D-Day is finally here!
After witnessing much speculation to whether Farah Khan could dish out another hit after MAIN HOON NA, Farah can now "Lage Raho" with her directional journey. After watching OM SHANTI OM, you'll end up with a smile on your face and a good sense of humor to tell. Forget SAANWARYA, OM SHANTI OM is the way to go!
The story: Flashback to the 70s, Junior artist Om Makija [SRK] has aspiring dreams of becoming a huge superstar but he also has a love corner for sweetheart star Shantipriya [Debutant Deepika]. However, consequence lead him to discovering that all time big-shot producer Mukesh Mehra [Arjun Rampal] is said to be married to his sweetheart and what follows is Shantipriya and Om's deaths leading to their reincarnation of present day era.
Farah deserves full marks for satirizing the film industry back in the 70s and today's standards.Namely the following: [SPOILERS below contain scenes. Be Warned!]
- The use of stock fotage from KARZ's "Om Shanti Om" track featuring reshots of director SUBHASH GHAI and SRK and FARAH KHAN [Sp Appearance.]
- Pappu [Shreyas Talpade] explaining the rise to stardom with the sur name of "Kapoor" or "Khanna."
- The Melodramatic scenes with Om's ma and beta.
- The South take [MADRAS RAJA] by SRK as Rajinikanth.
- Dreamy Girl [Obvious take on DREAM GIRL]
- South heroines dominating back then [Shantipriya perhaps?]
- The Manoj Kumar Episode.
- The Filmfare ceremony [Abhishek spoofed in Dhoom-5, SRK spoofed in Johar's off-repeated "Phir Bhi Dil Hai NRI" and "Main Bhi Hoon Na" and Akshay Kumar [sp. Appearance] for "Khiladi Returns" (Best of the lot as well!)]
and many more...
However, credit goes to the editor [Shirish Kunder] for making the film worthwhile without anything unwanted. Superb! Camera by Manikandan and Art by Sabu Cyrill cements the film's picturization glossy look overall. Vishal-Shekhar give one of the best soundtracks till date after TAXI 9211 and JHANKAAR BEATS. The 31 star track and the Dasataan track were the best of the lot.
SRK is indeed awesome in the film. Given his 70s trend or his present trend. Khan shows more proof of competence in any given scene, time, and reaction. Period. Newcomer Deepika is promising as compared to the heroines who debut, never get this much scope. But Farah deserves max kudos for giving Deepika the max footage to shine. Shreyas Talpade excells as sidekick artist to SRK as Kirron Kher does to being the melodramatic maa.
Overall, OM SHANTI OM is a masala that's got everything a Manmohan Desai's film's got. Strongly Recommended. Go have a blast!
Rating: ****/5
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
[MUSIC REVIEW] TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (2007) [HINDI]
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have come a long way from their conventional compositions. From DILAGI to the popular DIL CHAHTA HAI to the recent JOHNNY GADAAR. This time, they teamup with renowned actor/producer and directional debut, Aamir Khan. His film TAARE ZAMEEN PAR is known to be a children film. Given the number of child films we had in the past, barring Mr. India and Hanuman, none of them have lived up to the audiences nor the box-office's expectations. But from viewing the promos of the soothing music from the team of S-E-L, One knows the film may be the key to reviving a genre among the Indian audiences. If English films can do it, why not us? Anyways, lyricist Prasoon Joshi [RANG DE BASANTI, FANAA, and the upcoming GHAJINI] gives us the meaningful and beautiful poetic verses in these 8 tracks.
TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (5/5)
Shankar Mahadevan is excellent. All credit must go the Prasoon, the background music and the chorus.
KHOLO KHOLO (4.9/5)
Think Pritam's "O Meri Jaan" but less hard rock. Nevertheless, it's got some great guitar and vocals.
BUM BUM BOLE (4.8/5)
A fun-filled song featuring Mr. Khan in some dialogue bits. Otherwise, Shaan goes with ease in this awesome song. Take a few times of hearings to get it sunk in.
JAME RAHO (4.6/5)
Again, it's in the phase as KHOLO KHOLO but it's got Mahadevan's vocals with some soothing music. A catchy song.
BHEJA KUM (4.7/5)
A satire on school punishments, the song is presented in a hard rock like fashion. A must hear for those who deal with such situations. *laughs*
MAA (5/5)
Shankar's back with another soft rock song. This time, it's maa. A real melody and great meaning, it sorta makes you cry. Another pick of the album. Gives me some nostalgia to the QSQT songs by Jatin-Lalit.
MERE JAHAN (5/5)
With an english prologue, the song carries off to an guitar piece accompained by chorus, Adnan Sami brings in the emotion to the music and the song. Badda-bing-badda-boom, you're sunk into the song. Great instrumental and chorus background should be noted.
ISHAAN'S THEME (4.9/5)
Composed by Amole Gupte, it brings in the international standards of piano music all together. Something that you would hear at a restaurant.
Overall, Aamir khan and the team of S-E-L must applaud themselves for bringing themselves one of the best and melodious album of the year. Forget SIVAJI, AZHAGIYA TAMIZH MAGAN and SAAWARYA, this is where the TRUE music is. Picks of the album include the title track, Kholo, Jamhe raho and Mere jahan.
Rating: *****/5
TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (5/5)
Shankar Mahadevan is excellent. All credit must go the Prasoon, the background music and the chorus.
KHOLO KHOLO (4.9/5)
Think Pritam's "O Meri Jaan" but less hard rock. Nevertheless, it's got some great guitar and vocals.
BUM BUM BOLE (4.8/5)
A fun-filled song featuring Mr. Khan in some dialogue bits. Otherwise, Shaan goes with ease in this awesome song. Take a few times of hearings to get it sunk in.
JAME RAHO (4.6/5)
Again, it's in the phase as KHOLO KHOLO but it's got Mahadevan's vocals with some soothing music. A catchy song.
BHEJA KUM (4.7/5)
A satire on school punishments, the song is presented in a hard rock like fashion. A must hear for those who deal with such situations. *laughs*
MAA (5/5)
Shankar's back with another soft rock song. This time, it's maa. A real melody and great meaning, it sorta makes you cry. Another pick of the album. Gives me some nostalgia to the QSQT songs by Jatin-Lalit.
MERE JAHAN (5/5)
With an english prologue, the song carries off to an guitar piece accompained by chorus, Adnan Sami brings in the emotion to the music and the song. Badda-bing-badda-boom, you're sunk into the song. Great instrumental and chorus background should be noted.
ISHAAN'S THEME (4.9/5)
Composed by Amole Gupte, it brings in the international standards of piano music all together. Something that you would hear at a restaurant.
Overall, Aamir khan and the team of S-E-L must applaud themselves for bringing themselves one of the best and melodious album of the year. Forget SIVAJI, AZHAGIYA TAMIZH MAGAN and SAAWARYA, this is where the TRUE music is. Picks of the album include the title track, Kholo, Jamhe raho and Mere jahan.
Rating: *****/5
Thursday, November 1, 2007
[Rant/News] Diwali Mela 2007 (Saanwariya vs OSO and South releases]
November 9th can't come soon enough.
With just about a week left-over till D-Day (D being the Diwali Day), both Sony Pictures and Eros International aren't leaving any stone unturned. From televised promos to fashion shows to press meets to guest appearances and news channels. Yes folks, I'm talking
about the forthcoming biggies: "Saawariya" [Sanjay Leela Bhansali] taking on Om Shanti Om [Farah Khan].
The latter's film comprises of Shah Rukh "King" Khan, Shreyas Talpade and newcomer Deepika while Bhansali's magnus opus consists of the next generation of kapoors, Randhir and Sonam. Already both films have become the rage and talk of the towns as recent releases (ala pre-diwali films) have been nothing short of but flops. The onlyexception to this is Priyadarshan's "Bhool Bhulaiyaa", which is declared "Super-hit" and still running packed [A remake of Malayalam classic, "MANICHITHRANAZHU".] Reasons for the flops? Blame the "Clash of the Titans" of course!
If I had to choose over a film, I definetely go for Om Shanti Om and here's why. Before you folks decide to go and brand me as an "SRK fan follower" or "SRK fan" what so ever, let me explain. Om Shanti Om has all the makings of a blockbuster. If memory serves backto 2004, when her debut film "Main Hoon Na" released, it was filled with speculation and doubt because people didn't believe that Farah had it all to become a director. Yet her film was declared one of the biggest hits of that year and people were waiting for what Farah hadin store. In Om Shanti Om, the story retells about Reincarnation. The closest thing to what we got to reincarnation was Salman's "Hello Brother" and Arjun Rampal's "Moksha" to which both were disasters in that subject. However, Farah has a theme to the 70s and the promos and trailers looks damn impressive. All she has left is to decide how the audience takes it. Secondly is the music. Vishal-Shekhar have earned a big niche for themselves in Bollywood today (they were also music mentors for Zee Tv's SA RE GA MA PA Challenge 2007.) With hits of SALAAM NAMASTE, TAXI 9211 and JHANKAAR BEATS behind them, the duo-composers have successfully earned themselves a musical hit with Om Shanti Om. Songs like "Ajab Si" and "Main Agar Kahoon" are still playing in local stores and cd players while popular charbusters like "Dard E Disco" and "Deewangi" are fast dance numbers and popular among the public
post their music release.
If you remember last year, SRK had DON ( a modern remake of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer) while Salman had JAANEMANN (Shirish Kunder's debut, Farah Khan's husband) pitted together in October 2006. The former had been declared a blockbuster while the latter ended up becoming critically acclaimed but a commercial dud. So really, SRK has the market of making any of his film a hit at the Box Office (Chak De India is a prominent example of this.)
Now let's talk Saawariya. It's a Bhansali film so you expect big production values and glittering humongous sets and whatnot. Recently, he's been faltering somewhere along the line. If you guessed music, you're absolutely right! The Saawariya music was released withgreat fanfare but in terms of public opinion is really...mixed. Barring "Jab se tera" and the title track, the album is nothing really special. It's more or less below average. I distinctly remember thedays when he and Ismail Darbar were an item. They gave us the classic"Hum Dil De Ke Chupke Sanam" and his version of "Devdas." Numbers like "Aankhon Ki", "Dholna Re", and "Dhol Baaje" are still legendary to the public's ears to this very day. By the time the split had spread word,
people were in disappointment that the classic we all loved was now defunct. His last flick, Black [A remake of MIRACLE WORKER] managed to flop at box office but no one really cared about that MD of his. Monty Sharma, an unknown name to all, can't really get his notes right. The
rest of the album is a pass muster and there's no repeat value in them in comparison to Om Shanti Om.
As far as story goes, it's taken from an Italian film classic. Debutants Randhir and Sonam make look fresh and energetic in the promos, but the story looks like a typical Muslim - Hindu tale. We were dragged into one called "Veer-Zaara" 2 Diwali's ago and now it seems to be the case again. However, rumors are agog that it's a tale of Randhir's character who observes muslim Sonam, who awaits her lover, Salman by that infamous bridge you see in those damn promos. Rani as the prostitute observes Randhir and gets that "feeling" going on and whatnot. Knowing Bhansali inspired route, this is LIKELY the case. The big question is: Will the debutant Kapoors live up to their household names? Will Bhansali score another hattrick?
Down South, Kollywood's (Tamil Cinema) awaiting Ilayathalapathy Vijay's forthcoming film "Azhagiya Thamizh Magan" (Handsome Tamilian.) Already the songs tuned by Mozart of Madras, A.R Rahman are a hit with the crowd with numbers of "Ellappugham", "Nee Marlyin Monroe" and "Kelamal". However the suprise packet is the "Ponmagal" remix from the old film, "Sorgam" [Starring the late Sivaji Ganesan.] The film also stars Sivaji fame "Shriya", Namitha, and "Lollu Sabha's" Santhanam. It's said to be a non-remake so let's hope actor Vijay gets it right this time after the critically panned Pokkiri. Also releasing this Diwali is Priya V's [KANDA NAAL MUDHAL fame] film, Kannammochi Yennada. Starring Prithviraj and yesteryear actor Satyaraj, it's another breezy entertainer from the helm of a former Mani Ratnam assistant. The music by Yuvan Shankar Raja have already already become chartbusters. Other major releases down South include MAACHAKARAN [Jeevan (Thirrtu Payale fame)], POLLADHAVAN [Dhanush] and the possiblity of VEL [Surya]. Again, nothing spectacular compared to last year's VARALAARU but ATM and KY should be big starrers while the rest depend on audience's taste.
Monday, October 22, 2007
[MUSIC REVIEW] Azhagiya Thamizh Magan (2007)[TAMIL]
Rahman needs no introduction. Neither does Vijay, or as he's fondly called by his fans: "Illayathalapathy."
After smelling success with Sivaji the Boss, Rahman dishes out with Azhagiya Thamizh Magan. Coming up with 6 numbers that are picturized with the likes of Vijay, Namitha and Telugu star, Shriya, fans have been eagerly waiting to see if the Mozart of Madras has more in store after his last outing.
First things first: Rahman's ATM is indeed a STEP better than Sivaji. I have given him every pot-shot for his laziness in Sivaji and as a dedicated Rahmaniac from his debut days, I had him on my number 2 list, number 1 being Isaignani Ilaiyaraja (who could forget those Agni Natchathiram, Dalapathi, Nayagan, Mouna Raagam, Idhaya Kovil, Vikram, Varsham 16, and other classic hits?) Rahman then continuded to surpass my expectations and from then on, he began to dish out chartbuster after chartbuster after chartbuster. For that reason, we must credit heavily to Mani Ratnam [ROJA-GURU] and to directors like Shankar [GENTLEMEN-BOYS], K.S Ravikumar [MUTHU, THENALI, PADIYAAPA, VARALAARU], Ram Gopal Varma [RANGEELA], and Subhash Ghai [TAAL, KISNA]. Why? For their ability to visualize the music that synched beautifully with the film. It was like that for the majority of the 90s. Today, Rahman manages to give us the good stuff but honestly, he had faltered in the past. Rang De Basanti was peppy, Guru was class but Sivaji the Boss wasn't extraordinary. It was okay music. Barring Sahara and Vaaji to a certain extent, the rest of the album dissappointed big time. Balleilakka was something that he took from Devuda of Chandramukhi, the majority of the numbers were more or less rap numbers indianized and that Athirade song was just...ambiguous to understand with all the mumbo-jumbo going in the background.
Aside from all that nostalgia, let's have a look at the songs.
ELLAAPUGAZHUM (A.R Rahman) Rating : 4/5
The song is most likely Vijay's staple intro song. The whole song as a whole has heavy shades of Anbe Aaruiye's title track. It's got Vaali's lyrics so you know the song will have some meaning. Despite being a sentimental song about poor people and thangachi doting and etcetera etcetera. Probably the best of the Vijay songs after that sad Pokkiri and his recent crop of masalas.
KELAMAL KAIYILE (Saindavi & Sriram Parasarathy) Rating: 3.8/5
It's a more or less your eurobeat number mixed with some addicting choral sirens. It's got a Rahman stamp all over it. However it's got a heavy "Sahara" hangover from Sivaji mixed in and "Ilamai" from Varalaaru. Nevertheless, Vidyasagar favorite, Sriram Parasarathy and newcomer Saindavi excell here.
MADURAIKKU (Benny Archal and others) Rating: 2/5
Remember that popular song from Thenali, "Hoja ye" and that recent Pokkiri mass number "Pokkiri Pongal?" It's basically that with Pravin Mani's version of "Baila Re" from Little John. Skippable as it's your staple village track. It's strictly so-so.
NEE MARLYIN MONROE (Ujjanee and Benny Archal) Rating: 3.9/5
Pretty good song and I would've rated it even higher if it weren't for the dubakoor english thrown into the song. Is it me or did you guys get shades of Boys songs "Girlfriend" and "Maro Maro". Cause I did. It's a good song and I have a feeling that the female voice, Ujjanee is from that Zee TV Winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa : Ek me aur Ek Tu. Because if that's not her, I don't know who is. Only the mozart can confirm this ;)
PONMAGAL (Aslam and others) Rating: 2.9/5
How ironic it's sounds so familiar to Bluffmaster's "Sabse Bada Rupaiya." It's a passable track but the beats and background music make up for it and the grace rating. It's your typical remix like song but Aslam is a good singer. Some later parts of the song has the tune from "Inisai."
VALAYAPATTI (Naresh Iyer, Ujjanee, Madhumitha) Rating: 3/5
Your average duet. No more shall be said.
On the whole: AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN is a TRUE Rahman album that you leave a lasting impression. Forget Sivaji, AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN can be added as one of the top albums of 2007 along with the likes of MOZHI, CHENNAI 600028, KIREEDOM, KUMARAN, BHEEMAA, KANNAMMOCHI YENADA, SATHUM PODATHEY and now this. Only con of the album has to be the Madurai track.
Rating: ***.5/5
After smelling success with Sivaji the Boss, Rahman dishes out with Azhagiya Thamizh Magan. Coming up with 6 numbers that are picturized with the likes of Vijay, Namitha and Telugu star, Shriya, fans have been eagerly waiting to see if the Mozart of Madras has more in store after his last outing.
First things first: Rahman's ATM is indeed a STEP better than Sivaji. I have given him every pot-shot for his laziness in Sivaji and as a dedicated Rahmaniac from his debut days, I had him on my number 2 list, number 1 being Isaignani Ilaiyaraja (who could forget those Agni Natchathiram, Dalapathi, Nayagan, Mouna Raagam, Idhaya Kovil, Vikram, Varsham 16, and other classic hits?) Rahman then continuded to surpass my expectations and from then on, he began to dish out chartbuster after chartbuster after chartbuster. For that reason, we must credit heavily to Mani Ratnam [ROJA-GURU] and to directors like Shankar [GENTLEMEN-BOYS], K.S Ravikumar [MUTHU, THENALI, PADIYAAPA, VARALAARU], Ram Gopal Varma [RANGEELA], and Subhash Ghai [TAAL, KISNA]. Why? For their ability to visualize the music that synched beautifully with the film. It was like that for the majority of the 90s. Today, Rahman manages to give us the good stuff but honestly, he had faltered in the past. Rang De Basanti was peppy, Guru was class but Sivaji the Boss wasn't extraordinary. It was okay music. Barring Sahara and Vaaji to a certain extent, the rest of the album dissappointed big time. Balleilakka was something that he took from Devuda of Chandramukhi, the majority of the numbers were more or less rap numbers indianized and that Athirade song was just...ambiguous to understand with all the mumbo-jumbo going in the background.
Aside from all that nostalgia, let's have a look at the songs.
ELLAAPUGAZHUM (A.R Rahman) Rating : 4/5
The song is most likely Vijay's staple intro song. The whole song as a whole has heavy shades of Anbe Aaruiye's title track. It's got Vaali's lyrics so you know the song will have some meaning. Despite being a sentimental song about poor people and thangachi doting and etcetera etcetera. Probably the best of the Vijay songs after that sad Pokkiri and his recent crop of masalas.
KELAMAL KAIYILE (Saindavi & Sriram Parasarathy) Rating: 3.8/5
It's a more or less your eurobeat number mixed with some addicting choral sirens. It's got a Rahman stamp all over it. However it's got a heavy "Sahara" hangover from Sivaji mixed in and "Ilamai" from Varalaaru. Nevertheless, Vidyasagar favorite, Sriram Parasarathy and newcomer Saindavi excell here.
MADURAIKKU (Benny Archal and others) Rating: 2/5
Remember that popular song from Thenali, "Hoja ye" and that recent Pokkiri mass number "Pokkiri Pongal?" It's basically that with Pravin Mani's version of "Baila Re" from Little John. Skippable as it's your staple village track. It's strictly so-so.
NEE MARLYIN MONROE (Ujjanee and Benny Archal) Rating: 3.9/5
Pretty good song and I would've rated it even higher if it weren't for the dubakoor english thrown into the song. Is it me or did you guys get shades of Boys songs "Girlfriend" and "Maro Maro". Cause I did. It's a good song and I have a feeling that the female voice, Ujjanee is from that Zee TV Winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa : Ek me aur Ek Tu. Because if that's not her, I don't know who is. Only the mozart can confirm this ;)
PONMAGAL (Aslam and others) Rating: 2.9/5
How ironic it's sounds so familiar to Bluffmaster's "Sabse Bada Rupaiya." It's a passable track but the beats and background music make up for it and the grace rating. It's your typical remix like song but Aslam is a good singer. Some later parts of the song has the tune from "Inisai."
VALAYAPATTI (Naresh Iyer, Ujjanee, Madhumitha) Rating: 3/5
Your average duet. No more shall be said.
On the whole: AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN is a TRUE Rahman album that you leave a lasting impression. Forget Sivaji, AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN can be added as one of the top albums of 2007 along with the likes of MOZHI, CHENNAI 600028, KIREEDOM, KUMARAN, BHEEMAA, KANNAMMOCHI YENADA, SATHUM PODATHEY and now this. Only con of the album has to be the Madurai track.
Rating: ***.5/5
Sunday, October 21, 2007
[SATIRE] The headlines of Kollywood
[CASE: Rajni's antics]
Behindthewoods report - Today the SuperStar ate a cheese sandwich today! It was filled with masala podi and mahalapodi and chickpeas. Fans of the Superstar were rumored to know that it tasted good. However, Rajni denies he said that as he was not available to comment.
Sify.com report - RAJNI EATS SANDWICH! The superstar today had a delightful lunch at a local hut where only middle-class indians can afford. Today, our superstar was seen eating a masala sandwich while his desperate fanbase was watching gleefully. There were rumors going around that Rajni had planned to eat a sandwich as he was fed up with masala dosas and idili's. Remember that Rajini ate a Pizza at Pizza Hut when he got tired of living with rasam rice and sambar!
[CASE: Vijay's ATM]
CATEGORY: ATM Launch
Behindthewoods report - After that blockbuster hit BAKERY, our Ilayathalapathy has signed onto his next venture entitled, NALLA THAMIZHA. There are reports that it's another Telugu import from PRAMANDHA CHEPPANDI but this time, Vijay borrows it from Hindi flop, ACHA HINDUSTANI. Vijay was unavailable for comment as he's too busy watching Mahesh Babu act so that he can copy his style too.
Sify.com report - ILAYATHALAPATHY'S NEXT! Our Ilayathapathy is enjoying the 10 day run of Bakery but now he seems to be in a rush for his next venture, Nalla Thamizha. Rumors are going agog that it's a remake of a Telugu blockbuster Pramandha Cheppandi while disclosed sources claim that it's a copy of hindi hit, Acha Hindustani starring Abhisheshtan Batchan and Kuppaiwarya. Remember that Vijay has a knack of copying films from Telugu such as Naan Okkadu, Pathi, Thirrutu kuchi in the past. Only our Ilayathalapathy can confirm this.
CATEGORY: ATM heroines
Behindthewoods report - Telugu import Shreeka has found success in Baaji: the dish along with Superstar. Even though she can't speak tamizh or have any good sense of acting, she was bagged by our Ilayathalapathi Vijay, who found success with Bakery for his next recycler: Nalla Thamizha. She plays a vulgar lady opposite to our Vijay who's half naked and dances for Ilayathalapathi's front benches and have no lives. Shreeka comments: "I love Tamizh cinema. It gives me good opportunities to do nothing but be concubines to the superstars, the thalapathis and whatnot. Plus, I'm shedding my wardrobe to win acclaim with biased reviewers." Also casted opposite Vijay is Vambitha, the obese actress with 0% of talent. She also comments, "Finally, I get to play Vijay's bodyguard in a song sequence. It's my long time dream to shake my flabby body along with Ilayathalapathi even though I've made claims that I'm not fat in the press releases."
Sify.com report - Sreeka and Vambitha bag Vijay's next! Baaji the dish is still making waves thanks to repeat audience and piracy! Sreeka, the vulgar heroine has bagged her next recycler opposite to our Ilayathalapathi in Nalla Thamizha. Vambitha, the obese Shakeela, has also bagged Vijay's next as well. Sreeka comments that she needed some money after wasting all her Baaji collections on skimpy wardrobes. "In Nalla Thamizha, I have a 5 reels of appearances before I get chopped off for Vijay's sequences." Vambitha couldn't comment on her acting as she's too busy showing off to the public more that what they bargain for...
Behindthewoods report - Today the SuperStar ate a cheese sandwich today! It was filled with masala podi and mahalapodi and chickpeas. Fans of the Superstar were rumored to know that it tasted good. However, Rajni denies he said that as he was not available to comment.
Sify.com report - RAJNI EATS SANDWICH! The superstar today had a delightful lunch at a local hut where only middle-class indians can afford. Today, our superstar was seen eating a masala sandwich while his desperate fanbase was watching gleefully. There were rumors going around that Rajni had planned to eat a sandwich as he was fed up with masala dosas and idili's. Remember that Rajini ate a Pizza at Pizza Hut when he got tired of living with rasam rice and sambar!
[CASE: Vijay's ATM]
CATEGORY: ATM Launch
Behindthewoods report - After that blockbuster hit BAKERY, our Ilayathalapathy has signed onto his next venture entitled, NALLA THAMIZHA. There are reports that it's another Telugu import from PRAMANDHA CHEPPANDI but this time, Vijay borrows it from Hindi flop, ACHA HINDUSTANI. Vijay was unavailable for comment as he's too busy watching Mahesh Babu act so that he can copy his style too.
Sify.com report - ILAYATHALAPATHY'S NEXT! Our Ilayathapathy is enjoying the 10 day run of Bakery but now he seems to be in a rush for his next venture, Nalla Thamizha. Rumors are going agog that it's a remake of a Telugu blockbuster Pramandha Cheppandi while disclosed sources claim that it's a copy of hindi hit, Acha Hindustani starring Abhisheshtan Batchan and Kuppaiwarya. Remember that Vijay has a knack of copying films from Telugu such as Naan Okkadu, Pathi, Thirrutu kuchi in the past. Only our Ilayathalapathy can confirm this.
CATEGORY: ATM heroines
Behindthewoods report - Telugu import Shreeka has found success in Baaji: the dish along with Superstar. Even though she can't speak tamizh or have any good sense of acting, she was bagged by our Ilayathalapathi Vijay, who found success with Bakery for his next recycler: Nalla Thamizha. She plays a vulgar lady opposite to our Vijay who's half naked and dances for Ilayathalapathi's front benches and have no lives. Shreeka comments: "I love Tamizh cinema. It gives me good opportunities to do nothing but be concubines to the superstars, the thalapathis and whatnot. Plus, I'm shedding my wardrobe to win acclaim with biased reviewers." Also casted opposite Vijay is Vambitha, the obese actress with 0% of talent. She also comments, "Finally, I get to play Vijay's bodyguard in a song sequence. It's my long time dream to shake my flabby body along with Ilayathalapathi even though I've made claims that I'm not fat in the press releases."
Sify.com report - Sreeka and Vambitha bag Vijay's next! Baaji the dish is still making waves thanks to repeat audience and piracy! Sreeka, the vulgar heroine has bagged her next recycler opposite to our Ilayathalapathi in Nalla Thamizha. Vambitha, the obese Shakeela, has also bagged Vijay's next as well. Sreeka comments that she needed some money after wasting all her Baaji collections on skimpy wardrobes. "In Nalla Thamizha, I have a 5 reels of appearances before I get chopped off for Vijay's sequences." Vambitha couldn't comment on her acting as she's too busy showing off to the public more that what they bargain for...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
[RANT] Kollywood's heroines [PART I]
Sivaji, ATM, or (insert any big budgeted film with superstars.) What do these films have in common? SuperStars like Rajini and Vijay. Anything else? How about those heroines, hmm? Remember them? Really? Tell me what their so called part of the film is?
.....Time's up! The correct answer is "absolutely nothing!" That's right. Nada, zilch, zero! What they claim to say about themselves in interviews and press? Bullshit. Absolute lies. Today's Kollywood is more or less the "money-spinning " machine for the superstars because nobody cares about "story" anymore. They care about "sleaze", "iterm numbers" or better yet, "hero's figure."
Have a good look, no seriously a GOOD look at the cinema Kollywood MANAGED to give us: Mozhi gave us Jo's blind character, ParuthiVeeran had scope on Priyamani's character, hell, look at Mani Ratnam's films for god damn sakes! Those films actually gave a damn about portraying strong female characters. Even Kireedom had Trisha portrayed as a comical character and that was a tad better than sitting around for Santhanam's crass comedy or Vivek's repeated acts.
Case in this point: Sivaji the Boss. The film was a blockbuster no doubt, but only because of 2 things. 1) Rajni's over-obsessed fanbase and 2) Shriya's sleazy looks. Period. The film didn't boast of a great story or characterization or plot (those who haven't seen it, my advise: avoid it. It's Mudhalvan, Gentleman and Indian remixed.) Every tamil forum site I visited during the film's release period, they all rave about Shriya's performance. What performance? Did I watch a different film or were they just wiping the drool off their faces from watching her vulgar dance steps and skimpy costumes that makes the film border an U/A rating. In fact, the irony here is that Rajini's character in the film boasted of her as a simple "tamizh" girl, yet the song sequences have a different story to tell.
Still don't buy it? How about that rumbum called "Thiruyadhal Arambam?" It's got Dhanush playing that shady version of Rajni's Mr. Bharath right? Nope. Go ask anyone in the blasted forums or ask any cinema crazy person down South. Nope. People remember Shriya's designer looks, that's about it. As it is, she can't utter a single tamil word [read Koffee with Anu episode] nor manage any kind of acting skills. She's basically another "wooden face." She's only face for her "valley girl" roles that REALLY don't boast much off. Going by the latest "ATM" snaps, it's basically Sivaji Mark II only Masala Monkey Vijay's taking over Rajni's role. I pray that the film gets bankrupt.
Speaking of "ATM" how about that "Namitha?" Remember that *big* article about how she's "reportedly" lost all that weight and crap?" Guess what? You've been BS'd again! I love it how the media sites like to mess with the human mind whenever the news of "ZOMG! Rajni's doing a film with t3h Mani Ratnam!" Yayz!" OR "Rahman's t3h awesome's cauz he's got better muzak skillz than copy-cat Jeyaraj!" Back on Namitha, just have a good look at this pic: http://www.behindwoods.com/image-gallery-stills/photos-4/tn-award/tn-govt-film-award-12.html.
So in closing, would the directors and writers of the film actually give a damn about the heroine instead of portraying her as a "front-bencher", or a "pointless' character, cause it really beats the purpose of making the movie. Heck, I think this is why directors like Priyadarshan and Mani Ratnam vowed to never come back to Kollywood again cause of this kind of situation. Going by our present situation, it sure looks like it.
Be sure to catch Part II, where I'll slam more on portrayals in movies [Asin, Bhavana, Jo] and more!
.....Time's up! The correct answer is "absolutely nothing!" That's right. Nada, zilch, zero! What they claim to say about themselves in interviews and press? Bullshit. Absolute lies. Today's Kollywood is more or less the "money-spinning " machine for the superstars because nobody cares about "story" anymore. They care about "sleaze", "iterm numbers" or better yet, "hero's figure."
Have a good look, no seriously a GOOD look at the cinema Kollywood MANAGED to give us: Mozhi gave us Jo's blind character, ParuthiVeeran had scope on Priyamani's character, hell, look at Mani Ratnam's films for god damn sakes! Those films actually gave a damn about portraying strong female characters. Even Kireedom had Trisha portrayed as a comical character and that was a tad better than sitting around for Santhanam's crass comedy or Vivek's repeated acts.
Case in this point: Sivaji the Boss. The film was a blockbuster no doubt, but only because of 2 things. 1) Rajni's over-obsessed fanbase and 2) Shriya's sleazy looks. Period. The film didn't boast of a great story or characterization or plot (those who haven't seen it, my advise: avoid it. It's Mudhalvan, Gentleman and Indian remixed.) Every tamil forum site I visited during the film's release period, they all rave about Shriya's performance. What performance? Did I watch a different film or were they just wiping the drool off their faces from watching her vulgar dance steps and skimpy costumes that makes the film border an U/A rating. In fact, the irony here is that Rajini's character in the film boasted of her as a simple "tamizh" girl, yet the song sequences have a different story to tell.
Still don't buy it? How about that rumbum called "Thiruyadhal Arambam?" It's got Dhanush playing that shady version of Rajni's Mr. Bharath right? Nope. Go ask anyone in the blasted forums or ask any cinema crazy person down South. Nope. People remember Shriya's designer looks, that's about it. As it is, she can't utter a single tamil word [read Koffee with Anu episode] nor manage any kind of acting skills. She's basically another "wooden face." She's only face for her "valley girl" roles that REALLY don't boast much off. Going by the latest "ATM" snaps, it's basically Sivaji Mark II only Masala Monkey Vijay's taking over Rajni's role. I pray that the film gets bankrupt.
Speaking of "ATM" how about that "Namitha?" Remember that *big* article about how she's "reportedly" lost all that weight and crap?" Guess what? You've been BS'd again! I love it how the media sites like to mess with the human mind whenever the news of "ZOMG! Rajni's doing a film with t3h Mani Ratnam!" Yayz!" OR "Rahman's t3h awesome's cauz he's got better muzak skillz than copy-cat Jeyaraj!" Back on Namitha, just have a good look at this pic: http://www.behindwoods.com/image-gallery-stills/photos-4/tn-award/tn-govt-film-award-12.html.
So in closing, would the directors and writers of the film actually give a damn about the heroine instead of portraying her as a "front-bencher", or a "pointless' character, cause it really beats the purpose of making the movie. Heck, I think this is why directors like Priyadarshan and Mani Ratnam vowed to never come back to Kollywood again cause of this kind of situation. Going by our present situation, it sure looks like it.
Be sure to catch Part II, where I'll slam more on portrayals in movies [Asin, Bhavana, Jo] and more!
Monday, October 15, 2007
KUMARAN (2007) MUSIC REVIEW [TAMIL[
Dubbed Telugu films continue to make a mark in Kollywood. Be it "Udamba Eppadi Irukku" from Dr. Rajashekhar [Their version of the Sarath Kumar release, "NamNaadu"] and the latest Trivikram release, "Nandu"[Athadu], this next one is also a dubbed film and it's got the common factor of Trisha and Telugu Superstar, Mahesh Babu [Last seen in dubbed latter.] This one hails from the Telugu disaster of last year, SAINIKUDU. Aside from that, the film boasts of creative numbers from Kollywood's happening maestro, Harris Jayaraj. After Bheema, Jayaraj dubs his Telugu chartbusters into Tamil witht the help of Viveka Snegan, Paruthi and Na. Muthukumar [KIREEDOM fame]
Tippu and wife Harini give it their best with "Oru Banaram." Originally sung by Indian Idol 2 Runner-up, N.C Karunya, one wished that the latter could've re-sung the popular chartbuster in the Tamil version. Nevertheless, Tippu manages to emulate Karunya while Harini supports aptly. Malathi also joins in with a viliage tone during the song. The song is somewhat inspired from the popular A.R Rahman hit, "Chaiyya" from "Dil Se."
Newcomer: Senthil Dass joins in with "Go Go". A phenomenon in Telugu, one wonders if did justice to the Tamil dub as well. Supposidly, it's the title track. You're the judge for this one!
The other numbers: "Nizhal Endrum" and "Byla Baylamo" are good mass numbers that would give people a run for their money, or better yet, an encore.
Sadly, Anuradha Sriram falters with "Sorgathil". The Telugu version was apparently a big hit next to "Banaram" but as far as the Tamil dub goes, it's more or less an average track.The last one "Pombala" by Anu Sriram and Karthik is a good duet number. Should also be a chartbuster as well.
Overall, Jayaraj does a decent job in dubbing the tracks from the Telugu film. One wishes that him or the associates had recycled his singers from the original into this album. It is what Mahesh Babu [who has marketed the Tamil dub] should've thought of before dubbing the songs into Tamil. Nevertheless, enjoy "Oru Banaram", "Pombala" and "Go Go" while the others are time-pass. Unfortunately, the film bombed badly last December and it's uncertain how it's fairing in Tamil Nadu. Still, the album's worth a hear.
Rating: ***.5/5
Tippu and wife Harini give it their best with "Oru Banaram." Originally sung by Indian Idol 2 Runner-up, N.C Karunya, one wished that the latter could've re-sung the popular chartbuster in the Tamil version. Nevertheless, Tippu manages to emulate Karunya while Harini supports aptly. Malathi also joins in with a viliage tone during the song. The song is somewhat inspired from the popular A.R Rahman hit, "Chaiyya" from "Dil Se."
Newcomer: Senthil Dass joins in with "Go Go". A phenomenon in Telugu, one wonders if did justice to the Tamil dub as well. Supposidly, it's the title track. You're the judge for this one!
The other numbers: "Nizhal Endrum" and "Byla Baylamo" are good mass numbers that would give people a run for their money, or better yet, an encore.
Sadly, Anuradha Sriram falters with "Sorgathil". The Telugu version was apparently a big hit next to "Banaram" but as far as the Tamil dub goes, it's more or less an average track.The last one "Pombala" by Anu Sriram and Karthik is a good duet number. Should also be a chartbuster as well.
Overall, Jayaraj does a decent job in dubbing the tracks from the Telugu film. One wishes that him or the associates had recycled his singers from the original into this album. It is what Mahesh Babu [who has marketed the Tamil dub] should've thought of before dubbing the songs into Tamil. Nevertheless, enjoy "Oru Banaram", "Pombala" and "Go Go" while the others are time-pass. Unfortunately, the film bombed badly last December and it's uncertain how it's fairing in Tamil Nadu. Still, the album's worth a hear.
Rating: ***.5/5
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