Mausam

Mausam - Movie Review

‘Mausam’ was one of the most awaited films of 2011. Expectation from the film was sky high for several reasons. First, it was the directional debut of an ace actor of TV and cinema Pankaj Kapoor. Secondly, for the first time the film brings together the young and charismatic Jodi Sonam Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor. Thirdly, the soulful music of the film raises the expectation of the audience. Last but not the least, the promo of the film has done half part of the job. It was very much liked by the cine-goers.

‘Mausam’ is a timeless love epic. In various seasons, various circumstances the two lovers cross their paths but unfortunately they could not meet as one after another terrorist attack drifted them apart. The journey from a simple village to an air force officer ground is full of happenings.

Pankaj Kapoor has penned the story for his son and when a director penned any story for his own son, it happens to be his all time best and he leaves no stone untouched to make a film of his lifetime and the same thing happened with the accomplished actor of Bollywood Pankaj Kapoor. He went on and on with his writings and mixed up various incidents in his story which in spite of doing good caused harm to the script.

It is a story about Harry (Shahid Kapoor) of Mallukot and Kashmiri gal Aayat (Sonam Kapoor). Harry and Aayat came to know each other when Aayat came to stay with her aunty (Supriya Pathak) in Mallukot due to unrest in the state. It was a love of first sight. They have sweet memories in the gallis and mohala of Mallukot. Love was at the peak when Aayat was forced to move with her family to Mumbai. Years pass by; season changes the two lovers meet at various intervals at various circumstances in different places.

By the time when Aayat moved to Mumbai with her family, Harry gets a call from the Indian air force. The two lovers separated before their love story meet the end and they again meet after seven years in Scotland. Harry and Aayat’s mohabat takes you to various eye catching locations form Mallukot to Scotland and from Switzerland to Ahmedabad. Incidences like Ayodhya dispute, Mumbai Bomb blast, Kargil war, September 11 attack, and Gujarat riots parts them again and again.

When the duo meets in Scotland, they still love each other and romance again started to bloom between them.

The biggest loophole of the film is the screenplay. It goes on and on without full stop and comma. So many political incidences in a simple three hour script proved too heavy for the audince.

‘Mausam’ is a big budget film but unfortunately, the film could not impress the audience. Undoubtedly, Pankaj Kapoor was a first rate actor but he could not provide a water-tight script. Pritam’s music was ear-soothing. Binod Pradhan's cinematography is first-rate.

Speaking about performances, Shahid Kapoor’s has given his cent percent to his father’s film, he rocks as a simple town boy and on uniform of an air force officer. In the short tenure of her filmy career, this is the first time Sonam Kapoor has portrayed a simple girl with salwar kameez and she to a great extend has been able to do justice to the role. Other star casts like Supriya Pathak Kapur, Anupam Kher, Manoj Pahwa did their job well.

In the nutshell, ‘Mausam’ could not live up to the expectation of the audience. The film is stressed too long and the audience lost interest in the mid-way.

Mausam - Music Review

The expectation from the album of ‘Mausam’ is sky high.  Firstly, versatile actor Pankaj Kapoor debuts as a director with ‘Mausam’ and he would not leave any stone unturned to make the music of Mausam a musical epitome. Secondly, as we all know Shahid Kapoor is associated with chartbuster music that creates musical bonanza. The film means a lot to Sonam Kapoor and to provide justice to the chemistry of first time paired, Shahid and Sonam it is important that music should be ear-soothing and touchy.

Pankaj Kapoor has put the mammoth task of helming the music of Mausam to ace music composer of the present day, Pritam. Irshad Kamil has penned the lyrics of ‘Mausam’.  The album has altogether six songs and each one different in composition.

The album opens with 'Rabba Mein Toh Mar Gaya Oye' by Shahid Mallya. The song is a treat to the ear, beautifully sung by the new singer, very original in offering. The song reminds one of ‘Ajj Din Chadeya” from Love Aaj Kal. From the lyrics it can be drawn that here the boy goes gaga over a beautiful lass.

The second track that follows is ‘Sajh Dhak Ke’.  Since the film is set in Punjab as the backdrop, so without bhabra and Punjabi naach gaaana, the music won’t be complete. Here Mika flaunts his musical Jadoo and crooned the number with full energy. The remix of the song, ‘Club Mix’ and ‘Desi Mix’ are equally energizing.

The third track goes as ‘Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi’. This song has a pure feeling, very original in presentation. The song begins by Ustad Sultan but soon Hans Raj Hans takes the chord of the song in his hand and sung it so beautifully. Hans Raj Hans pure voice, Ishad’s touchy wordings and Pritam awesome composition makes the song one of the best tracks of ‘Mausam’.

The fourth track of the album sounds, ‘Poore Se Zara Sa Kam Nahin’ sung by Rashid Khan.  It is a sad track sung by Ustad Rashid Khan. Very pure and original in approach. It speaks how the protagonist in deep love longing for his lost love.

Then comes‘Aag Lage Us Aag Ko’ by Karsan Das Sargathia. It is a situational track. The song is very loud and unfortunately fails to make a place in your heart. It is a festive season track that falls in the line of ‘Dholi Taaro’ from ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’.

The last but not the least song is ‘Mallo Malli’ crooned by Tochi Raina. It is a great party number and out and out a Punjabi number, high on beats.

In the nutshell, ‘Mausam’ again proves Pritam’s prowess.  The music of ‘Mausam ‘will greatly contribute to the film’ success.

Ra.One

Ra.One - Movie Review

All hype, expectations, money matters, marketing strategies surrounding Shahrukh Khan’s most ambitious project has finally comes to an end as ‘Ra.One’ hits the theatre worldwide on Diwali. Many aspects was associated with the movie, first it is very close to Shahrukh Khan, he has put all his effort, money, wishes, concept to make his dream project a record breaking film. ‘Ra.One’ is Indian most advanced science flick ever made in Bollywood. Technologically, the film is very strong. It looks like a Hollywood flick.

Director Anubhav Sinha has given his full energy, time and concept in making ‘Ra.One’ a most successful film. It is a Diwali bonanza and audiences of all age groups highly looked forward to the film. Shahrukh Khan has roped in international singer Akon to lend his voice. ‘Ra.One’ game was another attraction for the children. But the biggest question is whether ‘Ra.One’ made on a budget of 175 crores has been able to stand up to the expectation of the audience.  No doubt, ‘Ra.One’ is highly entertaining but could not reach to the marking expectation level of the cine lovers. The balance between liking and disliking is almost equal.

Anubhav Sinha has beautifully portrayed the relationship between a son and a father and how a father designs graphic to impress his son and prove his ability.

Shekhar Subramanium (Shahrukh Khan and G.One) is a graphic designer. He has a version opposite to his son Prateik (Armaan Verma). Armaan has the feeling that whoever wins is the best, it doesn’t matter whether he is good or bad and what techniques one used to win the game. To prove his son wrong and to show him the triumph of good over evil, he designs a Random Access One (Ra.One). the figure can take any space and form to please his son. Standby he also develops Good.One (G.One) who can correct if Ra.One goes wrong.

Highly thrilled with his father’s new game, Prateik plays the game and crosses two level of the video game defeating ‘Ra.One’. Unknown about the consequence, ‘Ra.One’ steps out of the digital world and mix into he world of flesh and blood to destroy Lucifer, the name that Prateik used to destroy ‘Ra.One’. It has become a threat for Prateik’s life.  The story then deals with the battle of the evil and the good and how good emerges victory forms the rest of the story.

‘Ra.One’ is a complete Shahrukh Khan’s film. He is the superhero who steps into various characters. Kareena Kapoor also impresses with her funny one-liners, Arjun Rampal was at his best. The concept was brilliant and techniques were highly modern and scientific. Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Rajinikanth as Chitti add some funny moments. Armaan Varma as SRK’s son has also done excellent job.

Vishal-Shekhar's music fills the moment. Their background score is equally electrifying and songs like 'Chammak Chhallo', 'Dildaara' and 'Raftarein' make the audience groove. Made on a big budget of 175 crores will definitely excite the audience to go for first day, first show. Unknown about the box office record, the film will surely impress the sci-fic lovers.

Ra.One - Music Review

Finally, the wait is over and Shahrukh Khan amidst fanfare launched the music of one of the most highly awaited Diwali dhamaka and one of the big budget films ever made in the Indian cinema.  Shahrukh has left no stone unturned to make the film one of the biggest openings that Bollywood box office has ever seen.

He has roped in Vishal-Shekhar to compose a chartbuster music. The lyrics of the movie have been penned by well-known lyricist like Panchi Jalonvi, Nirangen Iyengar, Vishal and Kumaar. Selective and talented singers like Shafqat Amanat Ali, Sukwinder Singh, Clinton Cerejo , Shruti Pathak , Hamsika Iyer are signed to deliver an ear-soothing music. International singer Akon requires a special mention. He has land his voice for the song Chammak Challo.

Ra.One is slated for Diwali release and the album has already made a place in the heart of the music lovers. It has altogether eight songs of different tastes. Here goes the list.

Chammak Challo-Sung by Hamsika Iyer is the main attraction of the album. Much has been spend on the track roping international singer Akon in the remix version while the original has been sung by Hamsika. Kareena Kapoor groove to the song. It is a high beat song, very charming and full of energy.

Dildara (Stand By Me)- Based on Ben King’s Stand by me, ‘Dildara’ on the first hearing will win your heart. Shafqat Ali’s powerful vocals will charm the music-goers. Kumaar’s lyrics are very captivating. It is an amalgamation of Indian contemporary and western music.

Criminal-This is Akon’s second offering. Very load but also has a Punjabi flavor. Shruti Pathak and Vishal Dadlani gives support to Akon. It is a fast paced song and highly instrumental. Western influence is much in this song as it is sung by Akon.

Bhare Naina- Sung by Nandini Srikar, ‘Bhare Naina’. Tabla is the main instrument here. It is another surprise of the movie with a semi-classical rendition by Nandini. It is a blend of western and Indian classical music. This song might not hit one instantly but it has a desired effect.

Right By Your Side- It is fun filled song, bit romantic. Sid Coutto lands his voice. Vishal-Shekhar could have done some more with his number.

Raftaarein-It is a super-hero oriented flick and so this type of superhero song is quite obvious. Vishal and Shekhar has been inspired from RD Burman and composed this type of action oriented song.

Jiya Mora Ghabraye (The Chase)-It is a highly electrified number sung by Sukhvinder Singh. He has induced full josh in this song. It is overall a good composition.

Comes The Light-Theme- This song is performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. The song depicts various emotions the protagonist goes through.

In the nutshell, ‘Ra.One’ is an experimental album. The English insertion in most number of song is a new thing which is accepted by the music lovers. There are few picks which will give a boost to the movie.

Rockstar.

Rockstar - Movie Review

‘Rockstar’ is a youth film. It is basically a highly expected film for the youngsters. To see their favorite star Ranbir Kapoor as a rockstar was a craze for all. Moreover, Imtiaz Ali never fails with his film. Whether it is ‘Jab We Met’ or ‘Love Aaj Kal’, Imtiaz shined all the way. After some stunning performances in the last few films, to see Ranbir Kapoor as a rockstar has become a craze. Debutante Nargis Fakhri was a treat to watch.

More than a musical journey, ‘Rockstar’ is a love story. A college going guy is a die-hard music lover and aims to become a world famous rockstar someday. But the biggest question that lies before him is how. The guy who spends more time in college canteen than in classroom gets a unique idea from the canteen manager, Khataraji. He tells the music lover that to become a great artist, he needs to experience pain, frustration, angst, struggles. Every great artist of the world has gone though this pain and so they could deliver a soulful music. The male protagonist takes his word as the ultimatum and plans to suffer a heart break.

The man in question is Janardhan Jakhar (Ranbir Kapoor), a cheerful, immature happy go lucky type of guy studying and loitering around The Hindu College canteen. In this college studies a very beautiful and charming upper-class Kashmiri girl Heer (Nargis Fakhri).  Heer is very opposite to Ranbir, she is stylish, good looking and arrogant keeps the world under her feet and moves around with boys and very easily shifts boyfriend and breaks heart.

Janardhan Jakhar who aims to become a big rockstar like Jim Morrison felt Heer to be the right girl to suffer heartbreak. Heer was engaged and very soon she would enter into matrimony. Janardhan compel himself to fall in love with Heer, his college mate. He first made friendship with Heer and slowly, their friendship turned into love. Janardham moves forward to suffer heartbreak and become a rockstar. In his musical journey, he met shehnai ustad (Shammi Kapoor).

Heer gets married and moves on. Ranbir succeeded in his aim, suffers heartbreak and went on to become a big rockstar. His tickets sells at no time and auditorium always remain housefull. He fulfills his aim to become a famous rockstar.

Though beautifully picturized, ‘Rockstar’ has many loose ends. The main drawback of the movie is that it did not clearly talked about their family background. Camera captures the scenic beauty of Kashmir and Delhi’s fast and funky life.

Speaking about performances, ‘Rockstar’ totally revolves around one man Ranbir Kapoor. He rules throughout the film. It can be called a one man show. Ranbir has delivered an extraordinary performance. He will always be remembered for this awesome performance. Debutante Nargis Fakhri though poor in Hindi has been able to pull of the move well. Despite being a new comer, she performed really well. She looked awesome. Ranbir and Nargis’s chemistry spark fire. Shammi Kapoor has a small but impactful role.

Imtiaz Ali’s once again proved his potential as a director. Ar Rahman’s music is rocking.

In the nutshell, ‘Rockstar’ will be basically liked by the young generation. The film has some dull moments but overall, not a bad watch.

Rockstar - Music Review

The expectation from Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Rockstar’ is sky-high and there are ample reasons for this. Firstly, after a long gap Oscar winner AR Rahman is composing music for a full-fledged Bollywood movie. Secondly, Imtiaz Ali’s last two offerings have been able to create a chartbuster, the music of ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Love Aaj Kal’ is played even today.

The lyrics of the movie has been composed by Irshad Kamil who is one of the finest music composer of our country. Last but the not least Ranbir Kapoor is always associated with chartbuster movies. His films never miss to impress the music lovers. With so many factors compiling together, the anticipation obviously increases.

The album starts with ‘Phir se ud chala’. It is like a cool breeze sung by Mohit Chauhan. It is solely picturized on Ranbir and the song has come out beautifully.

The second song goes as ‘Kathiya Karoon’ sung by Harshdeep. This song has a Punjabi flavor and very refreshing on hearing.

The next track that follows is ‘Jo Bhi main’ by Mohit Chauhan’. The song starts of slowly but slowly catches pace. Mohit’s unmatched voice injects life into the lyrics.

The next to arrive is a devotional song ‘Kun Faaya Kun’ sung by Mohit Chauhan and Javed Ali. Rahman has really done a wonderful job here.  It has a Sufi flavor, run for a longest duration and wonderful to hear.

The fifth offering is ‘Sheher Mein’. It is basically a funny number crooned by Mohit Chauhan and Karthik. It evokes laughter on listening. It speaks about Ranbir’s struggling days when he was learning to sing and his teacher is trying to make him catch the right chord.

The sixth track ‘Hawaa Hawaa’ falls in the line of western arrangements. Mohit Chauhan again lends his voice here. He was supported by vocals of Viviane Chaix, Tanvi Shah, Suvi Suresh and Shalini. It is a dance number.

The next is a rocking number that goes as ‘Aur Ho’. Alma Ferovic starts the song and after a while Mohit Chauhan enters and takes hold of it. It is purely a ‘Rockstar’ number but has a sad feeling.

The eight track of the album is ‘O Naadan Parindey’ by Rahman and Mohit. It is a lovely composition and lyric is very touchy. It is a homecoming song. The lyrics basically speak of the return of the male protagonist who lost his way but finally back home. Very situational and electrifying.

 The next track ‘Tum Ko’ was crooned by Kavita Krishnamurthy. After a long gap, Kavita Krishnamurthy was heard and feels very refreshing. It is slow track, reminds of the music of 80’s and 90’s. Very much resembling to ‘Aaja Mein Hawaon’ from ‘Yuvvraaj’.

Next to come after ‘Tum Ko’ is ‘Tum Ho’ sung by Mohit Chauhan in his own unique style. It is a romantic number. From the word go, it rules our heart.

The eleventh tack is a musical piece titled, ‘Tango For Taj-music’ with Taj Mahal at the backdrop. It is basically a western musical arrangement and is soon followed by 'The Dichotomy Of Fame' which has an Indian musical arrangement with fusion of 'Shehnai' and 'Guitar'. This track gives a pause to the album.

'Saadda Haq', is the signature mark of Rockstar. It is a Sufi track. Orianthi's guitar opens the track.

The last is a one line track of 70 sec by Ranbir Kapoor. The purpose of the one line is not yet understood.

In the nutshell, the album of ‘Rockstar’ is a blend of good, average and bad music. One thing for sure, majority  will go for the album.  So many songs in one movie is rare to get but ‘Rockstar’ stands exceptional.