EK THA TIGER - Romancing Masala

Once upon a time there was Tiger... A Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer... a full-blown masala entertainer... what could rake in more box office success?

Ek Tha Tiger has been the press' favorite phenomenon this week due to its record breaking success figures and most media is likely to praise and recommend it.The film is a Yash Chopra production with Salman Khan as its main man and therefore makes the movie an entire Salman Khan centered affair, with a fresh-as-a-flower looking Katrina Kaif as his befitting love interest.

So let's concentrate on the man! Errrr... on Tiger. The spy agent aliased Tiger makes his first full appearance in the film through a curtain of raining ashes and cigarette butts filmed in slow motion (the background score playing in the background funnily reminded me of Farhan Akhtar's “Don” theme). Tiger (Salman Khan) is a secret agent on a mission to follow a defense expert to Dublin, in order to stop him from volunteering top secret information to Pakistan. Secret agent on a mission, he falls for Zoya (Katrina Kaif), the caretaker of the scientist's home in Ireland and sparks a friendship with her.

The film shows Tiger and Zoya running, jumping, kicking and almost flying in Dublin, of course, but in other exotic locations such as Havana (how did Bollywood even get there? Thumbs up!), Istanbul or some initial scenes in Iraq.

Be warned, though the film sports splendid images and stunts, do keep in mind that Ek Tha Tiger is somehow Bollywood masala's reply to Bond movies. As such, absurdity lurks just around the corner of each important scene, much alike the excitement and over-the-top stunts featured in a Bond film, adding a couple of generous helpings more, for due Indian super-spy hero effect.

Another small concern of mine is the pairing of 40 plus year old actors with 20 plus heroines. It is getting to the point in which I am finding this annoying, as if these actors refused appearing mature. So I am waiting for the movie who will feature a 40 plus man wooing a 40 year old woman. There are tons out there who are as good looking ladies as India's most bankable heroes. Anyway, I believe I have digressed.

Watch Ek Tha Tiger for the thrills and chills of action scenes that can be outworldly but entertaining. I sure could have done with a bit more brain stimulation and certainly more content and logic in the script and storyline, especially in a spy movie. I would say “could have done better” but I am certain that Salman “bhai” fans will certainly enjoy their favorite hero, particularly in the second part of the film, where his trademark style and attitude are more recognizable.

Find Ek Tha Tiger on Facebook

Buy the Ek Tha Tiger Soundtrack

EK THA TIGER 

Directed by: Kabir Khan

Screenplay: Kabir Khan, Neelesh Misra

Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif

Produced by: Aditya Chopra

Soundtrack: Sohail Sen

Read More >>

BOLLYWOOD 2011 MUSIC HITS: 12 songs to welcome 2012

Image by: Manbiz - Spicytec

Establishing a list of the greatest songs of an entire year is always a difficult task BUT the Hindi Cinema Blog is one to love a challenge, so fasten your seat belts for the 2011 musical ride! We are recommending 12 tunes to start the millenium's 12th year! Check out our recommendations for the best Catchy Dance Tunes, Starry-Eyed Love Tunes and Alternative Tunes of 2011!

CATCHY DANCE TUNES 2011

And the winners are:

Akon sings for SRK's Ra.One

1. ‘Chammak Challo’ introduced the longest awaited film this year: Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor's Ra.One, the song in question starring none other than Akon's voice. You may read our review of the film here.

 

2.‘Jalebi Bai’ (Double Dhamaal - starring Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi) has Shweta Tiwari strutting her item stuff and doing a Ritu Pathak lip-sync throughout the upbeat song.

3.'Character Dheela’ (Ready - starring Salman Khan and Asin) was criticized for its lyrics and Pritam was claimed to be incurring in plagiarism due to the song's extreme resemblance with 'Mohabbat Naam Hai  Kiska' from 2001 film Ajnabee. In any case, the reggaeton-like rhythm invaded radio stations and had more than one of us nodding to the beat.

 

4. 'Singham’ (Singham - starring Ajay Devgan) reminds us a bit of the Dabangg title tune but we loved watching Ajay Devgan doing the macho man dance along with all those drums!

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara cast
dripping RED tomato juice

5. Last but not least, 'Paint it Red’ (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara - starring Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif and Hrithik Roshan) had crowds dancing to a feel good, chill-out, catchy tune and we thank Shankar Ehsaan Loy for that one. Read our review of the film here.

STARRY-EYED LOVE TUNES 2011

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

6. ** Drum Roll ** The simply sweet and inspirational 'Khwabon Ke Parinday' from film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara placed Alyssa Mendonsa's deliciously unpretentious vocals in everyone's memory. 

7. 'Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai' (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan starring Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif) was a song that made us say "YESSSS!" for the Sohail Sen we had been waiting for since his highly commendable work in the What's Your Rashee soundtrack. Read our review of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan here.

8. Pritam gifted the audiences a special soundtrack in Mausam, starring Sonam Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor. Our choice from this soundtrack is 'Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye', with the beautiful voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Read our review of the film here.

Mausam

ALTERNATIVE TUNES IN THE SPOTLIGHT 2011

9. If our dear readers allow us to cheat a teeny weeny bit just this once, we want to recommend the entire Delhi Belly soundtrack, fitting it in as one song... Yes, we know, we know. It counts more songs than should fit in a Top Hits list but we guarantee that the raving is justified. Ram Sampath hit gold with an innovative album to accompany its quirky film, starring Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor. ‘Ja Chudail’ for example has the greatest heavy metal voice we have ever listened to in Hindi (Suraj Jagan). Other special mentions in the album go to the 'Bedardi Raja' Grind Mix, to the soulful 'Saigal Blues' (in our opinion the best track in the album) and the obvious hit: 'Bhaag DK Bose’. Read our review of the film here.

10. And since you already allowed us to cheat once, we want to repeat the feat for fun's sake and also recommend another full soundtrack in this category: AR Rahman's Rockstar, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri. Special mentions go to the gypsy-like 'Haawa Haawa', to 'Jo Bhi Mein', the instrumental 'Dichotomy of Fame', 'Kun Faya Kun' and  'Sadda Haq'. You can read our review of the film here.

Darrling - 7 Khoon Maaf

11. All right, moving on to more alternative musical pastures... The year opened with us celebrating the return of Vishal Bhardwaj and a smashing ‘Daarling’ for 7 Khoon Maaf. Read our soundtrack review here. 

Bhare Naina - Ra.One

12. Our last recommendation is a song that closed this 2011 with a powerful and poignant rendition by Nandini Shrikar,Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani:  'Bhare Naina' (Ra.One).

So ends another year filled with music and entertainment. You will now have a song to think about for each of the clock's 12 chimes as the new year sets in. The Hindi Cinema Blog wishes all our readers a fantastic 2012 filled with joyful entertainment shared with loved ones. Happy Filmi and Musical New Year!

Note: To purchase the songs and soundtracks recommended above, click on the corresponding red bold-type link and you will be redirected.

Read More >>

MERA BROTHER KI DULHAN or BODYGUARD?

Both films pulled audiences to the ticketsale counters. Both offer solid and modern entertainment this autumn season.

Mere Brother ki Dulhan is a youthful and pacey tale of the search for the perfect modern day liberated bride, incarnated by Laila (Katrina Kaif) who lives to drink and have fun. It is utterly refreshing to see Katrina Kaif as a full-out rebel, even though her acting still requires developing her individual style more as she somehow often seems to emulate other successful actresses of yesterday and today... She is however very commendable in her role and, as a woman, I have to salute her for not being stick thin but still looking fresh and beautiful. Who wants to be size zero, I say indeed? 

The first half of the film will particularly keep the audience focused completely on this modern ladka-meets-ladki tale. Imran is the quintessential young Indian man who learns to appreciate and ends up falling head over heels for an independent and happy-go-lucky girl despite the fact he has actually found her to marry his own brother. The root of the story develops as a long vaudeville with plenty of topsy-turvy ups and downs, including out of the blue references to Chulbul Pandey, Dil Se, other Yash Raj signature films and even Madhubala. The supporting cast also contributes to lending the story its lightness. Ali Zafar tends to remind me of a young Shah Rukh Khan in almost every scene, from mannerisms to voice to comic timing! I therefore somehow do not find it surprising that Yash Raj would indeed support his style..

The second half of the film drags on in a few scenes but all this is forgivable given the good dose of entertainment, fun and seeing both Khan and Kaif together plus a pleasant soundtrack signed Sohail Sen.

Bodyguard is a story that has a different tone and Salman proves yet once again that he certainly can cater to his fan-base fantastically. 

 

 

A joke turns into a trepidating love story in which Kareena Kapoor is not only busy being majestically beautiful in every scene, but also delivers her role very well. From tears to guilt, from fear to love, her eyes convey just the right amount of feeling. 



This said, the man who steals the show is Salman Khan (Lovely Singh), allowing his voice inflexions and body language to flesh out his humble and modest character: a bodyguard  who is, yes, the usual strong nacho man who can fight the world and win, but also an honest man dedicated to his job. In several scenes, his character’s “purity” is disarming. The finesse with which he portrays his character makes him the most convincing I have seen him yet!

Bodyguard is the third remake of  a Malayalam film that goes by same name.I would recommend making a point of not missing these two entertainers, which both are bound to leave you with a pleasant smile. 

Follow Bodyguard on Facebook

Visit the Mere Brother Ki Dulhan website

Purchase the Bodyguard soundtrack

Purchase the MBKD soundtrack

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>