message on parenting rather than any disease. When your child is born with a special impairment, you need to make him feel special, not unwanted or isolated.”
In what could be the first campaign-oriented big-budget Bachchan starrer, Paa promises to bring into focus the parent-child relationship in a series of television campaigns.
There are now plans to do special shows of Paa to collect funds for the Progeria Research Foundation. Says Balki, ”We really had no concrete plans to tie up with the Progeria Foundation. Though our protagonist suffers from the disease, the film is not about Progeria. It’s about how special children can fill your life with special brightness. Not for a minute does my protagonist’s special condition qualify his relationship with his parents. That’s why we avoided pitching Paa as a Progeria project. However, we’d be more than happy if our film proves helpful to children who suffer from the rarest-of-rare diseases.”
A special show in aid of the Progeria Research Foundation is now being planned. Says Balki, ”We’re still to work out details since we hadn’t really planned any Progeria events Paa. We’re definitely holding a charity screening of which the proceeds will be given to the Progeria foundation in the US.
Movie Review: Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
By Taran Adarsh, November 6, 2009 – 09:40 IST
Rajkumar Santoshi has changed lanes. Known for intense, hard-hitting movies [with the sole exception of ANDAZ APNA APNA], Santoshi now attempts a rom-com in AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, his new endeavour. That’s something we all know by now, right?
But not many of us know that Santoshi is equally at home handling a comedy. And AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI proves it.
If you’re attempting a rom-com, you need to get a few things right…
One, the romance should be livewire. Ditto for the chemistry between the on-screen pair.
Two, the film should make you laugh. As simple as that!
In AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, the romantic moments are endearing. Most importantly, the on-screen chemistry is electrifying. Ranbir and Katrina look great together!
I’ve often said that comedy is serious business and the audience has moved over from banana peel humour in movies. The comedy in AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI – though it borders on absurdity – is funny in most parts. Sure, there’re times when you feel that the humour looks forced [climax fight especially], but you don’t grudge it since Santoshi’s intentions are crystal clear from Scene 1 onwards: Entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega.
Another factor that goes in its favour is Pritam’s music, who belts out a couple of lilting tracks.
On the flip side, the film could’ve done with a fresh plotline. When you talk of ‘Ghazab Kahani’, it has to be ghazab by all means. It shouldn’t fall prey to predictability, but the second hour succumbs to mediocrity occasionally.
Yet, despite the blemishes, AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI is a full-on entertainer. One thing is for sure, you’d fall in prem with Prem and his antics. An ideal date movie that should connect with the youth.
Prem’s [Ranbir Kapoor] fundas in life were very simple – be happy, make others happy. A case of mistaken identity leads Prem to almost kidnap Jenny [Katrina Kaif], who was brought up by indifferent and uncaring foster parents.
Prem falls in love with Jenny, but realizes gradually that Jenny is in love with someone else [Upen Patel], the son of a conniving politician [Govind Namdeo]. Prem decides to sacrifice his love and get the lovers married.
In the first sequence, Santoshi makes it loud and clear that AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI is very unlike his previous ventures; this one harbours on illogical situations. Right from the time Ranbir sets his eyes on Katrina [the yellow outfit episode], the film is a roller coaster ride.
A few sequences entertain you thoroughly. Sample these: Katrina slaps Ranbir when he stammers as well. She feels he’s imitating her; Ranbir’s sequence in the church; Salman Khan’s cameo; the love-hate relationship that Ranbir and his father [Darshan Jariwala] share; the sequence at the party; the interval point when Ranbir falls on the ground literally… the first hour of the film simply rocks!
But the second hour makes you a little grumpy. The third angle of the triangle [Upen Patel] isn’t convincing, while his father’s [Govind Namdeo] track is beaten to death. Even the villain [Zakir Hussain] is a sore point.
Watching the second hour makes you feel that the film may’ve had a longer running time and in order to bring down the length, a number of scenes must’ve been chopped off, which, in turn, must’ve resulted in continuity lapses. For instance, Katrina’s kidnap by the villains looks too sudden. When and how did it occur?
Yet, there’re two sequences in this hour which are remarkable and which should bring the house down. One, when Ranbir wears Katrina’s top to hide her presence in the house and the climax fight, when Katrina mistakenly bangs Ranbir a couple of times.
Directorially, Santoshi proves the naysayers wrong and bounces back with a film that the youth would relate to. You can’t write off the maker and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI proves it. Pritam’s music has ‘Hit’ written all over it. S. Thiru’s cinematography is first-rate.
Ranbir Kapoor is the next big thing and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI proves it yet again. He’s charismatic, emotes exceptionally well and tickles your funny bone without making faces. It’s a fantastic performance all the way. Katrina Kaif continues to surprise. She surprised you in NEW YORK. She surprises you again in this film. She scores in both emotional and light scenes. Also, Ranbir and Katrina make a wonderful on-screen couple.
Darshan Jariwala is exceptional. Smita Jaykar is very good. Upen Patel is decent. Govind Namdeo is getting typecast. Zakir Hussain is fair. Navneet Nishan is alright.
On the whole, AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI entertains majorly. At the box-office, the fantastic pre-release campaign coupled with the terrific chemistry between Ranbir and Katrina, excellent music by Pritam and tremendous appeal for youth should ensure a big start for the film at the ticket window. The business prospects seem excellent, thus ensuring handsome returns for its investors.