Movie Review of "Wanted"

One has decent expectations from the music of Wanted. Of course one doesn't look for a moon from this soundtrack by Sajid-Wajid since the genre and the choice of composers means that the music would primarily be aiming for the gallery.

There are slight doubts though on how the music would eventually turn out since Wanted has been in news for close to two years now and there is always a chance of things turning a little stale.

MUSIC

It's the sound of drum beats that begins the proceedings for 'Love Me Love Me'. Of course in the very first listening it seems so close to 'My Love My Love' [Partner] that had the same team coming together. However, it doesn't take much time for the song to catch on with the listener in a big way.

Wajid, who has increased his signing assignments of late (he was last heard in Kal Kissne Dekha and Paying Guests as well), comes behind the mike for 'Love Me Love Me' (which also appears in the 'remix version', just like most of the songs in the album) and does justice to suit Salman's on-screen personality.

Along with Amrita Kak, he makes this Jalees Sherwani written number an instant coffee affair that has catchy music to ensure that audiences are engaged while seeing it on the big screen.

Kamaal Khan, who sung the popular number 'O O Jaane Jaana' [Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya] a decade back, is heard again in Sameer written 'Ishq Vishq'.

While Suzanne gives the backup vocals for the song, Sunidhi Chauhan makes a belated appearance in this groovy number which is just the right follow up to 'Love Me Love Me'. The song yet again boasts of a catchy tune and though purists may argue that the song doesn't offer anything new, the fact remains that the entire project is designed as a Salman Khan mass entertainer which goes back to old school masala entertainment genre.

Expect Salman to go berserk in the video of this song (that also has a 'remix version' following later) as Kamaal certainly seems to be enjoying his outing.

As was expected by this time, it's time for some 'thehrav' in the album and it comes in the form of 'Dil Leke'. Ok, so one has heard such melodious soothing numbers in earlier Salman films also but yet another addition doesn't really harm the album.

Written by Arun Bhairav, this quintessential number (with some really routine lyrics) has Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal coming together. For Sajid-Wajid too, the song is a good shift from the 'masti-dhamaal' music that they have been churning out in dozens and an outing like this, though routine in feel, is a welcome sign.

The 'remix version' of the song is completely unwarranted though as it is hardly a dance number that required an extra version to be floated out.

The album sees a dip though with 'Le Le Mazaa Le' that has a Spanish base to it with Carlyta Mouhini and Suzanne coming together for writing and singing the Spanish portions.

A barely average track that carries the kind of tune that one has been hearing since the 70s, it only becomes boring after a while.

Actually, one looks forward to how the song is picturised because without that, there is absolutely nothing to look forward in 'Le Le Mazaa Le' that appears to be a climax track/song set in the villain's den.

Thankfully this number sung by Saumaya Rao, Hrishikesh Kamerkar and Nikita Nigam with lyrics by Wajid and Shaabir Ahmed doesn't appear in a 'remix version'.

The orchestra at the beginning of 'Jalwa' is so close to that of 'Dhoom Again' [Dhoom 2] that one wonders if one is going to hear the same song all over again. However, the similarity ends in a matter of seconds though the mood remains the same via beats and attitude of the song.

Reminding of the kind of climax tracks that one saw in many a Manmohan Desai films in the 70s and early 80s, 'Jalwa' yet again belongs to old school though there are some peppy elements incorporated via Fx & Url (Earl) arriving on scene.

An average number that stays on to be barely situational, this Jalees Sherwani track also appears in a 'Jalwa On The House remix version'.

Now this one indeed plays to the gallery. 'Tose Pyar Karte Hai' is the kind of number that is made especially for the UP -Bihar belt and one can announce loud and clear that Sajid-Wajid have a chartbuster in the hands at least in this part of the country.

Wajid and Sunidhi Chauhan come together with Fx & Url (Earl) for this 'masala' track that stays truly Indian throughout it's four minute duration and brings back the sound of the 90s. What works in the favor of the song is its fast paced appeal that ensures that Salman Khan would truly enjoy dancing to it's beats.

No wonder, there is a longer five minute long 'Bhojpuri Makhan Mix' that ends the album. It won't be surprising if even the upmarket discotheques pick this one up for the dance floors just for fun!

Staying true to the mood and theme of the film, the title song is called 'Most Wanted Track'. Beginning with now-famous Salman Khan dialogue 'Ek Baar Jo Maine Commitment Kar Di.....', 'Most Wanted Track' is made of quite a few Salman dialogues in the film that again aim at the gallery.

It's the sound of trumpets that make this number a vintage affair as audiences are transported back into the 70s when orchestra like this was in the vogue.

There is also a song piece 'Teri Yaad Satati Hai' incorporated in this four minute piece but what one looks forward to are the dialogues that give a clear indication that Wanted is a film that is clearly aimed at the masses.

OVERALL

Wanted is a mix affair which still finds itself in the safe zone courtesy at least a couple of numbers that should find good popularity in weeks to come.

While 'Love Me Love Me' and 'Ishq Vishq' are bound to be lapped up by the Salman Khan fans, even 'Tose Pyar Karte Hai' would find good response in the interiors of the country. Yes, 'Le Le Mazaa Le' is an absolute disappointment while 'Jalwa' isn't any great shakes.

Still, 'Dil Leke' makes the proceedings a little sober while the signature tune of 'Most Wanted Track' should keep the audiences entertained.

OUR PICK(S)

'Love Me Love Me', 'Ishq Vishq', 'Tose Pyaar Karte Hai'

Movie Review of "Fox"

Music Director: Monty Sharma
Lyricist: Sandeep Nath
Singers: Kunal Ganjawala, KK, Akriti Kakkar, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal
Rating: **

Composer Monty Sharma, who had created soulful numbers for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Saawariya", could not re- kindle the same magic with his latest offering "Fox".

The film that stars Sunny Deol, Arjun Rampal and Udita Goswami among others has five tracks.

The unusual title of the song "Advocat de satan" creates curiosity, but it is not a great number. Sung by Kunal Ganjawala, it sounds more like a song suitable for background playing in the film.

Up next is a love ballad "Jashn jashn" sung by Akriti Kakkar. Pleasing in parts, the song fails to hold the interest of the listener for too long since there is nothing extraordinary about it. But Akriti's voice stands out.

Next is "Josh josh" by Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan that has a long prelude and sudden shifts from fast to soft music. The number has energetic music but nothing that will make it stand out. Lyrics too are quite average.

For "Yaadein" the plus point is KK's powerful vocals. The song has psychedelic and peppy music and is worth a hear.

Finally, we have the best song of the album "Zindagi" which has Kunal and Shreya Ghoshal behind the mike. It is a nice, soft and pleasing number which is complemented by Kunal's soulful voice.

On the whole, Monty Sharma has not created a memorable soundtrack for "Fox" and has stuck to methodical sounds and styles. The only saving grace is that the album doesn't have unnecessary remix versions.

Movie Review of "Dil Bole Hadippa"

Characters:

Rohan Singh (Shahid Kapoor)
Rohan comes from England but is bowled over by India. With loads of panache and classic wit, he’s born to win. Dynamic and debonair, he’s one cricket captain whose charisma is hard to resist.

Veera Kaur (Rani Mukherjee)
Veera is all the festivals and colors of India rolled into one. Bold, beautiful, passionate and unpredictable, she knows she has only one life to live all her dreams. The world’s her playground and she’s the champ.

Vikramjit Singh (Anupam Kher)
Vicky is a modern day Indian farmer, whose staple diet is: pure love for his son Rohan, obsession for cricket, boundaryless friendship (with Lucky) and undying patriotism.

Liyaqat Ali Khan (Dalip Tahil)
Lucky hails from Lahore but lives in his friend, Vicky’s heart. Alivewire, he’s the perfect hotline between India and Pakistan.

Shanno Amritsari (Rakhi Sawant)
Shanno Amritsari is the desi bomb babe of the Jigri Yaar Dance Company. A dancing queen, she’s a dish who’s on everyone’s wish list.

Soniya (Sherlyn Chopra)
Soniya, the reigning Miss Chandigarh has her heart set on Rohan. These stylish long legs can conquer any turf they want.

Chamkila (Vrajesh Hirjee)
Chamkila is Veera’s loyal friend and Shanno’s loyal admirer.He believes he’s made for the movies, of the movies and by the movies.

Synopsis:

DIL BOLE HADIPPA is a celebration of the never say die spirit of India.

Here, for the first time, the dynamic duo of Shahid Kapoor & Rani Mukherjee, take you on a hide and seek game of romance, passion and dreams.

Veera (Rani Mukherjee) is a fire-cracker of a girl who lives in a small village but dreams in 70mm. She works in a local theatre group but dreams of playing cricket in the big league.

Yes, believe it or not, she wants to play with Tendulkar and Dhoni for India.

While Veera dreams on in India, Rohan (Shahid Kapoor) is an accomplished captain of a county cricket team in England.

Rohan returns to India to captain his father’s cricket team which has been losing consecutively for the last 8 years.

In a village where girls don’t play cricket, Veera has to put on a turban and beard and become a man to fulfill her dreams.

Her brilliance on the field earns her a place in Rohan’s team and Veera Kaur becomes Veer Pratap Singh.

And then begins a roller-coaster journey of Veera, Rohan and Veer filled with music, romance and comedy through Punjab and beyond.

This tale of turbans, twists and tricks will make your heart go – Hadippa!

Movie Review of "Life Partner"

A few questions cross your mind when you're about to watch Life Partner...

* Haven't I watched something like this in the past? Isn't it getting repetitive?

* Haven't I had enough of mindless potboilers?

* What's Rumy Jaffery going to serve now? A rehash of what he's made in the past?

There's so much negativity surrounding Life Partner, even though you don't have a clue about its content/material. Even though you have no inkling what it has to offer. Also, the buzz is clearly missing.

But, but, but... never judge a book by its cover. To answer the questions I raised at the very outset, let me say that Life Partner isn't innovative or ground-breaking, but it's interesting and entertaining.

One may assume that it's a nonsensical comedy, but it isn't. Instead, it's a 'family film' [a popular term for socials/paarivaarik films within the industry].

It gives you a sneak peak into the lives of two couples -- one, who believes in love marriage and the other, who believes in arranged marriage.

Life Partner also surprises you because Rumy Jaffery incorporates vignettes from real life. Most importantly, Life Partner entertains, makes you laugh [at even silly jokes] and keeps you hooked for most parts of the film. It's only the climax that acts as a spoilsport. But more on that later!

To sum up, Life Partner carries no buzz and also the baggage of zilch expectations. But this film springs a pleasant surprise. You leave the auditorium with a smile, not a smirk!

Karan [Fardeen Khan] and Sanjana [Genelia D'Souza] are madly in love with each other. Marriage is the next step to cement their relationship. But is 'love marriage' the right way to be?

For Bhavesh [Tusshar Kapoor], his Life Partner, Prachi [Prachi Desai], comes with the approval of his family. But is 'arranged marriage' the way forward? Is it right to prioritize family over marriage? Does Prachi have to prove herself as a worthy daughter-in-law to qualify as an ideal wife?

Jeet [Govinda] is an accomplished divorce lawyer who does not believe in the institution of marriage. He can't be monogamous and is often responsible for his getting his clients divorced. But is 'no marriage' the right policy? Will Jeet ever find a partner and accept matrimony?

Life Partner is about three protagonists struggling on the marital marathon, but on different tracks.

Life Partner is a simple story told in a simplistic manner. Director Rumy Jaffery comes to the point at the very outset and the principle characters and their characteristics are well established at this juncture.

The film is laced with funny incidents initially, but gets serious as it reaches the interval point. In this case too, the interval point is a shocker and you await the second half for several reasons.

The post-interval portions get more real, since the two marriages go through a crisis and the transition is depicted wonderfully.

However, the climax is a downer. Ideally, the writer should've come up with a better thought of conclusion, instead of the one that's depicted now.

Rumy Jaffery shows ample improvement over his previous film. He has handled a number of scenes very well, especially the Tusshar - Prachi - Darshan Jariwala portions. Pritam comes up with an ordinary soundtrack. 'Kuke Kuke' is the best of the lot.

Yunus Sajawal's screenplay has several appealing moments. Niranjan Iyengar's dialogues are first-class. Sameer Arya's cinematography is admirable. The locales of South Africa are a visual treat. In fact, the film sports a rich look all through.

Govinda is in terrific form this time. After PARTNER, the talented actor gets a role that does complete justice to his abilities. He seems to have worked on his looks and that only enhances the impact.

Fardeen Khan is very likable. In fact, the role requires him to go overboard at times and he does that so well. Genelia D'Souza is the scene stealer. She's superb and one of the prime reasons that makes Life Partner watchable.

Tusshar Kapoor pitches a remarkable performance yet again. He looks so perfect for his part. Life Partner is yet another film that showcases his talent well.

Prachi Desai showed abundant promise in ROCK ON!! and excels in Life Partner too. This pretty girl has the potential to carry off most difficult scenes with aplomb. Amrita Rao [sp. app.] doesn't create magic.

Anupam Kher is just right. Darshan Jariwala is proficient. Vikram Gokhale is good. Jagdeep is superb in a brief role. On the whole, Life Partner may lack the hype, but this one springs a pleasant surprise. It's aimed at the families and that section of movie-going audience should take to it gradually, with a strong word of mouth. The holidays in its opening weekend should help the film grow!