Action Replayy, Golmaal 3 - Music Review

Action Replayy (2010)
Music: Pritam

What a huge album! I am just wondering if the entire movie is a musical or what. There are a total of 9 original tracks in this album, with no revamping of any old songs. Add in 4 remixes and there are 13 tracks total. Here are the tracks that make our heads turn:

1. Luk Chup Jaana --------------------------------- 7/10
The best of the pack. A nice hip track. Nice, trendy opening followed by the ever so crisp KK. This one makes for a great song to croon along. The only drawback is the repetitiveness of the tune over verses. If you can forgive that, this will definitely lift your spirits.

2. I Am Dog Gone Crazy --------------------- 6/10
This is one is a surprise pick from the movie to be rated so high. This is a completely different tune, with a hint of African American music and Suraj Jagan continues to rise through the ranks of notable singers, and adds to his list of rock/alternate music. This song, although, lacks good lyrics.

3. O Bekhabar ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Shreya Ghoshal presents in Action Replayy, another sugary sweetness to death O Bekhabar. This typical Shreya Ghoshal is just too nice to the ears; so, if you are a fan of her's, then this one IS for you.

4. Zor Ka Jhatka, Zor Ka Jhatka - Remix --------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Now, here's where perspective comes into play. This one is by no means a melody or a foot tapping number. But if you take the subject of the song into consideration and then absorb the beats and the rhythm, you might end up liking it. Although, the album says it has a remix, it is more like a different version with a different singer. And then is when you know the value of Daler Mehndi. He adds just the right amount of zest and energy to the original (not to mention the original version has better beats and the opening rap is fun). Richa Sharma does a good job of lending a retro 50's style female playback voice.

That's all worth writing about, besides these Tera Mera Pyaar, Baaki Main Bhool Gayi, Chhan Ke Mohalla and Dhak Dhak Dhak are not terrible, but they will not stick.

Final verdict:
Get 1 above, the rest is up to you. Pritam does a good job of presenting us contemporary music in a movie that seems to be set in a 70's era. Gets a 6/10.

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Golmaal 3 (2010)
Music: Pritam......again!

How many times has it happened that I have been listening to Pritam music all along for a couple of weeks straight. And like all the other times, Pritam has one good album (Action Replayy) and the other not so good (?).

The songs convey a light and positive mood, but fails to impress us on the entertainment front. The notable ones are:

• Desi Kali - This is no way as good as Desi Girl, but still could be a good addition to your dance floor mix.
• Disco Dancer - A throwback to the corny Bappi Lahiri days, revived by Bappi da himself.
• Yaad Aa Raha Hain - What a performance by Sudesh Bhosale to convince us that this is a Kishore Kumar song. Awesome performance. Not a great song, but if you just put this song in one of the oldies album, it would fun to find out if anyone makes out that it does not belong there

Final verdict: Fail

Allah Ke Banday, Dus Tola, Lava Kusa - The Warrior Twins, Khichdi - The Movie - KOed.......(Bad)Music Review

Knock Out (2010)
Music: Gourov Dasgupta

I have read his name before, but the fact that I don't remember it on top of my head only signifies it was about something forgettable. Here, in Knock Out, again there is nothing that will make your head turn. There is not much to elaborate, so wrapping up this album in a conclusion:

• Vishal Dadlani continues his on/off tryst with rock music in the title track Knock Out
• KK tries to salvage the album with an almost decent track, Tuhi Mere Hum Navaa
• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's magic fails in Khushnuma Sa and ...
• We have stopped taking Sunidhi Chauhan seriously anymore with her performance/choice of songs with the track Jab Jab Dil Mile.
• The only song that does justice, if you are looking for something specific, like Ganpati style songs, is Gangubai Pe Aai Jawani; not awesome but will make you dance.

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Allah Ke Banday (2010)
Music: Kailash Kher, Chirantan Bhatt, Hamza Faruqui

I have yet to listen to an album of a movie on a serious topic which is good. Kailash Kher is good in Kya Hawa Kya Badal, but the song is too heavy in mood to like it. I can only say that the musician trio tried their best to add some spice, but not spicy enough. Although they did manage to make me cry with Mayoos......not because the song was powerfully sorrow, but the tune was powerfully distasteful and who better than Sunidhi Chauhan to take one for the team.


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Dus Tola (2010)
Music: Sandesh Shandilya

The movie appears to have a country setting. The last time I heard the song of such a movie (Kushti), I was pleasantly surprised. But then, now I am reminded of the fact that, Kushti was in fact a surprise. Looks like Sonu Nigam's career js officially over with one low-key and boring track in THIS movie.





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Lava Kusa - The Warrior Twins (2010)
Music: L. Vaidyanathan....yes, you have read it!

There are eight tracks in the movie. Really! All the while I thought I was listening to the same track over and over. Exaggeration apart, the theme and lyrics are so similar that it is difficult to discern the difference, except the two instrumental tracks. Neither are those any good. The album, like the movie production house, has thick South Indian music overtones. Not necessarily bad, but in general, difficult for anyone who listens to Bollywood music to accept it.


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Khichdi - The Movie (2010)
Music: Raju Singh

Raju Singh, not known for anything much, is back after a while with nothing. The album has 6 tracks, out of which only 2 are original. Not even sure if those are original or not. The goofy genre of the movie also seems to have not helped. The tracks are not horrible and won't make you tear your hair off. Just something that you know exists, but don't care to pay heed to.

The T20 Theory of Conflict Prevention & Integration

Unity in Diversity

India, the seventh largest country in the world, is also the second most populous country in the world. Not only it is the second most crowded country, but it arguably a country with the most diversity packed per square capita. There are at least about 20 languages being spoken at the moment, and all major religions freely practiced. And on top of it, there are multitude difference within people from the same geographic area, religion and language. No wonder the British were able to employ the divide-and-rule policy to great success.

Cracks in the joints

Being a country with a large number of inherent fractures, India does demonstrate a great deal of 'Unity in Diversity'. As much as it is touted, it has also caused a number of problems. The problems range from regionalism, favoritism, castism to terrorism and 'secessionism'. There is always a great number of people who feel they are being wronged or do not get the attention of the government due to their different identity. While it is not true every time, unfortunately some times it is.

Cricket, the common denominator
So what are the reasons that keeps India together, despite the diversity. Let's not think in terms of intangibles like, 'the feeling of oneness', 'patriotism' and the like. Religion, language and customs are already ruled out. The history of medieval and ancient India is a proof of India's divisiveness. The real things that bring Indians together are a common cause. The Indian army and Cricket are the biggest factors that gels this mosaic population. While people keep on integrating with one another through the army, it is a silent and unglamorous process. Cricket on the other hand is flamboyant and exhilarating, and it is publicly broadcast to millions of people. It is always great to see Indians of all regions cheer together, when India plays.
The stage
IPL has been a phenomenal success in India. It's rise in popularity is so alarming that international cricket is being seriously challenged by a league format from one country. Currently (10/17/10), there are only 8 teams in the league, covering different zones of India. It might be argued that this might fuel regionalism even more, but coming to think of it, it is much different than the tensions that exist between various Indian states today. For eg. The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore would be much more amicable and friendly than that exists between the two states over the border dispute. If in future, the league continues to expand and if it is doubled to include 16 teams, we could have even more regions being represented in the league and henceforth more number of people would feel included in the process of 'Indian' cricket.

The Upside
Some of the biggest advantages of this greater participation would be more people to people contact and lesser strife between communities. More players would get an opportunity to plays for various clubs out of their hometowns and more people will cheer for a player of their team, regardless his origin. I would assume, Chennai Super Kings fans would be more grateful than resentful of having their team led by 'North Indian' MS Dhoni.
The introduction of club cricket to more remote regions of India, like the Northeast, will create more jobs, more financial stimulus and greater media attention accelerating their integration. The presence of a popular entity like a cricket club in the region and with a great amount of money and pride at stake, state governments will take an active role in solving the problems of terrorism and separatist sentiments. The renewed financial promises and greater respect in the public eye, can change the psyche of the people from the region leading us to a spiraling trend of money and harmony from the grassroots.
Better and meaningful integration
Instead of singing patriotic songs and asking for calm and peace in the wake of poverty and joblessness, this will be a more effective way to achieve the same results: Strong and united country. If this could help turn around the friction to a healthy rivalry within a country, could it be extended to achieve stability and peace within South Asia..and beyond?

Jhootha Hi Sahi, Do Dooni Chaar - Music Review

Jhootha Hi Sahi (2010)
Music: A.R. Rahman

So, after a disastrous Robot, A.R. Rahman brings us a new album, which is much better performance by the maestro. Although, I must add it is only better compared to Robot and not one of the best. None of the songs really stand out, but the following are noteworthy tracks from the album

1. Mayya Yashoda, Mayya Yashoda (Jamuna Mix) ---------------------- 6/10
The title makes you think: "Really! This song could be good?". You will be pleasantly surprised that the song is actually not that bad and has a really upbeat mood. The theme is mythological, but the energy and happiness this duet conveys makes it a delightful listening experience. Not great, but a good song from Javed Ali. The Jamuna Mix is better than the original version

2. Call Me Dil --------------------------------------------------------------------6/10
You might want to listen to this one once before you move on. A very soft and soothing track with good use of guitars, it is sung by Kabhi Kabhi Aditi fame Rashid Ali.

Brownie points:

• If you are a jazz fan, I've Been Waiting is for you
• Pam Pa Ra - Good, upbeat track that starts well, but ends badly
• Do Nishaniyaan - Very boring, unless you are a diehard Sonu Nigam fan.

Final verdict: Good attempt, but just does not make the cut.

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Do Dooni Chaar (2010)

Music: Meet Brothers, Anjan

This is by far one of the most irritating albums I've ever heard. Every song, with no exceptions is just plain irksome.

• Baaja Bajeya is a typical Sunidhi Chauhan totally uninteresting song
• Do Dooni Chaar, Ek Haath De - Extremely pedestrian lyrics and the track has an annoyingly careless mood

Why am I even wasting my time writing anything more on this. Forget this movie songs ever happened

Crook, Aakrosh - Music Review

Crook (2010)
Music: Pritam

Another Emraan Hashmi movie with Pritam directing the music is definitely a good sign. This week Pritam comes out with some good music. Not great, but good.

1. Mere Bina, Mere Bina (Unplugged), Tujhko Jo Paaya ----------------------------------------------- 7/10
A nice romantic track. Brisk pace, sauntering all along till the end. Opens with a great tune that you will fall in love with. The Unplugged version by KK is good too. Why the third track is named differently is a mystery, but it is pretty much the Unplugged version by Mohit Chauhan, and it feels a little too dry.

2. Kya ------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Neeraj Shridhar lends his voice to this stylish song. The opening of the song is a bit not good. Almost sounds like some Punjabi remix, but then gets good.

3. Tujhi Mein, Tujhi Mein (Reprise) -------------------------------------------- 7/10
A typical KK song. Starts with him singing in high pitch and immediately gets on with the beats. The song is a rock track and will definitely will be one of the best of KK this year. The recurring theme of the song is good sounding. The Reprise version is less flamboyant than the original, but equally good.

Final verdict: You can get the tracks above.

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Aakrosh (2010)
Music: Pritam

Pritam again! But here he fails to deliver. It could be anything from the kind of background the movie is set in. Looks like a rural themed movie. It could very well be that Emraan Hashmi is not a part of the cast.

I will not say any song is really great, but I will point to the better tracks.

• Saude Bazi, Saude Bazi (Encore) - The tracks are almost the same and they are not great, but somehow are really soothing to listen. Good song to calm down. Almost a ghazal, but falling short of it. The original version by Javed Ali is better of the two.
• Isak Se Meetha - Another song to the genre of Kajraare Kajraare, Bidi Jalali Le, Humka Peeni Hai. If you are a fan of this genre, you will like it.

That's all this week.