Slumdog Millionaire Movie Review – A Millionaire for sure but an Oscar?

 

The Wonder Kid
The Wonder Kid

I don’t wanna get into the habit of pulling down the expectation of everyone but i don’t even wanna praise something just because its got an Oscar nomination. Having said that Slumdog by no means is a bad film. In fact its a superb film, one that takes you on a ride which is fast, crisp and exhilarating. The cast is fantastic specially the small kid who plays Jamal(junior most) along with Dev Patel and Anil Kapoor who plays the two faced host with perfection. Even the others like Irfaan Khan and Saurabh Shukla fit in very well. Also there are some scenes that will stay with you forever like the young Jamal running covered in shit to take the Big B’s autograph or the eye popping beggar scene followed by a heart wrenching chase.

 

However the most fantastic thing about the move is its screenplay which moves between present and past with such ease and purpose. Simon Beaufoy surely deserves the Oscar nomination and so does Chris Dickens the editor of the film for such sharp work.

Also if there is something else that is Oscar worthy it is the score by A.R. Rahman which complements the happenings of the movie phenomenally well, be it O…. Saya, Paper Planes or even Jai Ho. Its funky, peppy and  very apt. A special mention for the brilliant cinematography (Oscar nominated) by Anthony Dod Mantle who captures the slum streets and brothels with utmost honesty.

So now the big question, Oscar? No. Not now, not ever. The only reason that it has reached such heights is because apart from being a good film it is directed by Danny Boyle and not Ashutosh Gowarikar or Rakesh Om Praksah Mehra. I see no reason why Slumdog can be nominated and Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti and Lage Raho… can’t be.

One very important point. There is a scene where a driver beats up Jamal Junior for stealing something and Jamal tells the American couple that this is what real India is, and the American Couple say ” We will show you what real America is like” and hand over some cash. What does Danny want to prove here? That we Indians only know how to beat up and don’t have feelings? Or that Americans are so better of than Indians when it comes to forgiving someone? I really don’t know but i sure would like to ask him that.

Album Review Dilli 6 – Mastano Ki Dilli

Just when India or rather the world was praising Alla Rakha Rahman on his mesmerizing compositions for Slumdog he came up with another gem right in the beginning of 2009 to follow up 2008, which was one of the best years in bollywood for him. Four big releases, four super hits – Jodha Akbar, Jaane Tu …, Yuvraaj and Ghajini. So i was really curious to know what we’ll get to hear from this genius in Delhi 6. And so I heard, i heard and i heard 🙂

The album comprises of amazing variations of sounds and instruments. Aarti by various singers is like… well, an Aarti. Its soft and melodious.  Arziyan sung beautifully by Javed Ali(Jashn e bahara) and Kailash Kher is one of my favourite tracks It is right out of the Haji Ali and Khwaja stable and rightly so considering the backdrop of old Delhi. It just takes you in the very first time you listen to it and before you know it u are humming it everywhere. Bhor Bhaye is a hardcore classical number where Shreya Ghoshal is teamed up with the great Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and the result is as expected. Phenomenal to say the least. Its not a track that will get a lot of commercial success but shows the versatility of Shreya who just got off  Ghajini after doing the’ Latoo’ act.

My other favourite track on this album is ‘Delhi 6’ the title song. Its funky, spunky and a superb anthem for this city. It will totally become a rage with the  youngsters.  It has the feel of Hip Hop/Rap and Techno which blend beautifully with each other.

Masakalli needs no introduction. It became a hit the very first time it was played on the radio and the first time  people saw Sonam Kapoor dancing with a pigeon on her head. What i would like to add is that this song has been sung by Mohit Chauhan and it is totally not his style. Hats off to him for doing such a wonderful job on such a difficult track. Going further ‘Kala Bandar’ is again a very Hip Hoppish track. Naresh Iyer and Karthik and Bony all have done a superb job. It totally makes you wanna move.

Genda phool is by far the most experimental track on this album. It starts of with a short chorus followed up by the husky voice of Rekha Bhardwaj (Namak ) and as soon as you think ” Ah well its a typical Rekha Track” you are surprised and how by a sudden mix of western music which makes it into a cool fusion. And if all the fans of Rahman’s voice are getting disappointed then they need not be as ‘Rehna Tu’ brings Rahman upto the microphone. Its a romantic, soft number which has a western flavour to it. Like always Rahman does a great job at it.

Delhi 6 is a must listen for fans and others alike. Its one of the great man’s finest works.

Best
 ...