Goliyon Ki Raasleela : Ram-Leela : Movie Review

Where Ramleela fell short is that 'intense feel' in initial parts which SLB chose to describe the rivalary and bubble-gum romance with those rhyming smses, instead . But all that makes sense while the film progresses and how ! The sizzling chemistry between the lead fueled by the interesting twist of turning the tables, while nearing the climax - Ram Leela ends up as a spectacular tale of passion amidst all the odds. 

Have always been a fan of SLB's 'colorporn', the grandeur scale, fluttering props and flowing colors in each frame - is more a treat than a distraction. When it comes to larger than life drama, set in a place you have never been to - SLB is master story teller. Despite of being unreal-he makes you part of the ongoings, call it OTT, it works ! The right mix of comedy, action, melodrama, romance and songs, studded with Sidharth-Garima's clever lines - everything goes extremely well with eye of cinematographer Ravi Varman. Each song is done perfectly. Worth mention are, Ang Laga De - sensuous at its best. And the color-splashed chorus-filled all songs. Just one - Laal Ishq left me wanting for more. How I wished that song would be.. sigh. 

And more than that, what excels in each frame is his actors. He knows them so well, even a single shot is not sleepy. Apart from being an eyecandy, Deepika burns each frame of celluloid. Be it the energetic moves in the songs, the ticklish mush or kohl-eyed scenes in finale, yet another stupendous performance she delivers. Despite of the competition, Ranveer too makes his mark. From humourous parts full of Gujju dialogues in first half, he equally shines in intense second half. And the third lead  - yes, not supporting but - Supriya Pathak literally emerge as the third lead of the tale. Power packed performance with magnetic presence, she perfectly manages to make believe how powerful the leader 'Dhankor' is. Though there wasn't much scope, would have loved to see more of Abhimanyu Singh, Richa Chaddha and Barkha. The two ladies especially spells fire in whatever short screen time they have. 

Trademark SLB movie Goliyon Ki Raasleela : Ram-Leela is. Everything is grand, but has heart at its place. Everything is  perfect - as 'cinematic experience' should be. Ram-Leela, is, a must watch for the magic of celluloid.

When I saw God, in front of me. (RahmanIshq concert - Ahmedabad)

This, was the first time ever when I was going to get blessed by God. So had left no stone unturned so that I could attend this show. And finally, the day arrived. While I was discussing about which song will be opener, while standing outside stadium (Gujarat song may be) and whoa ! The stadium speakers cried Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat ! Goosebumps already. One thing I am not going to forget about Rahmanishq - is its punctuality. How perfectly they opened gates at 5 pm ! And sharp- at 7 the sparks on stage. Bang ! Boom ! And out of darkness - that was HIM ! The God of music. A R Rahman. Uncontrollable emotions. Uncontrollable shouts and crowd. Andd... the moment he shouted Dil Se Re....... even the sky turned Rahmaniac for the next 190 minutes !

Here is the list of the songs played at the concert. Major singers were - Sukhvinder Singh, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan, Shweta Pandit, Harshdeep Kaur, Keerti Sargathia & Hriday Gattani.

Opening mix by ARR
Dil se re
O Yuva Yuva
Paathshala
O Saya
Sadda haq
Infinite Love

Then, after a few seconds of darkness, stage started to lit up with familiar beats. And the audience went wild when the knew which song came up -
Taal (Sukhvinder version)
Ramta Jogi

As a break-Jiya se jiya video filler.

Then, there was the moment. Javed Ali's piercing croon moved me. By singing my most favorite lines - he opened :
Naino ke ghaat leja, naino ki naiyyaa !
Yes? Tum Tak. With fabulous dance act based on Kathak by a couple on stage.

And, it was time to get electrified. As Keba took the center stage. Paired with Ranjit Barot they gave altogether a new prelude for Nadaan Parindey ! By Rahman and Hriday. People in stadium who couldn't stop singing along the two, stood in awe when Rahman concluded the song in totally different way !

Filler : Jai ho video. Again, people went crazy though it was just a video.

Egyptian layout on stage - and Neeti Mohan entered in a royal way ! And man - she did shakes like Shakira while singing Mayya Mayya !

Next,
Cyclist's theme

And-
God again singing Tere Bina.
Beautiful visuals in background. Accompanied by Shweta Pandit. Heavenly sargam sung by Rahman (the interlude one).

And then, the haunting - Piya milenge. Speechless experience in those thumping atmosphere.

Then the most amazing visual experience throughout the next set of songs-

How many stars
Ishq Bina (2)
Rehna Tu

That amazing concluding Continuum piece of Rehna Tu.... sigh.
And....the moment. ARR said "Some songs are special. I make many songs, sometimes you like it, sometimes you don't." (With a cheeky smile)
And boom -
The Unplugged Version of Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera !!
Mind - already blown.

Phew...
Darkness and that flawless croon - Katta roo.........
Harshdeep and her fantastic Katiya Karoon !

Then, that familiar sarangi. (Again beautiful background visuals).Banarasiya by Shweta Pandit. A glitched one this was. Flute was perfect by Navin Iyer - but Ranjit Barot did add some 'hey yeah' things at interludes and conclusion. That made this pretty noisy one. Maybe cause of over amount on bass.

Next- Roja aalaap by Shweta.
And Keba and the band did make electrifying Roja Jaanemann. (Don't know who was the male singer). Wonderful flute by Navin Iyer.

Nazar laaye na- was next. Hriday and Neeti Mohan made perfect couple dancing together singing this lovely track.

And then, Neeti took over the stadium. While interacting with audience pretty cleverly - she literally rocked Jiya Re Jiya Re. (Personally I did not liked that song much, till now. But when she was singing - couldn't help but shout by lungs out !)

Filler: Jare udd ja re - video.

Annnd - the stage was set with typical Sufi ensemble. Rahman and Javed Ali dressed up in typical attire along with chorus. Harmonium, played in totally different tune by ARR, that left people guessing if this is Khwaja, Arziyaan, Piya Haji Ali or Kun Faaya Kun. But when Javed Ali crooned - the time stopped for next 15 minutes. Divine 3 songs back to back.

Arziyaan - prelude
Kun Faaya Kun
And finally, Khwaja Mere Khwaja.

What a treat to watch Rahman, connected to the forces up above. With eyes closed.

Then the credit rolled !! Everyone was shocked, relieved only after a few minutes when they realized this was just a filler.

Then, Rahman came up saying ''This one we are going to perform for the first time on the stage. Created specially for Gujarat. Here is that one"  

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat !
The fact is - the song is not 'that' famous even in Gujarat, due to low key publicity. So people got confused at first, slow prelude. But when the main stanza came up - Jai Jai Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat ! The excitement was unimaginable !! And ended with 'once more' shouts.

Next, Raanjhanaa. As a solo this time, Javed Ali did the best he can for such tricky interludes. Full marks !

Next, filler. Pray for me brother.

Rahman came up : "You know my wife is from Gujarat. And Gujaratis are really nice people. But I can't say that about women.(smiling) The next song is a bit cheeky one".

And the green colored stage, went jazzy with piano bgm. All were sure that this is going to be Tu bole. But surprisingly he sang Aise na dekho !

The piano treat continued with 3 ladies -
Heer by Harshdeep
Nenjukkule by Neeti Mohan
Tum Ho by Shweta
and
a lovely version of Saans - by Shweta backed by beautiful chorus.

And the evening was getting close to conclusion. So stage is set on fire by Rahman and Navin Iyer. With Tamil version of Humma Humma.
And
Frenzy was uncontrollable when Chhaiya Chhaiya came up. People were jumping on their chairs ! Literally. All credits to Sukhi !

Filler : Video of Studio visit with ARR's son !

And the final set :
Tu man shudi, which did get a bit low key response by audience.
But then - the epic
Jai Ho ! Echoed throughout the stadium as the audience sing along.
And if that is not enough -

Maa Tujhe Salaam - broke all barriers. Everyone was bowing to the superpower standing in front of them. Shouting along with him till the end. Along with the fireworks.
And when it finished - every one shouted 'once more once more'.
Adorable ARR looked straight to audience. Smiling he stood there for almost two minutes. And said 'Till we meet again next time, thank you, thanks a lot'.

Overwhelmed, blessed by God. 190 minutes of sheer brilliance, joy and excitement.
Once in a lifetime this happens. When you have God - in front of you. Fulfilling wishes, one by one. Smiling, closing eyes when conected to supernatural forces - you just loose yourself and enjoy - A R Rahman.

Thank You Rahman for #RahmanIshq

Mor Bani Thanghat Kare (Ram-Leela) : Song lyrics, meaning, translation

Thanks a lot to SLB for reviving this poem by Late Zaverchand Meghani. Originally written by Rabindranath Tagore, with due respect and consent, renowned Gujarati writer Zaverchand Meghani had translated the song in his own style. And boy - what words ! Thanks a lot to this blog by Mitixa, I came to know about the original text. Without this blog, I couldn't have translated this one. Here's translation of shorter, film version of this wonderful rain song, sung by Osman Mir and Aditi Paul.

---

Mor bani thanghaat kare mann, Mor bani thanghaat kare..
Ghanghor jhare chahu aur maaru mann,
Mor bani thanghaat kare mann mor bani thanghaat kare...

It dances today, my heart, like a peacock it dances, it dances.
As it rains in all four directions my heart dances,
it dances, like a peacock, my heart dances.

Maaru mann, Mor bani thanghaat kare mann, Mor bani thanghaat kare..
it dances, like a peacock, my heart dances.

Ghar gharar gharar megh ghata gagane gagane garjaat kare,
ghumri ghumri garjaat bhare...
nave dhaan bhari saari seem jhule, nadiyu navjoban bhaan bhoole,
nav deen kapot ni paankh khule...

As all those dark clouds make the thunder sound,
Even the rivers, lakes gets its thunder inside them.
New crops adore the earth everywhere,
like a girl entering in her adulthood, rivers forget their shyness,
Newborns of doves / birds get their wings.

Madhra madhra malkai ne medak, neh su neh su baat kare,
gagane gagane ghumrai ne paagal, megh ghata garjaat bhare....

Frogs smile in their own sweet way, talks to each other with love,
Storm clouds roll through the sky, vaunting their thunder.

Maaru mann, Mor bani thanghaat kare mann, Mor bani thanghaat kare..
it dances, like a peacock, my heart dances.

Nav-megh tane neel aanjaniye maara gheghoor nain jhaghaat kare,
mara lochan maa mad-ghen bhare,
parchhai tale hariyali bani, maaro aatam nain bichhat kare,
sacharachar Shyamal baath dhare,
maaro praan kari pulkat gayo pathraai saari vanraai pare,
O re megh Ashadhilo aaj maare, doy nain neelanjan ghen bhare...

Rain-clouds wet my eyes with their blue collyrium,
It makes my eyes look intoxicated,
I spread out my joy on the shaded new woodlands grass,
I feel everywhere, my beloved Krishna has opened his arms to hug me,
My soul got blessed by the green blessings all around the jungle,
Oh - the rain of Ashadh* month, you made my eyes wet with your blue-addictive colors.

Maaru mann, Mor bani thanghaat kare mann, Mor bani thanghaat kare..
it dances, like a peacock, my heart dances.

* Ashadh month : 9th month in Gujarati calendar

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Ram-Leela : Music Review

Starting with (almost) real 'Daayro' sound in Gujarati, Ram Chahe Leela solely rely on Bhoomi's superb rendition of otherwise not so innovative tune. Lyrics makes it fun while the interlude 'Duha' makes it a killer combination. 

Ravanhattha sound along with Shail Hada's prelude in Lahu munh lag gaya-nothing can get more authentic than this ! Add 'Ranshinga' cry and thumping 'Be Taali' beats of drums. The track is intense. Moving on the theme of Garba, must be a treat to watch lip-lock ;) Lab se lab ye lab lab se lahu lag gayaa.. super wordplay by lyricists Siddharth-Garima.

Very typical initial lines makes you cringe in Ang Laga Le. But thankfully it doesn't go further than the initial loop. Parts of Shail Hada and Chorus, makes it more interesting. Aditi Paul does perfect job on her part for this sultry track. 

Poore Chand - 'that mandatory moon song in a SLB film', doesn't come close to moon songs Background composition reminds of Saawariya's MaashaAllah. Though the shehnai's loop is killer (at 1:51). Maybe, with repeats, and even after watching it on screen - I will love it (as it happens with SLB :) How I miss Parthiv Gohil for this song, softer voice like him could have done wonders. 

Initially, I felt Shreya was an odd choice for the upbeat 'teen taali' garba - but proved me wrong. The sequel to HDDCS's hit (but mood is totally different here), Nagada Sang Dhol goes totally different way at 2.:23 a traditional Gujarati garba (Lili Lemdi re...) makes you go goosebumps. The upbeat percussion makes it perfect Navaratri track and add conclusion by Osman Mir - Killer !

When you see Arijit Singh's name in credits - expectations go naturally high. Laal Ishq - is absolutely enchanting tune with his fantastic rendition and SG's wonderful words - this is so near to Saawariya (which I love a lot), except the color ;) That silent shehnai in conclusion-ahh. Am dying to see how SLB is going to show his 'Laal' magic on screen. The best of the album. 

After that high in music-we are thrown to ground with tacky Ishqyaaun Dhishqyaun. Though the tune is catchy (90s anyone?) and Aditya's voice is not 'bad', but still, am wondering what this song is doing here? Agree it has situational presence, still. 

Taking up traditional* folk song - Mor Bani Thanghat Kare - SLB wins over at least all Gujaratis out there. Brilliant singing by Osman Mir, backed by Aditi Paul and chorus - this is purely a 'goosebumps' stuff. Loved, loved it !  

(*Originally written by renowned Gujarati writer Zaverchand Meghani who translated Rabindranath Tagore's song)

Dhoop - Shreya's safe zone. Even SLB's too. The 'girl's song' is wonderfully composed with lilting tune. But feels surprisingly short. Finally, the loud - loud one - 'Hero's song' - Tattad Tattad, with all its 'weirdness' makes you go move your feet instantly. Aditya's voice suits all the fun here. And the loop is addictive, reminding you those mad mad southie songs. 

Overall, SLB with Monty Sharma, creates the soundtrack as colorful as the palette of RamLeela - the movie is. What I love most is how they used original, Gujarati instruments and tunes throughout the album. And reviving the tunes for the new generation. Thank You ! 

My Picks : Laal Ishq, Nagada Sang Dhol, Dhoop, Mor Bani Thanghat Kare, Tattad Tattad.

Tags : Ramleela music review, ram leela songs, music review, mor bani thanghat kare, dhol baje, deepika red, hot, dance, garba, sanjay leela bhansali, udaipur, deepika ranveer hot kiss, scene, gujarat, zaverchand meghani.

Naan Yen Piranthen : Lyrics, meaning, translation (A R Rahman on Coke Studio @ MTV Season 3)

Poet Vaali's words comes to life when A R Rahman himself sings them on Coke Studio @ MTV S03E01. Though I found the tune very likeable from very first listen (due to touch of sound like Lucky Ali's songs). I didn't understand a single word, because the song being in Tamil. And that left me puzzled why everyone who understood the words, are in love with the song. As always, fellow Rahmaniac @madhavanrajan comes to rescue who was kind enough to post the translation on ARRFansGroup. Thanks to him, I am in love with this wonderful poem.

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Pachcha karu yaavum paavakkaru alla
Neeyum naanum yaaru kuththam kora solla

All those fetuses are not sinned
Who are you and I
to find a fault in?

Poththal ulla moongilla saththamulla paattu varum

A hole in the bamboo stick
Brings out a good song

Kannangaru megam thaan
uyir vaazha payir vaazha mazhai kottuthey
Even the clouds turn dark and black
to bring the rain back
for survival of crops and
for survival of mankind!

Oru ooril oru gudisai
Nadhiyoram pachcha maram pala varisai
Kallamillaa Vellanthiyaa
Oorusanam Irunthathayya

A hut in a village
Green trees lined up by the river
And there lived people
that are Open and innocent...

Aariro....Aariro...Aaraariro...(Lullaby)

Aalangaaththu Oasaiyiley
Moththa sanam thookkaththiley
Boomi Romba Thoorathiley
Yaar Arivaar Kaaranaththa?
Yen Piranthaai? Yen Piranthaai? Yen Piranthaayo??

In the sound of the banyan tree
Everyone in deep sleep
Earth is so far away
And who would know the reason?
Why are you born?  Why are you born? Why are you born?

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey

Why am I born?
Why did I open my eyes?
I do not know

O! Iraiyoan padaippil
Yethuvum azhage
Un kann ariyaathey!

In God’s creations
Anything is beautiful and
Your eyes won’t know that!

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey...

Why am I born?
Why did I open my eyes?
I do not know...

Pachcha karu yaavum paavakkaru alla
Neeyum naanum yaaru kuththam kora solla
All those fetuses are not sinned
Who are you and I,
to find a fault in?

Poththal ulla moongilla saththamulla paattu varum

A hole in the bamboo stick
Brings out a good song

Kannangaru megam thaan
uyir vaazha payir vaazha mazhai kottuthey
Even the clouds turn dark and black
But they bring the rain back
For survival of crops!
For survival of mankind!!

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey...

Why am I born?
Why did I open my eyes?
I do not know...

Yaaro yaar arivaaro?
Yenna solvaaro sol...
Who would know?
What would they say?

Yaaro yaar arivaaro?
Yenna seiyvaaro sollu...sollu...sollu...

Who would know?
What would they do?

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey....

Why am I born?
Why did I open my eyes?
I do not know....

Tags : A R Rahman, vaali, coke studio song download, naan yen translation, meaning, rahman tamil song, translation, meaning, naan yen meaning, coke studio songs, Rayhanah, rahman sister singer

Chennai Express : Movie Review

To put it very straight in the first sentence itself - I loved Chennai Express ! (So that you can decide to continue reading or not). Whenever there was a talk about Rohit's movies, I used to call them 'Shitty' movies. There were many reasons for believing that. Till date the only movie I liked of him was Sunday. Bol Bachchan was after all a remake, hence it was passable because it had tried and tested storyline.

 

What works here in Chennai Express is its stars. Tons of material has already been written about fall of SRK by doing this 'silly' movie. But hey ! This IS after all a Bollywood movie. A super masala entertainer that doesn't go for realism, antique frames or technically perfect. It is made for entertaining the audience and it does. Then why not SRK - the biggest entertainer of the country? (And no, my Aamir-bhakti is being deviated when I am saying this ;)). He charms you yet again when wearing those shades giving hand to the girl trying to catch a train. He charms you yet again when after saying I Love You, that cheeky smile he throws and girl is flattered. He goofs about his own movies. Yes, this is what SRK is all about. And for this movie - either him or no one else. Talking about irreplaceable one - Deepika is definitely the one too in CE. Though in safe zone she is, playing a Tamil girl, but sure it must have been tough getting everything right. And she shines through each frame. From looking drop dead gorgeous, to acting perfectly to the T. At places she reminds of Geet (after all, she has become iconic for 'free girl' portrayal), but leaves her own mark. Both, together, look great on screen. I would totally vote for a love story starring them together.

 

Despite of being a movie about South India, thankfully Rohit Shetty has stayed away from making cheap laughs out of it. The situational fun is very valid throughout the movie. Though there are garish, loud moments (a la Shetty) but being few and far between, it doesn't harm much. No forwarded sms jokes, no homophobic jokes, no dual meaning jokes - Thank You Rohit for keeping your dialogue writer in check. Picturised beautifully in Konkan, each frame is so colorful, though overdone, everything on screen looks lovely-celebratory feel. Contemplated by a fine soundtrack by Vishal-Shekhar, songs are fun. Specifically, Titli and Kashmir Mein has FANTASTIC visuals. Loved how they are picturised. And those majestic shots of Doodhsagar falls and Rameswaram.

 

Love SRK? You should see this. Hate SRK? You must see this. Yes its that kind of movie which you can't miss out if you are looking for fun ride.

 

Tags: Chennai Express, ready steady po, priyamani, deepika padukone, kombam, meenamma, halwai, underestimate the power of  common man, goa, doodhsagar waterfall train line.