After watching the awesome promo, my expectations went huge for music of Mausam. But keeping in mind that Pritam is composing it, I had to keep them controlled. But somehow, after listening to the soundtrack for the first time, I feel its good. Though Punjabi is not my favorite genre of music, still the songs strikes balanced chords for a big entertainer directed by Pankaj Kapur.
'Rabba main toh mar gaya' is an instant reminiscent of 'Ajj din chadeya'[LAK], but voice of Shahid Mallya charms. Lovely track, that also has 'Reprise' by RFAK. 'Sajh dhaj ke' - a satire on 'foreign return munda' - is absolutely foot tapping. [Though oft repeated Mika is now annoying me.] Nonetheless, the lyrics and beats makes it fun listen. Ustad Sultan Khan's aalap starts 'Ek tu hi tu hi'-but the goosebumps moment is when Hans Raaj Hans enters. If you can pass the Chant like chorus singing, the melancholic mood of the song haunts you for longer. Reprise by Shahid Mallya, equally good.
'Poore se zara sa kam hai' needs some more listening. Rashid Khan sings it flawlessly, but still I can't get the mood of the song. Somewhere it sounds like 'Hamd' [Urdu for praise of the God]. Again a goosebumps moment - when I heard "Aag Lage uss aag ko' - based on 'Gujarati Duha'. Who else can sing it better than Karsan Sargathia. Fast drum beats and rendition of 'duha', this situational track should be must watch on screen. Though it would sound even better if proper balance between vocals and instruments was there. 'Mallo malli' by Tochi Raina- is an annoying techno dance number, that disturbs this rather smooth journey.
Not a single track that is sung by a lady. Not a single duet - Sigh.. still, this all male OST is good, not great, lets see how Pankaj Kapur translates it on screen.
Tags : Shahid Kapur, Sonam Kapoor, Pankaj Kapur, Mausam movie, Pritam Chakraborthy, Irshad Kamil
I am Kalam : Movie Review
Touted as 'based on life of APJ Abdul Kalam'; I am Kalam is actually 'inspired' by him. Directed by Nila Madhab Panda, this is one lovely charming tale of little 'Chhotu'; played endearingly by Harsh Mayar [no doubt he won a National Award for the performance]. The film effortlessly fits in the league of some fantastic flicks of the genre, like-Tahaan, Ramchand Pakistani, The Blue Umbrella and recent Stanley Ka Dabba.
I am Kalam is story of Chhotu, who works at a roadside 'dhaba' [hotel] in a small town of Rajasthan, owned by Bhati [Gulshan Grover, surprisingly in a likeable performance]. Chhotu has a dream of getting educated in a school, become a 'big' man when he grow up. Film fanatic Laptan [Pitobash Tripathi] is also serving at the same place, senior to Chhotu, he gets annoyed by the attention clever Chhotu is getting by Bhati. Moments involving both of them are funny that keeps you engaged in the movie. Also, the charming smile-always on face of Chhotu [who names himself as Kalam after watching the president in news] keeps you hooked. Husaan Saad playing Ranvijay, the little prince living nearby Haveli, as the only friend of little Kalam, is again a likeable character.
Though there are some glitches in editing - it is forgivable anyways because thanks to the clever screenplay, the main theme of Kalam's dream, never gets off the track. Adding another character - French tourist Lucy played by Beatrice Ordeix, the film gets more interesting as she interacts with Kalam[Chhotu], Ranvijay and Bhati - and promises Chhotu to take him to Delhi to study. Watch out for the jam session started by Lucy playing RavanHatha. A beautiful fusion piece of music is out there. The climax [as expected] has endearing moments which leaves smile on your face. A content feeling.
Watch it for taste of real rural Rajasthan. Its simplicity and for Harsh Mayar - the star of the show.
Bol : Movie Review [Guest Post]
Well, after fabulous Khuda Kay Liye, I was curious to watch Bol by same director. [and excited, cause it has Atif Aslam as lead :)] Thanks a lot to Twitter buddy @dishoompk who blogs at Dishoom Dishoom ; who agreed to do this guest post about the movie. After reading the same, I am waiting for its release [by Eros Entertainment] in India. Lets see, what 'Dishoom' has to tell about the movie.
"Bol" is Shoaib Mansoor's second directorial venture, after his debut "Khuda Kay Liye". Even though he is new to the movie world, Shoaib is not new to the world of entertainment, as he is the creator of some of the biggest pop culture phenomenons in the Pakistani entertainment realm. His has a great sense of awareness of what the public would love, and despite the apparent non-commercial nature of the movie, it is one of the biggest hits in the recent Pakistani movie history, if not THE biggest.
Though it is conceived as an Atif Aslam movie by many people. And even though he has a significant supporting role in the movie, he is not, by far, the star of the movie. The star of the movie is actually the brilliant Humaima Malik and Mazhar Sehbai.
"Bol" starts in the Lahore Central Jail, where Zainub (Humaima Malik) is on the death row. Her appeal for clemency was rejected, but her last wish of making a press statement, on the gallows, was granted. She, then, tells her story and how ignorance and male-chauvinism has led her to where she was. She tells the story of her family, which was a very conservative Urdu speaking immigrants from Delhi residing in the predominantly Punjabi Old Lahore. The family is headed by Hakim Shafiqullah Khan (Mazhar Sehbai), his wife, and his seven daughters. He keeps on hoping for a boy, and hence keeps impregnating his wife. Eventually, on the eight try, Saif is born. However, he is a Hermaphrodite.
Zainub has to stand up for her sister and "Saifi", to Hakim Sahab's misogyny and ignorant beliefs, whilst Hakim Sahab is going through financial problems. Being uneducated, they have no choice but to remain more or less imprisoned in their house. A notable exception was the adorable Ayeshah (Mahira Khan), who is smitten by their neighbor Mustafa (Atif Aslam). She sneaks out with him, and sees the world, that none of her sisters know of! As the story progresses, the family goes through some heart-wrenching tragedies (brought on by Hakim Sahab's intransigent nature). As Zainub's story goes on, there's a realization among the press that she is actually innocent, and theres a race against time to stall the hanging.
Though Bol has some of the same preachy elements in it, which were off putting for some in Khuda Kay Liye, but overall it is kind of.... awesome!! The viewer was emotionally invested in the fate of the family. The dramatic moments, the dialogues, the banter, made me laugh and sad on cue. As a Lahori, I get a bit more excited seeing more local locales and characters on the big screen, and this movie was full of them. There were only three songs that were lipsynced (the two Atif Aslam ones, and the one Mujrah one) - and all three were quite satisfactory. I did get a bit excited about seeing Atif performing on the big screen, in Kaho Na. However, and this might be because of my pre-existing bias, the song "Dil Pareshan" by Sajjad Ali hit the right notes, and hence very effective, when it was following the young Saifi as he tries to make sense of the confused world around him.
The performances of almost all the main characters were commendable, especially of Humaima and Mazhar Sehbai. Special mention is due to the legendary Shafqat Cheema who played a pimp, and especially Iman Ali who played a prostitute named Meena. Though Iman's acting in Khuda Ke Liye suffered greatly because she was attempting a very bad British accent, but in this one she is regal. Her character, Meena, tries to mimic the classic traits of a classy Lucknow prostitute, despite her Lahori upbringing (She mentions that she has watched Pakeeza and Umrao Jaan Ada many, many times to get the language right, and she changed her name because of Meena Kumari).
All in all, Bol is highly recommended! The story was heart-wrenching, the acting was brilliant, the direction was really great! Not to forget, Atif Aslam crooning on the big screen!!!
Tags : Bol movie review, Eros Entertainment Pakistani Movie, Atif Aslam, Humaima, Mazhar Sehbai, Shafaqat, Iman Ali, Shoaib Mansoor
"Bol" is Shoaib Mansoor's second directorial venture, after his debut "Khuda Kay Liye". Even though he is new to the movie world, Shoaib is not new to the world of entertainment, as he is the creator of some of the biggest pop culture phenomenons in the Pakistani entertainment realm. His has a great sense of awareness of what the public would love, and despite the apparent non-commercial nature of the movie, it is one of the biggest hits in the recent Pakistani movie history, if not THE biggest.
Though it is conceived as an Atif Aslam movie by many people. And even though he has a significant supporting role in the movie, he is not, by far, the star of the movie. The star of the movie is actually the brilliant Humaima Malik and Mazhar Sehbai.
"Bol" starts in the Lahore Central Jail, where Zainub (Humaima Malik) is on the death row. Her appeal for clemency was rejected, but her last wish of making a press statement, on the gallows, was granted. She, then, tells her story and how ignorance and male-chauvinism has led her to where she was. She tells the story of her family, which was a very conservative Urdu speaking immigrants from Delhi residing in the predominantly Punjabi Old Lahore. The family is headed by Hakim Shafiqullah Khan (Mazhar Sehbai), his wife, and his seven daughters. He keeps on hoping for a boy, and hence keeps impregnating his wife. Eventually, on the eight try, Saif is born. However, he is a Hermaphrodite.
Zainub has to stand up for her sister and "Saifi", to Hakim Sahab's misogyny and ignorant beliefs, whilst Hakim Sahab is going through financial problems. Being uneducated, they have no choice but to remain more or less imprisoned in their house. A notable exception was the adorable Ayeshah (Mahira Khan), who is smitten by their neighbor Mustafa (Atif Aslam). She sneaks out with him, and sees the world, that none of her sisters know of! As the story progresses, the family goes through some heart-wrenching tragedies (brought on by Hakim Sahab's intransigent nature). As Zainub's story goes on, there's a realization among the press that she is actually innocent, and theres a race against time to stall the hanging.
Though Bol has some of the same preachy elements in it, which were off putting for some in Khuda Kay Liye, but overall it is kind of.... awesome!! The viewer was emotionally invested in the fate of the family. The dramatic moments, the dialogues, the banter, made me laugh and sad on cue. As a Lahori, I get a bit more excited seeing more local locales and characters on the big screen, and this movie was full of them. There were only three songs that were lipsynced (the two Atif Aslam ones, and the one Mujrah one) - and all three were quite satisfactory. I did get a bit excited about seeing Atif performing on the big screen, in Kaho Na. However, and this might be because of my pre-existing bias, the song "Dil Pareshan" by Sajjad Ali hit the right notes, and hence very effective, when it was following the young Saifi as he tries to make sense of the confused world around him.
The performances of almost all the main characters were commendable, especially of Humaima and Mazhar Sehbai. Special mention is due to the legendary Shafqat Cheema who played a pimp, and especially Iman Ali who played a prostitute named Meena. Though Iman's acting in Khuda Ke Liye suffered greatly because she was attempting a very bad British accent, but in this one she is regal. Her character, Meena, tries to mimic the classic traits of a classy Lucknow prostitute, despite her Lahori upbringing (She mentions that she has watched Pakeeza and Umrao Jaan Ada many, many times to get the language right, and she changed her name because of Meena Kumari).
All in all, Bol is highly recommended! The story was heart-wrenching, the acting was brilliant, the direction was really great! Not to forget, Atif Aslam crooning on the big screen!!!
Tags : Bol movie review, Eros Entertainment Pakistani Movie, Atif Aslam, Humaima, Mazhar Sehbai, Shafaqat, Iman Ali, Shoaib Mansoor
Bodyguard : Music Review
When the very first track starts with Sallu saying 'Mujh pe ek ehsaan karna, ke kabhi mujh pe koi ehsaan mat karna' - you know how that title track will move further. 'feel the beat feel the heat' and more fragile lyrics - 'background score in fight scenes' track this one is. Clearly inspired by 'Ringa Ringa' from Ready [composed by Himesh R !]. But still, manages to get stuck in your head.
Second track surprises me. Ash King with his own style of singing, croons 'I love you' with Clinton Cerejo. Lovely mushy song- then I found that its not a surprise being the only track composed by Pritam ! Next one, 'Desi Beat' [not Kurkure yaar] with Mika Singh and Amrita Kak, is average - reminds of Bappida's 'de de pyar de. Nothing catchy as it should be, if we go by name. 'Teri Meri' [starts with very amateurish keyboard tune] by Shreya Ghoshal and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, is a gloomy one. So much of RFAK's aalaap is a no no.
And then, many many remixes. And a 'Teri Meri' reprise. Phew.. But again, 'I love you' comes to cheer after damp tracks. The unplugged version by Shaan and Clinton, is again, lovely. Overall, the OST for this commercial potboiler, is okayish. Only one track stands out, sorry Himesssshh..
Tags : Bodyguard Tracklist, Bodyguard songs, Music, Siddique, Katrina Kaif item number, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Mahesh Manjrekar, Raj Babbar
Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat : A R Rahman [Song Translation]
Recently I got pinged by @sangeetPremi on Twitter - a link to this fabulous video about my own state - Gujarat. I never knew such a great video existed on internet. Only thing I knew was the fabulous song that was composed by A R Rahman, on occasion of 50th Foundation day of Gujarat [on 1st May, 2010]. None other than Bharat Bala [yes, the same guy who was behind Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Man videos] has translated this song on the screen like no one else can do.
Here is the video - but... its in Gujarati language. Yes, mother-tongue of people of Gujarat. Hence, I have also tried to translate it. Hope you'll like it.
Production House : Bharatbala Productions Directed by : Bharatbala
Music : A R Rahman Singers : A R Rahman, Chinmayee, Keerthi Sargathia
Lyrics : Dilip Rawal, Ankit Trivedi, Sairam Dave and Chiragh Tripathi
The original Song was written by noted Gujarati Poet - Kavi Narmad. The phrase 'Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat' meaning 'Oh Hail the Pride of Gujarat'. Here is the Wikipedia link.
And here is the translation -
Dhara chhe.. Aa maari......Dariyaa ni lahero - pan chhe maari ;Aa Rann, mane pyaaru chhe.... Khetar - Chhe shobha maari;[The land is mine, waves of the sea - are all mine;This desert is beloved, the green fields - are my grace;]Dhanya hu..thai gayo ...... ahi janma je maaro thayo; (2)Jai Jai Jai Jai, Garvi Gujarat - maara dil maan dhadke Gujarat[Blessed I feel...that I born on this land;Oh hail the Pride of Gujarat - Gujarat beats in my heart]Vishwa nu, dwaar chhe .... Ahi sadaa pyaar chhe...Tane namu, laakh vaar hu....Bhoomi Maari ...Jai Jai ......[Door to the world it is, Always Love for everyone it has;I bow to thee a million times, oh motherland of mine]Kai siddh karya vyaapar mein dariyaa paar, Gujarati hu chhu;Mane phoolo jetlo parsevaa thi pyaar, Gujarat hu chhu.[Have Conquered businesses over the seas, I am Gujarati,As I love flowers, I love sweat [of efforts], I am Gujarati]Maari rag rag maa Karuna, Seva, Sahkaar, Gujarati hu chhu;Har aafat saame ubho bani padkaar, Gujarati hu chhu.[Compassion, Service, co-operation is in my veins, I am Gujarati;Standing as a challenge against coming storms, I am Gujarati]Paankh naa aa fafdaat maa, Gagan kahi rahyu chhe mane khol tu;Lakshya ni pare Laskshya aapnu, kahi rahyu chhe have bol tu.[Behind this sound of wings, I can hear sky is calling me to open it up;(new) targets beyond these achievements, is calling me to speak out]Kaik dwaar haju kholvaa naa chhe, kaik zarukhaa bandh chhe;Muththi o maa maari uchhali je rahya, saat suraj naa chhand chhe. **[Still there are closed doors, closed windows, to be opened;In my palm, eager to get free, are the seven 'sur' of the sun]**Jai jai jai jai, Garvi Gujarat Mara Dil ma dhadke Gujarat.Jai Jai Jai Jai, Garvi Gujarat, Mara Desh Nu Gharenu Gujarat.[Oh hail the Pride of Gujarat - Gujarat beats in my heart;Oh hail the Pride of Gujarat, the jewel of my beloved country]Ek doro maari paase chhe, toh ek doro taari ye paase chhe;Saath sau mali, vaniye ek nadi, kaal ne ke je khaas chhe.[I have a string, bring out yours too, Let together weave this river,that is most special for tomorrow]Anjali maa Sankalp chhe, ane aankho maa vishwas chhe;Mann ma karma ni vaansli chhe, ane ek surili aas chhe.[Determination in my offerings (to God) and trust is in the eyes,Soul is filled by musical hope, given by flute of Karma]Jai Jai Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat Mara dil ma dhadke Gujarat.Jai Jai Jai Jai, Garvi Gujarat, Mara Desh Nu Gharenu Gujarat.
**Here Seven 'Chhand' is used as to describe 'Seven Horses' of The God Sun. Who rides cart run by Seven Horses. Often symbol for Progress and prosperity. While 'chhand' literally means a para from a long poem.
Tags : Swarnim Gujarat anthem, Rahman Gujarat song, Narendra Modi, Bharat Bala, Chinmayee, Keerti Sargathia, Narmad, Kavi, Garvi Gujarat, Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat translation, Lyrics
Don 2 song leaked ?
'News' is flying in air waves that 'Rehmat' sung by Shrey Singhal, is leaked from soundtrack of Don 2 . Just like 'leaked' Akon song from Ra.One , this news is out just a few days after movie's first trailer.
Well, I got a chance to listen to the song - it sounds pretty much like a Pak-pop song. And Shrey sounds a little bit 'Atif'ish. And, serious doubt is - it doesn't sound SEL composition at all. And with words like 'bhool na jana, o jane jaana, barson ki yaadein.." it hardly sound like a song from 'action' flick, Don 2 is.
Tags : Don 2 leaked song, Rehmat, Leaked Don song, Shrey Sighal
Well, I got a chance to listen to the song - it sounds pretty much like a Pak-pop song. And Shrey sounds a little bit 'Atif'ish. And, serious doubt is - it doesn't sound SEL composition at all. And with words like 'bhool na jana, o jane jaana, barson ki yaadein.." it hardly sound like a song from 'action' flick, Don 2 is.
Tags : Don 2 leaked song, Rehmat, Leaked Don song, Shrey Sighal
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