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. 

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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.


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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. 


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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.

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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.

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