DVD REVIEW: OM SHANTI OM 2007 (HINDI)

If there is one recent Bollywood movie you should have on your ‘must see list’, it has to be OM SHANTI OM. This movie was released around a year and a half ago in cinemas, but already has a cult following that equals that of the Blues Brothers. The acting is superb even from the then newcomer Deepika Padukone (daughter of badminton legend of the 1980s and 1990s, Prakash Padukone) and actor Arjun Rampal makes a great villain in the movie. Actors Kiron Kher and Shreyas Talpande shine in their supporting role and Farah Khan once again excels as the director and choreographer of this movie. But it is Bollywood heart throb Shahrukh Khan that steals the thunder and is downright titillating (apologies for the graphic description, but he is!) in his role of Om Prakash Makhija, a junior artist (in other words, a movie extra) who dies and is reincarnated as Om Kapoor, who becomes a Bollywood superstar.


Set initially in the 1970s, the movie depicts scenes of Bollywood’s golden heyday and mimics the heroes and heroines of that genre. For those of you that grew up watching Bollywood movies in the 1970s, it is a great journey through memory lane. Moreover, it has some really great songs too.

If you haven’t watched the movie, I don’t want to spoil it for you by telling you more.

I strongly recommend you watch OM SHANTI OM and enjoy a Bollywood cinematic journey from the 1970s into the present. And check out Shahrukh’s pecks whilst you are there!!!


OM SHANTI OM will be screening this Friday night at 9.00 pm on SBS Two. Don’t miss it!

NB: Check out the official OM SHANTI OM website HERE.

VG’s Rating: 5 stars for the music and movie!

MUSIC REVIEW: LOVE AAJ KAL 2009 (HINDI)

If there is one movie I can’t wait to see this year, it must be LOVE AAJ KAL (Love These Days)…..and this is just going on the songs that I have heard from this movie. I am so addicted to them – especially Aahun Aahun, Twist, Chor Bazari and Thoda Thoda Pyar (in that order). So, if you haven’t already yet, I strongly recommend you get the soundtrack and do the Twist, Saif Ali Khan style, LOL.

The songs in the soundtrack include:

Aahun Aahun (and Remix)
Twist (and Remix)
Chor Bazari (and Remix)
Thoda Thoda Pyaar
Dooriyan
Ajj Din Chadheya


You can check out the trailer of the movie and snippets of the songs at the LOVE AAJ KAL official site (click HERE). The movie stars Rishi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and a new actress whose name I cannot seem to find. I will update this when I do find it out.

BTW, I found out that the movie is opening this Friday 31 July 2009, at Greater Union Manuka, ACT. Guess who is going to be there?????

VG’s rating: 5 Stars!!!

DVD REVIEW: BACHNA AE HASEENO 2008 (HINDI)

Bachna Ae Haseeno (Beware O Beautiful Ones) is a Bollywood movie staring Ranbir Kapoor (son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh), Minissha Lamba, Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone. The film was directed by Siddharth Anand whose previous films include Salaam Namaste (2005) and Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007).

The film follows the ‘love’ exploits of Raj Sharma (Ranbir Kapoor). It tells how he meets three girls at these different stages of his life and goes from one love affair to another, only to run into true love: Mahi (Minissha Lamba) - a small-town girl from Punjab he meets when holidaying in Europe, Radhika (Bipasha Basu) - a model from Mumbai and Gayatri (Deepika Padukone), his true love – an Indian Australian taxi driver and student he meets when working in Australia.




He ends up breaking Mahi’s and Radhika’s hearts, only to find that Gayatri, the one that he loves, does not believe in the marriage instituition…..just like he used to be! Rejection cuts him deep and as he stands, alone, watching the love of his life walk away, he remembers the hearts he broke - Mahi and Radhika. He decides to return to India to apologize and make amends.

Will Mahi and Radhika ever forgive Raj? Will Raj ever find happiness? Watch Bachna Ae Haseeno to find out.

The movie also has some great songs and ironically the title song, Bachna Ae Haseeno, was first ‘sung’ by Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir’s father, in the movie ‘Hum Kisise Kum Nahin’. The song was originally sung by the late Kishore Kumar and the original version has been maintained in this movie, with newer lyrics added and sung by Kishore’s son, Sumit Kumar - copying the concept made famous by Natalie Cole when she sang the duet, ‘Unforgettable’ with her deceased father, Nat King Cole.

My favourite songs in the movie are the first four songs, in that order:

Jogi Mahi
Small Town Girl
Bachna Ae Haseeno
Khuda Jaane
Aahista Aahista
Lucky Boy

VG’s Rating: 4 stars for both the Movie and Songs.

DVD REVIEW: BILLU BARBER 2009 (HINDI)

When I first heard of this movie, it conjured up visions of a ‘B’ grade movie – a low cost production with new actors wanting to break into the Bollywood market. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was actually a movie with two of my favourite actors, Shahrukh Khan and Irfan Khan, in the leads. I started appreciating Irfan Khan when I saw him in ‘The Warrior’. For me, for an actor to be able to reach his audience with not much dialogue in a movie is no mean feat and one that Irfan carried out to perfection in ‘The Warrior’. He was brilliant! I totally recommend you watch the movie if you can. Okay, I am transgressing here, I know…..we are talking about ‘Billu Barber’ today, not ‘The Warrior’.


Anyway, in this movie, the main character Billu (Irfan Khan) is a poor barber who lives with his beautiful wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000) and their two children, Gunja (Mitali Mayakar) and Ronak (Pratik Dalvi) in the village of Budbuda. Though struggling, Billu lives a simple and uneventful life until Bollywood superstar Sahir Khan (Shahrukh Khan) comes to the village for a film shoot.

Billu has mentioned to his family, years ago, that he knew Sahir from his youth but has never elaborated on the fact. However, his children start telling their friends about their father's friendship with the famous star which then spreads throughout the village, the story taking different forms with each relay. Virtually overnight, Billu who had previously been scorned by most of the villagers for his impoverished state, becomes the center of attention. People, who had previously spurned him, now call him a close friend so that he will introduce them to Sahir. They bring him gifts as bribery. Billu refuses and downplays the friendship, saying that it is impossible for him to introduce people in the village to Sahir. When Billu consistently fails to introduce the people of the village to Sahir, his situation changes once again. Not only is he spurned but is now accused of lying about his friendship and of conning the villagers. Everyone - including his wife and children, begin to doubt his character and integrity.

So, does Billu really know the great Sahir Khan and if so, how? But why doesn’t he approach Sahir? Or are the villagers and his family right….that he is lying about his friendship? Watch Billu Barber to find out.

Not only is this a great movie, it also boasts some great songs. My favourites are the first three songs.

Khudaya Khair
Love Mera Hit Hit
Marjaani
You Get Me Rockin
Ae Aa O
Jahoon Kahan
Billoo Bhayankar

Billu Barber Facts:

Despite its great reviews, Billu Barber was rated by ‘Box Office India’ a box office "flop" in its third week.

The movie was renamed to ‘Billu’ in India because of protest from the hairdressing industry. They claimed that the term ‘barber’ is derogatory to their profession….go figure!!!

The movie was directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Gauri Khan (Shahrukh Khan’s wife).




Actresses Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra make guest appearances in the item numbers (a term commonly used in Bollywood movies to describe a catchy, upbeat dance sequence in a movie that has no relevance to the plot of the film). The film was released on 13 February 2009.

The movie is a remake of the 2007 Malayalam (a south Indian dialect) film, ‘Kadha Parayumbol’. It is also an adaptation of the Sudama and Krishna story as mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana (Hindu text).

VG’s Rating: 4 stars for both the Movie and Songs.

MOVIE REVIEW: KAMBAKKHT ISHQ 2009 (HINDI)

Kambakkht Ishq (Damn Love) is a Bollywood film directed by Sabbir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film, a remake of the 2002 Tamil film Pammal K. Sambandam, features Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles along with actors Aftab Shivdasani and Amrita Arora in supporting roles. Hollywood actors Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards, Brandon Routh and Holly Valance appear in cameo roles, playing themselves. The film was released on July 3, 2009.



Kambakkht Ishq explores the relationship between two very different individuals. Viraj Shergill (Akshay Kumar) is a swashbuckling stuntman in Hollywood who believes that women are only good for two things: "making love" & "making love". Simrita Rai (Kareena Kapoor), a surgeon and firebrand who is more than able to stare down the most arrogant male with her caustic wit and sardonic tongue. She firmly believes that there is no such thing as love.

So what happens when these two people, who hate each other, keep meeting at most inopportune circumstances???? You’ll have to watch Kambakkht Ishq to find out.

In my opinion, the songs from the movie are passable….listed below in accordance to my preference.

Lakh Lakh
Om Mangalam
Bebo
Kambakkht Ishq
Kyun
Welcome To Hollywood

PS: Kambakkht Ishq is current playing, for a limited time, at Greater Union, Manuka ACT. There are two shows daily, at 2.30pm and 8.30pm. Check Greater Union website and Canberra Times for updated times.

VG’s Rating: 3.5 stars for the Movie and Songs.

DVD REVIEW: BARSAAT 1949 (HINDI CLASSICS)

BARSAAT (Rain, Rainy Season or Monsoon) is a 1949 classic black and white Bollywood blockbuster film directed by Raj Kapoor. The film stars the famous duo of the time, Raj Kapoor and Nargis and also starred actor Prem Nath. Barsaat saw the debut of actress Nimmi, whom Raj Kapoor discovered whilst Nimmi was an onlooker/guest during a movie shooting.




The success of Barsaat ensured that the studio (RK Films) Raj Kapoor established in 1948 with the movie Aag (whilst he was only 24), continued to be a success and a going concern.

The movie BARSAAT revolves around two love stories - Pran (Raj Kapoor) and Reshma (Nargis) and Gopal (Prem Nath) and Neela (Nimmi). Two friends with opposite personalities, the rich but sensitive Pran and the womanizing Gopal both get involved with two local girls while holidaying in Kashmir. Whilst Pran and Reshma's love is true and reciprocated, Gopal is a cad, who disregards the faithful Neela (Nimmi) and tricks her to wait faithfully for his return with the next BARSAAT (rainy season). Many trials and tribulations are faced by the lovers. Will the lovers come out unscathed by the BARSAAT? Watch BARSAAT to find out.

Not only was the movie a super hit on its release, so was its music; and still is to this day! The film was the debut for duo music directors, Shankar Jaikishan and established their careers. The famous playback singer Lata Mangeshkar sang for both Nargis and Nimmi in Barsaat and further entrenched her popularity in Bollywood music.

The famous songs from this movie include:

Hawa Mein Udata Jaye
Barsaat Mein Humse Mile Tum Sajan
Ab Mera Kaun Sahara
Bicchde Hue Pardesi
Chhod Gaye Baala
Jiya Beqarar hai
Mujse Kisse She Pyaar Ho Gaaya
Mera Aankhon Mein Bas Gayaa

I give this movie a 4 Star rating (only because there were unjustified long sequences in the film....in my opinion of course.....you may beg to differ) and the music 5 Stars.

DVD REVIEW: SHARMILEE 1971 (HINDI CLASSICS)

SHARMILEE (shy) is a 1971 Hindi movie directed by Samir Ganguly and stars the very handsome Shashi Kapoor and superb actress Rakhee Gulzar. The film is not only popular for its great story line but also for its very melodious music by S. D. Burman. Rakhee plays a double role in this film (twin sisters), and her portrayal of a modern sister and one very shy and demure sister, helped make her one of the decades top leading lady actress in Bollywood. Unlike Shashi Kapoor, Rakhee still does some acting roles.

Check out these really great songs from the movie HERE and HERE.

DVD REVIEW: GHAJINI (HINDI)

See Aamir Khan in one of his best performances ever. GHAJINI currently holds the record for the highest grossing blockbuster in the history of Indian cinema. It is out on DVD now and you can purchase original copies online from Bollywood Quarter or if you are living in Canberra, from Bharat International (17 Oatley Court) in Belconnen. BTW, the songs are great too (4 stars).

Trivia: Did you know that "Yaadon Ki Baraat" (1973) was Aamir Khan's first movie? He plays the role of young Ratan - the young child that needed to go 'wee wee' during the family song at the the start of the show. It wasn't until 1988 in the hit movie "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" (with Juhi Chawla) that he become a household name in India.

DVD REVIEW: THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC (HINDI)

Anyone living in the Canberra area would tell you what weird weather we have been having in the last few days. On Friday, we had quite a frost in the morning and it was minus 3°C. Yesterday, our weather went up to 24°C and I had the doors and windows opened until I went to bed. Then we had a thunderstorm in the wee hours of the morning and it is still raining out there now and the temperature has dropped again. Perfect weather for a snuggle with a book or a DVD to which end, I snuggled with a blankie on my sofa and watched THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC (A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC). I am still felling a bit under the weather (excuse the pun) so it was a perfect opportunity.

The story has elements of the Hollywood movie ‘Mary Poppins’ with Rani Mukerji playing the role of a ‘peri’ (angel) who GOD sends down to help Saif Ali Khan, a recluse, to look after 4 orphaned kids. In true Bollywood style, there is song, dance, funny moments and tears. I would recommend you watch this movie and being a Yash Raj movie, you know you will be getting your money’s worth. Anyway, don’t we all deserve ‘thoda pyaar, thoda magic’???

PS: You can buy this movie on line from BOLLYWOOD QUARTER. My favourite song from this movie is 'Crazy lamhe'.

DVD REVIEW: SAAWARIYA AND RACE (HINDI)

Yes, I am home again, with the flu (and I had my flu jab too). So I have spent my time either in bed asleep or watching DVDs. I actually ordered some movies from Bollywood Quarter last week to watch over the long weekend this week but I ended up watching them in the last two days.

I buy my Hindi movies on line and only originals. You can get pirated ones from some Indian grocery shops but I don't because one, it is illegal and two, because once you watch original DVDs which are clear and great, you would not want to watch pirated copies. But each to their own, I say.

‘Saawariya’ or Beloved is a musical (yes, it has more music than your average Bollywood movie) love story starring Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji (in minor roles but still very essential roles for the story). Basically the movie is the launching pad for two newcomers, Ranbir Kapoor, son of Rishi Kapoor (of Bobby fame) and Neetu Singh; and Sonam Kapoor, daughter of Anil Kapoor.

The movie is very much in the style of Baz Lurhmann’s Moulin Rouge, except where Baz uses lots of red hues in his movie, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the director (of Devdas Fame) uses lots of blue. The movie is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story, “White Nights”.

It is a poignant love story and you will feel for the characters, but for the constant music. In my opinion, I believe that this movie loses its message because of the music. You be the judge. 3 stars from me.

‘Race’ on the other hand is an action packed thriller that has more twist than a Hitchcock movie. It is well written, actored and the songs are lovely. Race is not about car or horse racing, but is about the race or competition between two half brothers, the elder being Saif Ali Khan and the younger, Akshaye Khanna. Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif (who has come a long way since her earlier movies – she can actually act now!) compliment the brothers in the movie and Anil Kapoor provides some comic relief to what is a very fast paced movie. If you are a Bollywood fan, you’d enjoy ‘Race’. The songs are great too! 4 stars from me for the movie and songs, especially 'Zara zara touch me'.

PS: I do not receive commisions for my reviews. Maybe I should!