EK MAIN AUR EKK TU: When Kareena met Imran (and vice versa)

It had been talked about long and plenty. Ever since Imran Khan had graced the screen in JTYJN, he had expressed his wish of starring alongside Kareena Kapoor in the future while Kareena remained nonetheless religiously faithful to the sure career-building value of the older Khan heroes whether it be Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir or her beau, Saif Ali Khan.

 

When she finally and fortunately agreed to sharing screen space with a male lead of her age once again (her last great performance with a co-star her age having won her many Jab We Met accolades), Imran Khan was thankfully the natural choice. And we the audience have absolutely no regrets.

Ek Main aur Ekk Tu presents Imran in one of his best commercial film performances to date. Rahul Kapoor (Imran’s character) is uptight and contrived. He is a handsome bird who has grown up in a golden cage but has forgotten how to fly. Kareena plays Riana Braganza, a bubbly and extroverted hairstylist who seems to be Rahul’s complete opposite. Although this is not the first time Kareena takes up this type of role, a fundamental difference lies in the way her character is matchingly paired with a highly convincing (and important) male lead and that their love story in the end is not what one would expect.

When circumstances lead Riana and Rahul to meet on a fun Christmas Eve night in Vegas, they wake up next morning to discover that they have gotten married. Both are appalled by the news and decide to get an annulment. They are given an appointment in court ten days after the marriage and, during that period, Rahul and Riana discover each other. They laugh, fight, patch up and unexpected feelings start to tie them together. Meanwhile, the hero's journey of individual self discovery equally starts to blossom in the sidelines...

As an audience, I did not want to watch yet another typical KJo romance served to me in a more youthful platter... and I am thoroughly glad Johar guessed the audience’s silent plea. Consequently, filmgoers beware! What seems to be a signature Dharma Productions romantic comedy, complete with exotic locales (Las Vegas!), “boy meets girl and they hate each other but end up in love” plot, etc. is bound to surprise more than one viewer. Newcomer Shakun Batra’s Ek Main aur Ekk Tu is indeed largely about Rahul/Imran as much as Ayan Mukherji’s Wake Up Sid! was about Sid/Ranbir and this is what takes the film and its actors to a totally different level and what makes this romcom so delightful and memorable. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu has much more to offer behind its facade. Imran Khan's character intermittently reminded me a bit of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) in Hollywood's "The Graduate" (1967) being filmed in a more  commercial Bollywood style comedy, of course. My sincere thumbs up to the actor.

Imran completely steals the show and the chemistry works smoothly with a prettier than springtime heroine giving him a perfect response. Vegas is filmed savvily, enhancing its fun-loving side. The soundtrack is catchy and has Shefali Alvares in it (yes, I had been waiting for her voice in a Bollywood soundtrack for a long time). Boman Irani and Ratna Pathak Shah both give excellent performances as Rahul’s competitive and socialite parents. It would be a pity to say more, as this film is best discovered at the cinema. Brief, sweet, cute and yet stirring and thought provoking, Ek Main aur Ekk Tu is a film not to be missed.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Trivia:

* The original title given to the film was 'Short Term Shaadi' but this was later decided against.

* Ratna Pathak Shah was originally offered the role of Kareena’s (Riana’s) mother in the film. She however preferred acting as Imran's mother, given that she had also played his mother in Imran’s first film: Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na.

* Avantika Malik, Imran Khan's wife, makes a special appearance in Ek Main aur Ekk Tu.

Visit the Ek Main aur Ekk Tu official website

Purchase the Ek Main aur Ekk Tu soundtrack

EK MAIN AUR EKK TU

Directed by: Shakun Batra

Produced by: Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, Ronnie Screwvala

Screenplay: Ayesha Devitre, Shakun Batra

Cast:

Imran Khan

Kareena Kapoor

Boman Irani

Ram Kapoor

Ratna Pathak Shah

Music: Amit Trivedi

Cinematography: David Mac Donald

Editing: Asif Ali Shaikh

Distributed by: UTV Motion Pictures, Dharma Productions

Release date: 10 February 2012

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DON 2 - THE CHASE CONTINUES: Shah Rukh is Back!

 
DON 2: The Chase Continues review by Diana (Italian Cinema Hindi Blog)

Rating: *****

Have you been on holiday and have totally relaxed? Have you been enjoying the seasonal festive banquets, oblivious to whatever is happening in other parts of the world? Or have you returned to normal daily life, becoming absorbed in the same everyday boring duties? 

In case you did not know: THE KING IS BACK. 

Drop it all and take the first plane to Mumbai, London or any other place in the civilized world (Fiji, for example!) And without stopping for food, sleep or even calling your mother to tell her you have landed safely, head to the nearest cinema to watch Don 2: The Chase Continues. You will never be the same again.

PLOT

Don (Shah Rukh Khan, who else?) has been ruling the Asian underworld for five years. By becoming increasingly powerful,  he has ended up challenging drug traffickers who operate in the European market and has therefore become an inconvenient competitor for them. He has less friends than foes and there are many enemies who wish him dead. He therefore decides to surrender to the police in Malaysia, not without offering an agreement to his old acquaintances, "wild cat" Roma (Priyanka Chopra) and inspector Malik (Om Puri). Don is hence arrested but once he finds himself in jail, he eventually meets Vardhaan (Boman Irani).

REVIEW

In 2006, Farhan Akthar took up a challenge against living legend Amitabh Bachchan by directing a remake of Don (1978). Don: the Chase Begins Again was born. The ending was different from the original and the main characters were revamped. The locations, soundtrack and general look of the film became modern and refined.  

Shah Rukh Khan, having reached the utmost peak of his charm, returned to the screen successfully starring as a villain. The King of Bollywood was perfect for the part and he skillfully reinvented the role and made it fully his own. Five long years afterwards, a sequel seemed inevitable given that Shah Rukh Khan absolutely shines in the role of Don. The storyline's possibilities are endless, the opportunity was there to be seized. Additionally, SRK and Farhan Akhtar have raging fun together (see it for yourself by watching both Shah Rukh and Farhan Akhtar interviewing each other on The Times of India website). 

Don 2 follows in the same style as Don: The Chase Begins Again and does not disappoint at all. Greater action, a fast pace, surprising and spectacular special effects. The film is an Indian blockbuster that is closer to what we are used to watching in Western cinema, even though Bollywood, of course, has never had anything to envy. With Don 2, however, even the die-hard fan of action-movies "Made in the USA" will be seduced. The movie's feel is very cosmopolitan, but, fortunately, lasting over two hours, the film will present a special screening at the 62 th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival.The most refined palates, that of the bloodthirsty Hindi cinema, do not feel betrayed. The plot is intriguing, the direction is in the hands of one of the "boys" most stylish and talented on the square (by Farhan!), The protagonist is one of those that leave their mark. Don 2 is already a legend. Stone-cold audiences and wallflowers should refrain from watching. Everyone else... HAVE FUN!

Positive points: 

- Don, sporting wild long hair, kicks and punches better than a jujitsu champion, wearing a uber-cool cream coloured linen jacket.

- Don wearing an orange uniform in prison dominates a handful of shots, erasing decades of cinema by  becoming the most unrepentant, brazen and sexy quintessential bandit ever to have graced the screen.

- Don, and his dangerously swaggering walk, his new-dandy look (the leather jacket worn under the coat will might make sensitive souls lose a few hours of sleep), walking the streets of Berlin totally free.

- Don, cigarette in hand, voluptuously surrounded by a cloud of smoke throwing a smug glance at the mirror. 

- Don, the irresistibly seductive and elusive criminal. Don and the sexy villainous look in his eye. Don and his vitriolic wisecracks. Don: ruthless, sardonic, arrogant, über-cool, elegantly self-controlled, at times becoming suddenly angry and impetuous, burning ice. D-O-N!

Warning: Impressionable young girls are adviced to handle with caution.

- Shah Rukh Khan, who, shortly before the sixth minute, relieves the pain and frustration of all his Italian fans repaying their devotion with a few simple words: "Italian restaurant... you know spaghetti bolognese, a glass of red wine... What? Don't you like Italian food? What a shame..."
- The D initial of Don, tattooed on Shah Rukh Khan's arm, which is, among other things, protected by copyright
- Hrithik Roshan appears in the film during a delicious cameo. It is only a few minutes but is truly tasty. 

- The song Zara Dil ko Thaam Lo and its Making Of.

Negative points:

Negative points? Hahahahahahaha! 

TRIVIA- The film's official website is highly interactive. You may even register and participate as an agent aiming to capture Don.- Don 2 is the first sequel in SRK's career. For Farhan Akhtar it has implied a return to directing after a five year absence. He had not experimented anymore behind the camera ever since he had filmed Don: The Chase Begins Again.- Don 2 was created in 3D with the help of Chuck Comisky, who has already participated as technical staff in Avatar and Sanctum.- Many of the phrases uttered by Don, in the first film, have become popular and gained cult status. One of these: "Capturing Don is not difficult, it is impossible", is already a catchphrase.

 During the promotion of the sequel, a set of videos under the title "Don Says" have been released, featuring the best lines from Don. My favorite? "Who says miracles do not exist Take a close look at me."  Don Says videos.

- To the delight of fans and marketing gadget lovers, producers have also planned the release of a comic book, Don: The Origin, which unveils Don's background as well as a video game for Playstation 3 and the Android platform.
- For a taste of the beautiful soundtrack, head to the following links: Hai ye Maya, Mujhko Pehchaanlo and Dushman Mera Don 2.
- To enjoy the scenic shot where SRK is launched from the roof of the Park Inn Hotel at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, click here.

Visit the Don 2 official website
Purchase the Don 2 soundtrack
Read about Don 2 in Wikipedia
Download Don 2: The Game Lite for Apple devices
Play with Don 2 on Facebook
Follow Don 2 on Facebook and Twitter



DON 2 
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor, Boman Irani, Om Puri, Aly KhanJabar, Sahil Shroff, Florian Lukas, Special Appearance - Hrithik Roshan 
Written by Farhan Akhtar, Ameet Shah, Amrish Mehta
Directed by Farhan Akhtar 
Produced by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shahrukh Khan
Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Lyrics Javed Akhtar
Choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant 
Distributed by Reliance EntertainmentYear 2011

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SHAH RUKH KHAN sweeps Berlin off its feet

Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan reached Berlin this month, together with co-stars Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta as well as 70 of the film's co-actors and other film staff from India for the start of the shooting of their latest movie, the sequel "Don 2 - The Chase Continues", directed by Farhan Akhtar, who previously directed the remake of 1978 cult film 'Don' in 2006 (the original 70s film starred none other than Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan).

Producers have described 'Don' as a Hindi version of James Bond, in which the hero of the film is however a suave and smart criminal!

The sequel will star the original cast of  Farhan Akhtar's first 'Don': Priyanka Chopra and Boman Irani, but will also welcome new characters being played by Lara Dutta, Sameera Reddy and Kunal Kapoor.

Shah Rukh Khan, who plays the lead role mentioned that the inspiration to shoot 'Don' in Berlin came while he was visiting the German city during its 2008 film festival.

"I just love Berlin... It is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. I have been here for two weeks and I don't feel I am working," Khan told reporters at a recent press conference. The 44-year-old actor enjoys a huge fan following in Germany, where his films are dubbed and sold to the general German-speaking public with huge success.

While the star might feel as if he is not working, he not only started filming but dove immediately into doing a difficult stunt consisting of  jumping from the roof of the Park Inn Hotel on the Alexanderplatz in Berlin for a scene in which several gangsters are chasing him.

Apart from this difficult  stunt, the actor has also been preparing for more action-packed scenes: "Learnt scuba diving...base flying...fast driving (crashed also once)...gyming...old songs...PS3 (Play Station 3) soccer...Beat Boman & Ritesh (Farhan & me)...happy," SRK tweeted this week.

'Don 2' is an Indo-German production that has Germany hoping to attract millions of Indian viewers to travel to the beautiful city of Berlin by showcasing some of the town's most famous tourist attractions. Shah Rukh Khan himself sees this opportunity as a "great way to showcase this city to an Indian audience".

The Hindi version of the film seems to be scheduled for release in December 2011. It is still being debated whether the dubbed German version will be released simultaneously or at the Berlin International Film Festival to be held in February 2012.

Visit the DON 2 website.

Watch NDTV's video of the press conference in Berlin.

Check out the picture gallery of the DON 2 press conference in Berlin.

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DON Songs Download DON Songs [MP3] [2006]

DON - The Chase Begins Again was released in 2006 and directed by Farhan Akhtar. It was a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan blockbuster Don. The film has quite a long starcast containing Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Isha Kopikar, Boman Irani and Arjun Rampal. The film also featured Kareena Kapoor in a guest appearance. The film didn't perform too well in the box-office but it cartainly has some very cool music thanks to the trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

RJ and a few others requested for these songs. I apologize for taking so much time as I had been very busy the past few days.

Rocker...

Free Direct MP3 Links! To Download DON - The Chase Begins Again Songs,

Right Click and choose 'Save Target As'. Enjoy!

1. Aaj Ki Raat - Alisha Chinoy, Mahalaxmi Iyer & Sonu Nigam
2. Khaike Paan Banaras Wala - Udit Narayan, Shahrukh Khan
3. Don - Revisited - MIDIval Punditz
4. Don The Theme - Instrumental
5. Main Hoon Don - Shaan
6. Main Hoon Don - Fnc International Mix
7. Maurya Re - Shankar Mahadevan
8. Yeh Mera Dil - Sunidhi Chauhan

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Lakshya Songs Download Lakshya Songs [MP3] [2004]

I watched this film yesterday for the 6th time and incidentally, someone requested for these songs today :)
So I was more than happy to add these songs to my blog. Lakshya, a very inspiring movie. Everytime I watch it, I feel like joining the army.
The film was released in 2004, starring Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles. And, it was directed by Farhan Akhtar.

The music has been composed by the trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The title track is very inspiring and my favourite. :)
Enjoy!

Rocker...

Free Direct MP3 Links, Download Lakshya Songs,
Right Click and choose 'Save Target As'. Enjoy!

1. Lakshya - Shankar Mahadevan
2. Main Aisa Kyun Hoon - Shaan
3. Agar Main Kahoon - Udit Narayan, & Alka Yagnik
4. Kitni Baatein - Hariharan & Sadhana Sargam
5. Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe - Kunal Ganjawala, Sonu Nigam, Roop Kumar Rathod, Vijay Prakash, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan
6. Separation - Instrumental
7. Victory - Instrumental
8. Kitni Baatein (Reprise) - Hariharan & Sadhana Sargam

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Hum Tum Aur Ghost Songs Download [MP3] [2010]

Hum Tum Aur Ghost is a ghost movie directed by Kabir Kaushik and starring Arshad Warsi and Dia Mirza.. Hum Tum Aur Ghost Songs were released a couple of days ago, though could manage to add them now.. so this goes to Veda and many others who requested it.. Shankar-Eshaan-Loy have composed the music, and I do like some of the songs.... The tune of Kal Tum The Yahan is cool...

Update: Seems liked I missed someone, and you guessed it right, Boman Irani is also playing an important role in HTAG.. Well I have not seen the movie, so don't know how important the role is:) Also, Links of some of the songs have been updated!

Free Direct MP3 Links! To Download Hum Tum Aur Ghost Songs
Right click and choose 'Save Target As'. Enjoy!

1. Dekho Raste Mein - KK & Shreya Ghoshal
2. Kal Tum The Yahan - Caralisa Monteiro & Shankar Mahadevan
3. Banware Se Pooche Banwariya - Shaan & Sunidhi Chauhan
4. Hum Tum Aur Ghost - Shankar Mahadevan & Vishal Dadlani
5. Kal Tum The Yahan - Caralisa Monteiro & Shankar Mahadevan
6. Dekho Raste Mein - Remix - KK & Shreya Ghoshal
7. Hum Tum Aur Ghost - Remix - Shankar Mahadevan & Vishal Dadlani

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Q&A with BOMAN IRANI and ARSHAD WARSI

As the release of 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost' approaches, the talented actors who star in the much awaited film, Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani (who shall also appear in Shyam Benegal's upcoming 'Well Done Abba'),  have agreed to participate in Bollywood Hungama's chat sessions to talk about their new releases. Our sister blog, the Italian Cinema Hindi team, were glad to interact with them on that occasion.

CH - Arshad, would you say 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost' is typically a Bollywood film? What would you say you like the most about the character you are playing in the film?

Arshad Warsi: Not at all. Thats why I’m worried... (The character) is a normal guy in an absolutely bizarre situation.

CH - What type of message do your next releases 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost' and 'Well Done Abba' wish to convey?
Arshad Warsi: ('Hum Tum Aur Ghost')  Helping somebody selflessly and the power of true love.

Boman Irani: For 'Well Done Abba', it is that even the simplest of people can beat the system.

CH - Boman, which two words would sum up 'Well Done Abba'?
Boman Irani: Shyam/Benegal.



CH - I’m an Italian football supporter, Arshad, you were in the cast of 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal' (*), are you a football team supporter? Who is a better football player, you or John Abraham?

Arshad Warsi: Definitely me…

CH - Boman, I really liked watching '99', the movie is great and your performance is outstanding. After having played so many different roles, what motivates you to choose one film rather than another?

Boman Irani: Every film should be a learning experience. And variety is the spice of life.

CH - Arshad, which is according to you the best film of 2009?

Arshad Warsi: 3 Idiots.

CH - Boman, which are the films in which we will be seeing you next?

Boman Irani: 'Housefull', 'Dostana 2', 'Crooked' and 'Don 2'.

CH - Arshad, would you like to comment on 'Munnabhai Chale Amerika'(**)? 

Arshad Warsi: Probably we shall start next year.

(*) 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal' is a 2007 film about a soccer team from Southall (London) that is composed entirely of South Asian players and how the team climbs the professional football ladder.



(**) 'Munnabhai Chale Amerika' is the eagerly awaited third chapter of the Munnabhai series (which already counts 'Munnabhai M.B.B.S.' and 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' as its first two chapters), produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, directed by Rajkumar Hirani and interpreted by Arshad Warsi and Sanjay Dutt.

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An International Take on 3 IDIOTS

3 Idiots is Rajkumar Hirani’s newest directorial venture and has become the biggest grosser in the history of Indian cinema in a matter of days after its release. The 3 members of our international film review team at the Hindi Cinema blog have watched the film in each of their respective locations around the world and are eager to give their take on it to you, our readers. Given that they are known to interrupt each other constantly, they have roped in journalist Woogie McFinklestein, correspondent for “Idiots Weekly Magazine”, to try and collect their opinions in the form of a civilized interview. Let us see if he succeeds.

 Warning: This interview contains spoilers.

What was your reaction upon seeing “3 idiots” for the first time?

Joanna: I had the biggest goofy grin on my face!

Aline: You look like that all the time, Joanna.

Joanna: Well, bigger and goofier! I wanted to immediately walk back up to the box office and buy tickets for the next show.

Pushker: I thought: “Brilliant! Enchanting! Lively! Got to go back again!"

Aline: I wanted to shout "I am an Idiot!" and then tell bystanders: "aal izz well, aal izz well" and take pictures of them all with their astonished faces, advising them to chase excellence and make viruses happy.

Did any part of the story make you cry?

Pushker: I don’t cry! What kind of question is this?

Aline: Pushker, weren’t you crying a minute ago screaming “I don’t want to give an interview!”? We had to pull you through that door…

Pushker: That was not me. That must have been Joanna who has a bad hair day.

Joanna: My hair is fine thank you and says hi!

Pushker: Well, to tell you the truth, my heart skipped a few beats and I got a lump in my throat when Raju's mother visits the hospital in her new sari.

Joanna: Honestly, I didn’t cry the first time I saw the film. However, upon second viewing I also cried during the sari scene and when Virus gifts Rancho his pen (gets weepy). See? I am getting emotional all over again, let me find my handkerchief.

Aline: I cried during several scenes and got goosebumps on Joy’s final scene but was mainly moved by the baby delivery one and entirely wept my way through it...

Joanna: Aline, seriously? You didn’t think it was a bit…filmy?

Aline: To me, if the whole film had not worked for me but there was still this one great scene, I would recommend watching the whole film just for that.

Joanna: (Blows her nose) If Rancho was coming at me with that home-made vacuum contraption, I wouldn’t just cry…I’d scream in horror! (Pushker leaves the room).

What made you laugh?

Aline: So many parts of the film were a riot! Rancho’s first appearance, the exam paper mixup and…

Joanna: I loved the scene where Pia (Kareena) compared the names of Gujarati foods to missiles. "Bush just dropped two Dhoklas on Iraq....." That was a great piece of writing and she delivered it well.

Aline: …the machine definition scene and the urn scene will become classics. So many to choose from! It is an extremely well written script. I was also itching to dance to Zoobi Doobi. Such a fun and sweet depiction!

Joanna: I keep getting interrupted, I wasn’t done with my list of fun scenes.

Aline: You interrupted me first.

Pushker: (back in the room, hands a hairbrush to Joanna) Here Joanna. Better hair means better mood.

Now, do you think Aamir Khan was really able to convince the audience to forget his true age?

Pushker: Age? What age? My wife and both my daughters wouldn’t mind going out on a date with him!

Joanna: They aren't the only ones. (Everyone looks at her.) I mean my friend...you don't know her. She lives in Utah.

Aline: Sure, Joanna. We believe you (winks at Pushker.) It was quite something to see Aamir with such an innocent look on his face. Even his voice sounded younger, to such a point that I forgot it was actually him.

Is there one particular scene that…

Joanna: Hey wait, I haven’t answered the question yet!

Well yes, but…

Joanna: Aamir Khan was brilliant. I think a lot of it comes from who he really is at his core. I’m so happy that he still seems to have a deep connection to his inner child.

Fine. So… is there one particular scene that defines the film?

Aline: Apart from all the moments in which Rancho thinks out of the box, which I think was the whole point of the film, I would say the birth scene.

Joanna: Not again! (Leans back against the chair and rolls her eyes.)

Aline: It has all of the power of Rancho's "aal izz well" in it and then... I always marvel at watching a birth, even fictional.

Pushker: That is too sentimental, Aline! I personally feel the scene that made it for me was the “Balatkar” speech. I was falling off my seat with laughter, like the rest of the audience.

Joanna: Silencer! (Laughs)

But guys, for me, it was more of a sequence than a single scene, beginning with the main suicide attempt and ending with a forgiving father. These were to me the crux of the statement that the director was trying to make. It was the lowest of lows, and the highest of highs. What do you think?

Aline: Did he just answer the question for us?

Pushker: It is the “Balatkar” speech yaar, what are you talking about!

Joanna: (upset) Hey Mr. McFinklestein, no offense, but you are here to interview us and now I have no answer because you just took the words right out of my mouth!

Sorry.

Joanna: What sort of an interview is this? I refuse to be a part of it. (storms out of the room.)

(Aline and Pushker shrug)

What other character apart from Rancho stands out in the film?

Pushker and Aline: Chathur!

Aline: And Virus. He was a wonderful creation and it had outstanding work by Boman Irani.

Joanna: (screams from the neighboring room): Rajuuuuu!

Describe the message you took home from "3 Idiots."

Pushker: Much more than a comedy, “3 Idiots” asks questions and gives insight to the basic need of self realization, opening up the human mind and reaching out to the natural instinct of growth.

Aline: How am I ever going to give a better definition than that? This is unfair! (leaves the room, crossing Joanna at the doorway, who was on her way back).

Can you get her (Aline) back here?

Joanna: No. I can’t stand her today.

Pushker: Let her be.

You people keep leaving the room! I am determined to win my challenge of keeping you all together throughout the interview. Go get her! (bangs his fist on the table) Now!

(Pushker leaves his chair and heads to the neighboring room. He reappears grudgingly pulling Aline behind him. Aline is leafing a book).

Aline: I have a quote to summarize the film message! “Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day”!*

Joanna: So which one are you, Aline, stupid or idiot?

Aline: The film also says that we need to fool our hearts to think positive when dealing with difficult situations and people (gives Joanna a dark stare).

Do you want to add anything?

Aline: We all would like to say that Rancho made us think of a grown up Ishaan**… Right guys? And that I found even the background music really good.

Joanna: The film is also very well cast. Everyone including the secondary roles did an excellent job.

Just one last question, how would you rate the film?

Joanna: Ok guys, ready? 1… 2… 3!

All: AAL IZZ WELL!

It seems as if Woogie McFinklestein has succeeded in making these 3 international idiots remain friends during an entire interview (phew!). Check out the video in which they pay homage to the way 3 Idiots was promoted before its release, featuring an incognito Aamir Khan (Rancho) travelling throughout India. Did these three reviewers and budding investigators manage to find him before the film's premiere? Find out here! 

* Original phrase by Samuel Goldwyn.

** The name "Ishaan" makes reference to Ishaan Awasthi, the main character of Aamir Khan's acclaimed film ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

 
Film: 3 Idiots
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor
Producer: Vidu Vinod Chopra
Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes

Rating: 5*

Official Website

Buy Music Album from Itunes store
3 Idiots lyrics translations by Ashu

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3 IDIOTS SOUNDTRACK REVIEW

Composer Shantanu Moitra and lyricist Swanand Kirkire (of 'Parineeta' and 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' fame) are making a comeback with a jovial bang!

Unconventionally entertaining. Authentic. Endearing.

These are expressions that one associates with Rajkumar Hirani's films and currently extend to the 3 Idiots soundtrack. The carefree and down to earth album takes listeners on a journey to merry college days and the memory of friends that matter.

A sunny day kicks off with an early rising rooster and a waking melody in which students express their wonderful philosophy statement: Yes indeed bhaiyya, 'Aal Izz Well'! Guitars and a myriad of percussions join cheerful campus voices repeating a catchy "doom kechiketa yeah" or similar youthfully rhythmic jabber, whistling all your worries away in 4 and a half minutes flat!

(Videos posted here are available in higher quality in Aamir Khan's official Facebook fan page.)

Next comes one of the soundtrack's moments of genius with a sparkling 'Zoobi Doobi', a gypsy-jazz style swing. Sonu's dash accompanies Shreya's pizzazz along with a brass section, strings and accordion. The picturization of this promo song is doing the rounds on the Internet, featuring everyone's dream girl and boy, Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan. The tune is likely to stick with you once you happily lap up its upbeat spiral of sweet lyrics and easygoing rhythm.

'Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh' is a soft melody with a slight mantra-like feel that allows its nostalgic lyrics to seep in. Shaan's stirring vocals shine fully in this ode to life-changing friendships that are long gone, making this one of his best tracks up to date.

The remaining two songs may initially surprise a trained listener and non Hindi speakers may want to enjoy them to the fullest by reading the lyrics translations*. The fact is that Hindi film soundtracks tend to often put aside the situational power of their songs, given that the commercial value of the music must guarantee box office success. 3 Idiots is an album with a difference that chooses to place an unconventional bet ("no risk… no brain"!): its tunes sound catchy or moving but remain authentic enough to seamlessly fulfill their cinematic purpose.

A good example of this choice is 'Give Me Some Sunshine'. Soft piano droplets give way to a peppy college anthem that could be sung by any generation of graduates. Unsophisticated vocals, clapping and harmonica notes spruce up the simple chords, making this a perfect song for student parties and sleepless dorm nights with your best friends. Incidental film monologues delivered by Sharman Joshi give the tune its extra feel good quotient.

An almost unrecognizable Sonu Nigam finalizes the album with 'Jaane Nahin Denge', boasting a high command of emotional variations. The instrumentals and his voice echo soft ripples of resolve that intermittently fluctuate into waves of life-infusing arguments. The song's last note leaves the listener in a quiet and sustained bedazzlement.

It then dawns on us that naughty or nice, Christmas will deliver us a soulful and thought provoking film, brilliantly presented in a light and entertaining envelope. Not surprising coming from director Rajkumar Hirani, who has the art and science of blending these elements to create bewitching magical potions.

Get ready to greet Santa Claus saying "Sab thik thak... Aal izz well, chachu!"

Outside links

* Bollywood Hungama video interview with Shantanu Moitra, Swanand Kirkire and Rajkumar Hirani Part 1 and Part 2

* Buzz18's footage of the online 3 Idiots music release

* 3 Idiots official website (music samples in the canteen)

* Pre-release lyrics translations by Ashu and more lyrics translations by TheBollywoodFan.



Album information
Music: Shantanu Moitra
Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, Swanand Kirkire, Shantanu Moitra, Suraj Jaggan, Sharman Joshi
Label: T-series
Tracks: 7 (5 originals + 2 remixes)
Album release: 09 Nov 2009
Available on Itunes

Film information
Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Starring: Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, Mona Singh, Parikshit Sahani, Javed Jaffrey

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