Film Review : Soundtrack

Rajeev Khandelwal, two films, Aamir and Shaitan, which may not have set boxoffice on fire, but both films were very much appreciated.. and most importantly, his performances were loved a lot in both the films, especially by me. Hence, the expectation level increases, and the fact that the story is kind of motivating about a deaf person getting glory. But for a change, the film dissappointed, his performance was still quite good, though some problems were visible in the character sketch and portrayal of DJ Raunak.

DJ Raunak(Rajeev Khandelwal) comes to Mumbai, with a dream like any other guy comes here. His dream is to make it big in the music industry, he has the talent and knowledge of the music. His father was also involved in it. But Raunak, gets too much involved in the bad side of the city.. and before he could notice it, he loses his hearing ability. How he struggles, and fights back to glory is the film all about.

The first problem the film has, is the documentary feel given to the film with those numerous artists talking about Ranuak, what he was, what he became, where he is now etc etc. It certainly was over-done and at a point became irritating too, some shots specially were bad enough to be left out.

The other problem is the slow pace. Too many silent scenes, and also the alter ego of Raunak in form of Joker, those scenes were not helping the screenplay in any way. One conversation was enough between them, after that just his presence would have said a lot what role he plays.

All this resulted in.. not having the feeling of sympathy for Raunak, its just there and about, but never really comes well as it should had. Also, a part of it is to do with character sketch of Raunak, one wonders if it was really required to show him drinking again after knowing his one ear is gone, when the reason for his 2nd ear to go too was gonna be something else other than the alcohol.

Editing wasn't good. Camera-work was good, some nice stylish shots taken especially the one with Raunak smoking a cigg and having beer at same time. Direction by first timer Neerav Ghosh was inconsistent, good in patches, he didn't tackle the journey till the hearing problem occurs efficiently.

The best moments of the film ---
• The opening sequence of the film, the way Raunak watches and listens to various sounds all around starting from the crossing of two trains over the bridge.
• The bonding between Charlie and Raunak, was very good.
• The Gauri-Raunak chemistry, she lended a life into the movie.
• The firecracker scene involving Raunak.
• Fakira and Manzil song picturisation.
• Raunak in a song performance place, for first time learns how to feel the music through touch of hands.

The songs were well used in the film, especially Fakira and Manzil my most favs. Also, what the f! was stylish, while Ruk jaana nahi served its right purpose.

Performances wise,

Rajeev Khandelwal is quite good yet again, specially in the post interval part, in the 1st part at places he did appear a bit awkward.

Soha Ali Khan delivers a very good performance, though her dialogue delivery which is kept specially for this character was a not that pleasing to listen in the beginning. But she does lift the film up with her performance in the 2nd half.

Mrinalini Sharma hardly has much to do in the film. She was pretty much average.

Manu Rishi was good in a small cameo of doctor's role. Mohan Kapoor impresses a lot as a friend who cares for Raunak, and at same time doesn't like his bad activities.


Overall, Soundtrack has a weak 1st half, but the 2nd half gives some kind of relief. But not the kind of film you expected from a Rajeev Khandelwal starrer...


Verdict : Average

Film Review : Rascals

I kind of liked David Dhawan's last two films Do Knot Disturb(which wasn't really liked by majority of audience) and Partner(which was a hit). With Rascals, he has again taken a step completely backwards.

Its hard to think, that you should criticise the film for its cheapness or not. Because when the title itself is 'Rascals' and going by the promos, they always promoted the film or made the film on that lines.But, I still couldn't accept all the cheap acts that happens in the film, especially involving Kangana Ranaut.

Surely, Ajay  Devgan and Sanjay Dutt give in very good performances together. At places, which its bound to happen in such a film, they go over the top and loud. Kangana Ranaut, I doubt anyone would like in this role, playing a role of dumb girl, who is willingly doing anything the two rascals would ask her to. I won't even describe that in detail here.

Lisa Haydon is also limited to skin show in the small part she has in this film. Hiten Paintal gets no scope even in a supporting character. Arjun Rampal fails mainly because he is given some of the worst possible witty lines to enact in the film. While Satish Kaushik, the reliable man most often in comedy films, also dissappoints in a scene that is completely over the top.

The title track and shake it saiiyyan are the only tracks worth liking in the film, which comes at right places. Rest songs are more or less forced.


Overall, Rascals is a good watch for you, if you like the 'cheap oriented films'. Else, most likely you are gonna get irritated with the comedy, the gags that work very less. Only thing you would say is, can comedy be created only by keeping a dumb character ?

Verdict : Poor 

Har ek 'Film Viewer' zaroori hota hai ...

If I go about classfying the film viewers we have, especially in India. Then it would most probably be

• Intellectual
These viewers, watch films intensely and passionately. They like to note every point in a movie and then discuss with fellow friends. For them it doesn't matter whether its a serious film like Black Friday, or a dark humour like Yeh Saali Zindagi, or a slapstick like Hey Baby. Every film holds its own importance, is the mantra.

• Critical
These viewers, are more of inclined to see what they didn't like in the film, and more often they would compare the hindi films with hollywood, how much copied it is etc. Actually, in a way they too form the 'intellectual' viewers group, but with a wee bit of difference that they focus more on a certain aspect during a film, while watching it or while analysing it later. A large section of this group belongs to 'reviewers or critics' who write for various sites, or newspapers or work as film journalist on tv channels.

• Time-pass
They just want entertainment. It doesn't matter if the comedy is slapstick, if the drama is going over the top, or if there is a item song coming at anywhere in the film. Just entertain them, no social messages and no preaching/lecturing. These are more or less, the aam janta, the family audiences who watch films every sunday or most often labelled as 'popcorn' audience.

• Genre Basis
If you classify time-pass viewers further, then you would get these viewers who watch films based on genres i.e Romantic/Thriller/Action/Drama/Family/Emotional/Art/Path-Breaking/Animation etc etc. They incline themselves to either one particular genre or maybe two/three, and would not watch rest genre films, especially in theatre. You would often see a clash between a romantic viewer opinion with a thriller viewer opinion.

• Fans/Haters
These viewers watch the film based on their liking/disliking towards a celebrity. The former is very clear, a fan is bound to go and see their favourite celeb films. While the latter is surprising but it does happen, the haters go to see the movie so that they can come and then rip apart the film on online forums, social sites or their friends, and if nothing then blog it.


The clashes does make it ugly often, whether its between intellectual and critical or critical with fans/haters, or any other. But, all these viewers together institute the collections of a film boxofficewise, and also in terms of cinema watchers these all provide varied opinions on almost every film. Just think of it, can you even name a single film that was loved by 100% audience, even Sholay/DDLJ are disliked by a section of people.

Every person will have a particular take on a film, it may be baised, it may be personal, it may be critical, or it maybe thoughtful but at the end of the day .. they all are just presenting and sharing their views. Just imagine, if you remove 'Critical' section.. wont the fans/haters or intellectual or other section miss them. Because they are very much used to their views. Like or dislike, they will always read/listen the views.. so what if they disagree or abuse them in the end.

If you ask me, I kind of dislike every viewer that doesn't see film properly, or analyse atleast 75% of it, if not fully. The time-pass and fans/haters section irritate me the most. While if you know me, then you would know my opinion about critics, but at the end of the day.. they are bound by their duties, their life, their earning.. though I sometimes do believe that Film Reviewing should be limited to sharing views at best, and not a job based, where audience decide to watch a film or not by your views. Yes, good writing skills does make you applicable for Review Writing jobs, but you can even use those skills for debating on endless topics about films or celebs, rather than writing how a newly released film is. Aneways, this is a never ending topic.

Even there are many cases, when two intellectuals or two critics would differ with each other. So, clashes dont just happen among different section of viewers, but also with the same section of viewers too.

In the end point is that the film viewing has been and will always be divided among these groups, and hence we are always going to see opinion on a film divided, only difference would be, the magntitude!

----
Yash.

Music Review : Rockstar

His last three albums were 'Blue', 'Jhootha Hi Sahi' and 'Raavan'. While, he was good in all, specially the latter two. He was yet below the kind of work he did in Delhi6 or pre Delhi6. Plus, these three albums didn't appeal to the masses, which his previous albums were doing. Rahman's working way is simple, as I just read in a interview recently - 'I make music, you like it, you take it, you don't like it, don't take it. I keep making music and I like doing it.'

The album has 11 tracks and with 3 background themes. Also, read in one interview, there will be 6-7 extra music pieces to hear in the film too. By now, you can easily guess, this is a completely musical film, and in safe hands of Imtiaz Ali.

You always have a long list of singers to sing in a album, ofcourse deep inside a voice says, come on give my fav singer more songs in this album. But you crave for variety always. In that case, you will be dissappointed. Mohit Chauhan has been kept as the voice of Jordan(Ranbir Kapoor) in the film. Hence, whenever Jordan will sing in the film, the voice behind it will always be of Mohit. Out of 11 tracks, 9 are from Mohit himself. While 2 are entirely female tracks. Karthik, Javed Ali and AR Rahman give company to Mohit in some tracks.

Saadda Haq 
'I have the right to be myself and I will claim my right.'

The song has a angst feeling right from the moment the song begins, from the use of guitar, to the words, to the composition and to the way its sung. Jordan here questions the world, he must have been dissappointed by the society, by the people a lot. His only fault was, he tried to be himself. He wants to live the way he wants, and no one has the right to tell him how he has to live.

High guitar to begin the song, then a complete change in variation of guitar, and drums start as Mohit Chauhan begins 'tum logo ki iss duniya mein' ...  In lines 'Mann bole, mann bole.. mann se jeena ya mar jaana', Jordan conveys, how he wants to live. There are 2 versions in the song, in first half, he just questions everyone, as his anger is slowly coming out. Then, there is a 'no singing' 43 second piece, which then leads to a new tempo. And now we have Jordan, who has conveyed enough with a anger that was visible but restricted, He is about to unleash much more now to the people who questioned him or his deeds, and look how he does it, 'O ecofriendly nature ke rakshak, main bhi hoon nature.. Tera DARR, Tera PYAAR, Teri WAAH tu hi RAKH, RAKH SAALA'. He has told them now, that I dont need ur hatred, ur love, ur appreciation, I am free from you all now. Mohit Chauhan's singing,  guitar work by Orianthi, use of drums,  lyrics by Irshad..  everything contributes to a great composition by Rahman. Epic Song!

Jo Bhi Main 
'I wanna say so much to you, but I am not able to tell them properly through my words'.

Here, Jordan is travelling(as seen in promo and read in a article), he is trying to communicate with new and different people. The song goes deeper into the thoughts of Jordan about this world with 'kabhi mujhe lage ke jaise, saara hi yeh jahan hai jaadu, jo hai bhi aur nahi bhi hai yeh'. Continuing further, he says 'maine yeh bhi socha hai aksar, tu bhi main bhi, sab hi hai sheeshe.. khud hi ko hum sabhi mein dekhe'... as he believes we should try to see our image in other people, to make this a beautiful world. And finally ends with 'mujhe paana, paana hai khud ko'.. as his entire journey is more of to discover himself in this world, and not the world.

The song begins with a guitar, and alaap of 'ya ya ya .. o ho ho o o', and Mohit takes over with 'Jo bhi main kehna chahun, barbaad kare alfaaz mere'. Also, 'cha na na cha na na ' alaap used very well after end of 1st part of song. And then a work with guitar in final secs of song, along with crowd chorus. Yet again, Wonderful Composition by Rahman.

Tum Ho 
'You are here with me, You will always stay with me. You are mine.'

Jordan dedicates this song to Heer, the love of his life. He tells his feelings, the kind of deep love he is in with her through 'tumko jitna mehsoos karu, utna hi paa bhi lun'. The level of romance increases in 2nd part as Jordan says 'kahin se kahin ko bhi aao bewajah chale, pooche bina kisi se, hum mile'. And in final part, he tells that the world can't snatch her away from him, as she is very much a part of his soul now... 'Tum.. bhi ho main'.

Mohit Chauhan revisits you to 'Tumse hi' days, with this track. His voice makes 'Tum ho' very romantic. Special mention to the alaap 'ho ho ho ... tum hoo o  o o  o' , the song begins with it, and it comes two times more in the song. Also, the female chorals used in the song gives it a added romantic touch. The song would be loved a lot by romantic music lovers, as it has every ingedrient from romantic lyrics to the soulful feel to the composition that keeps the mood throughout the track.

Nadaan Parindey 
'Come back to your home, how much will you run away..'

AR Rahman sings major portion of the track, so Jordan wont be seen singing it. It would be a song based on Jordan, pretty much as a background, with few lines(significant) sung by Jordan too in the end. There is a certain appeal made to Jordan in this song, to come back to his home, to stop all the travelling. 'Sau dard badan pe pheley hai, har karm ke kapde mailey hai' .. you have suffered a lot, and hence need to move away..  'koi bhi le rasta, tu hai tu main basta, apne hi ghar ayega tu'.. whatever path you follow, your identity is always going to be 'you'. And then the lines Jordan sings 'kaga re kaga mori itni araj tose, chun chun khaiyo maas, arajiya re, khayion na tu naina more, piya ke milan ki aas' , Requesting to the bird, to eat his body's flesh but not his eyes, as he wishes to see Heer through them.

The song begins with guitar, and the drum beats takes it to a feel of request as the whole song is based on. 'ghar aaja,ghar aaja,ghar aaja,ghar aaja', repitition of these 2 words by rahman gives more impact to the request. The final lines by Mohit, one may argue shifts the composition a bit, but the context if referred to would give it a deeper meaning and very romantic too. Superb work by Rahman once again!

Kun Faaya Kun
'Be it is.. you accepted me, when no one liked me.' 

Whenever its a religious or divine kind of song.. I get very conscious because I dont easily connect to them being a non-religious person. I didnt have any great liking for the song Rahman did in Delhi6 either. But here, he completely gives me goosebumps with this song.  Rahman and Javed begin this qawalli, where Jordan has come to seek blessing or to stay as he is homeless(as seen in promos). 'jab kahin pe kuch nahi bhi nahi tha, wahin tha, wahin tha, wahin tha'..

Just like the last song, Rahman changes gears in this composition, taking the song to a new level. Here, it happens twice. Once when Mohit i.e Jordan enters the song, and 2nd, when Javed Ali builds a high tempo portraying what Jordan now feels about the dargah where he has been now living since some time and become a part of it. 'kar de mujhe mujhse hi rihaa.. mujhse hi rihaa', Jordan wants to meet with himself, by being himself. And 'tu ne mujhe banaya, main toh jag ko na bhaaya, tu ne gale se lagaya, haq tu hi hai khudaya'.. you accepted me, you have every right on me. Also, special mention to tablaJaved Ali, Mohit Chauhan and Rahman together bring that divine feeling in this fantastic composition.

Sheher Mein
'I am in your city, come and meet me atleast.' 

Now, an album without a track that has Rahman written all over it, in terms of complete experimentation would be incomplete. So, this track fills that void. When was the last time, you heard a song composed about 3 people, one composer, 1 singer and 1 lyricist(I am assuming else another singer it would be) discussing how the song should be sung, with their comments along side.. all this made into one composition. That is 'Sheher mein'.

Karthik begins the song, a comment comes from the composer about how well he sang. Mohit i.e Jordan's turn to sing.. but the composer feels sur missing. Composer praises the lyricist, whenever he sings the song i.e Karthik. When Jordan sings again, composer again dislikes with 'Tum sun nahi rahe ho yaar..'.  Now, composer asks Mohit to increase the last word alaap. That's another of my fav part from the song. Then, comes the re-tone part. In terms of lyrics, the song is limited.. its pretty much a situational song, which would be a practice song for Jordan at a particular phase of his musical life. This track is bound to be loved by the people who are aware of  experiments Rahman does in a particular song deliberately.

Tum Ko
'No need to find me as now you will find me everywhere.. I am there with you'. 

This is female version of 'Tum Ho'. Infact, it can be slighly referred as girl's answer to the boy's feelings in the other song.. but not completely, as lyrics differ at places. One familiar thing in this song is the same alaap 'ho o o o oo o .. tum ho o  oo o'. The song presents Heer's feelings for Jordan. It may come in film when they are together, or it may come when Jordan has gone far away(which is most likely in my view). 'Tum ho, tabhi toh .. kahin bhi ab na dhoondhna mujhe, main har jagah milungi tujhe'  and 'Tum ko, paa hi liya, maine yoon, jaise main hoon ehsaas tera'.. both lines presents how much the love is from girl's side too after we heard Jordan before.

The song begins more on a light note, with just background, no use of instruments.. and once Kavita completes 1st few lines, sarangi and tabla combo make a terrific feel, I would go on to say a bit of classical touch comes through it. Also, this is one of the few female songs in the album, and Kavita Subramanium does full justice to the track.

Aur Ho
'I feel uncomfortable, I am not able to think what I should do, I feel helpless'. 

The song reflects the feelings of Jordan, who wants to get lost into Heer completely. He doesn't want to control his feelings, but he isn't sure what he should do in this moment... 'tujhe pehli baar main milta hoon har dafa, meri bebasi ka bayaan hai' .. his helplessness only increases. Infact the song can work in two ways, either it can be a romantic track between Jordan and Heer, getting close to each other or it can be a romantic-emotional track with Jordan and Heer away from each other.

'Rokey se na ruke na thake, aandhi si jo chale inn saanson ki, pata bhi na chale, kahan pe kya jale' .. the pain keeps increasing, Jordan doesn't know how to rest his feelings. Very Good composition again, Mohit sings it well with Alma giving female chorals at places. I feel the lyrics here overpowers the composition.

Kateya Karoon
'We are gonna have fultoo fun, non-stop masti. I love spending time with you'. 

This is 2nd song of the album, where Jordan has no contribution in singing. Its Heer's fun song with Jordan, where she witnesses some 'masti' moments including some naughty ones with Jordan. She won't control herself, and do various activities that she may not have done before in her life. 'Hadh karun, hadh karun, mainu darr nahi hun jag da, tere layi hun jiyun te marun'.. Heer isn't afraid of anyone, she probably feels the love for Jordan for 1st time here.

Harshdeep Kaur has done good work with her singing. You would once again notice the Rahman's change of tempo in a song again here. As in the final minute, there is a complete change in background arrangements and the vocals too. This song would more or less be better with visuals than as a audio, mainly because the lyrics are bit repetitive, and a fun song always look good with visuals. (Its video is a proof as the song made more impact to me there than as audio it did)

Phir se Udh Chala 
'I have given up on so many of my dreams, but they still fly along with me.. my journey has begun.'

Jordan has set himself on a journey, as he sings 'phir se udh chala udh ke chora hai jahan neeche'. He isnt going to stop anywhere.  'banu raavan, jiyu marr marr ke.. kabhi din hai raat, kabhi din din hai.' wonders Jordan as the memories of Heer try to change his way.

This could be the only song where the composition didn't impress me fully, the lyrics are super once more, and so is the way Mohit handles the vocals. The start and ending of the song is very good, its the arrangements done in the middle that leave lot more to desire for. But, I have a feeling this could be that one song like 'Main kya hoon of Love aaj Kal' with which you connect after watching the film much more.

Haawa Haawa
'Folk song on a story based on King and Queen'

Jordan attends a folk based culture place, and participates in this song that reflects Queen's state who likes to be free and not limited to King's place. Another song that I would like to see with visuals, there have been many songs before based on portraying a small story within a song. Composition is pretty good, like the way Rahman uses female chorals alongside Jordan, to present queen like the anger part.

The Dichotomy of Fame,Tango for Taj and The Meeting Place

You can only guess in what context Jordan says the dialogue 'pata hai yahan se bahut door, galat aur sahi ke paar, ek maidaan hai.. main wahan milunga tujhe'. It could be a real conversation with Heer or it could be a dreamy conversation too. Good background theme, focus kept mainly on dialogue, so less arrangements done in music, keeping it simple and soft romantic.

Tango for Taj is a good theme, though the middle portion is much better than the start or end.

The Dichotomy of Fame is the best out of all these 3 themes. It so easily signifies the rise of a person, i.e Jordan here. And I like that they used it entirely on basis of Shehnai, quite a experiment that.



One man I would like to give most credit which I gave less in all songs, would be 'Irshad Kamil'. He has written some wonderful lyrics for all songs, infact the latter songs in my review, its his lyrics that made me like those songs more than the compositions. While in 'Sadda Haq', 'Jo bhi main', 'Kun faaya kun' and 'Nadaan Parindey', he is simply fantaastic.

Overall, Rockstar album lives upto the expectations any Rahman music lover would have. There is not a single song that I didn't like at all in the whole album. As long as you can adjust with the voice behind Jordan, you are bound to accept Jordan and love his voice!


Verdict : Memorable 


P.S - From this review onwards, I have started a new way of expressing my fav songs. I will always write about songs I love the most first, and slowly move to the ones I liked least.





This was my 100th blogpost, started since July, 2008 and still going. What I still desire for is 'Consistency'. The journey has just begun ... 

Film Review : Maqbool

A much pending film. Heard a lot of praise for it, and to be frank.. its only the afterthought I had about the film that made me like the film much more, than I actually did while watching it. Sometimes you take time to appreciate what you just saw.

I have no idea about Macbeth. So, it was a total new story for me. One famous gangster of Mumbai i.e Abbaji(Pankaj Kapur) who has lot of name in his area. While Maqbool(Irffan Khan) is one of his loyals. The mistress of Abbaji, Nimi(Tabu) is in awe of Maqbool. Only way Maqbool can get her, is by killing Abbaji. He has to choose either Nimi or loyalty towards Abbaji. He chooses Nimi, but little does he know.. how much badly it will affect him later. 

There are three things that I have noticed a lot in Vishal Bharadwaj films. One is the opening sequence is so artistic always, how we see a mirror on which someone is making some design, which later is found to be 'Pandit' doing all the time in the film. 2ndly, the dark theme he brings out of scenes, sometimes he even goes into using very dark setting, very less visibility. Both the starting sequence and the Abbaji killing sequence are a proof of it. And Lastly, the way he uses Sound in his films. No doubt, the main theme is so great, and wonderfully used at various places. The final sequence to me was spectacular both in terms of visuals and sound. 

I like almost every song in the film. Ru ba ru is my fav both audio and the way its filmed. The song that has Nimi crying, was a bit over-dramatic for me. Liked the way they mix mujra and the engagement dances going on at same time. 

Also, special mention to the cinematography, some shots are very beautifully shot. 

The best moments of the film --- 

• Abbaji with Devasare in police station. Pankaj Kapur is amazing here! 

• The entire Ru-ba-ru song.

• Abbaji dealing with a person who went against him. 

• Almost each scene of the Corrupt cops, Purohit and Pandit.

• Nimmi askin Maqbool to kill Abbaji. 

• Maqbool and Kaka sequence after death of Abbaji

• The feeling of guilt on face of Maqbool, as well as Nimmi for the sin they committed. Infact its so brilliantly showed, Maqbool's 'khoon' scene or the Nimi's washing blood from wall or the bestest scene of film where Maqbool hears some music playing with Abbaji there. 

• The entire climax sequence starting from Maqbool bringing Nimi home and the final gun shot. 

Infact, Saheb Biwi aur Gangster which I saw recently was so much similar to this film. Ofcourse Maqbool is much better than it. 

Performances wise, 

Pankaj Kapur delivers fantastic performance. I was in complete awe watching him in each and every frame. Specially the character traits and mannerisms, so much real. Of all the films I have seen of him, this performance stands out.

Irrfan Khan is a amazing actor, So brilliantly he showcases the fear feeling in starting part of film, to a person who has risen up, and has got power in hands, to a person full of guilt. Specially love the scene, where he is surprised by what Nimi is doing in the final sequence.

Tabu was very good. Though, her character being the central one, was of least interest to me. But without her Maqbool wont stand either. 

Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah, when these two powerful actors come together, its bound to be special. Both play corrupt cops so efficiently. My fav scene, where Om Puri is explaining what Shani does, and how Naseeruddin Shah queries about it. 

Ajay Gehi and Piyush Mishra stand out in rest of the supporting cast. I wonder why Ajay Gehi hasn't been regular in films. I quite much liked his performance. 

I read one Imdb comment stating that Pankaj Kapur is very under-rated actor, not to get the popularity which Om Puri or Naseerudin Shah have got. I pretty much agree to it, also I feel he is so under-used actor.

Overall, Maqbool has wonderful direction with good screenplay, and powerful performances. It may not be my favourite Vishal Bharadwaj film, which Kaminey and 7 Khoon Maaf are. But it definately goes into the list of good movies done by Vishal. 

'shakti ka santulan bahut zaroori hai sansaar mein, aag ke liye paani ka darr bane rehna chahiye '

Verdict : Very Good 

Battle of the Top5 - Bring it on!

The top5 male actors in Hindi Film Industry are - Aamir, Shahrukh, Salman, Hrithik and Akshay. I know everyone have their favs, and also different orders. But these are the main big stars, with a massive fan following. All of them are coming next year with films that everyone are looking forward to.

Has it happened before ever, when each of them had 1 film in a year at same time ? Also, if at all it happened(I cant recall though), then were those films as big as this time they are. Let me write down the list first.

Aamir Khan 
• 'Untitled film', directed by Reema Kagti, starring Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor. Music by Ram Sampath(Delhi Belly fame)
• 'Dhoom3', directed by Vishal Krishna Acharya, starring Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra. Music by Pritam

Shahrukh Khan
• 'Untitled film', directed by Yash Chopra, starring Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. Music by AR Rahman

Salman Khan
• 'Ek tha Tiger', directed by Kabir Khan, starring Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey. Music by Sohail Sen

Hrithik Roshan
• 'Agneepath', directed by Karan Malhotra, starring Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra, Rishi Kapoor. Music by Ajay-Atul.

Akshay Kumar 
• 'Once upon a time in Mumbaai2', directed by Milan Luthria, starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid/Imran(no one finalled yet).
• 'Rowdy Rathore', directed by Prabhu Deva, starring Sonakshi Sinha.


You expect a thriller with Aamir back in cop uniform in reema's film with two big actresses alongside. And then the much talked about dhoom3, how would a actor like aamir portray the famous run-chase series.

Yash Chopra returns to direction with Shahrukh as lead, Rahman's music, Gulzar's lyrics.. Did you wanted anything else? Dont be greedy!

Salman in a yashraj film, back with Katrina Kaif. A pair that is yet to set the stage on fire. Kabir Khan has impressed in the past with his work. And then, talks are that film is inspired from Bourne Series, means some new action, fast action to be precise. Dont we love Salman doing action roles! And mind you, with Kabir Khan as director, one can assume it wont be another bodyguard tragic.  Music by Sohail Sen(pritam gave up because of too much work load), will also be much to look forward to with Whats ur rashee and Mere Brother ki Dulhan, two great soundtracks in a row.

'Naam vijay dinnanath chauhan', the first trailer created immense buzz. And we are craving for so much more.. The battle between Vijay Dinnanath Chauhan and Kaancha Cheena resumes after nearly 20 years  gap. Will the makers live upto their promises that this film has just the same soul with different treatment and dialogues. If yes, then we are in for a very good film, who doesn't like to see REVENGE films, I specially do. With Madhvi's role stretched in this version of agneepath, Priyanka Chopra gets a lot to offer too. And Rishi Kapoor's negative track. The aarti used in the trailer was impressive, so Ajay-Atul may have a winner in music too(Singham their last film).

Akshay Kumar, we are tired of all silly comedies, and he isnt getting success either in them. So, he returns in two action films, sequel to Once upon a time in Mumbaai2 by Milan Luthria, the role is tailor made for him and hence the expectations rises. Then, Rowdy Rathore has Prabhu Deva with his 2nd film after Wanted, we may finally see the return of Khiladi with this film(Tashan had few glimpses).

Phew, that is so much to look forward to. And if all this isnt enough.. Then, there is Shanghai, Barfee, Jannat2, Bol Bacchan, Raaz3 also lined up in 2012, where Actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi, Abhay Deol, Abhishek Bachchan are gonna give fight to these top5.

Also, its a big year for Katrina Kaif, who is paired against Shahrukh, Salman and Aamir, each of them in yashraj starrers.

One thing is for sure, the eyes are on how well these 5 actors compete in 2012. Whoever wins the battle at Box Office, here's wishing that the quality of these films lives upto the hype and expectations that will build as the release comes near of each of the mentioned films....

Yash~ 

Rockstar Album - Preview

I want to write a music review, but I wont hurry up.. Music always requires time to impress. Though most of the songs in this case have got my thumbs up already. Still, how strong is the repeat power usually describes a quality album.

To have Mohit Chauhan sing as Ranbir's voice in the film already was a great step, initially surprising but later I found it a awesome news. Come on see it from the point of film, in a musical film like this.. you couldn't have taken any better step than this. 

Out of 14 songs, 9 are sung by Mohit Chauhan, 2 are female songs and 3 background themes. 'Tum Ho' and 'Tum Ko' blend so beautifully with each other, former is boy's feelings for the girl, while the latter is girl's feeling for the boy. Infact girl track appears like a answer to the boy's love track. 'Nadaan Parindey' more like plead to the person to return back. 'Hawa Hawa' is a narration of some book story, could be a performance with kids, but I aint really sure about it yet. 'Sheher mein' is Rahman trademark, no doubts on it.. completely different and experimental.  'Aur Ho', is a sad rock song.. person going through too many things. 

'Kun Faaya Kun' is possibly the defining moment of the film, when rockstar is born at the steps of religious place, seeking blessings and finding himself. 'Jo bhi main' and 'Sadda Haq' are the outstanding tracks for me, didnt took time to love them. The former is on knowing the people around, and how he is not able to present his views properly through his words while the latter song is the angst against people. 'Phir se udh chala' and 'Kateya Karoon' are yet to catch up on me, though they are good tracks too, but not addicted yet to them.  And then the 3 themes.. all are good but my fav is 'Dichotomy of fame', too good! 

Also on twitter I read some people saying, quality of Rahman's songs decreasing. I mean if you said this for Blue I could understand it, even Jhootha hi Sahi was to slight extent agreeable. But how can you say this for 'Rockstar'.. some criticism is so unacceptable. Khair, I guess ignore is the only way out.. 

I think the music is in hands of good director 'Imtiaz ali', who should not fail to use it in the film properly. My expectations from the film are sky high, and if everything goes the right way, with no stupid melodrama or over the top stuff.. then it should be my best film of 2011. Btw Rockstar album already is the best one of this year now, since Jan it was 7 Khoon Maaf for me, Ra One came very close to beat it, but Rockstar managed to do it so easily. within 2 days. 

Bring on Rockstar this 11.11.11  .. 

Sadda Haq 

Aithe Rakh