TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL HAI!

Hindi cinema is all set to take Canada by storm as a series of Indian films have been programmed at the Toronto International Film Festival taking place from September 9 to 19, 2010.

Among the 300 films that have been selected for screening this 2010, the Toronto Film Festival has scheduled two world premieres of Hindi films: 'What's Your Raashee?' and 'Dil Bole Hadippa', which will be attended respectively by stars and directors such as Ashutosh Gowariker, Rani Mukherjee, Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja.

Other films from India or the Indian diaspora that will be getting exposure during the renowned festival include:

'That Girl in Yellow Boots' (Anurag Kashyap) - From the acclaimed director of Dev D, starring Kalki Koechlin and Naseerudin Shah. Trailer

'Dhobi Ghat' (Kiran Rao) The much awaited debut film of Kiran Rao, which has caught the eye of the Toronto Film Festival director, Cameron Bailey, starring Prateik Babbar and Aamir Khan. For an excellent account on the TIFF screening and the film, click here.

'Water' (Deepa Mehta) which released in 2005 and was nominated for an Oscar. Starring Sarala, Lisa Ray and John Abraham. Trailer

'Autumn' (Aamir Bashir)

'Soul of Sand' (Sidharth Srinivasan)

 

You may visit the TIFF official website for more information.

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A Brief Interaction with ASHUTOSH GOWARIKER

Today, the Bollywood Hungama site organized a chat with "What's Your Rashee?" director Ashutosh Gowariker, also known for blockbuster "Lagaan" and for "Jodhaa Akbar". The Cinema Hindi and English Box teams were able to get some questions across to him and this is what one of the most notorious Indian directors in the industry had to say.

C. H.: Hello Sir, how would you describe what it was like working with Sohail Sen on the 'What's Your Rashee' soundtrack (and singing on it)?

A. G.: It was wonderful to work with Sohail. His knowledge of the various forms of music including, folk music, Indian classical, Western classical and also world music was very helpful in creating the rich soundtrack of the movie. Also, he created tunes which did complete justice to each of the raashees! I hope you liked the songs...

C. H.: Priyanka Chopra is the first actor possibly in world cinema to play 12 different characters in a single movie. That is quite a challenge. What made you cast Priyanka?

A. G.: Quite simply becasue she is a fab actress. I have seen her right from her first film HERO and then in AITRAAZ where she plays a negative character. I believed that she will be able to bring nuances to each raashee girl, which she very beautifully did. I love her performance. Hope you agree with me!

C. H.: Up to "What's Your Rashee?", your movies had dealt with important subjects such as the struggle forsurvival (Lagaan), caste discrimination (Swades), religious tolerance(cohabitation) (Jodhaa Akbar). What persuaded you to direct a romantic comedy?

A. G.: I wanted to make a light hearted film. And i chose the genre of the romantic comedy because i have not made one before. Also, through the beautiful concept and story of Madhu Rye, I also wanted to touch upon the different raashees.

Read the complete chat on the Bollywood Hungama site soon.

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WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE? Music Review

I was in for a pleasant surprise when I received Sohail Sen’s “What’s Your Rashee” (soundtrack of renowned Ashutosh Gowariker's upcoming film), which had generated some tepid reviews from the Indian media, probably due to the fact that the young musician does not yet have more soundtracks to his credit. As I listened to the first notes flowing from the speakers I just knew my next review would have to concentrate on this album, if only to express what a commendable job Sen has achieved by composing a challengingly long soundtrack, consisting of 13 tunes, 12 of which cleverly morph into one in the ending track. Among these thirteen songs, there are several which definitely deserve to occupy a solid position in the playlists of contemporary Hindi music lovers:

Let us roll back a couple of minutes to those first notes jazzily oozing from the sound system and capturing my attention. Pal Pal Dil Jisko Dhoonde (ARIES) is an auspicious introduction to Sen’s music style, which seems to have a wide palette of jazz and pop influences. From time to time the listener can almost sense Sting winking through the bass arrangements, organ drills or the saxophone and trumpet interludes. Latin American music lovers may sense other references cropping up one second and disappearing the next, as the room is filled with smooth and spunky sounds.



Aa le Chal (SCORPIO)’s pure melodic lines unveil a certain charm that hooks the listener in. Could it be that the Scorpio in me has been ultimately seduced by my corresponding song? No, the sexy tune has a “special something” to it. As I listen on I can finally pinpoint that the faintly quirky, fresh and sweet treat for the ears is indeed Aslesha Gowariker’s low pitched and seemingly carefree vocals... a welcome novelty in the female voice panorama.



Engaging piano introductions seem to be a common denominator to several tracks. Pyaari Pyaari (VIRGO) deserves a special mention, as Sohail Sen’s crisp and airy voice is joined by legendary Alka Yagnik, singing mellow lyrics signed by Javed Akhtar. This is a clean cut romantic song, very characteristic of Indian soft pop which a catchy tune that lingers on for weeks and beyond.



A striking Koi Jaane Na (CAPRICORN) exquisitely emerges with a dulcimer-like piano, closing the soundtrack’s 12 Rashee (star sign) cycle. Our ears are tickled with Rajab Ali Bharti's talent for effectively translating the lyrics into melodious emotion. A palette of musical instruments and arrangements, such as the use of choirs, a Western classical interlude, bells and soulful strings colour it all.



“What’s Your Rashee?” is indeed a refreshing musical concoction, revealing a promising composer that we will continue looking out for. Our hands are now itching to get the recent “The Murderer” soundtrack, which he has also directed, eager to repeat the pleasant experience.

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