Favorite songs of the year : 2012

Here are my '20 most played songs' from films [in random order ].

1. Pareshaan (Ishaqzaade)
2. Gubbare (Ek Main aur Ek Tu)
3. Paani Da Rang (Vicky Donor)
4. Tumhi Ho Bandhu (Cocktail)
5. Aashiyaan (Barfi)
6. Dhak Dhuk (English Vinglish)
7. Luv Shuv Te Chicken Khurana
8. Kaala Rey (Gangs of Wasseypur)
9. Tore Bina (Kahaani)
10. Jiya Laage Na (Talaash)
11. Abhi Mujhe Mein Kahin (Agneepath)
12. Raabta (Agent Vinod)
13. Phir Le Aaya Dil (Barfi)
14. Womaniya (Gangs of Wasseypur)
15. Moora (Gangs of Wasseypur)
16. Kyon (Barfi)
17. Bolo Na (Chittagong)
18. Kikli Kaler Di (Luv Shuv...)
19. Radha (Student Of The Year)
20. Heer (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)


And here, are Non-Film ones [in random order].

1. Charkha Nolakha (Coke Studio S05E01)
2. Pere Pavandi Saan (Coke Studio S05E02)
3. Rung (Coke Studio S05E04)
4. Koi Labda (Coke Studio S05E05)
5. Parda Parda (Call Me Rashid)
6. Saathi Salaam (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E01)
7. Madari  (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E01)
8. Husna  (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E02)
9. Nirmohiya  (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E03)
10. Chaudhary (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E03)
11. Badri Badariya (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E03)
12. Mann Patang (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E05)
13. Zamanaa Kharab Hai (Coke Studio @ MTV S02E05)
14. Aaiyo Re (Once More - Colonial Cousins)*
15. Kesariya (Piya Basanti....Again)*
16. Chand Hai (Piya Basanti....Again)*
17. Zero Dubidha (III - Rabbi)
18. Babbaji (Rangeele - Kailesh Kher)
19. Teri Rehmatein (Teri Rehmatein)
20. Zaaman (Teri Rehmatein)*

(* marked songs are not there in playlists)

Here are the Youtube Playlists.
Tags : Best of 2012, best songs of 2012, bollywood top 20 of 2012

Favorite Film Soundtracks of 2012

Without much blah blah - here are my 10 favorite'st album of the year 2012. (In order as mentioned.)

10. Vicky Donor : This small, but joint effort of composers (Abhishek-Akshay, Bann, Rochak Kohli AND Ayushmann Khurrana) was just so perfect. In the movie, and off, the little album was fun. 

9. Kahaani : Though not featured in the movie, you can 'see' the sequence from the film while listening to this one. From Usha ji's 'rocking' ode to the city to longing in Tore bina, loved everything. 

8. Ishaqzaade : Unlike other 'desi' movies of YRF, this was a totally different outing. The score made everyone 'Pareshaan'. 

7. English Vinglish : Dhak Dhuk, Aadmi-topi, Navrai Majhi and what not. So typical Amit, but still, loveable all the way. 

6. Agneepath : Another 'perfect for movie' soundtrack this one was. Percussion filled dramatic songs plus serene O saiyyan and Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin. The songs themself were telling the story. 

5. Chittagong : The Bengali flavor throughout the album. Lovely Bolo Na, to uplifting Nishaan. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's only album is nothing short of a class effort.

4. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana : You can smell those rotis and chicken khurana in each track. Lively Luni Hansi to crazy Motorwada. You just can't get enough of this dish. 

3. Cocktail : Out and out - Pritam style - hit after hit. From funky Tumhi Ho and Daaru Desi, to Yaariyaan and Luttna. And how can I forget 'guest' additions - Main Sharabi & Angrezi Beat. Total speaker-faadu material. 

2. Gangs Of Wasseypur 1 & 2 : Womaniya, Moora, Bhoos, Hunter, Kaala, Electric, Bihar ke lala, Manmauji.. more more. Sneha - more Tai Tai To To please. 

1. Barfi : Shut the fuck Up and Listen - that's how Pritam shut each and every critic's mouth out there. Brilliant from each note. Barfi is surely the best work of him so far. Bouncy title song, melodious Aashiyaan and dreamy Phir Le aaya. Wah Pritam da, Wah ! 

Ashleel Geetmala : 2012

If you are still wondering what's this title of a post. Ashleel Geetmala actually was mentioned in Aiyyaa. And there, I got the idea about posting an actual one here. Since we are having more and more such 'double meaning' songs in the name of 'Item song', why not a yearly countdown of such songs? 

Lets start the 'Indescent Countdown' I mean 'Ashleel Geetmala'. 

6. Kafirana (Joker) :

The silliest 'I want to create controversy' effort by the makers. The first teaser of Joker had 'just you...' in background. But then, 'I want "fuqt" you' (that sounded like I want FUCKt you) was 'leaked' and then Shirish Kunder said 'we do not want any controversy' and then 'I want just you' was released. No wonder this didn't help the film. 

5. Pungi (Agent Vinod) :

If you still don't know what 'Pungi' is - just Google 'Hello Brother Pungi'. And you will know why this song has made it to our list. And sad that the song was a huge hit among kids. 

4. Halkat Jawani (Heroine) :

"Sweet, this salty water is". Yeah baby, my Halkat Jawani. Really, Bebo? The movie itself was halkat-like that no one went to watch it. 

3. Aa re Pritam pyaare (Rowdy Rathore) :

"Pallu ke niche chhupa ke jo rakha hai, utha lu to hungama ho" - Enough. What can be done with this lyricist - Sameer Anjaan? 

2. The Hunter Song (Gangs of Wasseypur) :

A hunter and his extremely long gun. This got extremly popular everywhere, on social meadia and off. Though mostly in 'Englis', you can't deny the clear 'Dwiarthi' lyrics. Though the song is one of the biggest hit (I too loved it a lot, who didn't)

1. What to do (Aiyyaa) :

Extreme is understatement. Poore ka poora nanga song hai yeh. Talking about masturbation to luring the boy. And from foreplay to climax (aaah....aaaaah). Sala, this song made me skip the soundtrack for days. So angry I was with AK and AT. As I tweeted earlier too, Anurag you should take initiative and put up 'Explicit Lyrics' sign on your CDs. Truly, you've mastered the art of double meaning these days. 

But seriously, this was the issue of last year too. When we had Boss DK singing kids in our streets. Can we have a self-rating of the songs please? (And what surprised me was - the 'adult' movie Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum did not have a single such song !!!)

Tags: item songs of the year 2012, sexy videos 2012 bollywood songs, double meaning songs bollywood, aa re pritam pyare, aiyya rowdy, anurag kashyap

The Composers round-up : 2012

2012 has been a great year in film music as well as non-film. Though I need to check out all the non-film works, here is my effort to summarize the best and the disappointing works of leading composers, in 2012.

Pritam :

Starting with a not-too-good album of Players, Pritam later on topped the charts throughout the year. Starting with Agent Vinod he took Sawaari of Ferrari and gave sweetest treat of Barfi along with Cocktail. Though Jannat 2 and Rush were a bit downer, that can not deny the surprises he gave in FKS and Barfi - easily my most favoritest soundtrack this year. Very close to being the best in the year.

Amit Trivedi :

Consistency is the word to describe him. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Ishaqzaade, English Vinglish, Aiyyaa & finally Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. Urban, Desi, Contemporary, Southie and Punjabi. Phew.... How versatile this guy can be? Oh, and did I forget the awesomeness he spelled in Coke Studio ?? Can't help but to put him as Composer of The Year.

Sneha Khanwalkar :

Find of the year - she is. With all her 'sound trippin' like sounds and even more from Bihari folklore. This womaniya turned all ears to her in Gangs of Wasseypur. She gave what we never heard before in Bollywood. Even as a standalone product, GOW Soundtrack can be called 'Invention of the Year'. Waiting for more by her.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy :
They have gone almost missing this year. But only one soundtrack they have come out - is enough for them to say 'Yes, we are here'. Chittagong was one of the best soundtrack this year, easily. Lets hope they come back with bang next year.

A R Rahman :
What a disappointing year this has been. I was extremely looking forward to both of his projects. Ekk Deewana Tha in the beginning of the year and Jab Tak Hai Jaan at the year end. Both disappointed me. While former was lost in translation, later was lost in itself. (But it was Tamil soundtrack Kadal, that came early in December and saved the year. Hear it if you still haven't).

Vishal-Shekhar : 

An average year here too. After crackling start with Kahaani, the duo did not shine as they did in recent years. Shanghai was above average, while Arjun was purely situation. And the popcorn SOTY was okay'ish. And biggest crime they committed in it - remaking the DISCO song. Sigh....

Himesh Reshamiya : 

King of the Gullies - he should be named. Love him or hate him but you can't escape his 'looped lines'. Be it Bol Bachchan, OMG, Son of Sardaar or even the last one this year - Khiladi 786. As always all the tracks worked with masses and as always critics written them off. Obviously.

Sajid-Wajid :
Giving stiff competition to Himesh, they kept on churning below average sounds throughout the year. Tezz, Housefull 2, Rowdy Rathore (which I liked initially but knew it was ripped off straight away without acknowledgement, from original southie movie), KDM, AGL IIP and more. Only Dabangg 2 and Teri Meri Kahaani were tolerable.

Talking about other composers - Ajay-Atul gave only one yet a 'perfect-for-the-movie' soundtrack - Agneepath. With all those bam-boom percussion and yes, Chikni Chameli. Similarly, Ram Sampath too, did decent work for Talaash. Disappointing one was Salim-Suleiman who seriously need to get out of their typecasted tunes and come out with something fresh. Jeet Ganguly left a lot to desire, by just remaking his Bengali tracks, while Arko Mukherjee did a decent job in Jism 2. Shall we see both of them, out of Bhatt camp?

There, did I forget anyone? Any notable soundtrack that I am yet to hear?

Those Musical moments of 2012 : On TV

Music. The word just ‘existed’ during recent years on Indian television. Gone were the days when music channels were meant for music only. Yes, I am talking about MTV and Channel V to be specific which later on converted them into reality TV. Thankfully, MTV realized this to some extent, and have started working upon some fresh concept (though tried and tested in other parts of the world) and gave some fantastic shows that can easily be called ‘Best Moments of 2012”. Here are some...

MTV Sound Trippin :

The find of the year. Sneha Khanwalkar. With as little as possible equipments she travelled through the places so familiar as Dharavi slums to remotest places like Majuli in Assam. Gathering sounds of each location and converting into a newest tune that you have never heard. Brilliant ten episodes the series had. A must watch series if you still haven’t checked it out.

Coke Studio @ MTV : S02E03

After that false start in 2011, I wasn’t too sure about to follow the series or not in its new avatar. But since the first episode, it changed all my views about the show. Despite of ‘dheun teun’ guitars in almost all tracks (which I generally avoid), Coke Studio had been a great ride this year. And the show stopper of this season was - Amit Trivedi, of course. Each track he created, brilliant is an understatement. The intriguing fusion, that ranged from African sounds in Yaatra (correct if i m wrong) to Rajasthani folk in Chaudhary. The third episode was absolutely a treat. Man, never have heard something like Badri Badriya..

MTV Unplugged : S02E01

Iske liye toh MTV ko jitna thanks bole utna kam hai. This was the best thing that happened to Indian Music in whole year. Yes it was not having any new track, yes all the Bollywood track were there. Still, it was A R Rahman who swooned away everyone with tweaked version of his own fabulous songs. Unforgettable Yeh Jo des, Phir se udd chala and Nenjukkule. Add Rahman himself singing Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Na karo, the show is one of those few moments to cherish forever. Thank You Rahman. Thank you MTV.

p.s. : No, MTVIndia hasn't paid me for this post. :)

Tags : A R Rahman mtv unplugged videos, audios, mtv sound trippin videos, sneha khanwalkar, tung tung, amit trivedi songs, video, best of amit trivedi

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola : Music Review

Prelude of the title song almost reminds you of Beedi. Soon, Sukhi takes the center stage, promising an absolutely engaging feast backed by Ranjit Barot and Umoja. The 'train-like' beats keeps the track going on at superb pace. Talking about Khamakha - the only thing I disliked about it is the 'sha la la' kind of phirangi sound. I think it was unnecessary in this pristine GulzarVishal track. Endearing voice of Vishal fueled by Gulzarness is absorbing, and oh, that out-of-the-world conclusion by Prem Dehati, sigh.... 

You can't resist, but to 'lagaao do thumka' to the next track - Oye Boy Charlie. (If not, try it right now). Shankar alongwith Mohit and Rekha Bhardwaj, having all fun with desi tadka. Aur lyrics toh kya baat hai - Tu Munna toh main Moni :-D.  And then, we get the taste of reality. Lootnewale and Sha-ra-ra, former is high on percussion while later is totally desi - brass band thing. Situational, absolutely. Shall work with the film. Again, the dreamy sound comes back in Badal Uthiya. Rekha ji doing what she's best at. The Hariyanvi folk repeats, with Prem Dehati, it sounds even better. While Pankaj Kapur sings - yes- next tracks. Char Dina Ki and Chor Police. Both tracks give out the premises of the film, again situational - short tracks. Last one, Nomvula is a zulu track (African sound, to put in simple words) by the group Umoja. Initially it sounds alien to our ears but works as it progresses. 

Vishal Bhardwaj, for his mad mad project, this time gives a heavily situational soundtrack, with all the experiments he is famous for. But still, giving his trademark tracks as well. MKBKM soundtrack serves it purpose perfectly - making us curious about the film. 

My Picks : Oye Boy Charlie, Khamakha, Badal. 

Tags : Vishal Bhardwaj, MKBKM story, matru ki bijli ka mandola review, songs review, movie download, pankaj kapur sings, imran khan sing, anushka sharma hot pictures wallpapers, music review matru, rekha bhardwaj, prem dehati, badal uthiya meaning lyrics

Dabangg 2 : Movie Review

So, the big Dabangg Theory got repeated (as expected), but with a different director. Now that's fine they did not retain the original director, but a first timer - that too - actor turned director. Well, you got my messege, hai na? It was Kashyap and the 'new, fresh' factor that worked in the first one, while in this, the 'repeat' theory makes everything predictable, and at places - lethargic. Well, keeping it shot, here's what worked and what not -

What Works...

1. Sal-Man-Khan. Of course. He still manages to keep eyeballs glued on screen. Be it his mannerisms, or his own style of fight-dance-romance. Chulbul Pandey - still is as likable as the first one. 

2. First half. It passes out fataafat. With some quirky fights scenes and the standard Chulbul fun. 

3. Crisply done action sequences. One can't help but shout at all the moves of our superhero. 

4. Music. Yes, don't kill me for this, but the songs 'actually' works well in the film. Especially, 'Pandeyji seeti maare'. 

5. Ah..well, that's it !

What doesn't ....

1. Same old premises. Offers nothing new, exciting. Despite of having some brilliant actors on 'villain' front. 

2. Sloppy second half. Things get too slow you tend to think if the script has got stuck by Fevicol. 

3. Exciting fight sequence in climax - that ends so unexciting-ly.

4. Boring-yes, boring item song of Bebo. Was expecting a blast, that was missing. 

5. Bimbo - a.k.a. Rajjo a.k.a. Sonakshi. Who does nothing but overtly sweet somethings with hubby dearest. I mean come'on, who agrees such movie where you are limited to "Baba aap roti khaiye. Aur khaiye na" kind of silly scenes. (though both of them look great together, kaun-baba?, nahi yaar, sallu) 

Overall, its not good, not great. Just a timepass flick, that you can watch with friends in upper stall, to shout together and have some fun. 

Oh wait, there is a 3rd installment too. Its clearly hinted. Go save your souls. 

Tags : Dabang 2 movie review, Dabangg 2 movie review, salman khan, arbaaz khan, mahie gill, sonakshi sinha. film review dabangg 2, dabangg 3 trailer, promo

Moongil Thottam (Kadal) : Lyrics, Meaning, Translation

This is another gem from Vairamuthu's collections. Moongil Thottam from Rahman's soundtrack for Maniratnam's upcoming film Kadal, is such a pristine track, soothing vocals make it special. Sung by Abhay Jodhpurkar, Harini & Sekar. The translation, again comes via fellow Rahmaniac @madhavanrajan . Thanks again, man. Lets hear the song and its translation in his words.

---

Moongil Thottam moozhigai vaasam
neranja mounam nee paadum geedham
Bamboo Garden
with herbal fragrance
filled with Silence
and I hear you singing

pournami iravu, pani vilum kaadu
othayadi paadha un kooda podinada

It's a full moon night
In a forest full of snowfall
I am walking with you slowly
In a narrow foot path...

Idhu podhum ennaku idhu podhumey
verenna venum nee podhumey (2)
This is enough for me...Just this is enough for me...
Is there anything more that I could ask for...This is enough for me!

Moongil Thottam moozhiga vaasam
neranja mounam nee paadum geedham
Kolathaan karaiyila kulikkum paravaiga
Siraga ulakkmey thuliga aerikkumey
Munkobam viduthu mundhaana yeduthu
nee enna thudaika naan unna anaikka

Birds bathing in a pond
Shook the water out of it's wings
Without any offense
you wipe the water off me with your Saree
And I hug you...

Idhu podhum ennaku idhu podhumey
verenna venum nee podhumey (2)

This is enough for me...Just this is enough for me...
Is there anything more that I could ask for...This is enough for me!

Marangal nadungum margazhi irukka
raththam urayum kulirum nirutha
ushnam yaasika udala irukka
otha porvaila iruvarum nerunga

It's December
And trees tremble
It's cold
And blood would clot
As we crave for the warmth
we see ourselves together in a blanket...

Idhu podhum ennaku idhu podhumey
verenna venum nee podhumey (2)

Moongil Thottam moozhiga vaasam
neranja mounam nee paadum geedham
pournami iravu pani vilum kaadu
othayadi paadha un kooda podinada

Idhu podhum ennaku idhu podhumey
verenna venum nee podhumey  

Tags: moongil thottam lyrics meaning, moongil thottam means, moongil thottam song translation, kadal song translations, rahman, abhay jodhpurkar, harini, sekar , kadal song lyrics, english translation, kadal songs

Talaash : Movie Review

You know whats the problem with Aamir Khan? When you see him on the screen, you don't actually see Aamir Khan, but the character himself. And not that I am complaining, actually. As usual, here as Inspector Shekhawat, he steals all the accolades as the stoic, intense guy. But just because he is present in front of the camera, the 'expectation bar' soar high, a big task for every director.

Starting off with a crackling opening sequence, Reema Kagti's Talaash doesn't actually follow the suit in the rest journey. But the things that make it work are plenty - sleek production values, sharp camerawork (K U Mohanan), taut acts, fantastic background score and pretty apt songs. Getting everything together, makes it almost a 'should watch' experience, if not 'must watch'. What the movie lacks is - that required punch. Those deep secrets, intriguing suspense - which otherwise here, is pretty simple. The intention of murder is revealed pretty easily, one could imagine even before the intermission. And the MAIN surprise element, too, is hinted in 2 scenes, very early in the movie. What really appreaciable is - the dark shade of the movie. Exploring dark side of the city, dark moments between the couple who has lost their son only recently and the dark side of human emotion. But to tell that side of the story, movie lags in second half - touching 2.5 hours which for any thriller, is quite long. 

Both actresses - Rani and Kareena are in their safe zones. Doing what they already did in past films. Still, will give Kareena a higher grade for her perfect played part of a hooker. And no, i am not complaining about those cheesy lines, well, they are meant to be like that. Rajkumar Yadav plays his part perfectly, but Nawazuddin shines as that limping guy who has eyes on everything around his street. 

That said, its now understood why the makers kept lowest possible profile in promoting the movie. Its neither too big surprise, nor an unforgettable experience. Overall, its a movie that holds you for its running time, but you don't bring much to home. Watch it for all its plus points (as mentioned above).

Tags : Talaash movie review, talaash review, talaash film review, talash review, reema kagti, talaash suspense, kareena kapoor ghost, rani killer, aamir khan inspector shekhawat