Finally a Salman Khan's movie that touches your heart !!
If you are a emotional person, you will find several moments in the film that will have lump in your throat. And people who are parents of beautiful little daughters would have to try hard not to cry. People around me did !!
It's a bit melodramatic and lengthy but it still does move your heart. One of Salman's best.
The little Shahida steals your heart with her cute and innocent expressions without uttering any words. The random cliches involving different cultures makes you laugh. Especially the way little Shahida puts aside the Veg meal and follows the smell of "Biryani Bukhari, Nalli Nihari".
A Salman Khan movie with almost no gravity defying actions and no "Commitment / Ehsaan" issues punchlines. Its a rarity these days. You feel that you are watching a Raj Kumar Hiraani's film rather than Kabir Khan's. Having said that , credit should go to the director who focuses on story rather than larger than life image of the Superstar.
Ignore the lack of Bureaucracy involved for the International Affairs and you have a movie to cherish.
Its a beautiful film , simple and very well made. And even though we are still in first half of the year , its probably the best . Just like Queen from last year. At no point it lets you loose interest and makes sure that you have a smile throughout the film , while occasionally making you burst into laughter.
Deepika hasn't looked this better before . As a devoted daughter, this is her best performance so far . You can feel her pain and frustration and can relate to many of them. We all have gone through them as sons and daughters. With due respect to my late Grandfather , Amitabh Bachchan's character made me remember him with a smile . Could relate to many his habits. The "I am always right" , "Your generation does not know anything" and "I love you but I am highly critical person" smile emoticon
Coming to the theme of the movie, Constipation, images from the past, just flash before you . All of us had friends who had this 'emotional' issue and would make you remember those mornings when they would hold on to their 'Sutta' and wait for their 'right' moment .
A loving daughter, an old man as a child , a man looking for solace , and a Journey across North India ...makes you pack your bags and go on a Trip with your family. Haven't done it in long time. Now its a wish. All the characters stay with you even after the end credits roll on the screen. You feel a sense of time well spent. Credit goes to the director to mesmerize you with simplicity. The beauty of little innocent moments of life.
"Mera Sense of humor Bahot Achcha Hai....Aapko Dheere Dheere Pata Chalega...."
And that's what you realize as you move slowly into the movie. The film is predictable but it is fun. It entertains you. Makes you laugh even with those Santa-Banta jokes. Somewhere you feel its English Vinglish meets Jab We Met but its fresh on entertainment quotient.
Kangana is the soul of the movie. She perfectly essays the role of the middle class Delhi girl who is all excited about her wedding . And later she echoes the pain and uncertainty of the girl who has been dumped by her longtime boyfriend and fiance just before the wedding. The fun starts when she decides to go for the honeymoon that she had planned , alone !!
Rajkumar Rao plays the typical middle class Indian guy who feels that people with whom he grew up are no more suited for his company as his Status Symbol has changed. And at the end of movie is aptly labelled as Kutta !!
The director captures sweet little things about the middle class smartly. You cant stop smiling when Kangana's kid brother companies her to all the places where her parents cant join her. There are many such moments . And don't miss the End Credits ...its more fun !!
The credits goes to Kangana and the director, Vikas Bahl. She would be in contention for best actress this year. And its another solid performance by Vikas Bahl after Chillar Party. But one has to also mention the producer, Anurag Kashyup. There is something about him. The projects he undertakes have something that's missing in most of stereotyped Bollywood films. We have seen that in Lootera, The Lunchbox, Gangs of Wasseypur and others.
Queen is one of them .
So far the best movie of the Year . Do yourself a favor, go and watch it.
The Film begins with a Car Crash . A dead Body follows and thereafter its all about what happened. Talaash Begins !!
The film grows slowly on you as it takes you to after dark lanes of Mumbai. Investigation unfolds in good old fashioned way. Similar to what we have seen earlier this year in Kahaani. You may even solve the case by the time the film enters the last 30 mins . But its the complexity of characters that makes a difference here.
Movie has some very good performances. As excepted Aamir impresses with his portrayal of guilt ridden Cop who cant sleep. A controlled act of a father in pain. But its Kareena Kapoor who impresses more as prostitute who gets friendly with an investigating cop. After starring in series of senseless 100 crore movies this is her best act since 3 Idiots. And on a high after his trip to Wasseypur , Nawazuddin Siddique delivers another solid performance.
But its not the actors who make Talaash the movie it is. Its the people behind the camera , who opted to make something different.
You might have seen some similar movies in Hollywood. May be better ones. But this is our own. That's what makes it special. Go for it if you want to encourage thinking filmmakers like Reema Kagti, who took the Road Less Traveled in Bollywood. Else don't complain about senseless action-comedies that we are offered every Friday.
A film with lots of sensibility that
brings smile on your face. Amidst films of
these days like “Rowdy Rathore” and “Ek Tha Tiger” that aim for 100 Club, Burfi
comes as fresh air.
The movie is a treat to your senses with very believable
acting performances. Your heart goes for Priyanka’s Jhilmill and at the same
time you feel sorry for Ileana, a beautiful girl who can’t get over her first
love.
And funny acts of Ranbir just ensure that you have lots of
genuine laugh, just like good old days of Charlie Chaplin.
After “Wake Up Sid”
and “Rockstar”, Ranbir again delivers a performance that ensures that sooner or
later he is going to be the next Superstar.
Its has been 2 decades since we first heard those mesmerizing songs from Roja. We may not have realized but A R Rahman has been stirring our Body and Soul with his music since last 20 years. Today he has almost every awards and recognition that a Composer would wish for. Much has been written and said about the 'Mozart' of our time. Not sure if one would be able to add more.
The Journey of 2 decades had many highs starting with Roja in 1992 and peaking with Slumdog in 2008. He has his share of lows too with 'Chiggiy Wiggy', 'Raavan, 'Robot' and controversial 'Commonwealth Games Theme Song'. But the highlight of his illustrious career was the year 2008 when he gave chart-busters albums with Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Naa, Yuvvraaj, Ghajni and finally Slumdog Millionaire.
Work of genius don't come without fruitful associations. And A R Rahman gave some really great music in company of Jawed Akhtar, Shukwinder Singh, Chitra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. But the most illustrious association came with Gulzar which rightly took him to Oscars. And despite his long collaboration with the director Shankar, none of the songs ever made significant impact, at-least the Hindi Versions.
As a tribute to the great Man , here is my attempt to list his best songs. Initially a list of 10 was the proposition , but restricting Rahman's genius to just 10 pieces of work wasn't possible. Even this list of 15 wasn't without some compromises. It was sad to miss award winning songs from Guru, Yuva, Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Na from this favorite list. Especially the last one. Equally tough was to miss out the melodious songs from Sapney, Ghajini, Jodha Akbar or foot tapping music from Humse Hai Muqabla, Meenaxi.
Some of the popular songs we grew upon in the late 90s couldn't make the cut too. Roop Suhana Lagta Hai, Urvasi Urvasi, Kay Sera Sera, O Bhavre, Rang De & Piya Haji Ali are sadly missing here.
Here is compilation of my favorite Rahman's song , in chronological order: Yeh Haseen Wadiyaan [Roja - 1992]
Roja was a Landmark in Indian Musial History. Not only it did catapulted Rahman to fame but it gave a whole new dimension to Indian Music. In 2005, the album was chosen as one the 'All Time Best Soundtracks' by TIME magazine.
One of the rare song which really makes you feel that you are in 'waadiyan' as soon as the music of starts.
Dil Hai Chhota Sa [Roja - 1992]
Along with 'Yeh Haseen Waadiyaan..','Bahrat Humko..' & 'Roja Jaaneann' this was song that made 'Roja' one of all time selling album. Rahman made huge impact with these 'light' tunes. And the joyful voice Minmini represents the freshness that's always associated with Roja.
Kehna Hi Kya [Bombay - 1995]
One of most Romantic Composition by Rahman . The song as chosen by 'The Guardian' among '1000 Songs Every One Must Hear'. And the album itself was chosen among '1000 Album to Hear Before You Die'.
Bombay Theme [Bombay -1995]
My personal favorite. A very heart stirring. The Instrumental is amazing and better than lyrical 'Tu Hi Re' and has been used as background score for few Hollywood movies.
If anyone ever gets confused between Good Song and Good Music, this is the answer. No Lyrics, No Vocals, No Choreography, its just Pure Rahman Magic.
As I was searching for a YouTube link for this gem , I saw couple of interesting comments by the users:.
User 1: 2:15 The moment even the strongest of hearts would loosen up and cry out. User 2: The first half is just a build up to the awesomeness that is 2:15 on-wards. User 3: Dude the awesomeness starts at 00:01
No prize for guessing which comment got the maximum 'Likes' . Of-course the last one !!
Tanha Tanha [Rangeela -1995]
Rahman's debut album in Bollywood. Asha Bhosle made a comeback to playback singing with this song, at the age of 62, to sing a song for 21 year old Urmila Matondkar. And she sang a song that would be remembered as one of the Asha Bhosle's best. Mehboob's lyrics add more depth to the song as Rahman breezes freshness. And the sight of Urmila Matondkar's running down the beach just sets the moood.
Chaiyan Chaiyaan [Dil Se - 1998]
BBC featured Chaiyan Chaiyan among the Top 10 songs of All Time. And 'Chaiyan Chaiyan' could end up as one of the most 'Complete Song' ever in India. A Passionate Shukhwinder Singh giving voice to Gulzar's incredible poetry.
Taaveez banaake pehnoon usay, Aayat ki tarah mil jaaye kahin Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin, Mehke to nazar aa jaaye kahin
And top of it 'One of Best Choreographed song ever'. Farha Khan's best work till date. The sight of super energetic Shahrukh and Mallika dancing on top the Ooty's Hill Train is one of the most amazing sight seen over silver screen.
Dil Se Re [Dil Se - 1998]
Dil Se would be among the best Soundtrack ever composed in India. Probably one of the most heard album. The album was a tribute to '7 Stages of Love'. 'Jiya Jale', 'Ai Ajnabi' and 'Satrangi Re' are simply awesome.
And the way Rahman croons the words "Dil Se Re...." makes you believe that this is his best work as a Singer.
Ishwar Allah [Earth -1998]
A lesser heard but an important piece of work by Rahman and Jawed Akhtar. One of the song along with 'Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara', 'Chale Chalo' & 'Ye Jo Desh Hai Tera' which proves his mastery in Patriotic genre.
Taal Se Taal Mila [Taal -1999]
Another gem from Rahman Sahab. Easily one of best Album in Bollywood.
Ghai remarked, "I credit the name of the movie to composer A. R. Rahman. This movie is a romance and I could have called it any thing - Dil, Pyaar, Hum Bhaag Gaye, but it was A. R. Rahman's presence in the movie that gave me the confidence to call it Taal. Taal means music and music means Taal."
The sound of 'Drop Of Water' has never been so beautifully captured as in this song.
Mehndi Hai Rachnewali [Zubeidaa - 2000]
One of the rare composition of Rahman based on Indian Folk songs. And a perfect one for Indian weddings. The highlight of the song is its simple lyrics of Jawed Akhtar and beautiful voice of Alka Yagnik.
Ghanan Ghanan [Lagaan -2001]
The soundtrack was ranked #44 on Amazon.com's "The 100 Greatest World Music Albums of All Time. From the Patriotic 'Chale Chalo' to the Spiritual 'O Paalanhaare..' and romantic 'O Re Chhori..'.. the album had everything. 'Mitwa' and 'Ghanan Ghanan' set courageous and joyful mood of the film.
Saathiya [Saathiya -2002]
One of best by Gulzar & Rahman combination. Gulzar's poetry just provide the freshness Rahman's tunes were looking for. And would be easily be one of the best by Sonu Nigam. When it was released this song was very popular Ringtone.
Taazaa gire patte ki tarah sabz laal par lete huey Saat rang hain bahaaron ke ek adaa mein lapete huey
Barf giree ho vaadee mein aur hansee teree goonjee Oon mein lipatee simatee huyee baat kare dhuaan nikale
Ye Jo Des Hai Mera [Swades -2004]
One for the patriotic gem from Rahman. Since 'Chitti Aayi Hai' by Pankaj Udaas, no other song has captured the emotions of people living outside India. The song seems to be anthem for NRIs now.The Shehnai version of this one is amazing too.
Luka Chuppi [Rang De Basanti -2006]
'Masti Ki Paathshaala' or the Title Track could have been very easy choice from this album, but Lataji echoing the pain of a Mother losing her son was a superior composition. The sight of Waheeda Rahman collapsing on the door when collecting her Son's belonging while the song is being played in the background can make even the hardest of heart feel the pain.
The song was considered for an Academy Award for Best Original Song nomination. This could be last time we might have seen a Rahman and Lata combination.
Jai Ho [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Before this album, to the West, Rahman was a new name, despite being known as a tunesmith of the highest calibre with near-legendary status in the East. This song made sure that A R Rahman is recognized all over the world. Without Exception !!
Despite the Oscars and Golden Globes , one can argue that this one may not be the best of Rahman, but its right up there . Rahman is again accompanied by his two most fruitful companions. Evergreen Gulzar & Vibrant Shukhwinder. And as the lyrics says its about Celebration, Happiness and Joy. And the world rejoiced every second of it. No wonder that the song created history.
Mausam & Escape [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Mesmerizing !!! Arguably the best instrumental by Rahman after Bombay Theme. The music makes your Body and Soul shivers especially when the fusion of classical Indian sounds and contemporary flavor starts. The sound of Sitar, when Jamal and Latika see each-other on busy Mumbai Staion, takes you to a different world. And the fusion echoes Jamal's emotions when she is taken away, just before lovers can meet.
Arziyaan [Delhi 6 -2009]
Rahman has composed some very beautiful Spiritual and Sufi songs. All of them have been soulful . Be is 'Piya Haji Ali', 'O Paalan Haare', 'Khwajah Mere Khwajah', 'Ishwar Allah', or more recently 'Kun Kya Kun' but Arziyaan is just at a different level in this Genre . The depth of song is amazing . Gulzar again seems to have saved his best for A R Rahman.
Arziyaan sari mein chehre pe likh ke laaya hoon Tumse kya maangu mein tum khud hi samjah lo
Tere Dar Pe Jhuka Hoon, Meeta Hoon, Bana Hoon Marammat Mukaddar Ki Kar Do Maula....
Sadda Haq [Rockstar -2011]
After a string of albums, including the theme song for Commonwealth Games, that didnt meet his fan's
expectation , Rahman delivered a youth Anthem in 'Sadda Haq'.
Tum logon ki, iss duniya mein, Har kadam pe, insaan ghalat Main sahi samajh ke jo bhi karoon, Tum kehte ho ghalat ! The music make shivers run down the spine as Mohit Chauhan yells "O Eco friendly Nature ke Rakshak..."
The song echoed the emotions of today's youth and was an instant hit.
Kyun sach ka sabak sikhaaye, Jab sach sunn bhi naa paaye Sach koi bole tto tu niyam kanoon batayeTera darr, Tera pyaar, teri wah, Tu hi rakh
The entire album was a geninune tribute to music. One of the highlight was the instrumental 'Dichotomy of Fame'. Tum Ho, Aur Ho, Katiya Karoo were the stuff Rahman has been known for.
Just realized that a list of 15 is now 18. Cant help, 'Waah Rahman Boliye' !!
Had a chance to watch this documentary movie. A very heartfelt effort !!
The documentary is about a local videographer, Sheikh Nasir, from Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra. Its about his life and his devotion for movies. And how he makes parody movies to make people laugh. This documentary follows his hardship to make 'Malegaon Ka Superman'.
You can feel the passion he has for movies. A hardcore movie-buff with dreams in his eyes, to make movies. And your heart goes out for him when you see him making all those efforts to overcome mundane obstacles in his film making. Whether its a broken camera ..or the lack of female actor to provide Superman's romantic angle or the small matter of how to make superman fly without wires, cranes or crores of special effect. He always finds a way because of his passion for movies.
The documentary shows his struggle without being sentimental or feeling sad about the circumstances that he keeps getting into. Its also hilarious the way he depicts Superman in his parody. A malnourished Superman thin as Stick suffering with Tuberculosis !! And its played a local guy working on power loom who is nobody for everyone in locality.
But more than about the parody, documentary is about his ingenuity and innocent film making. One can feel his pain when he breaks his camera while shooting for a water sequence where Superman sails on Truck Tube and again you can feel his suppressed frustration when he has to cancel 4 days of shooting because his 'Superman' has his wedding. Despite the hiccups and genuine issues Sheikh Nasir always gives you Positive Vibes, simply because he is in love with Cinema.
It's an exciting experience when a Bollywood movie entertains you without a single song and dance sequence. Kahaani falls into that category. A well made thriller with a believable screenplay and without any HiFi Hollywoodish Gadgets and exaggerated action sequence.
Credit should go to the Director and the Cameraman for creating such an ambience for the story-line. Kolkata has been has been captured in the same light as Slumdog Millionaire captured Mumbai. The not so bright side. And it makes an impact.
The director takes the liberty of 'absence of any superstar' to create solid characters. One of the most interesting is the character of the contract killer. You will like him.
Credit should also go to Vidya Balan for making everyone notice that actresses in Bollywood can have more to do than just be a romantic link to super powerful Hero and observe Karwa Chauth for that superhero. Back to Back superb performances. Paa, Ishikiya,No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and now Kahaani. A female Aamir Khan in making.
One of the very taut thriller in long time from Bollywood. Realistic, Original and never goes over the top. The investigation unfolds in the way our good old Byomkesh Bakshi would have done it. And suspense is successfully maintained till the end.
I never had too many expectations from this one but even then this Rom-Com fails to impress, despite having all the usual ingredients. I was going through the ratings from the leading critics. Most of them rated it with 3-4 stars. But their reviews don't exactly shower the praise that 3-4 star movies deserve.
May be its Karan Johar's Brand that's responsible for the mismatch between Ratings and the actual Reviews.
EMAET has nothing new to offer. The best gags of the movie were already shown in the promos. So when the actual movie begins you start looking for more fun. And that's where you get disappointed. Especially when you are watching the movie with just 20 people in the theater.
In the first half of the movie you get an impression that you watching Jab We Met set in a different locale and culture. Kareena plays the hip version of the free spirited Geetfrom the original. And you don't actually sympathize with Imran, in his size-zero avatar, playing Aditya who seems to have lost it all.
And as the odd couple spends time together, what follows next is the usual guy falling for the girl who seems to have changed his life and perception. But I never understood the "You are Perfectly Average" philosophy .
Humor is too subdued . There are very few moments when you are actually tickled. Especially the first few minutes of the Imran's interaction with his Ex Girlfriend. Even there, director drags the scene too long to a predictable end. The scene where Imran vents out his frustration reminds you of better versions from Lakhya and Wake Up Sid.
The film actually scores in its ending. Rarely a Bollywood movie has shown a more mature end to a Rom-Com. I wish they had shown same maturity throughout the movie.
In sync with the film's philosophy , its an average affair.
