Prince

Prince
EXPECTATIONS There are decent expectations from the music of Prince. Since this is a film from the house of TIPS, certainly quality is expected from the soundtrack. Moreover, the man at the helm of affairs is debutant director Kookie Gulati who has many a music video to his credit. It can well be expected that for his first full length feature film, he would have at least a couple of chartbuster songs up his sleeve. However, since the film has taken a little time in reaching towards the finishing line, there is a slight apprehensive factor that sets in. Nevertheless, one goes on to play the soundtrack of Prince which is made of an astonishing 16 tracks, half of them being remixes. Sachin Gupta composes while Sameer writes. MUSIC It’s a techno start for the album with ‘O Mere Khuda’ giving a high energy start to Prince, something which was pretty much required for the film belonging to action genre. Atif Aslam, who has been known for singing romantic melodious songs, finds a new space for himself as composer Sachin Gupta puts him in a situation where he has to replicate an effect similar to that of the title song of ‘Dum’. The common factor here? Vivek Oberoi. While the opening lines of ‘O Mere Khuda’ are a cracker, especially with the accompanying sound of ‘Aa Bhi Ja Sanam’, the ‘antara’ is a little loose. Still, one doesn’t mind the overall effort primarily because of the out and out Western setting of the song which appears again in the ‘Dance Mix’ version. Later the song is heard again as ‘Aa Bhi Ja Sanam’ which basically has the same tune as ‘O Mere Khuda’ but is paced on a slightly slower note. This time around the song has a love setting to it and one can sense that Atif feels a little more in the ‘zone’ here! With a lounge feel to it, ‘Aa Bhi Ja Sanam’ makes for a good hear as well and so does the ‘Dance Mix’ version which is obviously more upbeat. Remember the chartbuster track ‘Ho Jaata Hai Kaise Pyaar’ from Sanjay Dutt and Manisha Koirala starrer Yalgaar? A couple of lines from the middle of the song are used as a basis to kick start ‘Tere Liye’ which comes on its own within a matter of seconds and turns out to be a smashing love song that gets the hook on in the very first listening. Atif Aslam and Shreya Ghoshal make for a good pair here as they keep the techno mood of the album on. Despite the Western setting that ‘Tere Liye’ carries, there is an touch of melody to the proceedings that ensures that if coupled with good visuals (which should be the case), ‘Tere Liye’ will succeed in keeping the audience’s attention on. Such is the confidence of the makers in ‘Tere Liye’ that the song appears in as many as four versions. After the original, the next to come is the ‘Dance Mix’ version which has a club feel to it. The ‘Hip Hop mix’ which comes later is softer in appeal, has a sensual feel to it and is a much better bargain. The best is reserved though for the ‘unplugged version’ which impresses primarily due to its unadulterated presentation. With just a guitar in the background, composer Sachin Gupta also brings himself behind the mike and comes up with a good solo version. Now this one can be given a repeat hearing. A theme song centred on the protagonist who is struggling to find his own identity, ‘Kaun Hoon Main’ has a rock setting to it and takes some time before it leaves an impression for the listener. Of course the sad setting of the track as well as an inherent situational appeal means that ‘Kaun Hoon Main’ is not the next chartbuster in the making. Still, the Western arrangements to the song helps it from turning into a complete pushover as ‘Kaun Hoon Main’ (which later appears in a ‘Dance Mix’ and ‘Lounge Mix’ version) holds on reasonably well and ensures that it goes well with the narrative. Prince gets an item number for itself in the shape of ‘Jiyara Jiyara’ which has the kind of lyrics that Sameer has been living with for decades now. Though there is nothing novel about the words that are handed over to Alisha Chinoy, credit to her and composer Sachin Gupta who save the number from turning into a complete disappointment. Together, they give a Western treatment to the song (and later do a good fusion in the ‘Bhangra Mix’ version), hence making it sound contemporary at the least. Expect soaring temperatures when the song is played on screen, especially due to the way Alisha Chinoy goes about singing this number with Hard Kaur coming up with her rap inputs. Monali Thakur gets a solo for herself in the form of ‘Ishq Mein’ which keeps the upbeat mood of the album intact. There is a sense of seduction prevalent right through this song which doesn’t boast of any path breaking lyrics but yet again finds a place for itself courtesy the composer and the singer. A love song where the female protagonist is craving for attention, ‘Ishq Mein’ gels well with the overall mood of the album and turns out to be a decent inclusion. Later arrives the ‘Prince - Mega Mix’ which is indeed a mega version considering its running length of 7 minutes. A dance floor track that has to be put on blazing volume to be enjoyed, it is an amalgamation of number of songs from the album and hence sees Atif Aslam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alisha Chinoy and Hard Kaur coming together all over again. It would be interesting to see if a music video is built around ‘Prince - Mega Mix’. Prince concludes with a 1 minute theme track titled ‘Prince - Theme’ which plays its role of ’rounding up the album’ quite well. A high energy close to an overall high energy album. OVERALL As stated earlier, the USP of Prince is its high energy. Regardless of the lyrics or the heard before feel of a couple of songs, Prince works because young composer Sachin Gupta ensures that there is an upbeat mood to each and every song, whether it is the theme track, sad track, love song or an item number. He never lets the tempo slow down for Prince which goes well with the thriller mood of the film. No, Prince is not an album which would be heard six months down the line. However, when heard with the narrative of the film, Prince should do well for the moment. OUR PICK(S) Tere Liye, Aa Bhi Ja Sanam, O Mere Khuda
Source: www.bollywoodhungama.com

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Life Goes On

Life Goes On
The drama explores the relations between a grief stricken father and his three daughters. Set in London, the time is now, the family of Indian origin- part of the UK Diaspora. With his wife’s sudden death, Sanjay is suddenly thrown into close proximity with his three daughters. The drama unfolds over five days from the day when Manju dies to day of the funeral. Haunted by memories, grappling with this devastating loss, missing the mediating influence of his wife, Sanjay finds himself assessing and carving out new relations with his three daughters. He is faced with a further crisis when he discovers his youngest and most loved daughter Dia, has a Muslim boyfriend -Imtiaz. Confused and angry, Sanjay leaves home and wanders the streets of London one night. With an unexpected series of events, Sanjay is forced to face his past demons, his trauma over the partition of India when as a child, he was forced to leave his home with his parents. Finally to come to terms with his old and unspoken prejudice about Muslims, in the larger context of the country in the grips of Islam phobia as the events of 7/7 and the consequences of the Iraq war reverberate. As he sits drenched and tired on a bench on Hampstead Heath and watches the sun rise - Sanjay puts his demons to rest. At the funeral he has come to terms with himself, he allows the Muslim boy to join the family rituals and sees his daughters for what they are and not what he expected them to be. The shadow of Shakespeare’s King Lear bears on this contemporary and free adaptation. It works functionally as a sub- text in the film as we see Sanjay and Dia within the contours of the mythical Lear and Cordelia.
Source: www.bollywoodhungama.com

Lahore
Characters: Farouque Shaikh: S.K. Rao A devout coach of the Indian kickboxing team for who true talent is above all inducements. He is earnest but conniving for those who come in his way for the right. An ardent worshipper of true sportsman spirit, he holds an angst against the establishment and the system that’s meddling in sport in order to commercialize it. Nafisa Ali: Amma A doting mother for whom her two sons mean the world. She shares a great camaraderie with her sons and would be daughter in law but at the same time is the grounding force to keep them rooted. She is tender yet at the trying times comes out as a strong and tough woman who puts up with the crisis that comes in her life. Aanaahad: Veerender Singh An unswerving batsman with the fire in his belly to make it big in the cricketing world. However, equally fiery about his relations, especially with his brother, for whom he can give it all up. One incident that changes his life and his outlook for the world and transforms him as a person! Shraddha Das: Ida A sassy, committed and diligent physiotherapist of the Pakistan Kickboxing team who falls in love with the Indian cricketer and later stands by him against all odds. Sushant Singh: Dheerendra Singh An aspiring and zealous Kick boxer from Rajasthan who wants to qualify into the national team on his merit of playing instead of recommendations. A brother for whom his younger sibling is his support system. A lover who passionately feels for his fiancée. A man of steel who overcomes all obstacles to reach where he is. His true aspirations are at challenge with behind the back politics going on. Shraddha Nigam: Neela Chaudhary An ebullient and cheery girl, who is madly in love with his sportsman fiancée. The dutiful lover supports her fiancee in every step of his career and is his driving force. She pins all her hopes and aspirations against her love interest, which is the world to her. However, one accident changes her life when her world gets derelict and she is left bereft of her dreams. Kelly Dorji: Gajanan Oinam An overconfident kickboxing champion who aims high to represent India, not on merits but connections instead. However, he gets beaten down by Dheerendra Singh. His dreams turn sour and his connections ineffective when he meets S.K. Rao and realizes that if he wants to secure a place in the teamhe needs to prove his mettle. Saurabh Shukla: Madhav Suri A man who defines the bureaucracy of the sports department and the way everything in sports gets mutilated by the intrusion of bureaucrats. Sabyasachi Charborty: Sikandar Hyaat Khan Coach of the Pakistan Kickboxing team, Sikandar Hyaat Khan, is a man for whom winning a match for the country is like winning a battle. The coach, who strives hard and makes his team go till any extent to ensure success against the Indian kickboxing team. Synopsis A Selection - New Delhi Selection of the National Indian kick boxing team is to be done. There is a buzz in the air, final stage of qualification is in process, frenzy activities taking place amongst the players, administrators, bureaucratic and all high profiles involved with the game in varied manners. Amidst all this, there is A Minister…who wants his favorite participant to be selected. A Coach….who wants merit to be the order of the day. An Aspirant…who dreams to qualify purely on the basis of his merit. His true aspirations are at a challenge with the behind the back politics going on. Another Aspirant…Overconfident, well connected and aims high to represent India, but not on merit, connections instead. As the mix of emotions, aspirations and palpitations reach to a vortex; a bilateral kick boxing tournament with Pakistan is announced. The aspirations are intensified, so are the activities and comes the day that leads to the destiny being sought in the ring. A Neutral Venue - Kuala Lumpur Two opponents…. Dheerandra Singh from India, an upcoming national champion. A man who has overcome all obstacles to reach where he deserves to be. A man made of steel, with kicks of steel. Only one drawback, his belief in the true spirit of the game. V/s Noor Mohammad, an ace performer from Pakistan. A man of physique, a man of belligerence, and personification of dominance. A tender heart but buried deep under the pride of the whole nation. A man groomed on the notion of victory at whatever cost. A man pushed to follow the same notion. An Unwanted Event The spirit of sports defied… A nation cried foul… The sports fraternity stood numb… The rest of the world posed as a mute spectator… Final Follow up - Lahore Another ring Again Two Opponents… One from Pakistan, an upcoming World Champion. A man again in the ring to save his emblem, again carrying the pride of the whole nation. Author of the unwanted event, in the process of writing another one. Another one from India, set to settle some old scores, with an aspiration to quench the thirst of revenge for a long forgotten wrong doing and restore the lost pride and satisfy the nation…and a billion The Sole Situation. . . An epic rivalry. . . No surrender… Battle for honor… A spine chilling walk to the end… Where the destiny holds victory for one…ONLY ONE
Source: www.bollywoodhungama.com

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