Favorite 'Rahman' Movies

A R Rahman is back (!) in heart of everyone again with the release of Rockstar's soundtrack. [though I never thought he had gone anywhere, but that is totally a different issue I won't like to discuss]. This is a moment where I would like to discuss Favorite 'Rahman' Movie. Movies, that are hard to imagine without Rahman's scintillating score. Just mute the movie and you will understand how his music a inimitable part of what is ongoing on screen. [Call me over excited, but I am looking extremely forward to Rockstar because reportedly it has 14+6 tracks in the movie].

Here are top 3 of my favorites [have restricted the list to Hindi films only]. Would love to know what are yours.

3. Meenaxi-A Tale of 3 Cities :

Colorful, vibrant and lively the movie is. Ditto the score by the genius. From mysterious Yeh rishta kya kehlata hai that talks about that 'first love' from the eyes of lady protagoinist, to 'sexy' Dhuan dhuan sung by Asha ji that depicts desire of her. Vision of M F Hussain's unusual & dreamy thoughts is translated in Do Kadam aur sahi. And the vibrance and gress of 'The beauty' is perfectly described in one of the most fabulous sufiana style : Noor-Un-Allah. Colorful cities of India - Hyderabad and Jaisalmer looks perfect with Chinamma Chilkamma and Rang hai. Oh, and not to forget 'opera'ish background score for the parts shot at Prague. The addictive desi sounds of Jaisalmer. Innovative 'The cyclist's Rhytham' and 'Potter's village'. Add Tabu in all the frames, and one can die with awesomeness. Sigh..

2. Rang De Basanti:

Very few movies are there that weaves Rahman's tracks so perfectly that it becomes inseparable to even think of thos movies without BG Score playing in mind. Rang De Basanti - talk about it and mind starts playing the finale theme sung by Rahman himself [the one when the friends are walking towards the radio station]. Gets me goosebumps everytime. The piano tune that plays through many scenes [the one when Sue reads out the diary] perfectly creates pictures of haunting past. Adrenaline rushes into your veins when the title credits roll and also when the bikers go wild after attending the 'Paathshala', Khalbali induced theme when friend goes to the place where Karan proposes Sonia and 'fly with the plane' happens. On the other hand - for the past, totally different tracks - when Sue imagines her characters in the DJ gang, Chasing Ram prasad Bismil & Ashfaq, Kakori Train loot, The Azad at Ramlila - list can go on and on. Not to forget perfect amalgamation of the songs and the movie. Till date, I can't stop my tears when Khoon chala or Lukka chhuppi happens. Oh man.. Oh man.

1. LAGAAN

[See, that is in CAPS LOCK, Got it why? ;)] Well, this is the most obvious choice whenever I talk about Rahman's finest works. This is a movie where each and every character has their own identical score. Close your eyes and you can identify just by the sound that plays in background - yes, that is Lakha, oh there comes Gauri - ah, Elizabeth is escaping from the palace, ooh, the aerial shot of the village. Each and every moment is framed with Rahman's notes. Each track is so well fitted and in-line with the screenplay - the songs are something that one can never hit FF even after watching for nth time. I had never liked the game of Cricket - blame it on the maestro for his tense score uptill the climax. Mention of climax makes me go bow the genious how smoothly he mixes up tunes of each song in just one stretch. Starting with the moment when Bhuvan falls and fills his hands with sand and release it towards the sky [Mitwa theme] the sequence ends with Gauri and Bhuvan hugging each other while Elizabeth watches them [O rey chhori] and finally rain dance with Ghanan Ghanan. Oh my dear Rahman - what this movie could've done without you ! Salutes !!

Honorable mentions :

Delhi-6. This is the closest one when it comes to inclusion of songs into the movie. Most favorite part ? The one when Daadi [Waheeda ji] returns to her home and the carnatic piece of Rehna Tu [comes as ending of the track] plays in background.

Swades. The leisurely paced movie was worth because of the almost silent score-perfect for the theme of the movie. Most favorite? the 'Entering' theme when Mohan enters the village. [I seriously believe Avatar's theme is totally inspired by this one] and Geeta's theme.

Dil Se. Visual orgasmic the movie is. And those breathtaking visuals captured by Santhosh Sivan are incomplete with the BG score. Ladakh will never look so beautiful as it was in this movie. Most favorite? The theme of Meghna. The one that starts 'tu hi tu' - often repeats in the movie.

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This post is an entry to the Reel-Life Bloggers contest organized by wogma.com and reviewgang.com
Tags: A R Rehman, Rahman, Best of Rahman, Delhi 6 review, Lagaan, Rang de basanti, RDB, Meenaxi, Tabu, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh, Rockstar, Swades, Manisha

Rockstar : Music Review

This is one Rahman album which has 'that' feel - 'listen to it more and let it grow on you'. I am still confused on what to write. Can't gather words. Can't complete the full album. Can't move to other tracks without re-re-re-re listen one after another. [4 songs are already famous on TV/web, but I heard all for the first time, now- except Kun Faaya Kun !]

Phir se udd chala took me in the sky with its free-bird feel. Jo bhi main is an anthem. Yeah yeah... yeah yeah yeah... Haven't imagined Mohit Chauhan in this mood - ever. Oh wait, that is true for Saadda Haq too. Ground breaking rock anthem it is. Earthy Katiyaan Karoon is extremely addictive from the word go. Harshdeep Kaur's voice is just perfect for bubbly naughty girl. The song takes a totally different turn while it concludes. Love love it. Aaaand....Here comes the God himself singing divine Kun Faaya Kun. With Javed Ali and [fabulous] Mohit Chauhan, the song is indeed a journey to another world.

Irshad Kamil shines throughout the songs. Man ! What words ! what words ! Can't get enough enough enough..


To settle the things down, next track Shehar main is peppy track with fun lyrics. It takes us straight to the studio where a composer [Anu Malik?] is teaching Jordan to sing a track. Mohit FTW again. And after that trip to recording studio, Rahman takes listener to a gypsy outing. Close your eyes and let Hawwa Hawwa show you the gypsy dance around you. Excellent arrangements and singing - and interesting story telling inside the song. All the 'feel good' tracks, the album enters the rebellious and dark mood. [including Sadda Haq]. Aur Ho is all about Mohit and his outstanding vocals combined with fabulous words. Equally fabulous words and this time Rahman singing pacey Nadaan Parindey - takes an interesting turn when Mohit's part comes.

Was surprised to see Kavitha ji in credits. Its been a long time, but somehow Tum Ko does pale in comparison with all the other tracks. A slow tabla laden haunting track it is. May be it will take time [or after watching the movie] to grow. [just like Khili re..from Raavan]. The track has traces of next track - Tum Ho. Even the little piece, The Meeting Place has dashes of this tune. Mohit is in his regular genre in Tum Ho makes an engaging listen. Instrumental Tango For Taj has sound of Hawwa Hawwa with fantastic piano tune. While fusion of Guitar and Shehnai in The Dichotomy of Fame makes an excellent listen. Last piece - The Meeting Place leave listener craving for more. Very short one.

Well, this was definitely worth all the hype, wait and curiosity generated around the album. Hope Imtiaz Ali has translated it well on the screen. [that looks assured - by the videos which are out by far, Jo Bhi main is my favorite]. Fingers crossed for the movie. Because it has 6 more tracks [may be instrumental ones]. A last thought and request to Imtiaz -- Can we have this movie in IMAX ???? Pleeeeez?

Tags : Rockstar Ranbir, Rockstar songs, Rockstar music, A R Rahman, Irshad Kamil, Imtiaz Ali, Nargis Fakri, Javed Ali, Katiya Karoon inspired from punjabi folk song of Shazia Mansoor,

Kun Faaya Kun [Rockstar] : Meaning and Lyrics

To be frank, till date I haven't heard any song from Imtiaz Ali's latest - Rockstar. Given it has A R Rahman, it has Mohit singing all songs, and till now four songs are out. But somehow I restrained from them until I get the full album. But, this - the latest song that is out - Kun Faaya Kun has got me like anything. Rahman - praising Allah- yet again. And that is what he does the best. Lovely, lovely composition and singing by Rahman, Javed Ali and Mohit Chauhan. I'm surprised to see this depth of lyrics by Irshad Kamil. And the amazing fusion with Guitar - Wow !

Here is my attempt to translate it. With whatever help I got from some online sources.

Kun Faaya Kun [or Kun Fayakun, Kun Faya Kun] means 'Be' and 'It is'. Though one has to read the full text of Quran in which it is mentioned - to understand it. Quran - Sura Al-Baqrah Verse 117 reads

"Originator (is He) of the heavens and the earth; and when He decrees a matter to be, He only says to it ' Be' and it is."..

And the lyrics of the song goes as -

Rangrezaa Rangrezaaa..
O dyer [literally means the person who does business of coloring cloths, but here, its him who has colored the protagonist in color of God]

Kun Fayaa Kun Faaya Kun Faayakun.. [repeat]

[He only says to it ] Be, it is.

Jab Kahin pe kuch kahin nahi tha, wohi tha wohi tha.

When, [in the world] there was nothing, He was the one, the only one.

Woh jo mujh mein samaaya, woh jo tujh mein samaaya, Maula wohi wohi maaya;

He is the one who is in my soul, he is the one in your soul, O dear Lord, he is the one that is mystery [you see all around].

Kun Faaya Kun... Sadaqallahul'Azim**

[He only says to it ] Be, it is. Allah says the truth.

Sajda savera mere tan barse, Kajra andhera teri jaan ki lau,

Morning showers its blessings on me [when] I worship you, and it cleans up dark soul of mine which is like darkness of night.

Qatra mila jo tere dar barse... O Maula....

[You gave me] that each drop of my blood, is all yours to worship your place [place here means-the Dargah]

Kun faaya kun.... Sadaqallahul'Azim

[He only says to it ] Be, it is. Allah says the truth.

**Sadaqallahu'Azim is the phrase a Muslim says after reading verses of holy Quran.

References : Key to Islamic Terms, Al Islam.

Tags : Kun fayakun, kunfayakun, Kun Faaya Kun, meaning, Lyrics, Rockstar, Ranbir Kapoor, A R Rahman, Imtiaz Ali, Nargis Fakhri, Javed Ali, Mohit Chouhan. Urdu, Islam, Rockstar songs

Ahista Ahista : Forgotten Soundtracks [7]

After a long time, writing a post in this series. The series about under rated, unheard and not much celebrated albums that were really good. And surprisingly this time it has Himesh Reshmiyaa ! He was at the highest peak of career during middle of the last decade. Know most of the songs that become hit, were like annoying earworms to many. Ahista Ahista [2006] is one of the exemptions. First thing you need to put aside is the 'i hate himesh-nasal-reshamiyaa', and listen to this. 

Starting with title song the album takes a promising start. Addictive loop of Ahista Ahista with continued pacey beats makes place in mind instantly. While next one Allah kare is his own genre still worth listening to, similarly he makes Kay Kay sing in HR style with Sunidhi in Tanha tere bagair. Though Dil naiyyo maane with minimal, very basic arrangments, does not pass muster, Tum Jo mile by Kunal Ganjawala reminds indipop scene. Love it. 

But the three tracks I love (!) the most - Love you unconditionally ! Yes, despite of that weird lines, the beats and Himesh. Ah. This makes me visualize Abhay Deol singing in Himesh's voice. ;) But still, It was on repeat today in my mind. Next one is Ishq ne tere ishq ne - a qawwali based track with fab lyrics. Kay Kay is wonderful in this one. And who's behind those fab words? Irshad Kamil. After that semi-sufi track, Aawaan Ankhiyaan Jaawaan Ankhiyaan completes the album. The qawwali sung by Himesh, Jayesh Gandhi and Aftab Hashmi Sabri -is simply - fabulous.  Sigh.....why I still haven't seen this movie. :( 

Do give it a try - all Himesh requires is a director who can lead him to make such good tracks. 

Click here to read older posts in the series. 

Mod : Music Review

As a duet Tu Hi Tu works but somewhere I miss Sunidhi Chauhan here. Shreya Ghoshal tries hard towards the end of the track, but falls flat. Unplugged version sounds good over the original, may be that's because of Vijay Prakash. Aye Dil Jaaniya is again a slow number [all songs in this album are] that has lovely melody. But my favorite is Chand Pal Ke - been a long time hearing Shankar Mahadevan in such song. Along with Shreya, this is one pleasing track. Raghuvir Yadav, Hrishikesh Kamerkar, Hamsika Iyer and Ninad Kamat create a fun ensemble from melodies of past in Aaj Main Jawan Ho gayi.

Some of the Nagesh movies in past had fairly better soundtracks. This one is not upto that mark. Still a notable effort by Tejas Relia.

My Favorites : Chand Pal Ke.

Tags : Ayesha Takia, Rannvijay Singh, Nagesh Kukunoor, Mod songs, Music, Hyderabad Blues, Rockford, Iqbal.

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge : Music Review

Desi dhol beats and popcorn lyrics of 'Dheaon dheaon' makes an absolutely enjoyable track. Next one, Uh-Oh Uh-Oh by Shilpa Rao and Ash King, with 'different from their regular' singing - has that pop feel, easy to strike chord. With unusual singing of Shefali Alvaris, Joie Barua croons Baatein Shuru. Interesting one. Yet another bolly-rock track, Choo le Aasman by Suraj Jagan. Good one. Last one is from Raghu Dixit's own album 'Har saaos mein' stands out.



For a fun young film, an apt soundtrack.



Tags: YRF, facebook, Raghu Dixit, Vishal Dadlani, Aditi Singh Sharma, mujhse fraaandship karoge music review, songs