Not a Love story [2011]

Ram Gopal Verma.

oh, don't stop reading this review. I know he has lost his mojo long back. But this movie shows that he still has it, somewhere in the corner. Based on gruesome murder case of Neeraj Grover, Not A Love Story does not dissect but just depict the incident. Yes, that makes it a weaker movie going by standards of Ramu's past works. But still, the movie holds your attention with its true to life execution. But with a warning - not for the one who don't like the blood and gore on the screen.

Its the lead who makes us glued to the screen. Mahie Gill and Deepak Dobriyal. And the third star is Sandeep Chowta's BG score - back to Ramu after a long time. The only annoying thing was the camera work, what Ramu is known for. And this time he totally goes overboard with it. At many places it feels that the film is shot by an amateur with a handy cam. The shaky movements completely leads to headache. But we are saved by performances - Mahie is excellent as scared girl whose dreams get shattered by the wrong deed by his friend. While Deepak as a short tempered boyfriend of her, who speaks less but acts with silent expressions, is first rate.

But where was this movie heading to ? That is par my understanding. It just depicts the incidents. And that's it. The end is an open one Leaving it over to the audience. Well, a Ram Gopal Verma Film, after all.

Damadamm (2011)

Now you'll say, "abbey yaar, whats up with this guy? There seems no movie that he watched and disliked."

Even I think so. That why it rarely happens that I watch a movie and dislike it. Maybe because I do stay away from watching the movies that I feel I would dislike it. And most of the times, my gut feeling proves right. When I saw first promos of Damadamm, I thought this will not be something great, but not bad either. And exactly it is. [though I know, Himesh is counted as one of my Guilty Pleasures] its a pretty small film, that you can even count it as a tele-serial's special episode. ;) Obviously, coz it is directed by tele serial woman - Swapna Waghmare Joshi.

Damadamm tells story of Sameer [Himesh] and Shikha [Purbi Joshi] who works together and live their life together without marrying each other. Shikha is nagging and possessive most of the time when it comes to Sameer talking to other girls or even look at them. Tortured by this, when Sameer finds some time alone as Shikha goes to her hometown, he enjoys alone - bachelor life. That also takes him to befriended with Sanjana [Sonal Sehgal], sister of his boss. What happens when Shikha finds out this, and how the relations test the couple is the rest story.

Himesh, here, is not a big pop star nor a happening RJ but just a normal 'man next door' [boy next door is not suitable no?]. And I think this is most suitable role for him. And he plays the part very well. Yes, I know there are annoying moments while he tries to be cool in parties, but still its bearable. Given right placement of scenes and proper script, everything falls in right place. Purbi Joshi - is perfect as a over possessive yet caring person. Sonal too does her job perfectly - look good and act in a few scenes when required.

The movie thankfully is well edited because a subject like this - love, breakup etc. is a pain to watch in prolonged screen time [remember KANK?] and that works in favor of the film. Music - oh well, one of my top 10 favorite soundtracks of 2011. [now, this reminds me how I have not seen many movies when they were released, and they are in my top 10 OST list !]. Even those annoying tracks - I need my space and Mango - looked suitable when used in the movie.

First thing you need to do before watching this movie - throw off Himesh hatred. And just have fun - don't dissect what's going on screen. You'll surely have a nice time. Oh, and how can you miss Madhushala and Umrao Jaan ????

Chaar Din Ki Chandni : Music Review

The only reason I listened to this album was-the credits had Sandesh Shandilya. And now I regret doing so on a wonderful Sunday morning. Radha Rani composed and sung by Sandesh, sounds like a leftover of Love You Mr Kalakaar. Rajasthani folk based song is an average fare. What makes it sound good is the balance tracks from album. New (remixed) version of Shiv-Hari's classic O Meri Chandni is below average. And DJ Play that song is another disaster - both done by RDB. Title track Char din ki chandni sung by Shaan & Sunidhi has some nice lyrics [Sanjv Shrivastava], but again, doesn't work with average composition.

Do not try this at home. ;)

Tags : Samir Karnik, Tusshar kapoor, Kulraj Randhawa, Anita Raj, Sandesh Shandilya

Ekk Deewana Tha : Movie Review

To watch Ek Deewana Tha, I had to put in lot of effort. Effort to forget Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya [its Tamil Original], effort of not going into the comparisons, effort - do not believe any of the reviews that are out. And finally, I was there. Watching Gautham Menon's third version of the same story. Ekk Deewana Tha. Initially, I was annoyed with Pratiek speaking pretty 'normal' lines in the promos of the film. But after a few minutes in to the movie, I realized that this is a different one. Different setup, age group of the leads. Then I decided not to go into comparisons and watch it afresh.

First half is full of light moments where Sachin is trying to woo Jessie. With help of friend, cameraman Manu Rishi-who provides comic releif by his one liners. Pratiek does perfect his part of nervous, boy-next-door, who falls-literally-by each glance of Jessie. Jessie-Amy Jackson on the other hand, looks lovely-sans the odd makeup in many frames. (why so? why spot fake tan if you want to show a Malayalee girl?]. I was keen to find out what does the Hindi Cinema audience feels about this southie sotry. Delighted, that (at least in a show where I was) the audience was quite carried away by spoofy act of Pratiek and 'Jessie's Nakhras'.

The second half must have been a challenge for the director to put up an intense lineup of scenes (and I could see the audience was getting 'its stretched' feel while the sotry moved to 'un-necessary dragged ten minutes towards the end). What works well with the lead pair, even in second half, that its a fresh pairing. We have hardly seen Pratiek in mushy moments. So, the freshness, makes the chemistry work. Though, again, Pratiek, has problems in intense moments- where he ends up looking amateur. SOmething's missing - the madness, hopelessness of a deewana. But such moments are thankfully, a few. The Park Scene, which was the biggest challenge for both the actors, goes surprisingly good. (infront of Taj Mahal, this time). Talking about Amy, her language problem is a glitch. Though she is dubbed by Chinmayee, she doesn't even care to move her lips why synching the dialogues. (Ah well, we had Rockstar too, no?)

Menon, has transformed the epic tell, in a lighter version, a Mumbaiyya touch, with quiet ease. Keeping everything intact - the camera angles, dialogues and even costumes. No issues with his direction. Neither with Prabhu's fabulous cinematography. Even the songs, which was my biggest 'panga' with EDT, looked good when on screen. The new track, Mohabbat is fitted at apt place. And ah, the background score... (May be its just me, mad about VTV, who was watching this, say listening it, on a big screen for the first time, so - thats just me).

So there, Ekk Deewana Tha works. Not an epic like its original, but as a nice, refreshing Hindi romance with wonderful score - it definitely works.

Tags : Ek deewana tha movie review, ek diwana tha movie review, ekk diwana tha, amy jackson wallpapers, pictures, pratiek, pratik, menon, gautham, photon kathas, a r rahman, movie, download

Blood Money : Music Review

Why there isn't a genre called 'Bhatts', for soundtracks ? One can easily identify if the song that is being played is from Bhatt camp's movie. Blood Money is one such album. [and, no, not a complaint there, complement - yes].

Chaahat by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has that old world charm and Sayeed Qadri's mushy words makes it instantly likable. Similarly Gunaah & Jo Tere Sang by Mustafa Zahid makes a perfect mark from first listen itself. Teri Yaadon se 's rock sounds are tried and tested, sounds bland. Arzoo, a 'hindi' track by Clinton Cerejo, sounds totally out of the league, has traces of songs of movie Jashnn. Last one, Gunaah-Unplugged version by Rana Mazumdar, is a smooth, soft variation of the faster former version. Nice. 

Overall, an 'all male' OST again, a Bhat affair of course. 

My Picks :  Jo Tere Sang & Chaahat


Oh, and I just came to know that all three songs I liked [Jo tere sang, chaahat and Gunaah], are actually from Jeet's past works in Bengali. Thanks to Milliblog.


Tags : Blood Money movie, music review, Kunal Khemu, Vishal Mahadkar, Amrita Puri, Jeet Ganguly, SIdhharth and Sangeet Haldipur, Roxen, 

New Star Of India : Ranbir Kapoor's latest assignment

Remember my post about a film made by Nissan India, where 20 stars were getting auditioned on Facebook? [Here it is] And now, the shooting is complete. Yes, the 20 new faces were selected from 2500 applicants. At Ramoji Film City studio. With whopping crew of 600 people and 100 - yes 100 Nissan Micra cars !! Here's a video how the shoot went on.

The film is releasing pretty soon. Keep watching this place for more updates.

And, here, I am leaving you with this sooopar pic of Ranbu. Hit the pic to download full pic.

The Firm : A Brand new thriller on AXN

Remember 'The Firm' by writer John Grisham ? No, okay, remember that gripping drama The Firm starring Tom Cruise ? Yes, there you are. The legal drama that got everyone hooked with its dramatic story telling is back. And this time it is on Indian Television. AXN's new series The Firm - takes the story ahead from where the original ended. 10 years ahead ! Here's how the story line goes : 

"The Firm" continues the story of attorney Mitchell McDeere and his family 10 years after the events of the film and novel. As a young associate, McDeere brought down the prestigious Memphis law firm of Bendini, Lambert & Locke, which operated as a front for the Chicago mob -- and his life was never the same. After a difficult decade, which included a stay in the Federal Witness Protection program, Mitch and his family now emerge from isolation to reclaim their lives and their future -- only to find that past dangers are still lurking and new threats are everywhere.

And here's the promos of the show. Impressive. 

Well, so, there it is. As AXN's new tagline says it 'It's Thrilling' !  Its being aired from 19th Feb 9:00 pm IST. Keep watching.


Tags : The Firm, John Grisham, New series, show, film, serial, AXN, NBC

Ekla Cholo Re (Kahaani) Lyrics and Meaning

I got overwhelmed when heard the first line itself. Crooned by Amitabh Bachchan, this Rabindranath Tagore song moved me even today. Previously Rahman had made his own version in his album Jaya He [2009]. Sung by Sonu Nigam. But that track just used the main phrase, and other lines were in Hindi, that was inspired by the poem. But here, the song  is used as it is, in Bengoli language. And second para is translated in Hindi. Here are the lyrics and meaning [thanks Wikipedia for being there, always]


Jodi tor đak shune keu na ashe tôbe êkla chôlo re,
Êkla chôlo, êkla chôlo, êkla chôlo, êkla chôlo re.
Jodi keu kôtha na kôe, ore ore o ôbhaga,
Jodi shôbai thake mukh firaee shôbai kôre bhôe-
Tôbe pôran khule
O tui mukh fuţe tor moner kôtha êkla bôlo re.

If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.

Jab kaali ghata chhaye, ore ore o
Andhera sach ko nigal jaaye,
Jab duniya saari darr ke aage sar apna jhukaye
Tu shola ban jaa, jo khud jal ke jahaan roshan kar de.. 

When you face storms of troubles,
Darkness overpowers the truth,
When the world bows to the fear,
Be the fire that lights up the darkened world while burning itself.

Tags: Ekla chalo re meaning, ekla cholo re meaning, translation, kahaani ekla chalo re translation, lyrics translation, Rabindranath Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, English lyrics by Clinton Cerejo, Vishal Shekhar

Kahaani : Music Review

And now, Kolkota has got its own song too. Actually two songs are there in Kahaani, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, that represents the city of joy. Aami Shotti Bolchi (means I'm telling the truth) is a mix of retro plus hard rock. And what a mix ! Usha Uthup makes this track outrageously addictive. While another track, dedicated to the city, is more in-line with the storyline - Kahaani sung by K.K. and Vishal has that melodious tune with interesting lyrics [that involves 'taxi' and 'tram' !]. Absolutely loved this one. The 'unplugged' version by Shreya pales against the one by KK. 

VS already gave two supreb fusion tracks in Ra-One. This time they get a step further. With two, full fledged fusion tracks. Piya tu Kaahe Rootha Re by Javed Bashir is vocal delight with altering antaras and striking climax. Continued sound of 'manjeera' haunts the track throughout. While Tore Bina by ever dependable Sukhwinder Singh, is a lyrical delight. (Finally, I'm impressed by Anvita Dutt). And the finale is as strong as the start. The  masterpiece by Rabindranath Tagore - "Ekla Cholo Re" (means walk alone) - sung by Amitabh Bachchan - gave me goosebumps from the first line itself. Overwhelming composition and singing. Totally fell for it. (Here is the translation of the song)

Do not miss this fantastic transformation of the composer duo. 

Tags : Kahaani music review, kahani music review, songs review, mp3, movie review, rabindranath tagore, ekla chalo re meaning, ekla cholo re, shotti bolchi meaning, vidya balan, sujoy ghosh

Don 2 (2011)

Well, I'm a fan of the first Don - the SRK one. And I dislike the original. Yes, that's me. And that made me expect wonders in the second part. But, was a bit disappointed when the music was out. But still, had my hopes on Farhan's direction, and he lived them up. In a good way though, not in a great way.

The one I watched was a 3D one. So the awesomeness of sleek action sequences and fantastic choreography of title song are already there. But somehow, I felt the story did not have that much potential to run a full fledged movie. It lacked the involvement of the viewer. It lost the grip may times. And seemed a collection of sleek action scenes put together to fill up the loopholes in screenplay. But putting the thinking cap aside, if one want to go and enjoy the bad bad SRK, this is quite a ride. SRK does what he is best at - showing off the attitude. The bad ass attitude. Priyanka is again, chasing him as much as she can. But this time there is a different story that develops towards the end. Kunal Kapoor - I felt he should have got more screen time. Om Puri is sleepwalking throughout the movie. What is he doing man? And Boman, well, must say he will be menacing in the third part.

As always, the film ends with a twist. And as always, its absolutely surprising. No doubt there will be a third installment in this series - but Farhan, please take care of the writing department next time.

100% Love (2011)

Was keen on watching this Telugu movie after hearing praise from fellow twitter friends. Also, I had heard much about how 'good' Tamanna is, and Naga Chaitanya whom I already liked in his short appearance in VTV. So, there finally I watched 100% Love and totally loved it.

100% Love is story of Balu [Naga], who always stands first in his college. Enter Mahalakshmi [Tamanna], his distant relative from village, who stays in his house to study in city college. How both compete with each other in studies and later help each other through further issues they face, that's a treat to watch. After a misunderstanding, the two separates - only to meet again after three years, to create yet another round of charming moments.

The movie takes itself so lightly that it doesn't burden the viewer with extra emotions or heavy moments. Sparks of funny moments are always there. First half where both the leads are young, college students - has utterly charming moments. And while in second half, they are a bit mature but fun is still there. Personal favorite is the Raj-Senorita track. [yes, Shahrukh-Kajol one ;)]

Music of Devi Sri Prasad is peppy, catchy and instantly likeable. I already loved all the songs before watching the movie, especially Dhooram Dhooram and That is Mahalakshmi, but after watching the movie, the song I loved the most on screen was Diyalo Diyala, which I least liked when heard as an audio track. Its a kinda wedding song cum item song. A riot of colors and fun lyrics.

Out and out entertaining, young and lovely movie 100% Love is. No doubt Bollywood is fighting over getting its remake rights.


Tags: 100% Love movie, full, download, telugu, with subs, hindi remake, naga chaitnya, tamanna, hot, south indian actress, wallpapers

Teri Rehmatein : Music Review

Title track, Teri Rehmatein is instantly likeable despite of its tried and tested sound. Salim's charming vocals reminds Lucky Ali. Gypsyish Tumba Wajda by Sanam Marvi has the tune that takes time, but surely grows with each listen. Javed Ali's Tera Noor is again, instantly catches your attention with looped words. Lovely rendition and lyrics. Dil De De Bandya has different flavor than the earlier tracks. A more 'hip' version. Tochi Raina tries, but do not make a lasting impression. Richa Sharma - who has already mastered genre of sufi, croons Yaar Mere. Haunting track. Next Saanwal Yaar keeps you hooked with the phrase. Notable singing by Jaswinder Singh & Rishikesh Kamerkar. Mere Dil Ka Zaaman by Meenal Jain is absolutely charming lilting tune. Lovely it sounds, with sweetness of simple lyrics. Last track, Marjana has that anger of protagonist, and tells how to percieve the almighty. A track worth its words. 

Overall a nice mix of earthy tracks from various genres, notable effort by composer Harpreet and lyricist Rajiv Pal Singh Rana. 

____________________________________________

Rahmatein means Mercies. 

Sajde means Worships.

Nafl means Extra prayers other than Namaz. 

Namaz means mandatory worships as directed by Holy Quran. 

Saanwal Yaar means one with brownish, fair complexion, typically used for a Baluch man. 

Zaaman means custodian. 

Marjana, here addressed to the almighty. 

Tags: Teri Rahmatein music review, teri rehmatein, salim merchant, meenal jain, minal jain, javed ali, sufi songs, sufi album, sufi music, sony music, launch, salim suleiman, turkish sufi

Saheb Biwi aur Gangster (2011)

There are a few movies each year, that makes me go "man, why and how did I miss this movie when it was in theaters??" For 2011, it is Tigmanshu Dhulia's Saheb Biwi aur Gangster. Such a gritty, powerful tale that kept me hooked throughout its running time.

SBAG is story of Aditya Pratap Singh - Saheb [Jimmy Shergill] who lives in ancestral royal house trying to maintain the status his ancestors had left behind. Biwi - Madhavi [Mahie Gill] is suffering from her past [that is not described] that a certain name frights her and lose self control, who by circumstances meets Gangster - Babloo [Randeep Hooda] who is actually sent by rivals of Saheb, but employed as her driver. The story of betrayal, passion, status and politics starts then.

The movie packs in absolutely powerful performances. Jimmy Shergill has his one of the best performances in this one. The role of Saheb seems tailor-made for him. As he shines throughout. Similarly Mahie and Randeep doesn't left behind in giving striking acts. Mahie shows her negative shades too smoothly that one can get bowled over. And Randeep, the mysterious gangster shines in his part.

Besides the performances, another strength of the movie is its execution. Shot at remote places of Gujarat, it absorbs you completely inside the story. You can feel the eery silence in scenes of jungles. You can feel the tension during the conspiratorial scenes. You can feel the loneliness of the only ruler trying everything to get his status. Full marks to director Dhulia and Aseem Mishra, the cinematographer.

It is tough to accommodate music in a gritty tale like this. But its done here without ruining the flow. SBAG being my one of the top 10 favorite albums of 2011, I was keen to watch the execution on screen, which is just perfect. Favorites - Main Ek Bhanwara, Raat Mujhe and Chu Chu Chu.

Its a must watch. And watch it ASAP otherwise the sequel will be out, and you'll be clueless then.

Tags: saheb biwi gangster, pavagarh shoot, rajpipla, champaner shooting, gujarat locations, jimmy, mahi gill hot smooch, kiss, randeep, sequel, neil nitin mukesh

Mujhse Fraandship Karoge (2011)

This was a total surprise. I did not have any expectation from it given YRF's record of past debacles. Though the music stood out when it came out. But when recently I saw this, I got surprised by the confident newcomers.

MFK is a story of Vishal [Saqib Saleem] and Priety [Saba Azad] who always keep fighting with each other in the college. Dislikes each other like anything else. But on the other side, both gel out on Facebook like no one else. The twist is, they both use their friend's account to talk to each other online. Confusions, chaos and finally Love. That's how the movie goes.

I had a worry that the movie will try to be cool 'n hip. But thankfully, it wasn't. The treatment is quite subtle as we feel its our own page of life. Not too happening rock stars in college, nor out of the world classrooms, nothing. And yes, there is this charming part when Vishal and Priety work on the project for their college's silver jubilee function. Actors are confident, that one doesn't feel they are newcomers. The music by Raghu Dixit suits perfectly throughout this young outing. Especially Baatein Shuru and Uh oh Uh Oh. .

Watch it for fun, as it is intended. You'll surely love it.

Tags: Vishal, Priety, Saqib Saleem, Malvika, Maalvika, Tara D'souza, facebook movie, Y films, YRF, Yashraj films, Saba Azad