Bollywood

SINGH IS KINNG has the top music director Pritam and he is undoubtedly the unofficial numero uno composer today, coming in after a series of hits like JAB WE MET, BHOOL BHULAIYYA, RACE and JANNAT. However to some it may seem (after KISMET KONNECTION) that there is an over dose of Pritam. So let us see what the overworked but extremely lucky music director has to offer in this very prestigious project.

The title track: ‘Singh Is Kinng’ is truly a composition that has the likes of famous American rapper Snoop Dog, Britain’s popular bhangra band RDB and Akshay himself (quite a decent singer after many stints during stage shows). The track is all ‘Punjabi’, mixed with English rap, and it’s only natural as the film has a singing and dancing Sardar as the lead protagonist. There is also a reference to the much talked about diamonds worn by Akshay.

‘Jee Karda’ starts with a nice electronic guitar rhythm and some good blend of English and Hindi combo singing by Suzie Q. The number is another bhangra based dance track which is totally inspired by Punjabi folk, rarely used traditional instrument like ‘ektara’ and also ‘manjira’ lend novelty value. The song itself is nice and sweet and its presentation amongst the ancient Egyptian pyramids enhances the song further and it would be a treat to watch on the big screen.

‘Jee Karda-Remix’ by Hyacinth is a mere space filler and not much care has been taken by the arrangers to make it different. Just faster rhythm and higher tempo and beats that in a way reduce the ethnic Mastana touch!

‘Bas Ek King’ has Ashish Pandit, the Bhangra-pop queen, Hard Kaur and Daler’s younger brother, Mika Singh to support the music endeavour. The first version, ‘Bas Ek Kinng’, has a deadly, lazy rhythm, continuing till the end of the track, one which certainly is an entertainer.
The early rap portions and the ‘mukhda’ itself are quite infectious and have a lot of repeat value. Though the last part of the ‘mukhda’, which has gained immense popularity (especially amongst children and youth) is inspired by Sridevi’s ‘Na Jaane Kahaan Se Aayi Hai’ and the rap and reggae portions have been effectively handled by Hard ‘Glassy’ Kaur, who is certainly here to stay.

‘Bas Ek Kinng- Tiger Style Remix’ is more ‘Punjabish’ in nature, though the deadly, lazy rhythm (which formed the crux of the original) is missing, as the tempo has been heightened. Even the rap portions by Hard Kaur are different and a good job can be seen here.

‘Bhootni Ke’, a typical fun-filled all ‘Punjabi’ number and the situation is most likely a ‘Punjabi’ wedding as the start of the song has Daler exhorting all with ‘Aaj khushi ka din hai aaya, Nikalo mahurat changa, Suit pahan kar ban gaya dulha’. Do not spend time thinking about the ridiculous lyrics, as it’s the norm in most North Indian weddings that the friends and relatives shower friendly naughty lingo (seemingly abusive) on the groom and bride and their relatives.

DJ Amyth’s ‘Bhootni Ke-Remix’ is not much different except may be for the start. This version has been sung by Mika Singh and although he does a good job, yet he pales in comparison to his elder and more versatile brother.

‘Teri Ore’ comes as a relief after the Punjabi tadka, it’s more like a reigning prince and princess of romantic numbers, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal, who team up in this romantic, ode to love. It is a lovely petal soft romantic track that has a few Rajasthani lines thrown in too.

‘Talli Hua’, is a fast paced number that talks about friends and friendship, though not in the ‘Yeh Dosti’ mould. It’s a mix and match of Pritam’s old hit tracks. It is a situational number and quite a hummable track though it takes a while to get used to its infectious rhythm.

‘Talli Hua-Remix’ has been done by Jay Dabhi, North America’s greatest South Asian DJ and he does live up to his reputation with a well crafted version. This version is bound to dominate the dance floors.

The music will sound better with each subsequent hearing. With the title track already getting popular, wait and watch as Pritam, who has another winner in hand, will once again dominate the hearts and charts in the days to come and against all odds!

So Punjabi’s are you ready to Rock!

Posted on August 5th, 2008 by admin
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Singh is Kinng is a story about Happy Singh, a Punjabi Sikh.

He is very mischievous and gets involved in a number of disastrous situations, so the villagers plan to send him to Australia to bring back his fellow villager, Lucky Singh.

It is then revealed that Lucky is a underworld Don in Australia. Then, in a accident, Happy saves Lucky but still Lucky becomes paralysed. Hence, Happy becomes the new King of the Australian Underworld.

About 75% of the movie was shot in Australia, around the Gold Coast region and Brisbane using an Australian production team (Instinct India). The film is scheduled to be released on August 8, 2008.

The music was composed by Pritam. The song “Singh Is Kinng” was composed by U.K Bhangra band RDB.The soundtrack was launched officially at the IIFA Awards in Bangkok on June 8, 2008. Akshay Kumar and RDB performed 2 songs, Singh Is Kinng at the IIFA Awards.

Singh is Kinng - Star Cast:
Akshay Kumar…… Happy Singh
Katrina Kaif…… Sonia
Neha Dhupia…… Julie
Javed Jaffrey…… Pappi
Ranvir Shorey…… Aryan Barjatya
Kamal Chopra…… Guruji Gurbaksh Singh
Om Puri…… Rangeela
Sudhanshu Pandey…… Raftaar
Sonu Sood…… Lucky Singh
Kirron Kher…… Rose Lady
Yashpal Sharma…… Pankaj Udaas
Manoj Pahwa…… Dilbag Singh
Chayan Sarkar…… Man at Airport
Brad McMurray…… Gangster

Producer - Vipul Shah
Director - Anees Bazmee
Music - Pritam
Writer - Anees Bazmee
Lyrics - Mayur Puri

There were few issues which happened after the movie starts showing ads, do read the below article to know more:

Akshay apologises to Sikhs - Akshay Kumar’s latest film Singh is King is wading through troubled waters as the Sikh community hold their objections to Akshay’s looks in the film.

Producer Vipul Shah held a press conference to clear the air of controversy surrounding the film which he says has no intentions of offending any person or community.

“If I’ve made a mistake, lord forgive me and I will try to rectify my mistake,” says an apologetic Akshay.

The objection was towards Akshay’s look and some scenes in the film. He flew down from South Africa to re-shoot some parts of the film and attended a press conference on Friday evening in Mumbai to clear the air.

“We wanted to make sure that the community is happy with the film, that is why we went up to them and showed the film to them. There are some changes they expected us to make and we have done that,” says filmmaker Vipul.

“Lot of changes are done but thing which have been already shot cannot reset again,” explains Akshay.

While members of the community who have been authorized by the censor board to view the film have finally given it a thumbs up though they feel the damage is done.

“At least in the future, whosoever wants to portray Sikhs or Punjabis in their films should be sensitive towards the community and come to us before hand, after damaging it’s only damage control that can be done,” says Sardar Manmohan Singh of Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Dadar.

Posted on August 2nd, 2008 by admin
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Film: Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na

Music Director: A.R. Rahman

Singers: A.R. Rahman, Rashid Ali, Vasundhara Das, Benny Dayal, Satish Chakravarthy, Sukhwinder Singh, Naresh Iyer, Swetha Bhargave and Darshana

Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na is the launch pad of Aamir Khan’s nephew Imraan and to play it safe, Aamir has roped in A.R. Rahman for the music. Set against a campus backdrop, the film’s music gives us an insight into the other side of the composer.

Newcomer Rashid Ali can thank Rahman for a great debut as he croons to ‘Kabhi kabhi aditi’, a romantic fun piece. The track doesn’t sound much like a Rahman composition, but is nevertheless an enjoyable song as Rashid’s vocals gives it a youthful touch. Lyricist Abbas Tyrewala ensures sure his lyrics don’t disappoint either.

Putting a complete halt to the success of the previous track is ‘Pappu can’t dance’. The title itself makes you wonder if it is worth hearing. Well, not really. It is a high paced number that comprises of bizarre thumping music with extra beats. The song may stick to its theme, but as an audio number, it doesn’t fare well. As far as singers go, Rahman usually picks good artistes for his albums, but his current bunch for ‘Pappu…’ does not impress at all.

‘Jaane tu mera kya hai’ helps the album pick up once again. This track has a repeat value and can pull anyone into its sombre mood. Sung by Runa Rizvi and written by Abbas, the sad and emotional number revolves around the female protagonist and will definitely find a place among listeners.

Sukhwinder Singh renders the second version of the track that revolves around the male protagonist. In spite of being a regular with these kind of songs, he doesn’t sound repetitive. Lyrics are touchy and poetic, courtesy Abbas.

Finally, we come across a typical Rahman number that doesn’t sound monotonous but is in fact one of the best songs of the album. ‘Nazrein milaana nazrein churaana’ has an array of singers but doesn’t commit the same mistakes as ‘Pappu…’

The long list of newcomers that forms part of the album finally gives way to the composer himself. Rahman croons another very-unlike-himself track, ‘Tu Bole Main Boloon’, yet the song doesn’t upset. It belongs to the genre of jazz with saxophones, violins and pianos thrown in. It carries with it a very contemporary, western feel.

Rahman dives into Indi-pop next for ‘Kahin to’. Listeners get a breather in the form of Vasundhara Das, whose brilliant voice is being heard after a long gap. A slow paced number, the song also has Rashid’s voice and encompasses the ingredients of a slow-moving, romantic track. However, Abbas’s lyrics are not so impressive.

Rahman’s attempt at experimenting with new and different sounds for the album may not have resulted in chartbuster hits, but the attempt is worth hearing. Like Naresh Iyer in Rang De Basanti, the surprise package of this album is Rashid.

Posted on June 25th, 2008 by admin
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Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na - The story begins at the airport. With a story.

When Rotlu, Jiggy, Bombs and Shaleen offer to tell Mala the tale of Jai and Aditi - a match made in the pastry shop of heaven - Mala is convinced that she is in for yet another cliched love story with joys and sorrows, happiness and heartbreak, laughter and songs, fights… and a climax at the airport.

And indeed, Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na is all of that. And more!

Meet Jai Singh Rathore (‘Rats’), the most non-violent Rajput either side of the Aravallis. And meet, if you dare, the violent and passionate Aditi Mahant (‘Meow’).Whatever you do, do not pick a fight with her. She scratches. And abuses. If you do get into a scrap, take cover till Jai arrives, as he alone can calm our snarling wildcat.

Never was there a less likely couple. Jai thinks Aditi’s parents should have rinsed her mouth with soap when she was a child. Aditi thinks that Jai is the biggest coward she has ever encountered. Heaven, it seems, has mixed up its apples and oranges.

More nuts in this fruitcake scenario: Rotlu weeps secretly for Aditi. Bombs’ heart explodes for Jai. Jiggy applies golden mascara to his hair. Shaleen… well, she’s probably the only one who doesn’t seem a few notes short of a concerto.

So, to come back to our story: Jai and Aditi are perfect for each other (in some odd, distorted way, impossible to understand). Friends know this. Parents know this.
Everybody knows this. But do Rats and Meow know?

Can two people ever, truly, know the secrets of their hearts? And how do you know it’s the real thing?

When do you know it’s love?

Add to this quandary a quarrelling portrait, strange dreams of a desert warrior, a dope-head brother and his pet mouse, two Rajput ‘cowboys’, three ancestral conditions, a fateful night in jail, a climactic ride to the airport…

… and there, you have it! Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. The coolest, warmest, hippest, funniest musical-romantic-comedy of the decade.

Well, at least of the last few years.

Ok, maybe this year.

Posted on June 25th, 2008 by admin
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Jaane Tu … Ya Jaane Na is a Indian Bollywood film that stars Imran Khan and Genelia D’Souza in pivotal roles.

The film is directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Aamir Khan Productions. The film marks the debut of Imran Khan, Aamir Khan’s nephew. Additionally, it is Abbas Tyrewala’s first directorial venture. A.R. Rahman was signed to compose the music.

Aamir Khan has taken the responsibility of planning the promotion of the film. The film is scheduled to be released on July 4, 2008, the same day as Love Story 2050, which marks the debut of another new actor, Harman Baweja.

This has caused some conflict and heated exchange in blogs. It is being called the battle of the debutantes.

Imran Khan and Abbas Tyrewala are making their debut as actor and director respectively in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. It certainly was not an easy ride for the duo, but their first hurdle was to convince Aamir Khan to produce the film.

Aamir is known to be choosy. And here’s how he reacted when he first heard the script of.

Imran and Abbas went to Aamir to narrate the script. Abbas started reading out, but halfway through his energy started to fail him because Aamir was showing no reaction. Whether the sequences were funny or emotional, Aamir just sat there with no expression on his face. Imran began to perspire and Abbas started to get nervous.

After a two-hour narration, Aamir got up and said, ‘I have a meeting. Someone is waiting for me. Could you guys wait’ and he left the room. An hour of anxiety passed, then Aamir walked in and asked, ‘So, when do you guys start shooting?’

“That one hour of waiting was excruciating for Imran and me. Both of us didn’t know how he would react,” said Abbas. “We knew that if he didn’t like the script, he wouldn’t produce it. But not to have any reactions, even for the funniest scenes, was nerve-racking. When he came back and asked ‘when do we shoot’ both Imran and I were stunned because by then we had convinced ourselves that he had not liked the script!”

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na - Cast

• Imran Khan  - Jai Singh Rathore
• Genelia D’Souza - Aditi
• Manjari Fadnis - Meghna
• Ratna Pathak
• Naseeruddin Shah
• Arbaaz Khan
• Sohail Khan
• Arshad Warsi
• Paresh Rawal

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na - Crew Members

• Director: Abbas Tyrewala
• Producer: Aamir Khan
• Written by: Abbas Tyrewala
• MUSIC_DIRECTOR: A .R . Rahman

Posted on June 25th, 2008 by admin
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