According to a reliable source, Shahrukh Khan will be a part of the inauguration ceremony at the IFFI, Goa on November 23.
Rockstar has put in impressive numbers at the Box Office. The urban youth are patronising the film. It will do wonders for Ranbir's career. But not the best film of Imtiyaz Ali at all.
I am at the Delhi Airport on my way back to Bombay after a short trip to Aligarh. Abba is not well. It's tough to see your loved ones in discomfort and helplessness. But still, Abba's spirit is fantastic. Doesn't complain about anything and always tries and put up a brave front. Weather in Delhi-Aligarh carries a tinge of delightful chill.
I recorded the song 'Haan Naaz Hai' on Aarefa's birthday during my trip to Aligarh. I've written, composed and sung the song while my good friend Navneet Kedar has done the music arrangements. It has come out very well. Shall share with you guys soon.
So much for now. Catch you guys later.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Impressive 'Rockstar' But A Flawed Love Story
Nargis Fakhri has a Katrina Kaif (of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan) hangover as she zooms off on Rockstar Ranbir's bike to 'machaofy some gandh' before she settles down in matrimony with someone else (the 'gandh machaofy' fetish continues post her marriage too). The bonding between the lead pair is fun but the heights of passion that director Imtiaz Ali must have aspired to project to his audience is missing. Moreover, at 2 hrs 45 minutes, Rockstar is a tedious watch specially when the proceedings become too dark.
Imtiaz Ali is one of the finest writer-directors in the Hindi film industry in the present era. There were a lot of expectations from Rockstar. He sketches some wonderful characters but the love story lacks the depth, intensity and reasoning. Also, the narrative goes for a toss in the second half. Janardhan Jakhad aka Jordan(Ranbir) is a simpleton who loves music. His family doesn't support this passion and throws him out of the house. The remnants of love that he felt for Heer (Nargis) and the hardships of life while living on his own in the Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah brings out the spiritual side to his personality. Khatana Bhai (Kumud Mishra, restrained and believable) makes him understand the importance of heartbreak to make lasting music and how to keep the sanity under check at various points of the rockstar's life. Ustaad Jameel Khan (Shammi Kapoor, incredible charmer), a renowned Shahnai player (based on Ustaad Bismillah Khan sahab's persona), is an Indian classical musician who recognises the immense potential in Jordan. Dhingra (Piyush Mishra, superb) owns a successful music company that values profit and subservience.
While Imtiaz constructs impressive characters of Jordan, Khatana bhai, Dhingra and Ustaad Jameel Khan, he fails to underline the reasons for the lack-of-depth in Heer's (Nargis, looks great, is fun but falters as an actress several times) character. At one moment, she can't stand Janardhan Jakhad and after a convenient change-of-heart, goes to watch a sleazy film with him, washed up by desi daroo and long bike rides in hills on the eve of her marriage to someone else. When they meet up again in Prague post her marriage, they go to strip clubs, red light district, dance on roads, long bike rides and then they kiss. After, all the salacious stuff that they had been sharing, she suddenly turns moralistic and tells Jordan to stay within limits. At the dinner, Heer's husband suggests that she should join Jordan's troupe in Prague as a volunteer as he seems to be having a good impact on her (Husband ho toh aisa). During a performance, Jordan goes backstage and plants a kiss on Heer's lips. Since she is suffering from a serious ailment, Heer's parents allow Jordan (known for mood swings, having spent time in jail) to spend time with her. Jordan gets Heer pregnant leading to hazardous complications. Kya mohabbat hai!
Ranbir's journey as a rockstar is not filmi at all. He is shown to be portraying a free spirited musician who is summed up by Ustaad Jameel Khan when he tells Dhingra that Jordan is a free bird who won't remain confined to his cage since he is meant to fly high. Ranbir is one big reason to watch a film that has several flaws. Just watch him transform from a geek to a Greek God. Effortlessly. There are several scenes where he stuns you with the growth in him as an actor. Here are a few such examples:
* When he tears the music contract and throws at Dhingra
* Unabashedly laughs when Dhingra is being fixed by his maalishwala
* Tells Nargis, "tu marni waali hai..." and suddenly changes the context of what he wanted to say
* Interactions with Khatana bhai as he was the only one whom Jordan really trusted or respected.
* Sexual dalliance with journo Sheena (Aditi Rao) and the way he withdraws from performing the act.
* Very convincing as a singer-musician. You could feel that he is actually singing from his gut and when he played the upper strings of the guitar, you know that a lot of research has gone in observing what a rocker does on stage.
Jordan's constant altercations with media is blown out of proportion. The repeated parts where journo-cameramen pounce and jump on Jordan is far from the reality (a nice way to hit back at the media eh!). The first half of the film is fun but the second half gets convoluted, dark and stretches needlessly. How many permutation combinations of Jordan's artistic madness can you suffer? It becomes too much after a point of time. Why was a word like 'Chutiya' beeped while 'Haraami' goes scot free. Jordan tells Heer that he has kissed and has had sex before too, but the word 'sex' is beeped out. Why? What's the big deal? The 'Free Tibet' banner finds 'Tibet' being blurred. It's a shame both for the Censor Board as well as the makers.
'Sadda Haq' is brilliantly picturised. But during the film, one doesn't get to see Jordan expressing his thoughts on environment or other social issues. Hence, in the context of the film, 'Sadda Haq' is out of place. Rahman's music is fantastic but there are way too many songs in the film that derails the narrative further. Mohit Chauhan as Jordan's voice is very effective. A voice that defies anything that is obvious. Anil Mehta's camerawork is exceptional. The scenic Kashmir, Himachal in India and Prague in Europe have been captured beautifully. Imtiaz' dialogues, as expected, are good. Jordan's brother tells him, "ab kya daantne ke liye bhi appointment len..." (should we take appointment for scolding you?). Quirky and different. Aarti Bajaj's editing has two sides to it. The back-n-forth flow of narrative is charming but the slow pace and a sudden, thanda finale spoils the story flow.
In the final analysis, Rockstar is a film that has a lot of heart but the soul is missing. It will test your patience, but it's watchable.
Star Rating: *** stars
Imtiaz Ali is one of the finest writer-directors in the Hindi film industry in the present era. There were a lot of expectations from Rockstar. He sketches some wonderful characters but the love story lacks the depth, intensity and reasoning. Also, the narrative goes for a toss in the second half. Janardhan Jakhad aka Jordan(Ranbir) is a simpleton who loves music. His family doesn't support this passion and throws him out of the house. The remnants of love that he felt for Heer (Nargis) and the hardships of life while living on his own in the Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah brings out the spiritual side to his personality. Khatana Bhai (Kumud Mishra, restrained and believable) makes him understand the importance of heartbreak to make lasting music and how to keep the sanity under check at various points of the rockstar's life. Ustaad Jameel Khan (Shammi Kapoor, incredible charmer), a renowned Shahnai player (based on Ustaad Bismillah Khan sahab's persona), is an Indian classical musician who recognises the immense potential in Jordan. Dhingra (Piyush Mishra, superb) owns a successful music company that values profit and subservience.
While Imtiaz constructs impressive characters of Jordan, Khatana bhai, Dhingra and Ustaad Jameel Khan, he fails to underline the reasons for the lack-of-depth in Heer's (Nargis, looks great, is fun but falters as an actress several times) character. At one moment, she can't stand Janardhan Jakhad and after a convenient change-of-heart, goes to watch a sleazy film with him, washed up by desi daroo and long bike rides in hills on the eve of her marriage to someone else. When they meet up again in Prague post her marriage, they go to strip clubs, red light district, dance on roads, long bike rides and then they kiss. After, all the salacious stuff that they had been sharing, she suddenly turns moralistic and tells Jordan to stay within limits. At the dinner, Heer's husband suggests that she should join Jordan's troupe in Prague as a volunteer as he seems to be having a good impact on her (Husband ho toh aisa). During a performance, Jordan goes backstage and plants a kiss on Heer's lips. Since she is suffering from a serious ailment, Heer's parents allow Jordan (known for mood swings, having spent time in jail) to spend time with her. Jordan gets Heer pregnant leading to hazardous complications. Kya mohabbat hai!
Ranbir's journey as a rockstar is not filmi at all. He is shown to be portraying a free spirited musician who is summed up by Ustaad Jameel Khan when he tells Dhingra that Jordan is a free bird who won't remain confined to his cage since he is meant to fly high. Ranbir is one big reason to watch a film that has several flaws. Just watch him transform from a geek to a Greek God. Effortlessly. There are several scenes where he stuns you with the growth in him as an actor. Here are a few such examples:
* When he tears the music contract and throws at Dhingra
* Unabashedly laughs when Dhingra is being fixed by his maalishwala
* Tells Nargis, "tu marni waali hai..." and suddenly changes the context of what he wanted to say
* Interactions with Khatana bhai as he was the only one whom Jordan really trusted or respected.
* Sexual dalliance with journo Sheena (Aditi Rao) and the way he withdraws from performing the act.
* Very convincing as a singer-musician. You could feel that he is actually singing from his gut and when he played the upper strings of the guitar, you know that a lot of research has gone in observing what a rocker does on stage.
Jordan's constant altercations with media is blown out of proportion. The repeated parts where journo-cameramen pounce and jump on Jordan is far from the reality (a nice way to hit back at the media eh!). The first half of the film is fun but the second half gets convoluted, dark and stretches needlessly. How many permutation combinations of Jordan's artistic madness can you suffer? It becomes too much after a point of time. Why was a word like 'Chutiya' beeped while 'Haraami' goes scot free. Jordan tells Heer that he has kissed and has had sex before too, but the word 'sex' is beeped out. Why? What's the big deal? The 'Free Tibet' banner finds 'Tibet' being blurred. It's a shame both for the Censor Board as well as the makers.
'Sadda Haq' is brilliantly picturised. But during the film, one doesn't get to see Jordan expressing his thoughts on environment or other social issues. Hence, in the context of the film, 'Sadda Haq' is out of place. Rahman's music is fantastic but there are way too many songs in the film that derails the narrative further. Mohit Chauhan as Jordan's voice is very effective. A voice that defies anything that is obvious. Anil Mehta's camerawork is exceptional. The scenic Kashmir, Himachal in India and Prague in Europe have been captured beautifully. Imtiaz' dialogues, as expected, are good. Jordan's brother tells him, "ab kya daantne ke liye bhi appointment len..." (should we take appointment for scolding you?). Quirky and different. Aarti Bajaj's editing has two sides to it. The back-n-forth flow of narrative is charming but the slow pace and a sudden, thanda finale spoils the story flow.
In the final analysis, Rockstar is a film that has a lot of heart but the soul is missing. It will test your patience, but it's watchable.
Star Rating: *** stars
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Hrithik's Madame Tussauds Statue, Most Kissed?
PRESS RELEASE
Hrithik Roshan Most Kiseed!!!
The actor's statue at Madame Tussauds is one of the most kissed statue!!!
Actor Hrithik Roshans waxed statue at Madame Tusads has sneaked its way past its hollywood counterparts to emrge among the top 10 most kissed statues in the museum. Though the official press statement of the museum is yet to come a source confirms that he has indeed made it to the top 10. Incidently last year actor Shah Rukh Khan had made it to the list of Top 10. Madame Tusads releases a list every year about the top 10 most kissed statues in their museum. Last year SRK's statue was among the top 10. This year though the official press release is yet to come their survey shows that Hrithik is among the Top 10 kissed statues says a source.
Incidently even though the museum officials keep a total count, sources say that atleast 20% of total kissers are guys and the rest are women, mostly under the age of 30. The girls and kids just love him and his popularity has been growing globally thanks to his reality show and also the fact that kids love him as Krrish and girls for his sex appeal. I think it is for the first time that a statue in its first year has been among the top 10 most kissed waxed works" the source adds.
.
Hrithik's the youngest !!!
Hrithik's waxed staue was thrown open to the public on 20th January 2011. His dhoom look was selected as the look of the statue. He is the youngest male actor from India to be honoured by Madame Tusad's. Roshan was completely involved in the creation of the figure attending two sittings in Mumbai and London where sculptors captured a catalogue of referance photographs and hundreds precise measurements. Hrithik also donated the red shirt and dark blue jeans, his figure is wearing. The figure took 4 months to make at a cost of around 150 000 Pounds.
Hrithik Roshan Most Kiseed!!!
The actor's statue at Madame Tussauds is one of the most kissed statue!!!
Actor Hrithik Roshans waxed statue at Madame Tusads has sneaked its way past its hollywood counterparts to emrge among the top 10 most kissed statues in the museum. Though the official press statement of the museum is yet to come a source confirms that he has indeed made it to the top 10. Incidently last year actor Shah Rukh Khan had made it to the list of Top 10. Madame Tusads releases a list every year about the top 10 most kissed statues in their museum. Last year SRK's statue was among the top 10. This year though the official press release is yet to come their survey shows that Hrithik is among the Top 10 kissed statues says a source.
Incidently even though the museum officials keep a total count, sources say that atleast 20% of total kissers are guys and the rest are women, mostly under the age of 30. The girls and kids just love him and his popularity has been growing globally thanks to his reality show and also the fact that kids love him as Krrish and girls for his sex appeal. I think it is for the first time that a statue in its first year has been among the top 10 most kissed waxed works" the source adds.
.
Hrithik's the youngest !!!
Hrithik's waxed staue was thrown open to the public on 20th January 2011. His dhoom look was selected as the look of the statue. He is the youngest male actor from India to be honoured by Madame Tusad's. Roshan was completely involved in the creation of the figure attending two sittings in Mumbai and London where sculptors captured a catalogue of referance photographs and hundreds precise measurements. Hrithik also donated the red shirt and dark blue jeans, his figure is wearing. The figure took 4 months to make at a cost of around 150 000 Pounds.
Players First Look Promo On November 3
The first look promo of Players will start playing on TV channels from November 3, 2011.
In an article in HT Cafe today, Oct 30, 2011, Shahrukh Khan said, "I was reading some reviews (of Ra.one) and they were silly. They are looking into some other aspect of filmmaking." What about the sequel to Ra.one? "Let's see how it fares. It's lot of hard work. I'm happy how people have responded despite mixed reports. Once it has come to the fore, I'll give it a thought," SRK said in the HT Cafe story today.
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone
In an article in HT Cafe today, Oct 30, 2011, Shahrukh Khan said, "I was reading some reviews (of Ra.one) and they were silly. They are looking into some other aspect of filmmaking." What about the sequel to Ra.one? "Let's see how it fares. It's lot of hard work. I'm happy how people have responded despite mixed reports. Once it has come to the fore, I'll give it a thought," SRK said in the HT Cafe story today.
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone
Saturday, October 29, 2011
"Namaste India": Lady Gaga Wows India
PRESS RELEASE
29th October 2011, New Delhi: India got its first ever opportunity to witness LADY GAGA - the global superstar known for her showmanship, individuality and startling creativity. Lady Gaga spoke about her inspiration for her latest album ‘Born This Way’ and expressed her desire to visit India again in the future to perform for her fans here.
Dressed in a beautiful full length gown designed by New York based Indian designer Naeem Khan, the elegant and regal Lady Gaga comfortably shared stories of reincarnation, education, family values and pleasing parents, everything that resonates with Indian people of today and yesterday. Flawless in her presentation Lady Gaga demonstrated a deep respect for India’s people and culture.
Gaga said in her first press conference in the country - “Namaste India! I have always wanted to come to this beautiful country for a very long time and finally it’s been possible. More than the place, the thing that makes this country so beautiful is its people – I want to thank you all for your love and support!”
Lady Gaga was presented a plaque for the success of her albums `The Fame’ and `The Fame Monster’, which have collectively been certified as Double Platinum and her latest album, `Born This Way’, is already certified Gold in India.
Passionate about her Desi Monsters, Lady Gaga met up with hoards of her screaming fans and obliged each one of them with autographs and photographs. Some of her fans were even dressed up like the Lady herself.
Sunil D’Sa, Vice President, UMI said, “With the massive success of Gaga’s albums in India ever since she broke onto the scene in 2008, we at Universal Music India always wanted to bring her down to give her fans a chance to experience the Gaga phenomenon in `person’. Thus, we are ecstatic that she’s made this possible and are indeed privileged to host a `superstar’ as Lady Gaga here in Delhi, India. She is a superstar in the truest sense of the word as she is just not a great musician, but a fashion icon, a fabulous live performer and a philanthropist as well. Her latest album, `Born This Way’, has been one of the fastest selling international albums in India this year and the good news is that her fans can now look forward to the new Gaga releases that are lined for November 2011.”
It must be noted that the Indian version of the album ‘Born This Wa
y’ includes the “Born This Way – Desi Hits! Bollywood Remix” which is remixed by noted film music directors Salim- Sulaiman.
Following the colossal success of her latest album `Born This Way’, Lady Gaga has planned new releases that will hit stores on 23rd November`11 which include Born This Way The Remix, Born This Way - The Collection [Born This Way album + DVD + The Remix] as well as the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award winning HBO special Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour at Madison Square Garden on DVD and Blu-ray that includes exclusive, never before seen footage.
`Born This Way’ is the follow-up to her 15 million selling debut - `The Fame’ and `The Fame Monster’ albums! It broke the iTunes record for the fastest rise to the # 1 on release day. The first single from the album, the title track “Born This Way,” set a music industry record by becoming the fastest single in history to reach sales of 1,000,000 copies (five days after its February 11th release). Only the 19th single to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (issue date February 26, 2011), the recording was Lady Gaga’s third #1 on the chart. On iTunes, the song debuted at the top spot in 14 countries, including the U.S., and hit #1 in all 23 iTunes stores worldwide its first week out.
In less than three years, Lady Gaga has earned numerous achievements including five Grammy Awards amongst twelve nominations, two Guinness World Records and the estimated sale of 23 million albums and 64 million singles worldwide. Billboard named her both the “2010 Artist of the Year” and the top selling artist of 2010 ranking her as the 73rd Artist of the 2000’s decade. Gaga has been included in Time’s annual “The 2010 Time 100” list of the most influential people in the world as well as Forbes’ list of the “The World’s Most Powerful Celebrities” in the world. Forbes also placed her at number seven on their annual list of the world’s “100 Most Powerful Women.” With over 1.9 billion combined views of all her videos online, Lady Gaga is one of the biggest living people on Facebook with over 44 million ‘likes’ and is #1 on Twitter with over 15 million followers. Lady Gaga is the only artist in the digital era to top the 5 million sales mark with her first two hits.
29th October 2011, New Delhi: India got its first ever opportunity to witness LADY GAGA - the global superstar known for her showmanship, individuality and startling creativity. Lady Gaga spoke about her inspiration for her latest album ‘Born This Way’ and expressed her desire to visit India again in the future to perform for her fans here.
Dressed in a beautiful full length gown designed by New York based Indian designer Naeem Khan, the elegant and regal Lady Gaga comfortably shared stories of reincarnation, education, family values and pleasing parents, everything that resonates with Indian people of today and yesterday. Flawless in her presentation Lady Gaga demonstrated a deep respect for India’s people and culture.
Gaga said in her first press conference in the country - “Namaste India! I have always wanted to come to this beautiful country for a very long time and finally it’s been possible. More than the place, the thing that makes this country so beautiful is its people – I want to thank you all for your love and support!”
Lady Gaga was presented a plaque for the success of her albums `The Fame’ and `The Fame Monster’, which have collectively been certified as Double Platinum and her latest album, `Born This Way’, is already certified Gold in India.
Passionate about her Desi Monsters, Lady Gaga met up with hoards of her screaming fans and obliged each one of them with autographs and photographs. Some of her fans were even dressed up like the Lady herself.
Sunil D’Sa, Vice President, UMI said, “With the massive success of Gaga’s albums in India ever since she broke onto the scene in 2008, we at Universal Music India always wanted to bring her down to give her fans a chance to experience the Gaga phenomenon in `person’. Thus, we are ecstatic that she’s made this possible and are indeed privileged to host a `superstar’ as Lady Gaga here in Delhi, India. She is a superstar in the truest sense of the word as she is just not a great musician, but a fashion icon, a fabulous live performer and a philanthropist as well. Her latest album, `Born This Way’, has been one of the fastest selling international albums in India this year and the good news is that her fans can now look forward to the new Gaga releases that are lined for November 2011.”
It must be noted that the Indian version of the album ‘Born This Wa
y’ includes the “Born This Way – Desi Hits! Bollywood Remix” which is remixed by noted film music directors Salim- Sulaiman.
Following the colossal success of her latest album `Born This Way’, Lady Gaga has planned new releases that will hit stores on 23rd November`11 which include Born This Way The Remix, Born This Way - The Collection [Born This Way album + DVD + The Remix] as well as the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award winning HBO special Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour at Madison Square Garden on DVD and Blu-ray that includes exclusive, never before seen footage.
`Born This Way’ is the follow-up to her 15 million selling debut - `The Fame’ and `The Fame Monster’ albums! It broke the iTunes record for the fastest rise to the # 1 on release day. The first single from the album, the title track “Born This Way,” set a music industry record by becoming the fastest single in history to reach sales of 1,000,000 copies (five days after its February 11th release). Only the 19th single to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (issue date February 26, 2011), the recording was Lady Gaga’s third #1 on the chart. On iTunes, the song debuted at the top spot in 14 countries, including the U.S., and hit #1 in all 23 iTunes stores worldwide its first week out.
In less than three years, Lady Gaga has earned numerous achievements including five Grammy Awards amongst twelve nominations, two Guinness World Records and the estimated sale of 23 million albums and 64 million singles worldwide. Billboard named her both the “2010 Artist of the Year” and the top selling artist of 2010 ranking her as the 73rd Artist of the 2000’s decade. Gaga has been included in Time’s annual “The 2010 Time 100” list of the most influential people in the world as well as Forbes’ list of the “The World’s Most Powerful Celebrities” in the world. Forbes also placed her at number seven on their annual list of the world’s “100 Most Powerful Women.” With over 1.9 billion combined views of all her videos online, Lady Gaga is one of the biggest living people on Facebook with over 44 million ‘likes’ and is #1 on Twitter with over 15 million followers. Lady Gaga is the only artist in the digital era to top the 5 million sales mark with her first two hits.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Rahman, Ranbir To Perform Live In Bombay On Nov 1
Press Release
Rockstar goes LIVE!!
A. R Rahman to perform live in concert first time for a film!
This is perhaps the most awaited moment for Ranbir Kapoor’s fans. The star, after much speculation about his stage performances, will finally perform live in front of audiences in a special ‘Rockstar’ concert in Mumbai!!!
This is Ranbir’s first ever stage performance and the producers Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd & Eros International are leaving no stone unturned to make it the biggest event of the year. The ‘Rockstar Concert’ is scheduled in Mumbai on 1st November 2011. Joining Ranbir in this exciting concert will be Director Imtiaz Ali, co-star Nargis Fakhri, singer Mohit Chauhan, who is the voice of Jordan in the film, Music maestro AR Rahman, along with eminent personalities such as Rahman's long term associate Ranjit Barot (Music arranger) and Percussion guru Sivamani.
What’s more, music genius A R Rahman will be performing live in concert for the first time for his film, an added treat for music lovers!
The event is being organized by Deepak Gattani of Rapport, who coordinates all concerts of A R Rahman, with special choreography by Ashley Lobo.
Producer Hiren Gandhi of Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd says, “Ever since his Bollywood debut, Ranbir has not performed live to an audience. This is what makes the Rockstar concert so much special for the team, as well as Ranbir’s fans. Plus, Rahman sir's brilliant soundtrack has generated an incredible hype – the songs are topping the charts not only in India, but in US, UK, and several other markets. Hence, planning a concert made a lot of sense, given the craze and euphoria for the music.”
Ranbir is playing a Rockstar in the film and he, with the support of several renowned personalities has put in tremendous effort to personify the character. This concert will enable his and the film’s fans to ‘actually experience’ the Rockstar in Ranbir Kapoor.
‘Saadda Haq’, the song that has become a rage with the youth will be the highlight of the concert. Other songs to be performed from Rockstar include: Jo Bhi Main, Kun Faaya Kun (with the original Qawwali singers also performing live at the concert), Katiyan Karun, Nadaan Parinde and Tum Ho.
Free invitations for the show will be distributed amongst the public and the concert will be held at Bhavan's College grounds, Andheri west.
Rockstar goes LIVE!!
A. R Rahman to perform live in concert first time for a film!
This is perhaps the most awaited moment for Ranbir Kapoor’s fans. The star, after much speculation about his stage performances, will finally perform live in front of audiences in a special ‘Rockstar’ concert in Mumbai!!!
This is Ranbir’s first ever stage performance and the producers Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd & Eros International are leaving no stone unturned to make it the biggest event of the year. The ‘Rockstar Concert’ is scheduled in Mumbai on 1st November 2011. Joining Ranbir in this exciting concert will be Director Imtiaz Ali, co-star Nargis Fakhri, singer Mohit Chauhan, who is the voice of Jordan in the film, Music maestro AR Rahman, along with eminent personalities such as Rahman's long term associate Ranjit Barot (Music arranger) and Percussion guru Sivamani.
What’s more, music genius A R Rahman will be performing live in concert for the first time for his film, an added treat for music lovers!
The event is being organized by Deepak Gattani of Rapport, who coordinates all concerts of A R Rahman, with special choreography by Ashley Lobo.
Producer Hiren Gandhi of Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd says, “Ever since his Bollywood debut, Ranbir has not performed live to an audience. This is what makes the Rockstar concert so much special for the team, as well as Ranbir’s fans. Plus, Rahman sir's brilliant soundtrack has generated an incredible hype – the songs are topping the charts not only in India, but in US, UK, and several other markets. Hence, planning a concert made a lot of sense, given the craze and euphoria for the music.”
Ranbir is playing a Rockstar in the film and he, with the support of several renowned personalities has put in tremendous effort to personify the character. This concert will enable his and the film’s fans to ‘actually experience’ the Rockstar in Ranbir Kapoor.
‘Saadda Haq’, the song that has become a rage with the youth will be the highlight of the concert. Other songs to be performed from Rockstar include: Jo Bhi Main, Kun Faaya Kun (with the original Qawwali singers also performing live at the concert), Katiyan Karun, Nadaan Parinde and Tum Ho.
Free invitations for the show will be distributed amongst the public and the concert will be held at Bhavan's College grounds, Andheri west.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Ra.one: Item-Film With Enough HART To Keep You Interested
Bollywood has had several super hero VFX disasters, but Ra.one is different. This one has a 'HART' that ticks and connects (somewhat) with viewers on a human level. Obviously, the suspension of disbelief is a given (watch Bombay's VT station building crumble like a pack of cards and Victoria's statue stumble down grumpily. A nail in the coffin of the British 'Raj'). Item songs have been in vogue off late. Yes they add tadka to bolster a film's buzz (remember, Sheila is the one who's worth crores while Tees Maar Khan emerged a pauper). With Ra.one, one can invent a term Item-Film. Incredulous, absurd story but neatly decorated and sumptuously colored items that ensures a paisa-vasool-feeling for the viewers who had been Tsunamied with the film's promotions.
Desi Girl Priyanka is craftily saved by macho hero Lucifer (fresh from conquering three Chinese warrior girls, cheesily named 'Iski Lee, Uski Lee, Sabki Lee') from the clutches of Khalnayak Sanjay Dutt who pulps the iron sword with his hands. Ra.one crushes the rose and chases Sonia (Kareena) and Prateik (Armaan) as they indulge in rash driving and crash through a bus (all unscathed). Ra.one and G.one play ping pong with flying cars and perch on the top of big buildings. G.one defies logic and emerges triumphant in stopping a local train running at the speed of 100 km/hr. Football aided street fight outside Bombay's international airport is cleaned up by Chitti Rajni sir's entry, an icing on the electric cake for sure. And yes by the way, there are blessings from Ganpati ji as well.
The father son relationship is what makes Ra.one endearing. Wonder kid Armaan is a super find. He looks and behaves like Harry Potter. In a way he is the hero of the film. While Shahrukh will get all the applause and rewards, the kiddie crowd will take away the empowering feeling that like Lucifer Praeik, even they can control a super hero. Armaan-SRK bonding didn't need gimmicky special effects and that's where the 'human connect' works.
Shahrukh and Kareena's bonding is a bit of a mixed bag. Shekhar-Sonia chemistry is kinda thanda, G.one-Sonia's chemistry creates curiosity and is interesting. But in the second half, the emotional bonding tends to take away the focus and the film's pace slackens. The 'Condom Condom' joke was needless specially when kids are the prime target group. And why did Kareena want to specialise in spouting and decoding Hindi expletives (she seems to have become a specialist anyways, remember Jab We Met, Golmaal 3 and now Ra.one). Kareena has a one dimensional role. There is a small portion where one gets to see her villainous streak and she is really cool in that. Shahrukh goes all out to woo the classes and masses. He succeeds in a big way. As for Ra.one, well, I prefer Tom Wu's version to Arjun Rampal's one. Somehow Tom Wu has a surprise value that makes him look very mean while Arjun lays emphasis on displaying his chiseled physique rather than personify villainy.
The songs have been a big part of the film's promotions. And they are worth listening for sure as well. But in the film, the songs mostly seem out of place. The situation, for even a Chammak Challo, seems forced. The background score by Vishal-Shekhar is impressive while Resul Pookutty and Anup Dev's sound is special. Niranjan Iyengar and Kanika Dhillon's dialogues have a few smart lines (Log Raavan ko is liye har saal maarte hain kyunki vo kabhi marta nahin hai) but over all nothing extraordinary. Excellent VFX by Red Chillies makes Indian cinema proud. No penny is spared. The VFX sheen gives Ra.one a RICH feel in all respects. The gaming part is a bit over done but it has a novelty value that will appeal to the kids who live and die for a gaming console.
Ra.one may not be the best film of the year but one can safely say, the money, the promotions and the HART has delivered something worth remembering for sure. Go watch it (as if you wouldn't have seen it anyways)
Star Rating: *** stars
Desi Girl Priyanka is craftily saved by macho hero Lucifer (fresh from conquering three Chinese warrior girls, cheesily named 'Iski Lee, Uski Lee, Sabki Lee') from the clutches of Khalnayak Sanjay Dutt who pulps the iron sword with his hands. Ra.one crushes the rose and chases Sonia (Kareena) and Prateik (Armaan) as they indulge in rash driving and crash through a bus (all unscathed). Ra.one and G.one play ping pong with flying cars and perch on the top of big buildings. G.one defies logic and emerges triumphant in stopping a local train running at the speed of 100 km/hr. Football aided street fight outside Bombay's international airport is cleaned up by Chitti Rajni sir's entry, an icing on the electric cake for sure. And yes by the way, there are blessings from Ganpati ji as well.
The father son relationship is what makes Ra.one endearing. Wonder kid Armaan is a super find. He looks and behaves like Harry Potter. In a way he is the hero of the film. While Shahrukh will get all the applause and rewards, the kiddie crowd will take away the empowering feeling that like Lucifer Praeik, even they can control a super hero. Armaan-SRK bonding didn't need gimmicky special effects and that's where the 'human connect' works.
Shahrukh and Kareena's bonding is a bit of a mixed bag. Shekhar-Sonia chemistry is kinda thanda, G.one-Sonia's chemistry creates curiosity and is interesting. But in the second half, the emotional bonding tends to take away the focus and the film's pace slackens. The 'Condom Condom' joke was needless specially when kids are the prime target group. And why did Kareena want to specialise in spouting and decoding Hindi expletives (she seems to have become a specialist anyways, remember Jab We Met, Golmaal 3 and now Ra.one). Kareena has a one dimensional role. There is a small portion where one gets to see her villainous streak and she is really cool in that. Shahrukh goes all out to woo the classes and masses. He succeeds in a big way. As for Ra.one, well, I prefer Tom Wu's version to Arjun Rampal's one. Somehow Tom Wu has a surprise value that makes him look very mean while Arjun lays emphasis on displaying his chiseled physique rather than personify villainy.
The songs have been a big part of the film's promotions. And they are worth listening for sure as well. But in the film, the songs mostly seem out of place. The situation, for even a Chammak Challo, seems forced. The background score by Vishal-Shekhar is impressive while Resul Pookutty and Anup Dev's sound is special. Niranjan Iyengar and Kanika Dhillon's dialogues have a few smart lines (Log Raavan ko is liye har saal maarte hain kyunki vo kabhi marta nahin hai) but over all nothing extraordinary. Excellent VFX by Red Chillies makes Indian cinema proud. No penny is spared. The VFX sheen gives Ra.one a RICH feel in all respects. The gaming part is a bit over done but it has a novelty value that will appeal to the kids who live and die for a gaming console.
Ra.one may not be the best film of the year but one can safely say, the money, the promotions and the HART has delivered something worth remembering for sure. Go watch it (as if you wouldn't have seen it anyways)
Star Rating: *** stars
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