Tahaan Movie Review

Purav Bhandare, the central character in Santosh Sivan's TAHAAN, has elbowed Darsheel Safary, the child star of TAARE ZAMEEN PAR out of his top slot. There was no written confirmation about the fact that Darsheel was on top of the heap, but the fact that he now endorses so many products and is seen so often on television is a fair enough barometer. Bhandare goes one up. He has tremendous screen presence, is a fabulous actor and has brought alive the character of TAHAAN to endear himself to the viewer, just like Safary did in TZP. To put it in a nutshell, Bhandare is pure genius. Full marks to Sivan for entrusting this lad with the load of the film. But I suspect, like his character, Tahaan, where he is unknowingly being used by terrorists, Bhandare had no clue that he was the main protagonist of this film!

Before venturing into direction, Santosh Sivan was an acclaimed cinematographer and this time he blends the experience from both fields to come up with a visually appealing and a little disturbing, though thought-provoking film.
Visually appealing because he has captured the purity of the Kashmir Valley, in the way only he can. The beautifully snowcapped valleys and open roads, coupled with the dilapidated houses and fields of snow are visually brought alive on screen. Disturbing because, you feel for the child who is trying in vain to get back his pet donkey, Birbal, with who he shares a bond that no adult will understand. Disturbing also because in his desire to get back Birbal, he is lured into handling grenades with a promise of getting back his Birbal. Thought provoking because Sivan makes you leave the theatre asking questions about what really is happening in the Kashmir Valley and how the locals are living their lives there.
However, Sivan could have been clearer in his thought process as to what he wanted the viewer to go home with. According to me, there is a thin veil over the storyline, which, if lifted, would have given the viewer a clearer picture. I agree that not all movies need to be easy on the mind; you have to get the viewer involved. But something, somewhere in the script does not allow me to rationalise the move behind the plot. Having said that, I must admit, it's a good experience but not for the aam junta. It's for those who love their cinema in art form.

Apart from Bhandare, the lad who plays Idris (Ankush Dubey) is another bright spark in the film. I dare say that Anupam Kher, Sarika and Rahul Bose are just supporting cast.

Move over Safary, here comes Bhandare. On second thoughts, there's room for more talented children like these two.

Ratings: 3 / 5

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RAAZ -THE MYSTERY CONTINUES on 23rd January

It's going to be a spine-chilling winter!!!

While the mystery is continuing in production and on celluloid, there is one major clue that has been solved. Yes, the date for the theatrical release of the next blockbuster thriller from Bollywood, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is now no more a secret. This spine chilling movie from Vishesh Films is going to hit worldwide screens on 23rd January 2009. This is the most anticipated release of 2009, with absolutely no other film to match up to its theme and style. It's definitely going to be a chilly winter that will keep you shuddering!!

RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is being directed by Mohit Suri and stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman.

''It is definitely thrilling to be ready to present Vishesh Films' next film to the world,'' says Mukesh Bhatt, ''RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has been much talked about and long awaited by everyone, so here it is! Get ready to be spooked!'' Though only very few people are aware of the exact story of RAAZ- THE MYSTERY CONTINUES it is believed to be a supernatural thriller dealing with the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film will tend to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena.

The blockbuster music of Vishesh Films' JANNAT - which is still ruling the charts - was released on Sony BMG. RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES takes this association a step forward with Sony BMG. Contrary to popular belief, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is not a sequel to the musical blockbuster RAAZ - which is one of the biggest musical blockbusters of all time and the only blockbuster musical thriller of this decade!! It is an industry claim that Vishesh Films is amongst the very few that can create and carry off a film in the thriller genre, on par with stylized film making. So RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has many people awaiting a watch!

According to insiders, the entire shoot for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is complete. Post-production, which involves exceptional special effects is now in the process. Another scoop from insiders is that the music of RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is a notch above JANNAT!! Though most are skeptical on how this is possible, the select few who have heard the music simply vouch for the fact that Raju Singh and other composers have done a fantastic job!!

Shridhar Subramaniam, Managing Director Sony BMG says, ''We have had a very successful association with the Bhatts for JANNAT. The music of this film has ruled the charts and continues to be a hot favourite. I'm very certain that RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is also set to be a tremendous sensation and a great experience. We're all looking forward to this release.''

Looks like Sony BMG and Vishesh Films are ready to create more records across charts!!

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RU-BA-RU features 10 kisses!!

Percept Picture Company's next Release RU-BA-RU features 10 kisses between Randeep Hooda and ROCK ON debutante Shahana Goswami

Percept Picture Company's latest venture RU-BA-RU starring Randeep Hooda and Shahana Goswami is a modern day love story of a couple who live in relationship. As per the script's demand both the actors had to share more than ten intimate kisses! Both Randeep and Shahana being professional actors didn't hold any qualms while performing the intimate act.

Shahana who is professional theater actress says, "A kiss is an eternal sign of romance and love. RU-BA-RU being a modern love story of a couple who are living in relationship for two years, the intimacy and chemistry had to be right. It was a part of my job to authenticate the relationship on screen, and Randeep being a thorough professional made me very comfortable before each scene'.

RU-BA-RU is all set to hit theaters on 12th September.

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Kidnap — Music Review

After wining the showdown against Harman , Imran is all set to have a one on one with Abhishek on the coming Gandhi Jayanti . This time though the contest is little harder and Abhishek is having a fan-following which would definitely be more than Harman Baweja . The common thing though in both cases being that Imran’s film is pitched against a high budget Fantasy film . Last time it was Love Story 2050 and this time being Drona . His small budget youth love story became the biggest hit of this year and made him star by night . Though this film would be a real test for him , his acting skills and his stardom . The Music of any film as I always say plays the biggest role in its publicity apart from its stars and in that front Kidnap is definitely scoring some goals over Drona . And as I suspected in my earlier post , Kidnap Vs. Drona , the music of Kidnap is definitely sounding a little better .

The soundtrack consists of seven songs out of which five are originals and two are remixes . The soundtrack of any film has to be according to the mood of the film and should show us the character of the story and film itself . This soundtrack definitely manages to do that . The Pacy Thriller nature of the film can be felt even in this soundtrack which makes it quite interesting . Pritam got his first taste of success in Sanjay Gadhvi’s first film Dhoom and then on he has given back to back hits , most of them being lifted from here or there . Keeping the loyalties he has given music to this film also and the lyrics are by Mayur Puri .

The opening track of the OST , “Mit Jaaye” though is not the Title Track but can be called so because it very well sets the mood for the entire soundtrack upfront and even gives you a hint of the film . During the entire song you can imagine Sanjay Dutt chasing Imran to get his daughter . What I mean is that this song has the thriller element in it and is also very pacy . The song also expresses the feelings of the lead character of the film played by Imran . The video on this song is already on air and is creating some buzz . Interestingly the best track on the album is not by Pritam and Mayur , instead it has been written and composed by Sandeep and Sanjeev Vyas and has been very well sung by Sandeep Vyas . The two brothers have single handedly carried the entire song on their shoulders and have come out with flying colours . This song is definitely going to get Popular among the masses . A great job by the vyas brothers . Sandeep is a good singer and has long way to go . They are also great composers . I’ve become a fan of this track and my personal favourite on this soundtrack .

The next track on the album is a Hip Hop song called “Hey Ya!” by Suzie Q. who recently gave a hit song Jee Karda in Singh is Kinng . This track sounds like and introduction song for Minissha Lamba , the rich daughter . The song is decent and goes about well according to its nature . I just hope that story keeps moving while this song is being played during the movie . That way this song would look good in the film otherwise it might hinder the pace of the film . If properly placed this song would look good in the film with a hot video on Minissha . Suzie sings well and has done her job quite well . The song doesn’t deviate from its character and remains Hip Hop through out .

The third song on the soundtrack is a slow song “Mausam” by Shreya Ghoshal . This song is little different and Shreya has sung it quite well , as usual . It is not something extraordinary but still it has enough music and lyrics to keep it going . This song would be shot beautifully and the video would do the rest of the job . It is a typical track yet it can be heard once . The music is good and the singing is also accordingly . Overall , a different one as compared to other songs on the album yet quite ordinary in general sense .

Next comes a very commercial track called “Haan Ji” by Adnan Sami . Adnan is one of those singers that can even make a very ordinary song sound sound good . This song is a very unusual song and has some very unusual lyrics . The lyrics are more like a conversation and less of poetry .The music is good on this one but it is the singing style of Adnan that stands out . He is a talented singer but sings quite less no. of songs . Overall , the song is a very average commercial track that might work because of its singing . In my opinion this track might damage the film and hinder the pace of the story .

The last original track on the album is “Meri Ek Ada Shola” by Sunidhi Chauhan . This song has very old sounding lyrics and even Pritam has gone about it in a very old style . Pritam has also put in some Shakira like music in this song . This song suggests that when it would be played in the film the story would keep moving . The song has been sung in her typical style by Sunidhi and Sukhwinder has given her good company . Overall , this song is more of a commercial track and would mean more in the film .

Next comes the remix of Hey Ya which is been done by Imran and Vikram . Imran and Vikram do a fair job and they have put in usual remix beats . This one is almost like the original and is as good as the original . The last track on the album being the remix of Mit Jaaye which has been done by Hyacinth D’souza . This one is called the Rock Version and not a remix on the album cover . Whereas this can be called Rock Remix because I don’t think they have re-recorded the song for this one . Hyacinth has done a fair job and just put in drums and guitar with the original one . This one might appeal to die hard rock music lovers but I still prefer the original one .

Overall , the album is fairly good and can be listened once . The songs won’t look bad on screen and won’t cause much damage to the film . Not all of them are potential hits but Mit Jaaye is a big time winner . In all , the album is neither too good nor too bad so you can give it a try .

Album Rating : Two and Half out of Five ; Average album with Mit Jaaye being the best .

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Hollywood inspired by Rock On!

Rock On!! is a one-of-its-kind movie as this is the first Bollywood film, which has used rock music as its premise. But this trend is not new in Hollywood. However, they are using the title ‘Rock On’ for the first time in one of their flicks. Speculations are also rife that the film is inspired by Farhan Akhtar’s debut film Rock On!!

A musical-comedy-romance film, the film was earlier titled Will and there have been murmurs that Bandslam was the latest title in discussions. Starring Gaelan Connell, Lisa Kudrow, Alyson Michalka and Vanessa Hudgens, the film (just like the Bollywood version starring Farhan Akhtar, Prachi Desai, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny, Shahana Goswami and Koel Puri) tells the story about a group of friends coming together and forming a rock band.

This seems to be the correct example of West meeting East and we hope such things happen quite often as its always the other way round

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Prachi Desai enters Bhatts Camp

Prachi Desai, the young actress who began her acting career with Ekta Kapoor’s serials, made an impressive film debut with Rock On, which released over the weekend. The actress is believed to have been signed up by the Bhatts for heir next film opposite Adhyayan Suman.
The actress, who is quite a favourite with her mentor Ekta, delivered a mature performance, playing Farhan’s wife in the Ahishek Kapoor-directed movie. The actress has already been signed by Abbas Mustan and Suniel Shetty for their future productions. And now the Bhatts have signed her on for their next, called Jashan opposite Shekhar Suman’s son. The film is reportedly a musical, which as is usual for Vishesh Films, will feature a couple of singers from across the border.

The film will be directed by duo Hasnain and Raksha. The film’s story is about an ordinary individual who has dreams of becoming someone but lacks the self belief required for it. The director do feel that Prachi suits the role to a T. With so many films on hand, this young actress seems to have made quite a successful transition from TV to films.

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Ru Ba Ru

First thing that strikes about the soundtrack of Ru Ba Ru is that it comprises of as many as 12 songs and that too all being originals with not a single remix version. Phew!

Now that's something new in the current times when even a hardcore musical like Karzzzz is coming with only 9 songs (though there are 10 remix versions to boast). This makes one wonder about what exactly does the music of Ru Ba Ru have to offer?

With 'Speed Of Sound', Satyadev Burman and Sameeruddin contributing to the music of Ru Ba Ru, one expects quite some variety in the offering.

It's a mighty impressive beginning to Ru Ba Ru the moment Jaspinder Narula flexes her vocals chords for the title song 'Ru Ba Ru'.

A number which brings everything from 'sufi' to rock to conventional Bollywood melody to 'rap' to 'bhangra' under one roof, 'Ru Ba Ru' is a highly catchy composition by 'Speed Of Sound' that comes naturally to you within first couple of hearing itself.

A love song written by Shuja Haider which reminds one of 'Mitwa' (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna), it sounds even better once Haider decides to come behind the mike himself. His is a fresh voice which ensures that 'Ru Ba Ru' is a number which has in it to do quite well for itself if promoted aggressively.

Lyricist Aditya Narayan, composer Sameeruddin and singer Vijay Prakash come together for an altogether different song, though with the same title, 'Ru Ba Ru'.

A track which befits a lounge setting, it is not something which a core Bollywood music buff is used to hearing. However, for those looking who like their music to be unconventional, modern and not so filmy, 'Ru Ba Ru' makes for a decent hearing.

An even better song arrives in the form of 'Tham Jaa Ruk Jaa' which has singer Ranjit Barot (yes, he sings here while leaving Satyadev Burman to take care of the composing part) having only a guitar as his partner.

Written by Soumik Sen, it is a soft rock track which comes with a punch though without making it all so obvious on ears. A number about expecting time to stand still, 'Tham Jaa' works yet again as a soft number.

Soumik Sen and Satyadev Burman come together again for 'Mitti Ki Khushboo' which could have turned out to be a conventional Indian melody had the arrangements not being as subtle as they are here. In fact the conversational duet between Sunidhi Chauhan and Kunal Ganjawala reminds one of 'Kuch To Hua Hai' (Kal Ho Na Ho) though the similarity just ends there as overall the composition stays on to be easy on ears but that's about it.

Director Arjun Bali gets his writing pad on for getting the lyrics of 'Na Dekho' in place which comes so close to the feel of numbers like 'Tum Ho To'/'Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein' (Rock On) that one senses if the compositions were almost created back to back.

Suzanne D'Mello sings this slow paced number in such a relaxed manner that one gets an impression as if she is totally oblivious to the surroundings around her and is just following the tune that Sameeruddin created.

The semi-rock mood continues pretty much into the remainder of the album as well with 'Tera Woh Pyar' which has Shreya Ghoshal going solo for a number written by Shuja Haider and composed by 'Speed Of Sound'.

A situational track with a sad undertone to it, 'Tera Woh Pyar' has a passionate feel to it and should look (and sound) further impressive in the film's narrative.

Written and sung by Akshay Verma, 'Ye Jo Pal' isn't really arresting in nature even as it is seeded into the film's genre of prominently rock music. With Sameeruddin responsible for composition, 'Yeh Jo Pal' is about a man living every moment of his life and appreciating everything brought by things around him.

Surprisingly, the song which follows next, 'Tere Bina Hori' doesn't quite get a 'wow' response as well even though it isn't bad.

Yet another situational track which has Satyadev Burman fusing Indian classical with Western feel, 'Tere Bina Hori' by Sunidhi Chauhan along with the kids Sneha Suresh and Shravan Suresh comes and goes without making any impression.

Ditto for 'Manchali' by the same team (minus the kids) which again stays on to be hardcore Indian in feel with a slight classical touch to it. However, the peppy feel still remains which keeps the listener's attention on.

A better song, though yet again unconventional again in the Bollywood scheme of things, is heard next with the arrival of 'Jogi'.

Written by Arjun Bali, 'Jogi' is a Punjabi number and sees Sameeruddin rope in Krishna to come up with some intense rendering. However, unlike a 'Jee Karda' or a 'Bhootnike' from Singh Is Kinng, this one is mellower and doesn't take a frivolous approach.

A bona fide English number brings Ru Ba Ru to a close with Chester Misquitta singing 'Beautiful Day' for Sameeruddin.

So authentic is the number to a Western sound, be it lyrics, music or singing, that if only this song wouldn't have placed in a Hindi movie, it could well have passed off as a number belonging to a Western album. It's a pity that it lasts only 2 minutes though.

Ru Ba Ru starts off exceedingly well with its title song creating an instant impression. A couple of other songs which follow continue to enhance the momentum though after a while, things become stable.

Towards the end there is a slight dip as well though overall Ru Ba Ru still manages to keep its head high. This one is those for those who want music in Hindi movies to be served differently with a touch of Western influence

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Saas Bahu aur Sensex Music Review

The first official film to be distributed by Warner Bros. India , Saas Bahu aur Sensex , is all set to release and the music of the film is out now . The film itself has no major stars in it so no hype is surrounding the film . The only big name that surrounds the film is that of Warner Bros. The Soundtrack of the album also features some not so known names and overall is a completely new type of album .

The first song on the soundtrack is "Abhi Abhi Jo Tu Aayi Hai" which is composed by Randolph Correa and has been sung by Jaaved Ali . Remember Jaaved Ali who sang the superhit song "Ek Din Teri Bahon Mein" from Naqaab . He is back with this quite unique sounding song . The music and tone of this song is quite western and a little inspired from English songs that are featured in various Hollywood Movies in background . This song because of its different music and voice of Jaaved Ali sounds quite fresh and new . The lyrics by Raqeeb Alam are also good and have been used in a good way by the music composer . The Music composer has given it a very new and different feel and even though the lyrics are quite romantic sorts , he has put in a lot sound effects in the song which are present in usually faster tracks .

The next song on the soundtrack is the title track "Whats up India" and is a wannabe rap song . The track has been sung by Blaaze , the guy who sung the Bunty and Babli rap song . Personally I feel that Blaaze sings rap songs quite well but he doesn't write them quite well . This song having the lyrics and music both by him lacks that finish and is completely avoidable . Most probably it would be used in background and may be it might look good in the background .

The third song on the soundtrack is "Mujh Mein Nigaah Daal De" which again is composed by Randolph Correa and hence has a feel that is completely western . The music sounds like a bad mixture of music from various artists from the west . The song has been sung by Monica and her voice has been distorted by the music director completely so I don't know how does she sing . She might have sounded better without the distortion .It is a fast track and has a hip hop disco kinda feeling to it . The whole song again might be used in background .Overall the song is average in its music and singing . The lyrics are also average and have nothing to offer .

The next track on the album is a Punjabi track "Mithri Mithri" . Maybe one Punjabi track is made mandatory by the music companies . This one is a usual Punjabi track with dhol beats . The track has lyrics by Raqeeb Alam and Shona Urvashi and music is by Bipin Panchal . All three of them have done nothing new and out of the way . A very basic and old sounding Punjabi track .The track is also not full on Dance track so in general will not get any audience .

The next track is an English version of Nigaah Daal De which has been sung again by Monica . She sounds better in English and her accent suits more for English songs . The original itself wasn't that good how would this one sound good .This song is a wannabe Britney Spears track and goes nowhere .

The last track is again a remix of Whats up India and sounds only a little better than the original . The remix also has very less to offer and would be probably used in the ending credits of the film .

Overall apart from the first track 'Abhi Abhi' nothing is worth a listen and the album on whole can be avoided . They should have never released the album in the first place . The should have put it on the net to download for free . Then probably it might have drawn some attention and hype for the film .
Music Rating : One Star out of Five ; This is what Bad Music is all about , only one song is worth listening .

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