Best Bollywood Films Of 2012

While choosing a film for "best films", the dilemma that one often comes across is that whether or not to consider its "Entertainment Quotient" or its "Box Office Performance". But for me, a good film will always entertain you, in some way or other. Make you laugh. Make you cry. It will Thrill you. It will Provoke Thoughts. It will make you retain some part of it, even after you walked out of the dark theater.

And this year too we had such movies. The films that made sure that 2012 wont be just about the ever increasing Club of 100 Crores. Each of these films made an impact on Indian Cinema . Made us realize that Film Making is an Art of Story Telling on Big Screen along with providing Entertainment and not just a Gold Rush. Some of  these films weren't made to appease the box-office, but cater to a different audience and are ought to be encouraged.

Here are the Best Movies of 2012, in Chronological Order.

Agneepath
A good attempt from a debut director who never competes with Original Cult Movie.It has all the cliches of revenge dramas of 80s & 90s. An Anti Hero, An Ideal Mother, An Exploited Sister, A Psychic Over the top Villain, An Item Number in Villain's Den. Lots of Gore and Violence. The kind of Cinema we have grown up with. The film has got rid off many scenes and characters from the original but The Iconic dialogue,Vijay Dinanath Chauhan...Poora Naam, stays. It is well delivered in an original style. And It works.

Paan Singh Tomar
One of the Best Performance of Irfaan Khan. And one the meticulously filmed movie of the year. Right from the dialect to the location everything seemed so realistic. Anti System stories have always been loved by Indian Audience. And being a Real story it does strike a chord with the audience (those who watched it).
Tigmanshu Dhulia delivers another hard hitting film after his directorial debut "Haasil".

Kahaani
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. Need more of these.

Vicky Donor
Like one of the movie in this list, it dealt with topic so closely guarded in our society. No one talks about it  openly and even hesitate to discuss it with friends but the film presents it in such a lighthearted way that you are bound to be impressed by its story telling. Fresh Topic. Fresh Movie. Fresh Actor with Fresh Music. And Paani Da Rang surely must go as most beautiful song of the year.

Gangs of Wasseypur
Shahid Khan, Sardar Khan and Ramadhir Singh. And "Hamri Zindagi Ka ek hi Maqsad hai .... Badla". Had lot of expectation with Anurag Kashyap's epic. And it turned out to be a very riveting cinematic experience. Depth of each character mesmerizes you . Second part of the epic may not have the same intensity but this piece of art will surely be remembered .

Supermen Of Malegaon !!
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. This documentary follows his hardship to make 'Malegaon Ka Superman', a parody of "Superman". And your heart goes out for him when you see his optimistic attitude despite the hiccups and genuine film making issues. Sheikh Nasir always gives you Positive Vibes, simply because he is in love with Cinema. One of the best documentaries in recent times.

Gattu

Just like last year's Stanley Ka Dabba, this one very heart warming movie. A simple story of a boy , his life and his love of Kite Flying. And how prepares for the challenge of another Kite "Kali" and finally wins the battle against it. The films beautifully present the world of children where there is thin line between truth and lie, reality and fantasy. It was named Best film at New York Indian Film Festival 2012. Not to be missed.

Barfi !

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. But Ranbir is the soul of the Movie and his funny acts just ensure that you have lots of genuine laugh, just like good old days of Charlie Chaplin. The simplicity of the movie could be best described with the "Love Letter" that Barfi Friend's writes for him and it starts with "Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana......"

Oh My God
One of the underrated movie of the year. Underrated , because it was assumed that it would be another Akshay Kumar-Paresh Rawal routine comedy. But strangely it turned out to be some serious thought provocative one. And at the same time it din't loose it's comic moments. The biggest triumph of the movie was the way it talks about such a serious topic with such an ease. Paresh Rawal got all the right dialogues to put a very fine performance and a solid case.

English Vinglish
Another directional debut. Another fresh approach and another new idea. And a proven old horse, Sridevi, to take that idea forward, all the way. Such was her performance that you can feel the pain she goes through, every time, because of her lack of  English. And you are truly with her when she asks "Why India,why not The India.Why America,"The United States of America"?

Talaash

You might have seen some similar movies in Hollywood. May be better ones. But this is our own. That's what makes it special. Filmmakers like Reema Kagti should be encouaraged for taking the Road Less Traveled in Bollywood. 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. But its the complexity of characters that makes a difference here.

Dabangg 2

And as the year ended, amidst Christmas Holidays, Chulbul Pandey arrived again. This time as Kung-Fu Pandey. Dabangg 2 may not take Indian Cinema forward, but will provide with you Paisa Vasool Entertainment with Naughty and Funny acts of Chulbul Pandey & Associates . And despite the criticism for lack of artistic values or lack of anything new, sometime you need this kind of escapism cinema.

Dabangg 2

After couple of hectic weeks in Office , Thanedaar Pandeyji and especially his Hawaldaar Chaubeyjii, bring smiles. Just the way “Bhaiyaji Esmile” did 2 years ago.

Going by the number of whistles in the full house auditorium and actions on the screen, Salman Khan seems to be the new Rajnikant.

Dabangg 2 may not take Indian Cinema forward, but will provide with you Paisa Vasool Entertainment with Naughty and Funny acts of Chulbul Pandey & Associates . And despite the criticism for lack of artistic values or lack of anything new , sometime you need this kind of escapism cinema.

Have Fun. Happy holidays !!

Talaash

A well made suspense thriller.

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 Good Watch.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Even if you are in New York City. Even if you are in the Biggest Multiplex at Times Square, you may want to watch a film sitting on the Stairs of full house auditorium rather than to wait for the next show. That's what Shahrukh Khan can make you do. Sheer Charisma !!!

And as Superman's uncle might have said, "Great Charisma brings Greater Expectation".

When People like Yash Chopra , Shahrukh Khan , A R Rahman & Gulzar get together you don't expect anything less than Brilliant. And that's where the film disappoints you .

Despite Beautiful People , Beautiful Locales , Decent music and Decent performances, film fails to touch your emotional chord. Everything on the Screen remains on the screen , it never reaches you.

There are hardly any moment in the movie when you are touched. You keep on waiting for the moment when you want to empathize with the pain of the lead actors but you couldn't. The moment never comes. Not for the people who have seen KKHH, Veer Zara or even Tum Bin.

When credits roll with SRK on Royal Enfield reciting Yash Chopda's poetry, against the scenic backdrop of Ladakh, you start expecting something special in offering. Later in the first half the dance sequence before Isqh Shawa excites too. But these are rare moments in the movie.
The Bomb Disposal scenes lack the thrill that they should have. And if you are fan of The Hurt Locker (the little Oscar winning movie), those scenes may bring unintentional comical relief to you. And when SRK returns to London , you expect a climax but the film drags using good old formula from 80s.

Being great admirer of Deewar and Trishul and being part of a generation who has learnt romance watching Yash Chopra & SRK movies , this was not a fitting Swansong .

Barfi !

It’s a must watch. 

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.

A beautifully made film with lots of Heart!! 

Not to be missed.

A R Rahman's Best Songs

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' !!

Superman Of Malegaon !!

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.

One of the best documentaries in recent time.