Sunday, September 30, 2007
[FEATURE] Amul Spoofs
The famous Amul butter from India has spoofed so many things that are filmy related. Take a gander at what is what for yourselves, then we'll help out if you're lost.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Music Review: Om Shanti Om (2007) [HINDI]
Farah Khan, the choreographer turned director [Main Hoon Na (2004)] is one film old and already she created waves in the Hindi film industry.
The film boasts of King Khan's return to Farah's direction after 3 years. Khan, who's Chak De! India has be declared super-hit, is riding high on it's success and he hopes to continue his winning streak with this film, Hirani's next and S.Shankar [Sivaji the Boss fame] with "Robot". Also in the cast is debutant, Deepika Padoune [Kannada fame], Shreyas Talpade and other stars.
Music director-duo Vishal-Shekhar composed some retro tracks based off the films. In the end, we can forgive them for the hip-hop that was CASH and success with OM SHANTI OM.
Main Aggar Kahoon (4.9/5)
If it weren't for the Ilaiyaraaja hangover for this track, the song would undoubtly be the best of the lot. Sonu Nigam is back in form after along time. Must have been a heavy toll for the singer with his tours, his newly born kid and stuff. Shreya Goshal supports aptly with Nigam after a long time.
Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om (4/5)
A dark and gutsy song with some great organization. The main problem is that it's got Shaan croon for the dark and gruff-like song. Nothing wrong with that. I just felt that he was decent but I strongly feel that a singer like M.G Sreekumar, one of my favorites would've been rocking in this track as song but I guess the background score makes up for it.
Ajabi Se (4.6/5)
The songs seems strikingly familiar. Can't remember where. Anyways, KK's decent, if only they roped in Vijay Yesudas for this, the song would undoubtedly be the best. It's okay in the end.
Dhoom Thana (3.4/5)
The tracks' just average. Nothing remotely interesting aside form Goshal's voice and that Date's vocals.
Deewangi Deewangi (4/5)
Another good song. But did they really have to repeat the same "retro" tunes. I under stand it's a "retro" movie but jeez man! Hard to differenciate!
Dard-E-Disco (5/5)
Best of the lot. Go Sukhwinder saab!
On the whole, OM SHANTI OM is pleasant album to play anytime anywhere. To be frank, it's a step up to that slow poke OST that is the latest SAAWARIYA.
Rating: ***.5/5
The film boasts of King Khan's return to Farah's direction after 3 years. Khan, who's Chak De! India has be declared super-hit, is riding high on it's success and he hopes to continue his winning streak with this film, Hirani's next and S.Shankar [Sivaji the Boss fame] with "Robot". Also in the cast is debutant, Deepika Padoune [Kannada fame], Shreyas Talpade and other stars.
Music director-duo Vishal-Shekhar composed some retro tracks based off the films. In the end, we can forgive them for the hip-hop that was CASH and success with OM SHANTI OM.
Main Aggar Kahoon (4.9/5)
If it weren't for the Ilaiyaraaja hangover for this track, the song would undoubtly be the best of the lot. Sonu Nigam is back in form after along time. Must have been a heavy toll for the singer with his tours, his newly born kid and stuff. Shreya Goshal supports aptly with Nigam after a long time.
Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om (4/5)
A dark and gutsy song with some great organization. The main problem is that it's got Shaan croon for the dark and gruff-like song. Nothing wrong with that. I just felt that he was decent but I strongly feel that a singer like M.G Sreekumar, one of my favorites would've been rocking in this track as song but I guess the background score makes up for it.
Ajabi Se (4.6/5)
The songs seems strikingly familiar. Can't remember where. Anyways, KK's decent, if only they roped in Vijay Yesudas for this, the song would undoubtedly be the best. It's okay in the end.
Dhoom Thana (3.4/5)
The tracks' just average. Nothing remotely interesting aside form Goshal's voice and that Date's vocals.
Deewangi Deewangi (4/5)
Another good song. But did they really have to repeat the same "retro" tunes. I under stand it's a "retro" movie but jeez man! Hard to differenciate!
Dard-E-Disco (5/5)
Best of the lot. Go Sukhwinder saab!
On the whole, OM SHANTI OM is pleasant album to play anytime anywhere. To be frank, it's a step up to that slow poke OST that is the latest SAAWARIYA.
Rating: ***.5/5
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Movie Review - RGV ki Aag (2007)
Let's put speculations and criticism to rest. Yes, it's a remake of the all-time blockbuster SHOLAY. Yes, somebody is crazy enough to remake it. Yes, it's our very own Ram Gopal Varma, who's given us hits like SHIVA, RANGEELA, RAAT, SATYA, COMPANY, BHOOT and the recent, SARKAR. Yes, it's consisting of a pretty-darn A-list such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Ajay Devagan, and Sushmita Sen. Yes, it's got Varma's favorite, Nisha Kothari as Basanti, sorry Ghungroo, the rickshawala, and debutant Prashant Raj as Jai, err Raj.
I'm not going to be like every damn critic and blsat RGV immediately by flaming that this remake sucks or I warned you before and so on. Instead, AAG is convential. There are certain parts of the movie that have Varma's stamp all over it. In the end, the film doesn't end up becoming a SHOLAY copy but rather SHOLAY directed by RGV.
No point in going over the tried-tested story but as far as performances goes: Mohanlal steals the show, or rather the movie. He proves to the other artists, why he's Kerala's most sought actor and national winning too. Second comes Amitabh Bachchan, who is highly competent as Babban Singh. Surely, Amjad Khan would be proud of him. Though he gets a bit carried away, he still stands tall for the juniors. Another competent performer is none other than Sushmita Sen.
Out of the the juniors, Prashant Raj makes a confident debut with the right body language and Characterization. Ajay Devagan is okay. Nisha Kothari is average.
As far as music goes, Mohile goes over the top with the background score making it too cheesy. But some songs that are worth listening to: Mehbooba, and Jee Le. That's about it.
On the flip side, the second half could've been trimmed better. The prem kahani was unecessary as well as Rajpal Yadav's comedy irritation.
On the whole, RGV ki AAG is a brave attempt and daringly different from Sippy's original classic. Too bad the junta has declared it the biggest disaster of the year since JHOOM BARBAR JHOOM.
Rating: ***
I'm not going to be like every damn critic and blsat RGV immediately by flaming that this remake sucks or I warned you before and so on. Instead, AAG is convential. There are certain parts of the movie that have Varma's stamp all over it. In the end, the film doesn't end up becoming a SHOLAY copy but rather SHOLAY directed by RGV.
No point in going over the tried-tested story but as far as performances goes: Mohanlal steals the show, or rather the movie. He proves to the other artists, why he's Kerala's most sought actor and national winning too. Second comes Amitabh Bachchan, who is highly competent as Babban Singh. Surely, Amjad Khan would be proud of him. Though he gets a bit carried away, he still stands tall for the juniors. Another competent performer is none other than Sushmita Sen.
Out of the the juniors, Prashant Raj makes a confident debut with the right body language and Characterization. Ajay Devagan is okay. Nisha Kothari is average.
As far as music goes, Mohile goes over the top with the background score making it too cheesy. But some songs that are worth listening to: Mehbooba, and Jee Le. That's about it.
On the flip side, the second half could've been trimmed better. The prem kahani was unecessary as well as Rajpal Yadav's comedy irritation.
On the whole, RGV ki AAG is a brave attempt and daringly different from Sippy's original classic. Too bad the junta has declared it the biggest disaster of the year since JHOOM BARBAR JHOOM.
Rating: ***
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Music Review - Bheemaa (2007) [TAMIL]
Vikram and Harris Jayaraj are back! After rendering hits like SAMURAI, SAMY and the most recent ANNIYAN, the two come together for his next biggie, BHEEMAA. Also comprising of actors Trisha, Prakash Raj, and Raghuvaran, the movie had been delayed several times due to the overrated Rajni film, Sivaji. Now it looks like it will be a Deepavali release this fall. With lyricists comprising of Pa. Vijay, Thaamarai, Yugibharati, and Na Muthukumar, the album is sure to be chock full of melodious tunes. Take a look.
Ore Mugamo consists of singers Krish (of "June Pona" - Unnale Unnale fame) and of course, the Naresh "Roobaroo/Paathshala" Iyer. An interesting melody that starts off slow and ends up becoming a very good piece of music. Not a regular tune that we've observed with Jayaraj in the past.
Mudhal Mazhai is simply superb! Why you ask? Well for starters, it's rhythm is beautifully maintained throughout the whole song. Secondly, we have the legendary Hariharan and graceful Malathi who croon behind the track. Thirdly, the song is so tempting that it's recommended that you hit the "repeat" button on your CD player because it's worth listening too again and again.
The title Ranga Rangamma may imply a village track background. When in reality, it's really a track that's percussion full of good stuff. If you thought Vijay Jesudas got the bitter end of the stick in Sivaji the Boss (his track was the best of the album, but got jipped for time compared to Udit Narayan's version) then you should listen to him in full potential with this track. Joining him is Hindi pop singer, Kailash Kher. What's even suprising is that for an Bollywood singer, he impresses for his tamil debut with his flawless tamil diction. Swarnalaya also supports for feminity.
Siru Paaravaiyaale is also another asset to the album. Singers Karthik and Harini are known voices in the industry. As always, Karthik provides the kid-hearted self as the male vocals while Harini does the same. The highlight of the track is probably the assigned instrumentals inbetween the verses. The whole track is full of excitement and fun-filled melody.
Ragasiya Kanavugal brings the "Vaaji Vaaji" duo back again. Yes, I'm talking about Hariharan and Madhushree. The two of them do what's best in this track and I'm going to stop there.
Enadhuyirae is the final track of the album. The only thing that seperates the vocals from the female voices (Sadhana Sargam, Somya Raoh, Chinmayee) is the debutant singer Nikhil Matthew. Probably one of the gems of the album next to Kannum Kannum Nokia and Sami da...
Like I had said before, BHEEMAA is chock full of beautiful tunes that should not be missed. Mudhal Mazhai, Siri Paravaaiille, Ragasiya, and the rest of the songs are something that go beyond the orthadox that we were used to hearing from Jayaraj all the time. This time, Bheemaa's tunes sends the Jayaraj detractors idilli to their face. Move over Sivaji, Bheemaa is here!
Rating: ****1/2
Ore Mugamo consists of singers Krish (of "June Pona" - Unnale Unnale fame) and of course, the Naresh "Roobaroo/Paathshala" Iyer. An interesting melody that starts off slow and ends up becoming a very good piece of music. Not a regular tune that we've observed with Jayaraj in the past.
Mudhal Mazhai is simply superb! Why you ask? Well for starters, it's rhythm is beautifully maintained throughout the whole song. Secondly, we have the legendary Hariharan and graceful Malathi who croon behind the track. Thirdly, the song is so tempting that it's recommended that you hit the "repeat" button on your CD player because it's worth listening too again and again.
The title Ranga Rangamma may imply a village track background. When in reality, it's really a track that's percussion full of good stuff. If you thought Vijay Jesudas got the bitter end of the stick in Sivaji the Boss (his track was the best of the album, but got jipped for time compared to Udit Narayan's version) then you should listen to him in full potential with this track. Joining him is Hindi pop singer, Kailash Kher. What's even suprising is that for an Bollywood singer, he impresses for his tamil debut with his flawless tamil diction. Swarnalaya also supports for feminity.
Siru Paaravaiyaale is also another asset to the album. Singers Karthik and Harini are known voices in the industry. As always, Karthik provides the kid-hearted self as the male vocals while Harini does the same. The highlight of the track is probably the assigned instrumentals inbetween the verses. The whole track is full of excitement and fun-filled melody.
Ragasiya Kanavugal brings the "Vaaji Vaaji" duo back again. Yes, I'm talking about Hariharan and Madhushree. The two of them do what's best in this track and I'm going to stop there.
Enadhuyirae is the final track of the album. The only thing that seperates the vocals from the female voices (Sadhana Sargam, Somya Raoh, Chinmayee) is the debutant singer Nikhil Matthew. Probably one of the gems of the album next to Kannum Kannum Nokia and Sami da...
Like I had said before, BHEEMAA is chock full of beautiful tunes that should not be missed. Mudhal Mazhai, Siri Paravaaiille, Ragasiya, and the rest of the songs are something that go beyond the orthadox that we were used to hearing from Jayaraj all the time. This time, Bheemaa's tunes sends the Jayaraj detractors idilli to their face. Move over Sivaji, Bheemaa is here!
Rating: ****1/2
Monday, August 20, 2007
Movie Review - Kireedom (2007) [TAMIL]
Remaking a Malayalam classic into another language isn't very easy. The remake version of the original may sometimes succeed or it may sometimes flop badly. Like Joesph's Vijay's success with GILLI [2004] from OKKADU [2003] but flops with AADI [2006] from ATHANOKKADE [2005]. Hence why production houses often dub the originals rather than remake them.
Director A.L Vijay gets it right with KIREEDOM. By changing the subtlety from the Malayalam version into Tamil, he's not only given some commercial factors into the film but some outstanding performances. In a nutshell, KIREEDOM works big time. The film would've ended up becoming something hard-hitting hadn't been worth for the climax change (Post July 28th release).
Rajkiran plays a police inspector who dreams of making his son Sakthivel [Ajith Kumar] a police officer. Once Sakthi receives the letter of appointment from the Head of the Police department, Sakthivel and his father train to overcome all obstacles and at the same time, share a strong bond between father and son. In the process, Sakthivel meets Divya [Trisha] and she falls for him. Meanville, Rajkiran encounters an MLA son and arrests him for notable consequences but then gets entangled with rowdy don Vardhanrajan [Debutant Ajay]. In the process, Sakthivel resorts to violence after watching the devastation of his father by the rowdy don. How he recuperates with it soon follows.
As mentioned earlier, the tamil remake does a splendid job of pacing and balancing the acting and showcasing the chain of events. The only downside of the film is the abrupt climax done by request of Ajith fans. I pity them for the climax would've made me rate the film even higher.
Music by GV Prakash is outstanding. All the songs linger in your mind but Kannavellam and Kaneer Thullaye stand out the most. In fact, these songs are much better than the bash of musical dysfunction that was Sivaji. Camera by Tirru is brilliant while the writing by Lolithdas and Muthukumar show effficiency.
Hats off to Rajkiran and Ajith for the outstanding performances as father and son roles. Watch for Ajith in the pre-interval/ second half as he scores in full rate. Trisha excells in her part. Moreover, she's gorgeous. Ajay as the villian is strictly okay. Vivek, Santhanam, and V.M.C Haneefa tickle your funny bone to an extent.
On the whole, KIREEDOM is a family entertainer. Box-office wise, the film has acclaimed hit-status and should grow even bigger. Strongly recommended.
Rating: ****/5
Director A.L Vijay gets it right with KIREEDOM. By changing the subtlety from the Malayalam version into Tamil, he's not only given some commercial factors into the film but some outstanding performances. In a nutshell, KIREEDOM works big time. The film would've ended up becoming something hard-hitting hadn't been worth for the climax change (Post July 28th release).
Rajkiran plays a police inspector who dreams of making his son Sakthivel [Ajith Kumar] a police officer. Once Sakthi receives the letter of appointment from the Head of the Police department, Sakthivel and his father train to overcome all obstacles and at the same time, share a strong bond between father and son. In the process, Sakthivel meets Divya [Trisha] and she falls for him. Meanville, Rajkiran encounters an MLA son and arrests him for notable consequences but then gets entangled with rowdy don Vardhanrajan [Debutant Ajay]. In the process, Sakthivel resorts to violence after watching the devastation of his father by the rowdy don. How he recuperates with it soon follows.
As mentioned earlier, the tamil remake does a splendid job of pacing and balancing the acting and showcasing the chain of events. The only downside of the film is the abrupt climax done by request of Ajith fans. I pity them for the climax would've made me rate the film even higher.
Music by GV Prakash is outstanding. All the songs linger in your mind but Kannavellam and Kaneer Thullaye stand out the most. In fact, these songs are much better than the bash of musical dysfunction that was Sivaji. Camera by Tirru is brilliant while the writing by Lolithdas and Muthukumar show effficiency.
Hats off to Rajkiran and Ajith for the outstanding performances as father and son roles. Watch for Ajith in the pre-interval/ second half as he scores in full rate. Trisha excells in her part. Moreover, she's gorgeous. Ajay as the villian is strictly okay. Vivek, Santhanam, and V.M.C Haneefa tickle your funny bone to an extent.
On the whole, KIREEDOM is a family entertainer. Box-office wise, the film has acclaimed hit-status and should grow even bigger. Strongly recommended.
Rating: ****/5
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Movie Review - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) [ENGLISH]
Normally I never do reviews for English movies but I insisted on reviewing this "hyped" up sequel to the last 4 (The first two being gems and the 3rd being bad. 4th was good.) Warner Bros brings us the 900 page book onto the silver screen.
HARRY POTTER gets some stuff right and the rest well, not so right. The pacing in the whole film probably one of the biggest problem with the film. 30 minutes into the film and you're left to either snooze off the rest of the film or to become restless because the film is testing your patience.
Another problem with HARRY POTTER is that the film gets too dark and some of the dialogue is hard to understand or digest (mainly Rupert Grint/Ron's lines.) In a nutshell, HARRY POTTER doesn't live up to the book standards or the popcorn standards of entertainment at all. It just makes you wanna leave the theater immediately.
No need to go into plot detail since it's based off the book. But as far as Acting goes, it's a Dan Radcliffe show all the way. In fact, it would be right to state that all the kids have grown up right from the SORCERER'S STONE. But the actress who really surprises you is the character of Umbridge. She does her part fantastic as per the book's characterization. However, several parts from the book were chopped off to fit the movie within 2:30 hours of duration. I would imagine seeing them in deleted scenes perhaps?
On the whole, HARRY POTTER 5 is critically dull and ambiguous but it will face a tough B.O competition to the supreme TRANSFORMERS, which is already raking more money as we speak and to the August releaes: RUSH HOUR 3, BOURNE ULTIMACY, and more.
Rating: **1/2
HARRY POTTER gets some stuff right and the rest well, not so right. The pacing in the whole film probably one of the biggest problem with the film. 30 minutes into the film and you're left to either snooze off the rest of the film or to become restless because the film is testing your patience.
Another problem with HARRY POTTER is that the film gets too dark and some of the dialogue is hard to understand or digest (mainly Rupert Grint/Ron's lines.) In a nutshell, HARRY POTTER doesn't live up to the book standards or the popcorn standards of entertainment at all. It just makes you wanna leave the theater immediately.
No need to go into plot detail since it's based off the book. But as far as Acting goes, it's a Dan Radcliffe show all the way. In fact, it would be right to state that all the kids have grown up right from the SORCERER'S STONE. But the actress who really surprises you is the character of Umbridge. She does her part fantastic as per the book's characterization. However, several parts from the book were chopped off to fit the movie within 2:30 hours of duration. I would imagine seeing them in deleted scenes perhaps?
On the whole, HARRY POTTER 5 is critically dull and ambiguous but it will face a tough B.O competition to the supreme TRANSFORMERS, which is already raking more money as we speak and to the August releaes: RUSH HOUR 3, BOURNE ULTIMACY, and more.
Rating: **1/2
Monday, July 2, 2007
Music Review - Kireedom (2007) [TAMIL]
After the much hyped "Sivaji - the boss" has finally released, the fans can now heave a sigh of relief and await their "thala's" next. Kireedom is a said remake of the Mohanan-Lolithdas 1989 Malayalam hit by the same name. With the treatment given by director A.Vijay,an associate of Priyadarshan, one hopes to give Ajith a much needed hit after that disaster that was Aalwar. But lets put that aside and focus on the music composed by G.V Prakash Kumar, better known as ARR's nephew who gave us VEYIL earlier this year. Kumar manages to salvate you his mesmerizing music that you would want to listen to all the songs (Vilayaadu is an exception but more on that later.)
"Vizhiyl" kicks off the start of the album with a nice background score and instrumental interlude. With singers Sonu Nigam and Swetha behind the voices, you are immediately sold for the song. Multiple hearings are a must for this track completely. This love duet is undoubtedly, G.V's uncle's early works in play. Also, Snnu has a better diction/prounciation than Udit "Sahana" Naryanan.
"Kannavelam" by Karthik and malayalam singer, Jayachandran give their soothing voices in this next soft melody. A situational number more or less but as I heard multiple hearings of this exact number, I started to enjoy it more than the first track. It's really catchy, especially Jayachandran's lines.
"Akkam Pakam" by Sadhana Sargam is another song in contrast to "Vizhiyl". Full credit goes for her tamil diction and prounciation. A rare thing that most northies can't do well (Yes Udit "Sahara" Narayan, I'm talking about you definetly.") Anyways, another addicting track with shades of ARR and Harris Jeyaraj. Another must hear.
They say all good things come with a stand-out. And I'm really taling about "Vilaiyaadu". Shankar Mahadevan has a good voice for kuthu/introduction numbers but did the album really need one? I understand that it's an Ajith film and to them [fans], an introduction song is truely a must. Like Rajni fans who insisit on SPB for Rajni's voice and whatnot. Anyways, the song is the usual hearings you hear in every Ajith movie, but honestly, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
"Kaneer Thuliye" by Vijay Yesudas makes up for the sore thumb that was in the last track. Though there are heavy shades of "Ae Ajnabi" from "Dil Se", the track shows Yesudas's versatality just like his father did in the past. Yesudas may have been jynxed with "Sahara" in Sivaji - ths boss, but this song truely makes up for the loss that was Sivaji. ARR's loss is G.V's gain indeed. The last song is a theme music compsed by Prakash Kumar himself. Something that should be looked forward to during the movie.
All in all. G.V Prakash deserves full marks for the awesome album that is Kireedom. A step up over his uncle, one hopes that he continues to give good music like this. Aside from "Vilayaadu", the album's worth picking up indeed!
Rating: ****1/2
"Vizhiyl" kicks off the start of the album with a nice background score and instrumental interlude. With singers Sonu Nigam and Swetha behind the voices, you are immediately sold for the song. Multiple hearings are a must for this track completely. This love duet is undoubtedly, G.V's uncle's early works in play. Also, Snnu has a better diction/prounciation than Udit "Sahana" Naryanan.
"Kannavelam" by Karthik and malayalam singer, Jayachandran give their soothing voices in this next soft melody. A situational number more or less but as I heard multiple hearings of this exact number, I started to enjoy it more than the first track. It's really catchy, especially Jayachandran's lines.
"Akkam Pakam" by Sadhana Sargam is another song in contrast to "Vizhiyl". Full credit goes for her tamil diction and prounciation. A rare thing that most northies can't do well (Yes Udit "Sahara" Narayan, I'm talking about you definetly.") Anyways, another addicting track with shades of ARR and Harris Jeyaraj. Another must hear.
They say all good things come with a stand-out. And I'm really taling about "Vilaiyaadu". Shankar Mahadevan has a good voice for kuthu/introduction numbers but did the album really need one? I understand that it's an Ajith film and to them [fans], an introduction song is truely a must. Like Rajni fans who insisit on SPB for Rajni's voice and whatnot. Anyways, the song is the usual hearings you hear in every Ajith movie, but honestly, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
"Kaneer Thuliye" by Vijay Yesudas makes up for the sore thumb that was in the last track. Though there are heavy shades of "Ae Ajnabi" from "Dil Se", the track shows Yesudas's versatality just like his father did in the past. Yesudas may have been jynxed with "Sahara" in Sivaji - ths boss, but this song truely makes up for the loss that was Sivaji. ARR's loss is G.V's gain indeed. The last song is a theme music compsed by Prakash Kumar himself. Something that should be looked forward to during the movie.
All in all. G.V Prakash deserves full marks for the awesome album that is Kireedom. A step up over his uncle, one hopes that he continues to give good music like this. Aside from "Vilayaadu", the album's worth picking up indeed!
Rating: ****1/2
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