Bollywood Dil Se Updates:

**Bollywood Dil Se Updates**::Why No More Updates?!

Friday, September 30, 2011

Rockstar - A. R. Rahman Music Review

Bollywood Dil Se Music Review: Rockstar

Add caption



Rockstar
Music Directors: A.R. Rahman
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Rumi
Bollywood Dil Se Rating: ❤  ❤  ❤  ❤ ½



Phir Se Udd Chala
Singer: Mohit Chauhan


Finally, we have it! Rockstar’s music is out today after many speculations. The journey of 14 masterpieces begins with this one. Mohit Chauhan (who appears on 7 songs out of 14) starts off with his known style of singing. The song is simply breath taking. Everything right from Rahmanic beginning to Techno transition after about a minute, Mohit Chauhan’s voice, and lyrics, all sound apt. Previous two albums of Rahman did not have hummable lyrics but this time its Irshad Kamil. So the album will appeal to mass and class both.This is the way to begin the A. R. Rahman album. I love these phrases.

Kisi manzar par main ruka nahi,
Kabhi khud se bhi main mila nahi,
Yeh gila toh hai main khafa nahi,
Shehar ek se gaon ek se,
Log ek se naam ek hoo…



Jo Bhi Main
Singer: Mohit Chauhan

O ye ye! After the kick-start, the album starts progressing on its theme viz. Rock! And yes, a soft rock in Mohit Chauhan’s voice. Lyrics and composition rock big time. However, there is nothing new in sounds for this song but composition simply rocks me. And Rahman’s music arrangement is so brilliant, that it can make an ordinary sounding song the ultimate addiction.


Kateya Karoon
Singer: Harshdeep Kaur


This song is one of the best songs of the album. The typical Punjabi folk sounding track has some brilliant crooning by Harshdeep Kaur. I remember she was a contestant in a reality show on NDTV. The song pumps great oomph until the end, but the song gets a beautiful subtle ending. One more reason to love the song is its lyrics. The meaning of Saari Raatein katiya karoon is “to spin, all night” and tera roon is “your cotton”. The literal meaning says that the beloved wants to spin the cotton of her lover by which she means that she would do anything for him the whole night.


Kun Fayakun
Singers: A. R. Rahman, Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan

Be and it is! This is the literal meaning of Kun Faaya Kun (even I was unknown about it, I goggled it). Music of A. R. Rahman is distinctive from the parallel bunch of music directors due to many reasons, but the strong main reason is the divinity and soulfulness in his music. Be it Khwaja Mere Khwaja or Piya Haji Ali, Rahman has always worshipped Allah with his whole heart, and this song can be added to the roll for sure. Javed Ali scores once again after Maula from Delhi - 6.Rahman composed this song especially for Dargah Of Nizammudin and I have no doubt why it sounds so pious.


Sheher Mein
Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Karthik

Groovy! That’s the only word to describe the song. Song has very familiar music arrangement but what makes the song an outstanding one is the composition and lyrics. Mohit Chauhan does a nice job once again.  I feel Mohit Chauhan will reach new horizons after this album. The blend of Indo – Western lyrics add different flavor to the song as well.


Hava Hava
Singer: Mohit Chauhan

Dear readers, please don’t mind when I refer about Rahman’s composition in each and every song of the album. Yes, Rahman again brings out the unique, addictive, unexpected composition that sounds so fresh due to innovative music production.  Mohit Chauhan seems to be singing in “The Masakalli” mood and I can’t help but to grove simultaneously by the uncanny crooning.The song has a brilliant ending as well.


Aur Ho
Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Alma Ferovic

I loved Mere Yaar Mila De from Saathiyaa. The song Aur Ho has the same mood, but that’s the only thing similar between the two songs. The prior one had Indo-Arabic beats where as this one has a rock attitude! Lyrics sound grungy and painful. Alma Ferovic is noteworthy. I wish if Rahman had sung all the songs, just a notion. Aur Ho! This what the title says, and so do I, bring it more!The song is a slow poison.


Tango For Taj
Instrumental

The first instrumental of the album. It kicks off with the trademark Rahman style piano orchestral and soon turns soulful due to violins and mouth organs. I must say, Rahman at its melodic best!


Tum Ko
Singer: Kavita Krishnamurthy

Kavita Subramanium aka Krishnamurthy has delieverd some massive hits with Rahman and this one will be one of them, for sure. Soothing, the only word to describe the whole musical experience that Rahman has created. The synthesized bass beats with Tabla and violin is something that only Rahman can serve.


The Dichotomy of Fame
Instrumental Feat. Balesh on Shehnai & Kabuli on Guitars

Well, correct me if I am wrong, but this song is actually picturised on the legendary Shammi Kapoor. This song is the second (and last) instrumental on the cover. And I get to know about two more rock stars after this instrumental, Balesh and Kabuli. Balesh is a prodigy of Shehnai and so is Kabuli on guitars.


Naadaan Parindey
Singers: A. R. Rahman, Mohit Chauhan

This song is filmed for climax. I may sound raw and informal, but yes, the song gives me goose bumps! I guess this one will surpass Sadda Haq as soon as its promo comes out. Love the way Irshad does it and love the way Rahman does it! Simply addictive!


Tum Ho
Singers: Mohit Chauhan, Suzanne D'Mello


I have been listening this tune now and then in the trailer of Rockstar, but the song itself is very different than what it seems in the promo. The song is the reprised version of Tum Ko Paa Hi Liya, but reprised version in its true forms. The lyrics, tempo and beats, all differ from the Kavita Subraminium song. however, I like both. It’s a tough choice to pick out one from these two.


Sadda Haq
Singers: Mohit Chauhan feat. Orianthi on Guitars
(Choral Vocal Arrangements by Clinton Cerejo)


The song is a rave hit already. And no doubt, it deserves all the hype. Actually, it was Sadda Haq, that created the superlative hype for this album, and I think, the album fairly survives the expectation. Orianthi was the lead guitarist in the MJ’s (ill fated) This is it! Concert. I heard her single “According To You” and I was completely blown. She is brilliant! Moreover, I would like to interprete my version of the meaning behind the lyrics of Sadda Haq:

Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh….


O Echo Friendly Nature Ke Rakshak
Main Bhi Hu Nature
Rivazon Se Samajo Se
Kyun Tu Kate Mujhe
Kyun Bate Mujhe Is Tarah


Kyun Sach Ka Sabak Sikhaye
Jab Sach Sunni Na Paye
Sach Koi Bole Toh Tu
Niyam Kanoon Bataye


Tera Darr, Tera Pyaar, 
Teri Waah Tu Hi Rakh
Rakh Sala

The protagonist demands the world to give his rights back to him. He is furious when the people differentiate him in the name of god, culture and tradition. He is fed up from the mean world that teaches the lessons they themselves never follow. He is thus, rebellious and thus, demands his rights back.


The Meeting Place
Singers:Ranbir Kapoor

A beautiful piece to end up the memorable journey, in Ranbeer's voice! The credit for lyrics goes to poet and sufi saint Rumi.


Before I conclude, I would like to mention few notions. Firstly, forgive me if I wrote Rahman twice or thrice in every song review. Secondly, forgive me if I rate it a 4.5 and not 5, even I don't know the reason. Finally, this album is undoubtedly the album of the year.



Rating: ❤  ❤  ❤  ❤  ½




(P.S: I don't have the sense to criticise Rahman's music. No one has. So I would like to change the title as "Rockstar Music Impression" rather than "Rockstar Music Review")

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Cheapmunks

Well Well Well, Last time I blogged about Iyer sisters, and I like these sisters too. They call themselves The Cheapmunks.

The Cheapmunks Suhana and Mahek mix out the popular western and eastern songs in a commendable manner.  Two guitarists to cover and seldom , a man on Tabla sets them on fire! They don't have a wiki page or a website or a Youtube Channel. So the videos posted here are unofficial and low in quality, do bear with it.

This is their major hit, and probably the only single recorded digitally.







This is their first audio, which was released as a fun innovation on facebook and turned out to be rage.




Well, I really like this cover of Bewafaa.




Lastly, you may check out this one.







Common T Series, Release Rockstar's music now, so that I stop my urge to listen quality music for sometime.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Shankar Tucker and Iyer Sisters

Apart from digging music and movies, I explore YouTube videos for new, fresh and not-much-known artists.

Today, I am going to introduce you all with Shankar Tucker and Iyer Sisters. Shankar Tucker is a cross-culture Clarinetist and Composer. He has now,  started his work in Bollywood. His recent one was with Prittam in Mausam. Know about more of him here.

Iyer Sisters are known for their collaboration with Shankar Tucker. And their combination has produced some very soulful and divine music.

Have a look.

Ashai Mugam





Munbe Vaa (Cover)






O Re Piya (NOT BY IYER SISTERS, OBVIOUS FROM VIDEO :p)



Hope you like it :)

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Ra One Music Review Bollywood Dil Se

Bollywood Dil Se Music Review: Ra.One


Ra.One
Music Directors: Vishal - Shekhar
Lyrics: Kumaar, Anvita Dutt, Vishal Dadlani & Niranjan Iyengar
Bollywood Dil Se Rating: * * * *



Chamak Challo
Singers: Akon and Hamsika Iyer

Wow! I had already heard the leaked version (international version of the song which was available on iTunes) of the song, but this version is par better. Akon undoubtedly makes his smashing debut in Bollywood. I am in love with the song due to three reasons: First, Akon’s Hindi; Second, Hamsika Iyer’s vocals; Third, perfect song arrangement by Vishal – Shekhar. My expectations are sky-high now.


Dildaara (Stand By Me)
Singers: Shafqat Amanat Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Clinton Cerejo

The song sounds a bit like Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Nevertheless, song picks up lately in a beautiful way. The lyrics unlike Chamak Challo have some meaningful, soulful lyrics. I am in love with this album now.

Rehnuma Mere Rehnuma
Ho Tere Naam Saa,
Ab Koi Bhi Lafz Nahi,
Padh Kar Dekhi So Kitabein So Dafaa,
 Dildaara Dildaara Ab Raddi Bhar Sa Jag Saara,
Dildaara Dildaara Tere Nazron-Karam Par Sab Waraan,
Dildaraa Dildaraa Jab Tujhse Haara, Dildaara Dildaara ho…


Criminal
Singer:Akon, Vishal Dadlani, Shruti Pathak

Simply amazing! This song by Akon (this time to, crooning in English and Hindi) is equally good like Chamak Challo. I can’t wait to see this song on the top charts now. Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak render their part very well. Well done V-S!


Bhare Naina
Singer: Nandini Shrikar, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani

After three upbeat songs, I was expecting something from different genre. And Vishal – Shekhar surprises completely by semi classical rock song. Nandini Shrikar is marvelous. Chorus and Vocals by Vishal – Shekhar leaves much needed deep impact of the song on your mind.Lovely!


Right By Your Side
Singer:Siddharth Coutto

Siddharth Coutto (Life Sahi Hai and Love in C major fame) this time, pairs up with Vishal – Shekhar to deliver another peppy number. This is typical Vishal – Shekhar composition which we have been hearing in every movie from duo. Nevertheless, song will get its fame after the movie releases.


Raftaarein
Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani

This song I feel, is the theme of Ra One. The song with a fusion of 90’s beat and modern influences is a great cocktail. Vishal – Shekhar lives the mood of the song all the way. Nice riff.


Jiya Mora Ghabraye
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh and Vishal

As soon as the song began, I wondered how Sukhwinder Singh would fit the bill. Sukhwinder Singh in recent times have been singing songs like Singham and Dabbang, where as this one is completely Trans – techno song. But I was almost blown away after one and a half minute of the song, Sukhwinder Singh carries the song so well. Vishal’s grudged vocals make this song even better. The techno beats from 2.55 onwards sound almost Rahmanic!! 


Comes The Light
Instrumental

This riff seems like the backround score piece of the movie. Anyways, it sounds good. Orchestral arrangements make it delightful.


I am on
Instrumental

The alternate rock theme I am on is stunning. I have been hearing such instrumentals in Transformer Series and Bourne Series. I welcome the revolutionary concept of background score along with the originals.


Song Of The End
Instumental

This one in the true means is subtle, soulful arrangement that definitely turns out be winner all the way. Violins sound majestic. 

To sum up, we have four remixes and one internation version of Chamak Challo. All in all , this album is going to give a tough competition to Rockstar! The album can not deserve anything less than a four.

Rating: * * * * 

(P.S.: The source is the leaked album on internet. Please order the original CD on flipkart.com at 25% discount. I have pre-ordered it! )

Rascals Music Review (BD)

BD Music Review: Rascals



Rascals
Music Director: Vishal - Shekhar
Lyrics: Anvita Datt & Irshad Kamil
BD Music Rating: * * *


Rascals
Singer: Neeraj Shridhar

I expect the album to be very peppy and upbeat. The title song has all the chances to be a youth anthem. The song has a good sum of catchy lyrics, peppy music and funky vocals by Neeraj Shridhar. The music arrangement sounds very innovative, thanks to instruments like harmonium and violin along with synthesized beats. Above all, lyrics make you loop this song again.


Tik Tuk
Singer:Daler Mahendi and Monali Thakur

The sprightly mood of the album continues with this Daler Mahendi song. The lyrics sound ordinary and quite meaningless this time. The song gets very much lifted due to rap section. Monali Thakur brings the north Indian flavor in the song.


Pardaah Nasheen
Singer: Neeraj Shridhar and Sunidhi Chauhan

Now, the songs start to be repetitive. The song has brilliant backing vocals by Vishal and music production sound like good quality stuff. Somehow, the song is neither hummable nor addictive.


Shake It Saiyyan
Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan and Haji Springer

The last original of the album has again very catchy lyrics. After a strong start, the song fumbles in interlude. With Sunidhi Chauhan singing the song and some heavy bass beats banging to back up her vocals, you can’t escape from this foot-tapping number. Californion rapper Haji Springer makes the song more qualitative.


Only four originals and that too of the same genre make this album an average one.  The album is not outstanding or innovative, but in the end, Vishal – Shekhar has successfully managed to keep the mood of the album. Bluntly speaking, three out of four songs are first-rate, so I rate this album a three. Now, I am waiting for the happening soundtrack of Ra.One. 

Rating: * * *

(P.S : This rating has nothing to relate with my previous music album review. And to all those HR Fans who have outrageous attitude towards my review, folks! This is my personal review. I respect your point of view; you respect mine. As simple as that.)

Friday, September 9, 2011

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Movie Review (BD)

Bollywood Dil Se Movie Review: Mere Brother Ki Dulhan


Rating:* * *
Movie Information: IMDB Link , Wiki
Cast: Katrina Kaif, Imran Khan, Ali Zafar, Tara D'souza
Direction: Ali Abbas Zafar
Genre: Drama, Romance, Humor


Movie Overview:

To begin with, I did not have much expectation before I entered the cinema hall and had the feeling while leaving it.

The Yashraj film’s next trademark romantic flick “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan” tries too hard to be a mass entertainer, but unlike Band Baaja Baaraat, this movie falls flat.

The director Ali Abbas Zafar (has no connection with Ali Zafar) works upon the common Bollywood formula of a love triangle but sadly, the movie fails to maintain a balance between love and humor quotient.

The movie sparkles for about first half an hour, and as a viewer, you feel delighted. But gradually, the movie centers to the same old story with some added Masala in it.

The messed up screenplay and ordinary performances are something to blame a big time.  There are unnecessary comic scenes and over-the-top performances, due to which, the movie fails to create an emotional under current.

The movie has many references of Bollywood movies (or say spoof), which somehow keeps you glued on the seat. But the main thing in a rom-com, the flavor of romance is missing here.

The songs, in fact boosted the movie, which was supposed to be the role of screenplay writer.

Overall, I would still recommend you to go for the movie. If one can go for Bodyguard due to Salman, one can also go for MBKD due to Katrina.

Teaser:




Quick Review:

Cast:
Imran Khan is as usual in the role of a chocolate boy, and his sweet image does trick for him. Katrina Kaif looks uncomfortable on the screen, she tries too hard to fit in her character and she somehow, fails to do so. Ali Zafar (though in a small role) has delivered a brilliant performance again. I want to see him more often. Tina D’souza is remarkable.

Story And Screenplay:
The major let down of the movie. The story is completely predictable. Screenplay does not help to narrate the story in a smoother way either. Dialogues manage to cover up the void. Some scenes like the Chat show scene and Dabbang spoof are genuinely funny and scens like Katrina’s confession about love to Imran are touchy.

Editing And Cinematography:
Sudeep Chatterjee’s cinematography is ditto like all the Yashraj Films, exotic, lively and vivacious. Editing is okay.


Music And Background Score:
A very positive aspect for the movie. Songs are well picturised and choreographed. Well done Sohail Sen!

Direction:
Ali A. Zafar as a director has done a good job but Ali A. Zafar as a screenplay writer has a long way to go.

Final Verdict:
This is out and out Katrina Kaif movie, if you are a Katrina Kaif fan, it would be treat for you else you can miss the movie.


Rating:* * * 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Damadamm Music Review Himesh Reshammiya (BD)

BD Music Review: Damadamm



Damadamm
Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya, Sachin Gupta (Promotional Song)
Lyrics: Sameer, Shabbir Ahmed
BD Music Rating: * * 1/2



Damadamm
Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Vinit Singh & Alam Gir Khan & Palak Muchhal & Shabab Sabri & Sabina Shaikh & Rubina Shaikh & Punnu Brar

The album commences with a Trans – qawalli, exactly due to this reason, the song doesn’t get on at first listen. The song seems more like a remix rather than the original soundtrack. The lyrics sound anomalous when compared with beat. The song lacks psyche. I am disappointed.


Umrao Jaan
Singer:Himesh Reshammiya & Purbi Joshi

The song begins with slow tabla and Bhangra beats and irksome lyrics no touching, no touching ; only seeing seeing. As soon as the song starts, you feel as if the song is going to swift up a little, but that momentum never comes (Instead of it, Himesh places a high-paced remixed version). Frankly, I am bored by now.


Aaja Ve
Singer: Himesh Reshammiya

Yeah! This is what needed. The guitar in the beginning marks its presence. Then the high – bass beats takeover. Himesh’s voice and tune both sound familiar, yet I like the song (may be because of previous two disasters). Anyways, the song is hap and sounds cool.


Madhushala
Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Aditi Singh Sharma

Well, all those who wonder why the stress is given on the word “Ishq Unplugged” here is the reason. The movie was tentatively titled Ishq Unplugged rather than Damadamm. Talking about the song, first, I hate the way Himesh pronounces Khushboo and Madhushala. The changes in tempo makes it innovative. The song has a good tune, but Himesh’s voice ruins all. Female vocals are first-rate and the same is exactly opposite with male vocals. This one seems quite a situational song. As an audio piece, it sounds weird. It might get addictive later to HR fans, but I feel it won't do so to me. 


Yun To Mera Dil
Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Sadhana Sargam

Again, the song initiates with beautiful rendering of guitars. This is a song where you anticipate for Mohit Chauhan, but you heed a not-so-fresh voice of Himesh. Himesh has wasted a good tune owing to his voice. And as I am about to skip the song, I hear the beautiful voice of Sadhna Sargam. But why, for the god sakes, she is offered only one line to sing!


Hum Tum
Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Vaishali Made

The song has some catchy lyrics. Actually for the first time while listening this album, I feel touched. The soul has soul, tune, beats and of course, brilliant lyrics. The album now gives me mixed feelings.


Tere Bina
Singer:  Himesh Reshammiya

The song has good slow, jazzy beats and beautiful chords on keyboards. The lyrics are soulful and so is the singing. The song has a little resemblance with Teri Yaad from Namaste London. Somehow, I feel that Himesh manages soft songs very well, but he falls flat when it comes to upbeat songs.


I need more space
Singer: Himesh Reshammiya

I am right. Himesh’s voice doesn’t suit upbeat songs. In addition to this, he has now tried to present a rock song in his voice. And let me clearly state it, the song is not at all rocking. The song lacks the attitude and sounds more like a sad song. Rock singers thrash their vocals from mouth and not from their nose Mr. Himesh.

Mango
Singer: Himesh Reshammiya & Aditi Singh Sharma

This is a soft song, so it is supposed to be good. And it is. The song which could have been easily addictive remains a mediocre attempt due to juvenile lyrics. 


Bhool Jaun
Singer:  Himesh Reshammiya and Sachin Gupta

Well well! Himesh trusts on someone else rather than him this time, Sachin Gupta, and let me tell you folks, Himesh has done a good thing. The song is not exceptional, but somehow it clicks to your ears. Himesh could have allowed Sachin Gupta to manage some more songs of the movie, rather than him doing the peppy tracks.


And there are five more remixes on the cover. Some songs which I personally find addictive are “Aaja Ve” , “Hum Tum”, and “Tere Bina”. Out of ten originals, only three are outstanding, this forces me to give the album a two and a half out of five.


Rating:* * 1/2

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Bol Movie Review (BD)




Rating:* * * *1/2


Movie Information: IMDB Link

Cast: Humaima Malik, Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan, Manzar Sehbai, Iman Ali, Shafqat Cheema

Direction: Shoaib Mansoor
Genre: Drama

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes


Movie Overview:

Bol is the second venture of a genius director Shoaib Mansoor (PP,SI, from Pakistan) after Khuda Kay Liye. The movie established a new box office record in Pakistan; but it would not get its audience in India or UK because of its conflict with the Salman Khan starrer Bodyguard.

I saw the movie in a multiplex where hardly ten people attended the screening of Bol in the first week of release itself.

Talking about the movie, the movie deals with an ordinary Pakistani family, where there are seven daughters (I was amused to see only five of them on screen) in a household and only one man, the male parent to earn. The movie has a very heartwarming story with the burning issues like gender discrimination, staunch religious beliefs, child abuse and above all, the political backdrops of the Pakistan.

The director focuses on all the burning issues very well within a span of almost three hours. The message of the movie is very clear; There exists two nations in Pakistan – the orthodox nation (where a daughter’s marriage are fixed with a man almost double than her age only because he belongs to the same sub-caste) and the modern nation (where the same daughter secretly marries to her lover). And with so many sub-plots and a strong story, I was amused to see a picture perfect screenplay (we see the father’s marriage with a prostitute and the daughter’s marriage with her lover in the same frame).

Khuda Kay Liye was a brilliant attempt, but Bol is a picture-perfect drama.

Teaser:



Quick Review:

Cast:

The central characters of the movie played by Manzar Shehbai (the father) and Humaima Malik (the daughter) are the whole and soul of the movie. Both the performances are flawless. Atif Aslam (though criticized by many) plays his part very well.

Story And Screenplay:

Story and screenplay is the major asset of the movie. The first half is very tight and intriguing, where as the second half could have been better in terms of screenplay. I never go in detailed analysis of script for which one can refer its synopsis at Wikipage or IMDB.

Editing And Cinematography:

Editing, as I said earlier could have been better in second half. The movie could have been reduced by 10 minutes. Cinematography was top class. The locales of Lahore are very well captured and the camera angles are brilliant.

Music And Background Score:
In a Shoaib Mansoor movie, music plays the key role and background score is minimal; same is the case with this movie. The songs “Dil Pareshan Hai” , “Dil Jaaniya” and “Hona Tha Pyar” are hummable where as “Aaj Bol Do” and “Mumkin Hai” sound good.

Direction:
I am Speechless!


Final Verdict:
Watch a revolution on the screen in form of a kitchen – sink drama this summer folks! I rate it a deserved four and a half out of five.

Rating:* * * *1/2
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...