Archive for Aakash
Music Review of Woodstock Villa by Aakash Gandhi
Woodstock Villa Music Review
Source: avstv.com ::: By Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 7.5/10
So we hold our breaths (not really) - as for the umpteenth time, Anu Malik, along with lyricist Virag Mishra, embarks on a musical cruise that, with history as my guide, could perhaps reach the heights of stardom or quite possibly the depths of tragedy.
Music Review of PRANALI by Aakash Gandhi
PRANALI - Music Review
Source: avstv.com ::: By Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 8/10
The music of PRANALI is worth looking at because it is the cinematic debut of one of India’s newest and greatest bands. Kailasa, which is made up of Kailash Kher, Paresh Kamath, and Naresh Kamath, has released two independent albums in the past few years that have opened to phenomenal reviews; with their latest album, Kailasa Jhoomo Re, garnering its fair share of popularity as well.
The eclectic potpourri of earthy sounds and sufiyana fragrances that were satisfyingly present in their previous two albums came as a fresh wave of stylish ingenuity. However, it remains to be seen how these very specific sounds will blend into today’s screenplays. Or will Kailasa tailor (aka compromise) their creative integrity in order to fit the crowds of B’wood. The good news is that PRANALI is a relatively small/unknown/artsy project, so there probably will be more flexibility between Filmmaker and Composer. So begins the eclectic journey..
Film Review of BHRAM By Aakash Gandhi
BHRAM Film Review
Source: avstv.com ::: Reviewed By: Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 6/10
BHRAM is a film directed by Pavan Kaul. For those who aren’t aware, Pavan Kaul has been in the business of making films for the past three decades, whether it be ad-films, video-films, TV serials, or feature films. Son of Surendra Kaul, revered writer of Namak Halal, Kaul comes from a strong lineage of film personalities. His past feature include Chor Aur Chand, Jaadu, and Sssshhh…. BHRAM stars Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Simone Singh, Sheetal Menon, and Chetan Hansraj.
Considering the film belongs to the suspense genre, it has a relatively simple plot, told in a very complicated manner. It seemed the perfect family: Big Brother and Business Tycoon Dev Rawal (Milind Soman), happy-go-lucky and loving wife Vini (Simone Singh), and little brother Shantanu Rawal (Dino Morea). In walks Antara Tyagi (Sheetal Menon) into Shantanu’s life. Although Shantanu is immediately attracted to her, Antara remains stand-offish. However, with time, the two fall in love and decide to get married. But it was the fateful first meeting between Antara and big brother Dev that proved to be a shocking one. The events that unfold throw the seemingly perfect family into a tornado of deception, accusation, and mystery…
The major flaw with BHRAM is its writing. This comes as a surprise since the film has been written by Bhavani Iyer, who held a beautiful pen in Bhansali’s 2005 masterpiece, BLACK. In Bhram however, Iyer decides to write parallel scripts of past and present, that progress together. Initially, this serves as an obtrusive tactic, resulting in confusion and disorientation from the perspective of the viewer. To add to the complications, the narrative begins in the future. While writing such a suspenseful film, it’s safe to begin from the beginning so the viewers are able to connect with the proceedings - and therefore thoroughly enjoy the story.
Music Review of TASHAN by Aakash Gandhi
TASHAN Music Review
Source: avstv.com :::: By: Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 6/10
2007 had been an extremely productive year for Vishal-Shekahr (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Ta Ra Rum Pum, Cash, and Om Shanti Om). They’ve been in the pits with Cash, and they’ve been at the very tops with Om Shanti Om. Add to it their ruckus super-hit in Sajanaji Vaari Vaari (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.) and the records set with OSO, and VS have tasted it all in the past one year.
Let’s focus on OSO. They have been on a tremendous high the past 6 months, after the gargantuan release of Om Shanti Om’s music. Not only was it one of V-S best works, with critical acclaim, it also broke all sorts of sales records, with more CDs being sold than any other film in 2007. The only down-side to hitting a grand-slam (if there ever was one), is that you raise the bar of expectations that much higher for yourself when you come to bat next. Some may thrive off of the motivation, while others may crumble beneath its weight. Let’s see how Vishal Dadlani & Shekhar Ravjiani handle themselves in this very fragile position with another high-profile project - the soundtrack of Yash Raj Film’s TASHAN…
Music Review of JANNAT By Aakash Gandhi
Music Review of Jannat
Source: avstv.com ::: By Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 8/10
Whenever picking up a soundtrack produced by the Bhatt camp, you’re willing to put your money on it that the music will be worthwhile. Vishesh Films’ positive track record with its music is all the more appeasing when you realize that they are able to extract A grade sounds from a plethora of different composers (i.e. Nadeem-Shravan [RAAZ], Anu Malik [SAAYA, MURDER, INTEHA], Roop Kumar Rathod [ZEHER], Gohar Mumtaz and Rohail Hyat [KALYUG], M.M. Kreem [DHOKA], and Lalit Pandit [Showbiz]). But the one composer who seems to have won their highest of respect and trust is the same man who has been ruling the charts for the past couple of years – Pritam Chakraborty.
Pritam has scored for Vishesh Films on three different occasions [GANGSTER, WOH LAMHE, and AWARAPAN], and the final products have all been outstanding. But we must not forget that both Gangster and Woh Lamhe were produced illegally. While Pritam stole three of the five songs in Gangster, he failed to give credit to the original sources of all four of his contributions in Woh Lamhe. It was after his high profile plagiarism scandal in Gangster’s ‘Ya Ali’ that Pritam has been sporadically citing his sources (but still not all the time!). Awarapan once again saw Pritam fail to provide any original songs; but at least this time we were notified of the true sources.
Film Review of Black & White By Aakash Gandhi
Film Review of BLACK & WHITE
Source: avstv.com ::: By Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 4.5/10
But Black & White is anything but lavish. It’s a film that is everything Subhash Ghai has proven himself not to be. And so the enigma that is Ghai is temporarily relit with B&W. This film deals with a topical subject that has had its fair share of glory atop the silver screen. It simply caresses the never-ending trudge against terrorism and the blurred vision that separates these so-called Islamic extremists from the rest of the world.
Music Review of KRAZZY 4 by Aakash Gandhi
KRAZZY 4 Music Review
Source: avstv.com ::: By: Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 5/10
Rakesh Roshan takes a break from his super-hero themed blockbusters to produce one of the year’s biggest films, KRAZZY 4. And although critics have given him a kind hand in his directorial ventures, they haven’t been so nice with his brother’s musical productions. In fact, Rajesh Roshan’s last four soundtracks [Koi Mil Gaya, Aetbaar, Double Cross, Krrish] have all failed to lift their heads above mediocrity. Roshan is equipped with some fantastic weapons this time, lyrically (Javed Akhtar) and vocally. In addition, he has yet another high-profile project in his kitty. Will he finally cease the opportunity and deliver a respectable score? We hope…
Up first is the title track, Krazzy 4. Let me tell you straight up, this song is nothing special at all. However, I’m very pleased to see Rajesh Roshan spread his wings and walk alongside musical trend by at least attempting to create a stylish cool number, a genre that seems to be the groove of the Industry as of late (with composers like Vishal-Shekhar, Pritam, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy leading the way). Unfortunately, Roshan’s inexperience in the genre shines bright. While the beats and arrangements are strictly appropriate, Roshan misses on composing an addictive melody. Also, Roshan’s usage of synths are extremely lackluster. Vocalist Vishal Dadlani (of Vishal-Shekhar) seems to be collaborating with a lot of composers of late - which is a wonderful thing to see in the Industry. His rendition is typical of most of his vocal works and brings that edgy feel you want in this type of song. Asif Ali Beg’s English lyrics are passable. Verdict: From a critic’s and a true music-lover’s standpoint, this song is a dud.
Music Review of ONE TWO THREE by Aakash Gandhi
Music Review of ONE TWO THREE
Source: avstv.com ::: By Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 8/10
The young man behind the successful music of Kabul Express returns with a new sound and a whole new attitude in ONE TWO THREE. Raghav Sachar, who debuted as a film composer in 2006’s Kabul Express and who recently guest composed the song ‘Manzar’ (Sunday) and released his latest album entitled Play It Loud, is back in fine form to deliver a set of tunes that will have your lips moving and body grooving.
Raghav, who is known for his immense talent as a musician, proves with ONE TWO THREE that he is going to introduce the nation to a new style of sound and a new age in groove melody. His will to break musical traditions and establish a more artistic commercial appeal with his work is solidified with this release. Raghav Sachar, put plain and simple, is the future of Indian Film Music - and it’s a very bright one indeed!
Music Review of U Me Aur Hum by Aakash Gandhi
Music Review of U Me Aur Hum
Source: avstv.com ::: By Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 8.5/10
When an album embolds the credits of Vishal Bharadwaj, whether it be as Director, Writer, or Music Director, you must take notice. U Me Aur Hum is no exception, as Bharadwaj takes the composer’s reigns for this Ajay Devgan directorial venture, which stars Ajay Devgan himself alongside wife Kajol for a breezy romantic comedy hitting theatres April 11.
Bharadwaj, coming off of what many critics term as a disappointing musical effort in No Smoking, is out with a vengeance to showcase his originality, poise, and sheer quality as a qualified and very accomplished MD. Talented lyricist, Munna Dhiman, rides alongside him yet again, as he pens the fresh words of U Me Aur Hum’s music. Let’s get started, shall we?
Jodhaa-Akbar Film Review by Aakash Gandhi
Jodhaa-Akbar Film Review
Source: avstv.com By: Aakash Gandhi
Reviewer’s Rating: 8.5/10
What causes Gowarikar’s radical and quite stunning transformation is the authenticity that thrives beneath the man’s imaginative sculptures and inventive portraits. For his uncanny and unbelievably entertaining storytelling skills have been put to a test rarely ever taken by other filmmakers. He is to explore a very real romance, to which there is very little known. The mission is dreadful for many reasons. For one, there is a very thin line between fact and fiction. One man’s creative interjection is another man’s blatant lie. And those who have been following the controversy leading up to the film’s release will agree that Gowarikar has been walking this very line quite cautiously.
Painted within the 16th Century, Jodhaa-Akbar opens with the child Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad ruling his empire, done so on his behalf by the brutish chief Balram Khan. The wars are fought and won without hesitation and the Mughal Empire continues to expand its borders across the region. As the kingdom grows, so does young Jalaluddin Akbar (Hrithik Roshan), whose charming looks bleed into his merciful soul.
Music Review of BLACK & WHITE by Aakash Gandhi
BLACK & WHITE Music Review
Source: avstv.com
By: Aakash Gandhi ::: Reviewer’s Rating: 5.5/10
2008 is a very important year for Subhash Ghai, the once was Showman of Indian Cinema. His latter films like Yaadein and Kisna have left critics scratching their heads and audiences fleeing for their lives. What happened to this master storyteller of greats like Khalnayak, Pardes, and Taal? With a pair of biggies in BLACK & WHITE and YUVRAAJ, 2008 may very well be Ghai’s final gasp - for it may just give him a new lease on life, or perhaps his last great Hurrah!
But for the purpose of this review, we’ll take a look into the music of BLACK & WHITE, a film that promises to be anything but ordinary. The man behind the music is veteran Sukhwinder Singh, who has already composed for tracks in HALLA BOL and BOMBAY TO BANGKOK this year. Unfortunately, one thing must be said - the man’s talents clearly fall within the realm of singing, not composing. God willing, B&W’s soundtrack will prove me wrong. The lyrical sidekick for tonight’s featured journey is long-time writer Ibrahim Ashq.
Music Review of RACE by Aakash Gandhi
By Aakash Gandhi ::: Reviewer’s Rating: 7.5/10
Before 2007, we used to look at Pritam as the guy who was expected to deliver some cool dance numbers and groovy club beats, nothing more. However, with the releases of LIFE IN A…METRO and JAB WE MET last year, expectations for Pritam have simply sky-rocketed. With power comes responsibility. Now it is up to Pritam to sustain himself and broaden his musical horizons in order to jump up to the next echelon of quality.
And yet again, the stage is beautifully set for Pritam to showcase himself, as RACE boasts of a big banner and an even larger star-studded cast in Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, and Sameera Reddy. So, exposure is not the question here. But can Pritam regain his composure after a debacle of a soundtrack in MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONZALVES? Let us wait and see…
On your mark…Get set…Go! Race Saanson Ki starts this race off on a somewhat exciting note. Pritam’s clubbed-out rhythm and animated flavors create a rocking harmony for vocalists Sunidhi Chauhan and Niraj Shridhar to get their groove on. Give special attention to the voices here, as both singers sound a bit different than their usual outings, which only adds to the punch of this cool track. An underlying electric guitar and firewire synth provide that added quazi-techno feel you like in this particular style of song. Sameer’s lyrics fit nicely with the naughty aura created. All in all, Race Saanson Ki is another one of those fun Pritam groove tracks that gets this race off on the right foot.
Music Review of Jodhaa-Akbar by Aakash Gandhi
Jodhaa-Akbar Music Review
By Aakash Gandhi ::: Source: AVStv.com
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
The Sultan of Song, the Maestro of Music. the Master of Melody…well… you get the picture. Call him whatever you please, but A.R. Rahman is a name that has been dazzling music lovers worldwide. His last Hindi release arrived over a year ago, with the deliverance of Guru. As if the unbearable gap wasn’t enough, we’ve been teased even more by the continuous sequences of delays and postponements. However my friends, your patience has not gone unrewarded. The music of JODHAA-AKBAR has finally arrived, and it’s ready to paint the town red!
Aseem-O-Shaan Shehenshah is easily the most recognizable track, since it’s the one which has been widely featured in the film’s promotional videos for the past few months. Rahman opens the track on a majestic note with a classic horn, making way for a singular, yet steady, rhythm which maintains itself throughout the entire piece. The male chorus, comprising prominently of Mohd. Aslam and Bonny Chakravedi, injects the soulful melody with animation and life. Rahman dabbles with his rhythm quite expressively throughout the entire track, while maintaining the essence and aura established in the opening beats. Midway, the Genius conveys his mastery over instrumental ingenuity by incorporating sounds of sword thrusts, which not only apply to the events on screen, but seamlessly become one with the music. The melodic female chorus provides a beautiful balance to the energetic male ensembles. Javed Akhtar’s lyrics are poetic yet strong and fill Rahman’s epic melody with words of patriotism and love. Verdict: A perfect thematic track in all its splendor and glory.
Film Review of SHOWBIZ by Aakash Gandhi (avstv.com)
Film Review of SHOWBIZ
By: Aakash Gandhi ::: Source: avstv.com
Reviewer’s Rating: 4/10
And another debut director bites the dust. Choreographer-turned-Director Raju Khan attempts to pull a Bhandarkar by making his first film, SHOWBIZ, on the press/media, and its ever present relations with the world of show business. Unfortunately, after watching SHOWBIZ you gain a whole new level of respect for Bhandarkar’s PAGE 3 (2005). If PAGE 3 shined a somewhat positive light on the media, then SHOWBIZ casts a shadow over the murky behavior that strives within the world of media coverage - but it does it in the worst possible way!
SHOWBIZ is a story that revolves around newfound singing sensation Rohan Arya (Tushar Jalota). His first bitter tastes of the paparazzi come when an immoral journalist, Sharad Rajpoot (Sushant Singh), begins taking snapshot glimpses into his personal relationship with manager Shikha Verma (Mrinalini Sharma). Hereon beings a rather unbelievable turn of events that leads to a laughable climax at best.
Shah Rukh Khan to make Directorial Debut!
Shah Rukh Khan to make Directorial Debut
By Aakash Gandhi, Bollywood News Correspondence
Source: PlanetBollywood.com
Our sources have reported an astonishing announcement by Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Shah Rukh Khan will undertake his debut venture as director for Dharma Production’s untitled project. The shooting will commence in August 2008. Shah Rukh Khan will not only be collaborating with Dharma Productions as director but will also be starring in Karan Johar’s next. Red Chillies Entertainment will be launching debut UK actor Iftekhar Nazir, who is a Shah Rukh Khan discovery.
Jodhaa-Akbar Music Launched!
JA’s music has been launched. Here are the track listings:
1. Jashn-E-Bahaara - Javed Ali
2. Khwaja Mere Khwaja - A.R.Rahman
3. Mann Mohana - Bela Shende
4. In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein - Sonu Nigam, Madhushree
5. Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah - Mohd. Aslam, Bonny Chakravarti
The High Notes of 2007 By Aakash Gandhi (PlanetBollywood.com)
The High Notes of 2007 ::: By: Aakash Gandhi
Source: Planet Bollywood
The High Notes of 2003 | The High Notes of 2004 | The High Notes of 2005
Music Review of SUNDAY by Aakash Gandhi
SUNDAY Music Review by Aakash Gandhi
Source: avstv.com Reviewer’s Rating: 7.5/10
Whether SUNDAY has enough to pull the audiences in will remain a mystery. However, names like Shibani Kashyap, Sandeep Chowta, Raghav Sachar, Suroor, and Daler Mehndi on the soundtrack’s cover are easily enough to attract music lovers from all corners of the globe. SUNDAY provides one of the more diverse and varied soundtracks you’ll come across this year, with regards to the artists associated with it. Speaking on the varied talents involved, the film’s director, Rohit Shetty, said, “Different songs require different ingredients and skills, which are best brought together by different people. Every song required something unique, and that’s the reason we roped in five music directors.” Let’s have a look and see if SUNDAY can close the year 2007 out on a musical high…
Sandeep Chowta is a name many are familiar with, yet rarely get to hear on the Hindi Film Music scene. Missing Sunday marks his sole contribution and it’s a disappointing one. The hip-hop arrangements are a fresh break from the club beats of Pritam/Himesh; however, they make way for some questionable vocals and a dragged melody. Vocals by Suraj and Mahua Kamath are bland and unable to raise the piece out of monotony. Points go to Chowta for coming out of his regular acoustic bubble and shifting genres, but the experimentation doesn’t pay off. The remix version is even worse than the original.
Pakistani band Suroor makes a filmi debut with the soothing Pyar To Hona Hi Hai. Following up Missing Sunday isn’t exactly the most difficult of tasks, yet Suroor give us a glimpse of what we’re all missing with their 12-string guitar riffs flowing below the soft rock rhythm. Icing on the cake is a breezy and soothing melody courtesy vocalists Kamran Bari and Mohammad Ali. Bari’s lyrics are romantically spiritual and nicely complete the musical trinity. Quite surprisingly, the Remixed version by Tanav-Gaurav is extremely enjoyable. While adding the usual rapid dance beats, the track still succeeds in harnessing the original beauty and quality. Verdict: An out-and-out winner that deserves a spot high up on your playlist.
"little baby isn’t so little anymore"
yeah, looks grwon up from every angle! :) 
little baby isn't so little anymore:-)! 
Mama, Papa and Bade Bhaiyya will be so proud to see their little baby. 
I think Naach is very well done in the first half.. 
Tauba tauba..Choli ke neeche yeh tha? 