7 Khoon Maaf

Just finished watching my first Vishal Bhardwaj film - 7 Khoon Maaf. I knew going in that it was his least appreciated film. So why did I watch it first? Maybe for the same reason I save the best for the last. Mostly though because it was really available as the local library had a copy by some odd chance.

The film had certain striking sections and one brilliant song. The twist at the end was nicely done. But other than that it left me rather cold. The tone of it was just off. I liked the actor who played the narrator - turns out he is Naseeruddin Shah's son. The son outdid the father in this particular movie, as well as most others in the cast. I found John Abraham particularly lifeless and Annu Kapoor's caricaturish performance cringeworthy.

Overall, I find myself agreeing with Raja Sen's review minus his sense of disappointment for obvious reasons. I found his line about Neil Nithin Mukesh's moustache particularly enjoyable. More enjoyable that the whole of this movie, unfortunately.

Lootera

Just got done watching this movie. Stayed up way too late and will probably regret it when I get up in a couple of hours to shovel my driveway and get my ass to work.

But man, what a gorgeous gorgeous film. So beautiful to simply look at even. Poetry on celluloid. And then such earnest performances from the leads. I cried in the end. Even though I knew exactly what was coming. I teared up and felt that lump in my throat once before the end though. When Pakhi turns away during their last conversation. And I very, very rarely cry when watching movies. Well done, Sonakshi and Ranveer. Much respect to the director and the cinematographer as well.

Dev D Soundtrack

Why didn't I listen to this soundtrack sooner? Can't believe I'm so late to this party. Freshest sounding Indian music I've heard in quite a long while. 2009 seems to have been quite the awesome year for music in Hindi cinema, with Dev D leading the pack, followed closely by Delhi 6 and then Kaminey.

The reason I rank Dev D higher than the other two is because of its unconventionality. While Delhi 6 and Kaminey are both excellent albums in their own rights, they are still identifiable as bollywood soundtracks. They play it safe in a sense (though admittedly not very safe in the traditional sense), which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But you've got to hand it to the people who took a chance on something different and succeeded so beautifully. 

Dev D was already on my list of films to watch, but after listening to the music, it's jumped up almost to the very top. I can tell that a lot, if not all, of this music is built around the film and is not extraneous to it. The two Dev Chanda themes/interludes are all delightful. Theme 1 is a breezy exotica piece with nice harmonies, while the other, Theme 2, has some lovely whistling and an atmosphere of innocence.  

Emosanal Attyachaar and Yahi Meri Zindagi  were the only songs I was really familiar with before today. I came across the latter on Raja Sen's blog a little while ago, and while it didn't really grab me on the first listen, it has definitely grown on me quite a lot since then and I can now agree with Mr. Sen that it is most mesmeric indeed. Dil Mein Jaagi has a similar old time (western) musical or broadway feel to it. I can see Julie Andrews singing and dancing to it. 

The brass band version of Emosanal Attyachar is the highlight of the album. Funky both in the music and the lyrics, which are easier to understand for me thanks to the liberal spattering of English (gotta love the line "bol bol why did you ditch me, whore"). And that one of the best actors in recent times, the chameleon Nawazuddin Siddiqui, appears in the video only added to the charm of this song for me. 

The rock version of Emosanal Attyachar is interesting also, but to a lesser extent. I particularly like the vocal harmonies in it, but the rock instrumentation is a bit bland and generic sounding. On a side note, I keep expecting the end of this song to transition into Soni De Nakre thanks to having watched this video one too many times (I love that sly/mischievous look on Shahid's face when the song switches).

Going to back to Dev D, Pardesi is another favourite of mine. Love how the sitar in the beginning gives way to a very phat beat and then comes back again later in the song. The very punjabi sounding vocals also fit well in this eclectic mix.

The four tracks sung by the composer Amit Trivedi himself are all quite yummy as well. Duniya is extremely funky with some fun sounding rap (should look up what they mean) and sweet breakbeats that is hard not to move to. Aankh Micholi starts off sounding like something off of the soundtrack of Brazil (brilliant film and soundtrack btw) with the xylophone bit until Amit starts singing and then turns into a club track with that xylophone ting ting coming and going. Saali Khushi is a laid back, lounge, mildly jazzy track that goes all out jazz with horns and everything before settling back into the original groove. Nayan Tarse is another lounge track fused with pysch rock in quite a surprising manner. My only complaint with it is that it needs to be longer.  

Rouding out the album are some very traditional Indian songs (Dhol Yaara Dhol, Hikknaal, Mahi Mennu), one straight up pop rock song (Ek Hulchul Si) that is my least favourite track, one nice Indian western fusion song (Paayaliya) which wouldn't be out of place in a Tabla Beat Science album and one nearly a capella track (Ranjhana) which would probably benefit from the context in the film where it is used.

I've already listened to this soundtrack four times today and foresee many many more listenings in the future. I take my music very seriously, so this is no mean feat. Bravo, Amit Trivedi!

Jab We Met

The one that started it all for me. What better movie to watch and post about on Valentine's Day (well, technically it is past the 14th, but whatever).

When I first heard about this movie years ago, the name of the film prejudiced me against. I thought it must be a crappy, cheesy, grating rom-com like so many others. Don't get me wrong, I do watch such cheesy rom-coms from time to time. But I need to be in a certain frame of mind and even then I prefer it when they are not too crappy. This one, I figured, wasn't one I'd be interested in. Besides, I hardly ever watched Hindi movies aside from the time at uni when I'd watch with my roommates (bugging them to tell me what was going on every so often when they happened to be subtitle-less). So that was that.

Cut to last year when I happened to come across this movie again when I was particularly bored and in the mood for a mindless chick flick. I was captivated before I was more than a fifth of the way in. When that scene at the Hotel Decent came along, I was totally in love with this movie. By the way, who is that dude who plays the hotel keeper? He made quite an impression in just one 3 minute scene!

My favourite part of the movie is that scene where Aditya says goodbye to Geet in Manali, walks away, then turns around and smiles quietly to himself. That scene is the best depiction of unrequited love that I have seen in movies. In the second half, of course, we see the usual martyrdom aspect that movies so love to portray. But I guess that was necessary to drive the drama and at any rate it was done far more subtly than is usual (the scene where Aditya turns around after leaving Geet with Anshuman gets me every time).

Oddly enough the one scene that didn't really work for me was the climax kiss and hug. Somehow felt like there was no chemistry at all between the two when they finally got together even though they were quite crackling for the whole of the film until then. Even in the hotel room scene in Shimla there was palpable tension despite that cheesy porn music (seriously, what were the director and music director thinking? it almost completely took me out of the movie). But, I can overlook that and just dream up a better scene.

This is one movie I can watch over and over (and have too). A feel good movie that never fails me. Even when I'm in the mood to feel sad in a good sort of way. If that makes sense...

Phata Poster Nikla Hero

This movie turned out to be surprisingly entertaining. I watched it more than half expecting to cringe or, at best, feel meh towards it like the last few Shahid movies I've seen. Maybe it was the low expectation that helped. Plus I'm in an easily amused sort of mood lately, so that probably helped as well. Also, I haven't seen the director, Rajkumar Santhoshi's older film Andaz Apna Apna, to which this seemed to be compared unfavourably a lot. Net result, I laughed a fair bit and enjoyed myself quite.

I did almost give up when the post interval ma sentiment section hit, but I'm glad I stuck with it. In retrospect, I can see what the director was going for with that. I do wish, however, that they'd toned down the same sentiment bit at the very end. It didn't hurt my grin too much. Turned it into a slight grimace that turned back into a grin with the last line of Vishwas to guruji.

I was also going to complain about the gratuitous muscle man shot in the climax, but on second thoughts, maybe that too fits in with the overall idea of the film.

One other false note was the romance angle. There were places where it was a little too earnest and none of the romantic songs worked for me (not counting Agal Bagal, which of course isn't a romantic song really). Thankfully, the romance went back to lighthearted territory again before too long. The look on Vishwas's face in the climax action sequence when he sees Kajal chasing the gunda was adorable. It was actually refreshing to see a heroine (even if she was a little hare brained at times) who was being active and driving the story forward rather than standing around crying and/or being pretty much pointless.

Overall, this movie is definitely worth a watch for the laughs and gags, even though post interval these are admittedly a little forced. I wouldn't call this a comedy classic by any means, but it is certainly far better than at least one other recent comedy bollywood film I've seen - Chennai Express. That movie shifted gears to turn all serious as well but it did it in earnest and was intolerable. The performances here are much better as well. I guess the only reason that film did way better than this one was because of the blind devotion to Shah Rukh Khan that even a few of my friends are guilty of. Pity really.

O Saathi Re (Omkara)

Had a long day (went out in the evening and then had to work all night afterward), so am too tired to write up a more than a quick post today. I want to write about the band I saw, but I can't do them justice in a hurry. So instead, have another gorgeous song from Vishal Bhardwaj. This is one of the best, if not THE best, duet I've heard in recent times. Achingly beautiful.The translation is again courtesy my best friend K:

O Saathi Re (sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Bharadwaj, music by Vishal Bharadwaj)

O saathi re din doobe na

Aa chal din ko roke

Dhoop ke peechhe dauDen

Chhaanv chhuen na

O saathi re

O saathi re din Doobe na

O my companion/ friend, let the day not sink

Come let us stop the day

Run after the sunlight

Never touch the shade

O my friend

O my friend, let the day not sink

Thaka thaka suraj jab nadi se hokar niklega

Hari hari kaayi pe paanv baDha to fislega

Tum rok ke rakhna 

Main jaal giraaun

Tum peeTh pe lena 

Main haath lagaaun

din Doobe na

When the tired sun runs down by the river

If he steps on the green, green moss, he will slip

You stop him there, I'll throw in the net (fishing net)

You take it on your back, I'll give you my hand (to haul the net in)

The day mustn't end

Teri meri atti patti

daat se kaati katti

Re jaiyyo na 

O peehoo re

O peehoo re, na, jaiyyo na

This quarrel of yours and mine (the words atti-patti don't mean anything, but are implying a playful fight)

Biting fingers in katti

Oh don't go away

O song bird, 

O song bird, no, don't go away

(You know, like when kids fight, they say katti, and sometimes its done by biting the tip of your little finger and saying - katti, go away, i won't talk to you... but of course you only say katti to your friends.)

Kabhi kabhi yun karna 

Main Daantun aur tum Darna

Do this sometimes too - I'll scold and you get scared

Ubal pade aankhon se 

MeeThe paani ka jharna

A waterfall of sweet water spills out of your eyes

Tere kohre badan mein 

Sil jaaungi re

Jab karwat lega 

Chhil jaaungi re

I'll get sewn into your dark body

When you turn (in sleep) I will be flayed

Sang le jaaunga

I'll take you with me 

Teri meri angni mangni

Ang sang laagi sangni

Sang le jaaun 

O peehu re 

This union of ours (the words angni-mangni don't mean anything, but ang means body and mangni is engagement)

My companion is against my body 

I'll take you with me

O my songbird

O saathi re din Doobe na

Aa chal din ko roken

Dhoop ke peechhe dauDen

Chhaanv chhuen na

O saathi re

And here's the video which makes me want to watch the movie right NOW. The sequence in the beginning is so beautifully shot.

Dhating Naach

Damn this dhating naach step! It looks so simple but when I try to do it I keep fucking it up. But I will persevere and master it one day! It is a fun song to dance to though.

Interesting mix of this song and Gandi Baat for the Star Guild awards performance. Couldn't really enjoy it thanks to the awful editing. Why must they ruin a good performance with stupid freeze frames and sweeping camera angles and such? It's all very well for performances by stars who can't really dance well, but a Shahid Kapoor act needs no such trickery imo. Still parts of it that they let us see did make me go wow. Just wish I could catch a live performance someday. Wonder if you will perform at IIFA this year. I know you're hosting. Either way those ticket prices are way too exorbitant. I can fly to India and back for less ffs.

Anyway, back to dhating  dhating dhating dhating dhating dhating dhating naach!

Ooh I think I see now why was messing up the step before. The bent leg is behind and the straight one is ahead. I shall try again in the morning. It will be a good way to start the day/week :)

On bad movies and good directors

Just got done watching yet another blah movie of yours, Shahid. Third one in a row. Makes me sad, dude. You clearly have talent. But just not for choosing the right script seemingly. Maybe you should get someone else to do that for you. I dunno, man.

I am glad that you're working with Vishal Bhardwaj again. He ought to be able to get the best out of you. I still haven't seen Kaminey in full. Just clips and songs so far (I'm saving it for last with good reason). But it definitely looks like your best work. So I'm really looking forward to catching Haider on the big screen when it releases. I hope it will have a wide release so I don't have to drive too far to see it.

Also speaking of Vishal Bhardwaj, I mean to devote an entire post to him but only after I watch Kaminey and his other films. However, just based on the little I've seen (and heard! the man composes some great music as well) of his work and this one interview of his that I read, I have immense respect for him already. And I'm totally jealous of you for having access to him to pick his brains and learn from him. I hope you appreciate your good fortune in this regard.

I shall go listen to the title track from Kaminey now before I read myself to sleep. It's become a nightly ritual for me. Love love love the lyrics and the way Vishal has sung it.

Kabhi zindagi se maanga, pinjre mein chaand la do,

Kabhi laanten deke, kaha aasmaa pe taango

Side note: I say nightly but it's almost dawn. Yikes. There goes my hope that this week I will finally turn my schedule around and stop staying up all night. I should just resign myself to my natural state of night owl-itutde already.

About

Edit: This description doesn't really apply anymore (I'm still writing randomly as before but not addressing it to anyone in particular now). But I shall leaving it here for posterity as a reminder of how it all started. 

So what is this blog all about? Glad you asked.

Basically, this is going to be a blog addressed to Shahid Kapoor. Yeah, I know you'll probably never read this but still...ok, let's say pretend addressed to, if that makes you me feel better.

Also I'm calling myself shanotic. That's meant to be a play on shanatic. As in I'm not a shanatic. 

"So wait," you say, "are you then making a blog to diss me if you're not a fan?" 

Not at all. I'm just too old and not silly enough to count myself a fanatic/shanatic/whatever. No unconditional love here, I'm afraid. However, I do find you fascinating and find myself mildly obsessing over you lately. At around the same time, I took it into my head to give writing a go (for personal reasons I won't go into here and now), but I find it hard to keep a diary which no one will read. I need an audience, you see, even if it is only an imaginary one. That is where you come in.

Even though these posts/letters are purportedly addressed to you, chances are they'll say more about me than you. I do, however, mean to try and post as little as possible about myself and keep the focus on general topics, and also some related to you and your work. Hopefully, this will gain me an actual audience for this blog, by and by. And if it does do that, a word of warning to whoever reads this - this is not the place to find news/photos of Shahid Kapoor. Plenty of other places out there on the interweb to serve your needs (and mine, too ;)) in that regard. 

So, dear Shahid, prepare yourself for a lot of rambling to/at/about you. 


And before I wrap up this intro post, let me take a moment to thank you for a couple of things: 
a) for the inspiration to finally create a damn blog, however silly it might be, and 
b) for helping me better my hindi understanding skills.

I was going to say brush up my hindi in general, but I bet I will still suck at speaking it. But hey, at least I can follow it better now thanks to watching your movies and countless interviews, which has, in turn, lead me to an avenue of cinema (bollywood) that I hadn't really explored much heretofore due to the language barrier (a side note here - some specimens of said cinema appear to be quite superior to your own output, but more on that later). 

So again, thank you Shahid Kapoor (shamelessly trying a little SEO in the hopes that maybe you'll find this blog one day...a girl woman can dream, right?)