The Japanese Wife [2010]

Some movies have such a charm in its narrative that they take to a different world. With leisurely pace and beautiful screenplay, ‘Water’ was such movie, now Aparna Sen tells you this beautiful tale called “The Japanese Wife” which surely leaves an impression in one’s mind for long time.

The Japanese Wife is story of two pen friends – Snehamoy [Rahul Bose] and Miyage [Chigusa Takaku]. Who later on become a couple by marrying each other, only through letters. Snehamoy lives with his Maashi [Moushumi Chatterjee] who later on bring her ‘God-daughter’ Sandhya [Raima Sen] and his son Paltu, to live with them as Sandhya is widowed in young age. How Snehamoy and Miyage live their married life for 15 years without meeting each other, how complicate life Snehamoy and Sandhya shares with each other is the crux of the movie.

Narration is the highlight of the movie. As a story of pen-friends, most of the scenes are executed with silent shots of both characters while narrating text of letters in background. Toppled with gorgeous cinematography [shot at Sundarvan-Bengal] each scene is worth watch.

And not to forget this wonderful Kite flying competition scene.

Story moves forward with minimalist proceedings and that is quite enjoyable for me. Even the background music is hardly there in many scenes still it strikes a perfect chord. [Music by Sagar Desai]. Movie is based on story written by Bengali author Kunal Basu, accompanied by flawless screenplay of Aparna Sen everything is perfect.

One can never go wrong with having Rahul Bose on board. As a shy, introvert small village teacher, he excels. While Chigusa Takaku as Miyage does not have many lines to speak as most of the time she is alone having no one around, but with expressions she leaves her mark, especially at climax, that lives your eyes moistened. Moushami Chatterjee has likeable role [and with most dialogues :)] as Snehamoy’s aunt.

But my most favourite acts are – Raima Sen [as Sandhya] and Paltu. [couldn’t find his real name, help]. While Raima too, has least lines to say, but impressive her eyes are. And the kid, Paltu – is such a charmer who reminds us of our own childhood. The way he says ‘Kaku’ [uncle] to Snehamoy, and the inquisitiveness in his eyes are treat to watch.

A lovely movie I missed watching in hall. Oh, and this was my second Bangla movie, such a sweet language it is. Need to watch more of them if time permits.

Tags : The Japanese Wife Movie Review, Movie Review, Aparna Sen, Rahul Bose, Raima Sen, Sundarban, Bengali, Bangla

Jhootha hi Sahi : Music Review

1-800-Love ; Call me Dil and finally its-Jhootha Hi Sahi. Long awaited movie of Johnny and Abbas Tyrewala is finally set to release. And after only the first trailer [released with We are Family]- I found out it has Rahman's score ! And the trailer looked impressive too. Making me eager for songs and whoa! Rahman delivers it and how.

Cry Cry is a lovely addictive track which has become instant hit by now. Catchy in terms of words [as always, Abbas' words does it] and Rashid Ali's singing along with Shreya, makes the track fun. There are portions where he says – no no no, kabhi nahi.. quite fun !  Next track Maiyya Yashoda  got me hooked since first listen.  Absolutely fun track by Chinmayi and Javed Ali. Rahman always tests his singers by giving something that their singers are not used to. Like in 'Saawariya'[swades] Alka Yagnik sang in so high pitch which she never can. Here Rahman has given a nearly breathless long phrase to Chinmayi which she sings effortlessly. Another comparison with Swades – 'Pal Pal hai bhari' had a hidden message based on mythological tale in last para of song. Similarly, 'Maiyya Yashoda' talks about naughty Krishna but in last paragraph it gives message to 'share'. Well written indeed. The song will surely become hit for this year's Garba. Oh, and I forgot to mention about composition – check out Sitar at middle point of song – out of this world !

Hello Hello is an instant reminder to Karthik calling Karthik. But in a good way. Just that both has same flavor. Beeps and ring of phone. But with Karthik's flawless singing makes it a good listen. And after that… a familiar sound comes to us – Do Nishaniyaan – the vintage Rahman track. And how more fabulous it can get – with Sonu Nigam. Continuous tunes of Piano makes this haunting track highlight of the album. Whats more – same track has another version called 'Heartbreak Reprise'. Superb words and singing.

Pam Para – is an average track sung by Shreya Ghoshal. But the phrase 'pam pam pa ra pa ra' is sticky. Must be fun to watch on screen. A relatively new voice for Hindi music – Vijay Yesudas starts 'I'll be waiting' with dreamy notes. A 'hinglish' song with jazzy tune. Wonderful Wonderful. Watch out for smooth conclusion at the end. Next up is another version of 'Maiyya Yashoda'  [Thames mix]. Well, it's a remix that's it. Finally as album starts with Rashid Ali, it ends with him too. Another personal favorite of mine – Call Me Dil. Heart touching lyrics and strings and crooning of Rashid  - Awesomeness !!

My Favorites : Do Nishaniyaan, Call Me Dil, I'll be Waiting.


Tags : Jhootha Hi Sahi Music Review, Abbas Tyrewala, A R Rahman, Vijay Yesudas, Rashid Ali, Shreya Ghoshal, Javed Ali, Chinmayi, Sonu Nigam

The Big 'Dabangg' Theory

Thou shalt -

1. Start a movie with mind banging fight sequence so that audience can go shouting and whistling all over the world.

2. Pick a super hit song from your last movie and dance to it. During the fight. Super fun, ille??

3. Be an orphan, or have a widow 'dukhi' mom giving u lessons about life.

4. Add a stepfather and brother to fight with - more awesomeness !

5. 'Stand up on your own feet' [apne pairo pe khada hona, isn't it?! ] on your own. Show those dumbo 'step' guys that - bum kisise.. oops Hum kissise kam nahi'.

6. Be ''Garibo ka rakhwala' - A.K.A. Robin Hood !

7. Get 'sab se sexy gal' in village. Oh, and make sure she also has some due responsibilities to her family.

8. Get yourself some 'dushmani' before interval.

9. Oh, loose a family member pretty soon, so tht can be 'Jale pe petrol chhidkna'.

10. In between all of this, manage to dance to some superb songs with happening steps with / for the chick.

11. Oh, and don't forget to make some outrageous crazy moves with an Item Girl [no matter if she is your Bhabhi, arre Anil ne bhi kiya hai aisa...]. Making it Item song of the decade.

12. Create a family mess after interval, making things complicated for yourself, easy for 'dushman'.

13. Enter realization phase : Fight with dushman like never before shown on screen.

14. Save your best asset to show - for the right moment. [just, watch out for this scene - insane fun]

15. Dont forget 'Maaaa....' ; the saviour.

16. Oh, and follow the latest tradition - make way for a sequel.

"Humara naam humari image ko shobha deta hai, Chulbul Paandey !!"

That is Dabangg - the immensely entertaining flick as promised by Sal-Man-Khan. Go, Get Dabangged !

Tags: Dabaang Movie Review, Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Dabaang, Abhinav Kashyap

We Are Family : Movie Review

Hamesha.. forever. The song, is stuck in my head that is heavy right now after such a weepy climax. And its been a long, really long time since I wept like this watching a movie. And I love it when a movie can make me cry like this. Sidharth Malhotra's 'We Are Family' is a movie-that strengthen the belief in 'Bollywood' formula. The melodrama that ruled 70s movies. No matter it is based on Stepmom [and I haven't seen that one], but the Indian formulation of videsi story is done so perfectly, that except setup, nowhere it looks non-Indian.

We Are Family is story of troubled relationships, which generally - is not my most fav genre. But its the treatment of the movie, that makes it worth watch.