Ooohhh Lala..?

This song promo is looking incredible! 70s films are AWESOME! I love the era...and this is why.

Vidya Balan = One of the Best Actresses EVER!

Naseeruddin Shah = Art House cinema crosses Commerical films. +1

Emraan Hasmi = Serial Kisser who can act!

Mujhse Fraandship Karoge && Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

This weekend, after a very long time, I got the chance to catch up on some movies. Luckily, I used my time wisely and watched some great flicks. I saw YRF's Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (MBKD) and Mujhse Fraandship Karoge (MFK) and I am now happy to say that our beloved Yash Raj Films is back on track.

I cannot lie -I wholeheartedly expected crap from both of the films. Last year's Band Baaja Baarat was phenomenal, but YRF has a tendency to be inconsistent. The trailers looked a bit cliche as well.

However, both MBKD and MFK had spunk, great music, fresh performances and innovative direction.

YRF has proved that big budgets mean nothing, at all. I would pick one of YRF's medium/low budget films, like these two, rather than some expensive project, like Dabaang or Singham (though I enjoy them both), any day. 

In short, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, is all the reasons I love Hindi films and why. Katrina Kaif not only did the best acting of her career but also enacted a real character, not just some nameless, feeling-less girlfriend like in Tees Maar Khan or even Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Ali Zafar and Imran Khan were also great, with real characters and personalities but Katrina stole the show. The script did have some dips here and there but they were all ignorable. And what movie does not have those moments? The debutant director, Ali Abbas Zafar, is also commendable. His picturization of the songs and new take on the overused "falling in love with my brother/friend's fiance" scenario was awesome. He did a great job. The cinematography was breathtaking. Not many people watch a movie and think "Vaahh. What wonderful cinematography?". I usually do not either but I took a double take when I saw some of the scenes at the Taj Mahal. Take a stand Mr. Sudeep Chatterjee! Sohail Sen, the music director, pumped out some great jams too. Choomantar and Isq Risk are beautifully shot and sounded good before I watched the film...now they sound GREAT.

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge is the product of Yash Raj Film's subsidiary, named Y-Films. It is a "facebook" love story that revolves around four college students, who lie and cheat to impress each other. The film does not only attempt being fresh but succeeds in being fresh. Often times, in "fresh" films, the situations are forced and are unrealistic.In MFK, all of the situations are believable and true to the youth. Basically, Preity likes the "cool" Rahul and Vishal likes the "hot" Malvika. Preity and Vishal are both insecure and in order to talk to their prospective love interests, hide their identities on Facebook. Little do they know, Preity is using Malvika's Facebook and Vishal is using Rahul's Facebook. Complicated, right? All you need to know is that the movie is fun, has very innovative music and has actors that are all so charming! Vishal is played by Saqib Saleem, a young man who has bowled me over. He is an adorable actor, who has the charisma of Ranveer Singh in Band Baaja Baarat, yet the flavor of only one person-himself. The "cool" Rahul is played by Nishant Dahiya and is perfect for the sexy Jock that he plays. The choice in actors is impeccable and I can now say that finally, new faces are arriving in Bollywood. It has been decades since Akshay, Salman, Hrithik, Aamir and SRK have been reigning the Hindi film scene, but we can all admit that we need new actors for the coming years and...now we have them!

Do not miss these two!

Favorite Salman Songs

Salman is one of my FAVORITE actors and dancers....that also means that he has been picturized in some of the most brilliant songs

Here are 5 of my Salman favorites (in no particular order):

Yeh Raat Aur Yeh Doori

Andaz Apna Apna

Salman's clothes and awkward facial expressions are only a boon to this unique romantic track. This is my favorite jam track, perfect for Filmi faces and dance moves. S.P. Subramanium's voice will always be synonymous with Salman because of THIS song!

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

It is a fact that Salman Khan is part of every girl’s widest fantasy. Now, Salman Khan appearing out of leaves…that just goes into another dimension altogether. It's one of those songs that sounds utterly predictable but still sticks. Quite a surprise that Mr. Anu “I steal every song” Malik composed it. *shock*

 Dil Deewana

Maine Pyar Kiya
Not only does this movie equal one of my all-time favorites (more than DDLJ).

The song equals the epitome of desire. Salman looks adorable and I love the way he is he fights to marry Bhagyashree. Those small nuances in the video, like how Salman confidently stares at Bhagyashree's father but when her father looks into his eyes, he turns his head down, are pure genius! Salman may have had to do some random dance steps and hang on tires for the song, but that is what makes this song so good! “Dil deewana bin sajna ke mane na” HAYEE SHO SHWEET!

Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai
Hum Aapke Hai Kaun
While most people rave of SRK-Kajol's magical chemistry, Salman-Madhuri's chemistry is electric (though I love him with Preity the best on screen). This song shows their jodi in the best light. And this song itself, undoubtedly, is one of the best "first love" songs. Personally, what makes this song even better for me is how it is synonymous with my childhood- sweet, sweeet memories!

 O Oh Jaane Jaana
Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya
Any girl can faint watching this video. Salman shirtless. Salman dancing. Salman in tight fitting jeans.The dialogue at the beginning defines the childhood of every 90s kid. The nostalgia is just...ufff. And that main dance move, with the swinging arms! One word: Swoon!

Rockstar Song Review!

Rockstar songs have released...finally!
Here is the verdict!
I had originally written tons more BUT I lost it all and I lost my patience, so forgive the brevity!

1. Phir Se Ud Chala 
Mohit Chauhan    A great way to put this song is...Interesting. It is Haryanvi AND techno; For example, they are speaking in a Haryanvi dialect, but then the techno beats just rush in. It is a feel good song, that has the power to lift one up. There are great drum vibrations, however the melody could use some work. Erratic...but still good!                                                                                                   

2. Jo Bhi Main 
Mohit Chauhan    This song nails the Soft Rock genre. I can literally picture people listening to this track in a Rock concert, slowly swaying to the lyrics. It takes some time to get used to Mohit's "yeah yeah yeaah" but it's welcome. There is also a slight chanting chorus in the back, which I am not sure fits in well, but is adjustable. On the whole, the winning element in this song is undeniably the meaningful lyrics.   

3. Kateya Karun 
Harshdeep Kaur Additional Vocals- Sapna Awasthi   If any of you have seen the song promo, you can pretty much sum up how this song sounds. Punjabi and lots of "balles". I can almost swear that the Punjabi holler in the back is from an Ekta Kapoor serial too! However, this song soon becomes surprisingly, authentically Punjabi! I had no idea that a Tamil music director, A.R. Rehman, would know about folk Punjabi music. There were tumbis, dhols and a whole array of Punjabi instruments. Though that initial flavor soon fades, it is the winning point for this song.

4. Kun FayaKun 
A.R.Rahman, Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan  When they talk of the Qawwali element in Rockstar, they are referring to this religious extravaganza. Though "Kun Faya Kun" is a line in the Holy Quran, this song has universal appeal. The collaborating vocals of Chauhan and Rahman sound great. Personally, the portion of this song which stands out the most is Chauhan's faster and melodious two lines, they had great background music (guitar) and rhythm. Overall, this song is already a rage and I expect it to get just as popular or even more popular than,  Jodha Akbar's Khwaja Mere Khwaja.

5. Sheher Mein 
Mohit Chauhan, Karthik When I originally heard the thirty second promo for this Filmi number, I was in love. The lyrics reminded me of a 90s Salman Khan movie and the track caught my hear more than any of the others. I still believe the song is extremely catchy... but only to a certain extent. On the side, some man keeps critiquing Mohit's singing, with the most random and ridiculous commentary... it is extremely annoying! It ruins a perfectly melodious number. Obviously, the commentary is inserted for the film's story. However, the song would sound better without the comments on the CD version too. The last one minute symbolizes what I really enjoy about Sheher Mein...style and the sweetest line "dil to tu dete jaana"  

6. Hava Hava - 
Mohit Chauhan
Additional Vocals - Viviane Chaix, Tanvi Shah, Suvi Suresh, Shalini This song is the dictionary definition of exotic. There are gypsies softly singing in the back and there are accordions which ooze Europe. Hava Hava has great guitar rhythms (again) and the chorus in the background can literally make someone get up and dance. 

9. Tum Ko 
Kavita Subamaniam This is the softer, female version of Tum Ho. Though they may have the same general melody, A.R. Rehman does not just re-do this song, but reinvents it. While Tum Ho has more of a universal style, Tum Ko has an Indian flavor that suits it perfectly. Also, Tum Ko is deeper and even more romantic than Tum Ho. Lastly, Kavita Subramanium's voice is made for songs like this. What I loved about this was how she revives her Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam song. Tum Ko is my number one pick in the album. 

10. The Dichotomy of Fame 
Featuring Balesh on Shehnai & Kabuli on Guitars  I am an absolute sucker for instrumentals. Though most of my favorite instrumentals heavily depend on Orchestras, with Violins and Bases, this orchestra-less (mostly) Dichotomy was fantastic. This is an innovative mixture of the Indian Shehnai and the Spanish guitar, both dramatically different instruments that come together and make a beautiful melody. However, there is also a light orchestra in the end, some tablas and even sarangi! Great mix of sounds that is not forced and extremely innovative.

12. Tum Ho 
Mohit Chauhan, Suzanne D'Mello
One word for this - LOVE! This song eerily reminds me of Kaise Mujhe from Ghajini. The name of the song itself, "Tum Ho" already alludes to the mood...romantic. The song commences with one of the greatest tunes by A.R. Rehman, a melodious humming of Mohit Chauhan and a soft singing of "Tum Ho", which was also in the trailer. The song has a trance feel, which would be great for a slow dance and has gorgeous lyrics. Suzanne D'Mello is solely in the background as a Celtic touch, which indirectly indicates that this IS an A.R. Rehman song. 

13. Sadda Haq
Mohit chauhan Featuring Orianthi on Guitars
Choral Vocal Arrangements By Clinton Cerejo Talk about CRAZY! This song travels back and forth from loud flamboyance to soft guitars...from Delhi 6 style music to chanting of the soon-to-be cult line "Sadda Haq Aithe Raq". It has something for everyone! Mark my words, this song will soon become a youth anthem. 

On the whole, the album is a new genre for Hindi Film music. AR Rahman has, in my opinion, made one of the best albums of his career (way better than his Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire). The credit also goes to the talented Mohit Chauhan, who is the voice of Rockstar. He has the most beautiful voice and style. Rockstar is one of the albums that is going to be staying for a LONG time because of its innovative styles.

4/5 

Song of the Week

Mallo Malli
Mausam

I had been waiting assiduously for the Mausam music and was surprised by how much I disliked the songs, when I first heard them. Pritam, though not critically acclaimed ( because he decides to copy sometimes), makes some good music. His Yeh Dooriyan, from Love Aaj Kal, and Resham Si, from Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai are some of my favorite songs. However, this album wasn't working for me...until, recently. This is an album that takes some time to grow on a listener. It doesn't sound like any old album, but that is precisely what makes it so good. Mallo Malli has been my work-out song all week and I love the Punjabi flavor. The picturization is good; Shahid's dancing is brilliant, along with his outfit, and the color scheme is charming. This song is MY song of the week.
Mallo Malli Mallo Malli naal yaar de!

Kapoors

Almost a month after Shammi Kapoor's unfortunate demise, I am left pondering what makes this filmy family so compelling. For some reason, I have always thought of the clan as individualistic. They are all on a level by themselves. Each member of thir family has there own specialty. Shammi was crazy. Kareena is a diva. Rishi was a style icon. Even, Neetu (married into the family) has her own specialty... being cute.

When I think of the other families in B-town, I am always struck by their semi-pretentious ways. Let's go to the Bachchans. One word for them- FAKE! Ash's voice, Abhi's rapping and Big B's laugh. Come on! They don't act like normal people, let alone a family. The Kapoor's actually gel together. I have heard of problems between Randhir's side and Rishi's side, but they all still look and feel like a family. I would also like to emphasize the normal part. I can literally picture myself talking to or eating dinner with a Kapoor. They mix normalcy with grandeur in my books. The Bachchan's mix grandeur and fakeness (no pun intended). I am lazy writing more, but there is so much subtleness in the Kapoors. I just hope they keep reproducing and making kick ass actors. And that means... Ranbir better get ready to have lots of babies. muah More for later!

Agneepath and Rockstar trailer analysis

So if you have read my post on my top 10 most awaited films, you would know that I have been counting each and every second for the very talented, Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar. All day on Tuesday, I was jittering in excitement. Even at the gym, I started smiling like a fool just thinking about how awesome the trailer would be. On the other hand, I had no interest in KJo's Agneepath and was ready for a boring trailer.
Lets just say, I watched the Rockstar trailer 10x and the Agneepath trailer 15X.

First off, here they are:

Yes, they were both outstanding.
Rockstar was exciting and romantic, while Agneepath was violent and exciting.

First off, lets talk about Ranbir's film. His acting is on point as usual and his transition from the village Jatt into a global rockstar is too. Nargis, surprisingly, is acting better than half of the biggest heroines today. Even though she is a part of the new, firangi Hindi actresses, I like her! She doesn't look or act like a outsider. Imtiaz ( my favorite director) is great as usual, but I was NOT impressed by the romance in the beginning. Online, everyone is raving about the "palangtod" but I thought it was so cheesy. The beep scene was also totally blah. It dissappointed me. Come on, Imtiaz! I thought you didn't put those types of scenes in your movies, you always do something "hatke", but I am hoping for some REAL hardcore romantic and cute scenes, which I know I'll get. However, I really loved the way Nargis was on the back of Ranbir's motorcycle and had her eyes closed in the breeze. The music was just a bonus.. this Tum Ho song might become my anthem; it sounded gorgeous. Sadda Haq was okay, "Sadda haq aithe rakh" is a killer line, it means "Put my right, right here". However, the melody wasn't really working. I can see it getting really popular, but only because of the picturization, lyrics and movie. For me, the end is what did it. Everything was high voltage and grand. Ranbir running, gargantuan crowds, crazy media and screaming. Loved the END! I would give the trailer a 3.8/5.

Now, Agneepath... talk about too many wow factors.
Hrithik has become Salman. Sanjay actually looks evil (not just trying to act like a villian), Priyanka is invisible and Rishi is a bad ass! OMG! I did not even think that was possible.
Hrithik is beating people up like its his job and it is so new and different for him as an actor. He has full potential to become a action hero. His acting was also beautiful. Sanjay was freaky! Especially, when he was dragging the body to his tunnel and his end laugh. It gave me goosebumps. Rishi looked so different, I guess he was shaved and pulling a girl around...Rishi has never done anything like that in his movies...so cute! haha. And Priyanka, she came and went...she never just comes and go's. Though, I am sure her character will have some significance. The visuals were also endearing. The Ganpati festival was so Indian! AWESOME! Hrithik is such a good actor that his eyes are actually glowing while watching the festival. I loved the red color spreading everywhere, but then the dark and gray theme coming back. The film has a perfect balance of Indian-ness and Western-ness (if those are words). The religious music and violins in the back makes the euphoria increase even more. Though there was not much plot in the trailer, it passes because there is plenty of time until the film releases. I'll give this one a 4.5/5.

Excited for both of these A-lister films, this is the best time for Hindi movies! I LOVE IT!
I know I rant, but that's what films do to me...
See you all later <3