Recap - 2008 Music Albums

Okk, here is my take on the Music of 2008. There were many rocking albums while there were some that couldnt live upto the expectations.

Top 10 Albums of 2008 : (in order)

1. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa

2. Yuvvraaj

3. Jodha Akbar

4. Jannat

5. Rock On

6. Fashion

7. Rab ne bana di jodi

8. Aamir

9. Ghajini

10. Raaz - The Mystery Continues

The other Good albums that missed my Top 10 are :

Black n White, Kismat Konnection, Dasvidaniya, Tashan, Bachna ae Haseeno, Karzzzz, Dostana, Ek vivah Aisa bhi and Chandni Chowk to China.

Top 5 Albums that Didnt live upto expectations : (in order)

1. Kidnap

2. Golmaal Returns

3. Race

4. U me Aur Hum

5. Sorry Bhai

I loved some songs of these albums but as a whole these albums could had been way better then they ended up as.

So, Overall it can be called a Superb Year for AR Rahman specially for giving superb music album after album and living upto the hype and expectations. While Pritam and Vishal Shekhar also had their share of good times, and not to forget Himesh Reshammiya whose only album of year was very good and even did well at music charts. Salim Suleiman turned out to be surprise composer of year with Fashion and Rab ne Bana Di Jodi albums.

TOP 100 Songs of 2008!

Now, this was really tough one to do. I selected 119 songs out of all the albums of 2008. It took around 30 minutes to remove 19 songs and then took 2 hours to order the final 100 songs.

Here is my Final List of Top 100 :

1. Kahin toh hogi - Jaane tu ya jaane na

2. Jaane tu mera kya hai - Jaane tu ya jaane na

3. Muskura - Yuvvraaj

4. Tujh mein rab dikhta hai - Rab ne bana di jodi

5. Azeem o shah - Jodha akbar

6. Khuda jaane - Bachna ae haseeno

7. Zindagi - Dil kabaddi

8. Dil ka rishta - Yuvvraaj

9. Jashan e bahara - Jodha akbar

10. U me aur hum - U me aur hum

11. Tum ho toh - Rock on

12. Mar jaawan - Fashion

13. Haara - Aamir

14. Is this love - Kismat konnection

15. Zara si - Jannat

16. Bandya ho - Khuda ke liye

17. Kabhi khud pe hasa main - Rock on

18. Teri ore - Singh is king

19. Haule haule - Rab ne bana di jodi

20. Alvida - Dasvidaniya

21. Kaise mujhe - Ghajini

22. Pappu cant dance saala - Jaane tu ya jaane na

23. Falak tak - Tashan

24. Jogi aaya - Black n white

25. Dost - Yuvvraaj

26. Gujarish - Ghajini

27. Maahi - Raaz the mystery continues

28. Jaane tu meri kya hai - Jaane tu ya jaane na

29. Jannat jahan - Jannat

30. Bachna ae haseeno - Bachna ae haseeno

31. Sapno se bhare naina - Luck By Chance

32. Lut jaayun - Karzzzz

33. Jalwa - Fashion

34. Ehsaan - Dil kabaddi

35. Emotional Atyachar - Dev D

36. Mausam - Kidnap

37. Race saanson ki - Race

38. Aye bacchu - Ghajini

39. I will be alright - Dostana

40. Hawa sun hawa - Ada

41. Soniyo - Raaz the mystery continues

42. Khawaja mere khawaja - Jodha akbar

43. Kabhi kabhi aditi - Jaane tu ya jaane na

44. Duniya - Dev D

45. Jab tak hai dum - Halla bol

46. Lazy lamhe - Thoda pyar thoda magic

47. Muskura - Dasvidaniya

48. Small town girl - Bachna ae haseeno

49. Phatte chak lain de - Chandni chowk to china

50. Kuch khaas - Fashion

51. Rock on - Rock on

52. Kya yeh pyar hai - Woodstock willa

53. Mit jaaye - Kidnap

54. Dance pe chance - Rab ne bana di jodi

55. Shano shano - Yuvvraaj

56. Tujhe main pyar karu - 1920

57. Ya raham - Aamir

58. Tashan mein - Tashan

59. Oye lucky lucky oye - Oye lucky lucky oye

60. Rab ka banda - Hello

61. Yaad aaye - Ugly aur pagli

62. Latoo - Ghajini

63. Singh is king - Singh is king

64. Koi chala ja raha hai - Woodstock willa

65. Haan tu hai - Jannat

66. Inn lamho ke daaman mein - Jodha akbar

67. Shankar version - Chandni chowk to china

68. Mastam mastam - Yuvvraaj

69. Touch me - Race

70. Mann tu talbat - Superstar

71. Tu bole - Jaane tu ya jaane naa

72. Neend mein - Ek vivah aisa bhi

73. Manmohini - Yuvvraaj

74. Talli - Ugly aur pagli

75. Phir milenge - Rab ne bana di jodi

76. Kaisa yeh raaz hai - Raaz the mystery continues

77. Dil haara - Tashan

78. Jeeta hoon - Haal e dil

79. Lambi judai - Jannat

80. Nihaal ho gayi - Thoda pyar thoda magic

81. Pyar toh hai - Sunday

82. Ae paapi - Kismat konnection

83. Ishq ada hai - Ada

84. Everybody put hands up - De taali

85. Jugni - Oye lucky lucky oye

86. Akki rap - Chandni chowk to china

87. Bang bang - Hello

88. Pehli nazar - Race

89. Mere khuda - Sorry bhai

90. Vaada - 1920

91. Jee le - U me aur hum

92. Aksar - Hijack

93. Move ur body now - Kismat konnection

94. Tum mile - My name is anthony gonsalves

95. Desi girl - Dostana

96. Tha karke - Golmaal returns

97. Krazzy 4 - Krazzy4

98. Everything gonna be alright - Jumbo

99. Milo na milo - Love story 2050

100. Bakhuda tumhi ho - Kismat konnection

Recap - 2008 Songs!

Most Romantic Song of 2008 :

Khuda Jaane(Bachna ae Haseeno)

Now instead of going ga ga over the voice of Kay Kay in the song, I would firstly applause the composition,the romantic feel arises the moment the song starts with the background vocals of shilpa rao and ofcourse then kay kay totally takes up the song on his own.

Some other close winners for me in this category were :

Is this love(Kismat Konnection), Inn lamho ke daaman mein(Jodha Akbar), Zara Si(Jannat), U Me Aur Hum(U Me Aur Hum), Teri Ore(Singh is King), Tujh Mein Rab(Rab ne bana di jodi), Tu hi toh meri dost(Yuvvraaj), Kaise Mujhe(Ghajini) and Soniyo(Raaz - TMC).

Most Emotional Song of 2008 :

Kahin toh Hogi(Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa)

What a irony, this was the song which I couldnt really like during first few hearings but after watching the film 1st time itself, I fell in love with this song, and the love has only increased with time, the song can be felt very much, its sung by Rashid Ali and Vashundhra Das.

Other close winners in this category were :

Jaane tu mera/meri kya hai(Jaane tu ya jaane naa), Tu Muskura(Yuvvraaj), Tum Ho Toh(Rock On) Lambi Judai(Jannat), Yaad aaye(Ugly aur Pagli), Mit Jaaye(Kidnap), Alvida(Dasvidaniya), Mar Jawaan(Fashion), Ehsaan n Zindagi(Dil Kabaddi) and Maahi(Raaz - TMC).

Dance Track of 2008 :

Pappu Cant Dance Saala(Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa)

This song is a clear winner due to the various experiments done in the song by the genius Rehman, a music freak will easily identify all of them.

Other close winners in this category were :

Shano Shano(Yuvvraaj), Dance pe Chance(Rab ne bana di jodi), Aye bachchu(Ghajini), Mastam Mastam(Yuvvraaj), Bachna ae Haseeno(Bachna ae haseeno), Talli(Ugly aur Pagli), Ae paapi(Kismat Konnection) and Race saanson ki(Race).

Best Classic Song of 2008 :

Manmohini Morey(Yuvvraaj)

Even though this was just around 3 mins song, the impact is wonderful, Vijay Prakash does a wonderful work doing the raag and alaap in the song, add to it the background vocals with classical touch by Rehman.

Other close winner was : Mann Mahona(Jodha Akbar).

Best Motivational Song of 2008 :

Dil Ka Rishta(Yuvvraaj)

There is something special in this song in terms of lyrics by Gulzar, just read these lines "Tu palke utha toh zara, rishton ki roshni toh ho, dil ko jala toh zara". Sonu Nigam as the main singer with Rehman composition makes it a song to remember.

Other close winners in this category were :

Jab tak hai dum(Halla Bol), Phatte chak lain de(Chandni Chowk To China), Khawaja mere khawaja(Jodha Akbar), Muskura(Dasvidaniya) and Jaane kyun dil(Dostana).

Item Song of 2008 :

Krazzy4(Krazzy4)

Vishal Dadlani sung it very well,but it was the video of hritik that turned all the attention on this item song which was liked by most of audience also despite the film not doing so well.

Other close winner was : Shut up n Bounce(Dostana).

Special Mention for these Songs of 2008 :

1. Kabhi Khud Pe Hasa Main - Rock On

2. Haara - Aamir

3. Azeem o Shah - Jodha Akbar

4. Bandya Ho - Khuda ke Liye

5. Tu Bole - Jaane tu ya jaane naa

Slumdog Millionaire [Views]

Director : Danny Boyle

Release Date : Jan 16th,2009

Plot :

The film is about a person Jamal Malik who lives in the slums of India,goes through various hardships of life and then one day sits on the hot seat with Anil Kapoor for the show Who wants to be a Millionaire?. He goes to show hoping that his girlfriend will be watching it and he could locate her through it. He ends up winning the money but gets accused of cheating. Did he really cheat or it was all destiny ? Will he end up finding his girlfriend and what was his earlier life before the show? Thats what Slumdog Millionaire is all about.

Pros :

Dev Patel(i.e Old Jamal) has done a very good job, especially his scene with Irfan Khan on the Q.no 2 of the show.The emotions come out so well on his face.

Freida Pinto(Latika) looks beautiful and has played her part well,though she doesnt have quite big role.

Irfan Khan impresses in a small cameo of Police inspector.

The screenplay is superb,keeps you on the edge of seat most of the time.

The slums of India are quite well captured.

The younger Jamal,Salim and Latika impresses the most in the film.

Danny Boyle has done very good job in the direction with the film,especially the way Danny tries to narrate the story about how Jamal answers most of the questions with the reference of past life is really superb.

The climax scene though you would know what is expected to come yet a special feeling does come, wanting to see him win, and its also very well shown,the enthusiasm of the people all around wanting to see if he would win or not through tv sets.It sort of reminded me of Harshavardhan of KBC,though there is no relevance of him in context of the film.

Cinematography is superb.

The background score was too good, a r rehman delivers yet another excellent score especially o saaya.

Cons :

Anil Kapoor sort of dissappointed me,firstly he was made to behave way too comically, secondly as a host he is intentionally calling a slum person chai wala again and again, and thirdly(Spoiler coming), how can he get so angry that a slum is winning a good prize and end up helping him by giving him a wrong answer during a commercial break.I really dont see any valid reason for him to do so.

Its hard to believe that the young Jamal and Salim all of a sudden start speaking English so fluently during the Taj scene.

The transformation of Old Salim in the end doesnt really look real, can call it a cinematic liberty though few extra scenes could had done well for it as the film isnt any long either.

Extras :

Dialogues were good. There ist any full song used except for Jai ho that comes during end credits,quite well choreographed. As a music album, the songs doesnt really impress but with the film they do blend in very well.Mahesh Manjerakar is sort of wasted in a small role.Saurabh Shukla was ok.

My Favourite Scenes/Dialogues :

The first dialogue that comes written on screen during start of film.

How actually Jamal knew the answer of 1st question.

The reply of Jamal to Irfan Khan when he says that this question my 5 year old daughter would also had answered but you couldnt.

The cricket question in 2nd half.

The call centre scene when Jamal sits on the seat when a executive asks him to adjust for few minutes.

The selling of autograph photo by younger Salim.

Maman murder scene.

The climax scene.

Overall, Slumdog Millionaire should be liked a lot for the performances of characters Jamal,Salim and Latika with good cameos from Irfan Khan. And above all, the narration of story by Danny Boyle.

Ratings :

Direction : 4.5 Out of 5

Screenplay : 4.25 Out of 5

Dialogues : 3 Out of 5

Cinematography : 4 Out of 5

Choreography : 3.5 Out of 5

Entertainment Value : 3.25 Out of 5

Performances : 4.25 Out of 5

Story : 4.5 Out of 5

Music : 2.75 Out of 5

Film Rating : 4 Out of 5

Recommendation : Highly recommended for filmy freaks.

Film Review : Ghajini

Last Big film of 2008, expectations were high though I knew lots of things about the film after watching Memento and I still ended up loving the film a lot which shows that a hindi film inspired from English film doesnt mean the effect of Hindi film will lessen at all.

Plot :

Its story of Sanjay Singhania(Aamir Khan) whose girlfriend has been killed and he was hit very hard with a steel rod due to which he gets a short term loss memory in which he can remember things only for 15 mins after that he forgets everything.Will Sanjay be able to get revenge of his girlfriend's death or Will his memory become a big hurdle in his search for Ghajini.

Pros :

Aamir Khan without a doubt, is flawless, every minute detailing in his scenes are visible, take the scene before kaise mujhe where he gives it extra time to make the emotions visible.Though Aamir was more lovable in the romantic part but he did full justice for the revenge part where you not only see him smashing people all around but roaring like a tiger also.

The expressions of Aamir Khan, he hardly has dialogues in the film, mostly his expressions and body movements does the talking.

Asin is completely at ease in her role, very confident and bringing lots of entertainment value in the film through her character, will give hard competition to anushka for debutant award for sure.

Climax is thrilling with few twists and turns though it isnt anything extraordinary so expectations shouldnt be too high.

Songs are brilliantly used with exception of Latoo. The Gujarish song is a treat for romantic lovers, with no major dance steps, the feel of romance is brought around so beautifully through the locations and simple expressions n hand movements of Aamir. And then watch how well 1st n 2nd antara are picturised during Behka song. Kaise Mujhe is romantic yet emotional at the same time.

Camerawork is very good, and also the opening credits though not too easy to see for light hearted people, the use of internal brain nerves shown during it.

The background score was very good.

Cons :

Could had used some other main villain, the south feel came in the looks of the villain though performance wise he was quite good.

Jiah fails to impress except for 2 scenes, she was just average.

There are some bloopers in the story if you think of it as reality, if taken as commercial way, it was perfectly fine.

Latoo song was almost wasted,either it shouldnt had been used at all or it should had been properly used.

At some places, its hard to believe that 15 mins passes away before Aamir forgets everything, though cinematic liberty can be taken here.

The length of the film could had been decreased,although I never got bored at all but still as a viewer I believe its a touch long film, should had been 15 mins short.

Climax could had been much more surprising then it turned out to be.

Extras :

Direction was good.Cinematography was superb.Action scenes were brillaint though they did looked non-real most of times and a south feel was also visible in them.

My Fav Scenes/Dialogues :

The opening sequence of Aamir Khan.

The auto scene when auto person asks Aamir about the building.

The 1st scene between Aamir and Asin where he is given comb to show his act by Asin.

When police officer tries to read 2nd diary and Aamir roars.

When Aamir checks his body tattoos in front of mirror.

The expressions of Aamir during Behka Song.

The Intermission scene.

When Jiah tries to take use of Aamir's memory loss to escape out.

Death scene of Asin,though its a emotional one.

Ghajini at house of Sanjay.

The hospital scene.

The climax scene when Aamir forgets what he was doing.

Overall, Ghajini marks a excellent end to 2008 just like Taare Zameen Par did in 2007 with Aamir and Asin as the main show stealers.

Ratings :

Direction : 4 Out of 5

Screenplay : 3.75 Out of 5

Dialogues : 3.5 Out of 5

Cinematography : 4 Out of 5

Choreography : 4.5 Out of 5

Entertainment Value : 4 Out of 5

Performances : 4.25 Out of 5

Story : 4 Out of 5

Music : 4.5 Out of 5

Film Rating : 4.15 Out of 5 (0.30 extra for the emotional and romantic part of film)

Recommendation : Watch it for Aamir and Asin's excellent performances ,you wont be dissappointed.

Music Review : Chandni Chowk To China

Music Director : Shankar Ehsan Loy

Starcast : Akshay Kumar,Deepika Padukone,Ranvir Shorey.

Chandni Chowk To China - Akshay Rap

The song is special for one main reason and that is Akshay Kumar who is very energetic as always and same is visible in this song sung by him and add to it the song sort of reminds of akshay's own real life in terms of lyrics, Composition is quite good.

Verdict : EXCELLENT and CHARTBUSTER

Chak Lain de - Kailash Kher

Composed and sung by kailash, this is a complete motivational number that will be immensely loved when seen with Film, most certainly it will be a big twist in the film in favour of Siddhu(Akshay Character name). Lyrics are fully punjabi, the vocals of kailash goes lower in the latter part of song and then its given a high pitch with chorus in the background, If well picturised, this song would be one of best ones in the songs list of most motivational songs of bollywood.

Verdict : EXCELLENT

Chandni Chowk To China - Shankar Version

The lyrics are very funnily written and works big time just due to one reason and thats the composition of the song, brillaint work from Shankar yet again, not only the experiments done in the song are great but also he himself lifts the song with his voice a lot at many parts. Special mention to the accent Neeraj brings during closing part of song and the chini background reminding of china.

Verdict : EXCELLENT and CHARTBUSTER

India Se Aaya tera Dost - Bappi Lehri

The song is quite weak in terms of audio, its good in few parts, the composition also doesnt impress either. But still since its a reworked version of bombay se aaya mera dost, the song still isnt fully dull, and the song might work well with the film too.(I liked the song a lot in starting but with regular listenings sort of fount it below the mark).

Verdict : AVERAGE

Siddhu - Kailash Kher

Very ordinary song in terms of composition though the lyrics works again but they alone cant serve the purpose for a good song. Must be introductory song of Akshay in the film,preferrably a song to be heard with film rather as a audio track.

Verdict : BELOW AVERAGE

Tere Naina - Shankar and Shreya

Shreya impresses in this track while Shankar is good too though the composition fails to make any sort of impact on me at all. Overall, a song that might be liked by romantic music lovers though it didnt work for me.

Verdict : AVERAGE

Overall, The album is brillaint in parts and average in rest. Some songs would work after the film releases.

Best Tracks :

Chandni Chowk to China both versions and Phatte chak lain de.

Recommendation : Punjabi music lovers might get more attracted towards the music.

Lyrics : 4 Out of 5

Background Music : 3.75 Out of 5

Vocals : 3.5 Out of 5

Music Rating : 3.53 Out of 5

Music Review : Raaz - the mystery continues

Maahi (Original and Rock Version)

Toshi arrives in Bollywood Industry, with his 2nd song as a singer and how he impresses! Sharib-Toshi duo have given a excellent composition that starts off slowly and builds tempo within few secs with the vocals of Toshi. Special mention to Lyricst Sayeed Qadri who has done a tremendous job in writing down the lyrics for this song. A song that has got 2 versions both having different lyrics, one is original and normal version while the other is rock version. In the original Version,its a song where the lover is expressing the pain he has got in love, wanting to get his love back. While in the rock version, its about a lover who not only shows his pain before getting love but also his happiness after getting his love, the after effects of it are so well portrayed through the song.Both versions of song to be loved by one n all.

Verdict -> EXCELLENT and Sure Shot CHARTBUSTER

Soniyo (Sonu-Shreya-Neeraj version and Krishna)

A very sweet romantic number with english vocals being done by Neeraj sridhar but its Sonu that holds the song completely throughout with very good support from Shreya towards the end. Its a song where the lover is asking his love to be there with him always no matter what situation arrives in future. Full applause to Kumaar the lyricist for doing a wonderful job. Raju singh composition works fully, best thing is that the singers are so well used in the song according to the need.Everything just fits in. A song that would be loved by romantic music freaks especially.

Verdict -> EXCELLENT AND Sure Shot CHARTBUSTER

Krishna Version works more for its lyrics as again you get to hear new version though same composition but the effect Sonu-shreya-neeraj had that is missing in this solo krishna version.

Verdict -> NICE

Kaisa yeh Raaz Hai

The Title song starts off with the theme background music heard in theatrical trailer.And then you get to hear the vocals of Kay kay.Its not a hard discotheque mystery song like Shaher of Raaz. This song sort of goes well due to the theme of this Raaz Tmc as the song composition clearly shows how the person during the song is willing to find out the mysteries but not able to get positive results as the tagline of film says - The mystery continues. The song could be a treat to watch on screen if used well.Kay kay lends his voice very well as per need of the song from low pitch in start building it to higher pitches, from the trying to solve mystery to getting desperate mode, all can be seen in this version. And special mention to composer Pranay, the sounds of "he he he , ho ho ho " that you get to hear after vocals of Kay kay lifts the song completely into the top gear. The song wont be shown most probably so I guess, it wont leave much mark until the film releases. As a Music freak, a song to be loved.

Verdict - > EXCELLENT

O Jaana

Probably, the first track of the album that doesnt impress completely. The song is good in parts, the lyrics does full justice but somehow the vocals of Kay Kay goes a touch too loud. Also, at some places theThe song does demand a person madly in love trying to express how much he loves though,must be picturised on Adhyayan in a disco i guess so might make more impact with film. Overall, a track that's average as compared to rest songs. Its a song that wont be remembered for long.

Verdict -> ABOVE AVERAGE

O Banda Re

A devotional sort song with lots of mantras used in it.Krishna impresses this time with vocals while good lyrics and special mention to composer Gaurav, there is a special feel that is created in this composition. I have visualized this song as a person who has lost all his hopes and is asking God to help him out, could be the climax song that leads to mystery solved, would love to see if this interpretation gets right or not. Overall, a song that would work more after the film only with its video.

Verdict -> VERY GOOD

Overall, The expectations are fulfilled completely with the album.Soniyo(Sonu version) and Maahi(both versions) are instant winners. While Kaisa Yeh Raaz and O Banda re would take time to impress but they eventually will. O Jaana falls short.

Best Tracks :

Maahi and Soniyo

Recommendation : If you love romantic and emotional songs, this album should be your pick.

Lyrics : 5 Out of 5

Background Music : 4.75 Out of 5

Vocals : 4 Out of 5

Music Rating : 4.18 Out of 5

Film Review : Maharathi

Director : Shivam Nair

Music Director : Shibani Kashyap

StarCast : Om Puri,Naseeruddin Shah,Paresh Rawal,Boman Irani,Neha Dhupia,Tara Sharma.

Pros :

Paresh Rawal excels in the character role,thats 2 in a row after Oye lucky lucky Oye where we get to see him in not his recent famous cum trademark of comedy over the top. Paresh hits the right note from the 1st scene itself and continues it until the last scene, a flawless performance.

Naseeruddin Shah though in a small role, still as always he leaves his mark with his natural acting, one of the few actors who totally go into the character deeply making it look as real as it can be.

Om Puri is quite effective,specially in the finale.

Screenplay is terrific during the 2nd half especially,the way things keep turning up making it a very good thriller.

Excellent Intermission scene,though I had assumed what was going to happen after it but still it was quite well done.

Dialogues are quite good, like the mauka one or naseer one in the beginning.

Cons :

The film takes time to get to the main plot,specially the 1st 20 mins, though they were essential to develop the story but as compared to rest portion,it formed a weak link.

Some of the scenes are predictable, be it interval or pre climax scene.

Few questions like Property Transfer and Climax scene which may be I couldnt interpret or it wasnt shown properly .

Boman's Character could had been used in a better way.

Extras :

Tara Sharma was good as her character demanded a face which looks too innocent and straightforward though her voice did irritate at times. Boman Irani gives a nice performance in not so well written role. Direction is good though could had been more better at certain portions of the film.

My Fav Scenes :

Paresh's Atm Machine trick.

The meeting of Naseeruddin,Paresh and Neha together.

The Interval scene.

The Pre Climax entire scene.

Suggestions :

Could had cut the 1st 20 mins story into 10 mins and made it more thrilling. Also, Boman's character should had been properly written.

Overall, Maharathi is a very good thriller which could had been even more better but Nevertheless,you wont regret watching the film at all.

Ratings :

Direction : 3.75 Out of 5

Screenplay : 3.75 Out of 5

Dialogues : 3.5 Out of 5

Cinematography : 3 Out of 5

Performances : 4 Out of 5

Story : 3 Out of 5

Film Rating : 3.5 Out of 5

Recommendation : Watch it if you like thrillers,dont have sky high expectations though.

Sorry Bhai Movie Analysis: Decent, let down by writing

Movie Review of Sorry Bhai

Decent thanks to performances of Sharman Joshi, Chitrangda Singh, Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani and Onir's direction but the average character development lets the movie down.

Directed by: Onir

IMDb link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1327833/

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Spoilers ahead...

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Plot: A romantic comedy-drama involving two brothers and the same love interest

Siddharth (Sharman Joshi), looking to fly a dog through his new theory "everything is alive," sets off on a journey to Mauritius with his mother, Gayatri Mathur (Shabana Azmi), and father, Navin Mathur (Boman Irani). The journey is to attend the marriage of his brother, Harshvardhan Mathur (Sanjay Suri), who is in love with Aaliyah (Chitrangda Singh). They spend one week in Mauritius, during which Aaliyah tries to get close to Harsh's family, as she had been deprived of parental love. Harsh has changed a lot over the past five years, giving more time to his career for a better life instead of Aaliyah, and Aaliyah misses the old loving Harsh. Somehow, she manages to find that love in Harsh's brother, Siddharth. But what will happen when Harsh comes to know about it? The story deals with various emotions of these five characters who are quite different from each other yet close to each other.

What Works: Onir's Direction and Performances of Sharman Joshi, Chitrangda Singh, Shabana Azmi, and Boman Irani

• The chemistry between Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani is simply superb!
• Chitrangda Singh looks stunning in many scenes and gives a good performance too. Not having seen Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, I can't make any comparison.
• The complex theme is quite well handled by Onir; it is not easy to show a person falling in love with his own brother's fiancée.
• Onir brings some unusual comic touches at various places to keep the main theme from making a major impact on the brain.
• Sharman Joshi gives yet another good performance with complete ease.

What doesn't work: Underwhelming character of Sanjay Suri and the attraction arc towards Siddharth for Aaliyah not executed well

•      Sanjay Suri's character gets underutilized a touch in the end.
•      Chitrangda's character could have been more properly written; her sudden affection for Siddharth after the postponement of the marriage didn't come out too well.

My Favorite Scenes in Sorry Bhai

• All scenes between Gayatri and Navin.
• The scene where Siddharth admits his mistake to his brother Harshvardhan.
• The scene where Aaliyah tries to control her feelings in front of the mirror.

Final Verdict: Good film minus weak character development of Aaliyah and Harshvardhan

Overall, Sorry Bhai is a decent romantic comedy film in terms of performances and emotions. However, when you think about it realistically, there's no doubt you would feel that the path followed by Aaliyah wasn't right; she should have given time for her differences to settle with Harsh instead of falling completely in love with Harsh's brother. One section of the audience would agree with this, while another wouldn't.

My Rating: 6/10

Also, Read my Take on Bommarillu

Bommarillu Movie Analysis: Siddharth and Genelia shine

Movie Review of Bommarillu

One of the classic regional movies that you just cannot miss for Siddharth and Genelia D'Souza's excellent chemistry.

Directed by: Bommarillu Baskar
IMDb link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0843326/

"Anthena.  Inkem kaveli? Vellu aeithe nalugu maatallu kudhirithe cup coffee."

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Spoilers ahead...

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I ended up watching my first regional film (Telugu). Initially, I was doubtful if I could even understand the film with subtitles. At the start of the film, I found it tough to adjust to the subtitles with the Telugu language of the actors. However, within a few minutes, I adjusted well and enjoyed the movie and the feel of the characters fully.

Plot: Siddu and His Dominating Father, Finds Love in Hasini

"Bommarillu" is a film about a guy named Siddu (Siddharth) who feels his father has complete control over his life—what he wears, how he eats, how he talks. He feels that his preferences are not valued; only his father's opinions matter. Despite this, Siddu decides that two things won't be decided by his father: his career and his love life. He wants his ideal girl to have many qualities, and one day he meets Hasini (Genelia D'Souza). He falls in love at first sight. Slowly, he develops a friendship with her, and they end up in love. However, Siddu is already engaged due to his father's wishes. When his father learns about Hasini, he asks Siddu to invite her to their home for seven days. If he cannot find a single fault in her, he will permit Siddu to marry Hasini.

Powerful Performances: Genelia's Lively Character and Her Chemistry with Siddharth

I loved how the characters of both Siddharth and Genelia are portrayed in the film. Genelia plays a chatterbox who keeps speaking without a pause, with a cute voice, very naughty, and unable to keep secrets. She makes friends with everyone, even the ice cream vendor and the golgappa seller. Her way of introducing herself: "Ha ha Hasini." Her phone codes: "Ring a Roses" or "Ring a Ring a Roses." The funniest habit of hers is the superstition that if someone's head strikes hers, she must strike it again intentionally, or that person will have horns on their head.

Siddharth plays the role of a sad guy in search of happiness, frustrated with things, and he finally finds that happiness in Hasini's love. His expressions work big time throughout the film. He dances well too, though I don't know much about South Indian movies and their dances.

Climax: Siddu's Father's Change of Heart Happens Too Rapidly

The climax scene, where Siddu expresses his feelings to his father, is impactful but somewhat unrealistic. In real life, such a sudden change of heart is rare. It usually takes time for such changes to happen.

Favorite Scenes: Involving Siddu and Genelia

The intermission scene is simply awesome, accompanied by the background sound of the song "Pari nishtha ga ma pa ni ni." (I can't write more Telugu words.) The ice cream scene is one of my favorites— love the expressions Siddharth and Genelia make during that scene. Then, their first head strike meeting, the bus joke, jumping off a moving bus, the coffee drinking style, the dinner table prayer scene, and many more.

Final Verdict: A Regional Movie You Must Watch at Least Once

Overall, "Bommarillu" is a wonderful romantic comedy film to watch with a dose of family drama, especially if it's your first regional film. You won't want a better film than this to start with. However, I wonder how Harman would play Siddharth's role in the Hindi remake.

And yes, I learned a few Telugu words too:

Go: Po
What: Yedpat
You: Nuvvu

My Rating: 8.5/10