Notable Art Works of Year 2016... Special Edition of Shobywood

Notable Art Works of Year 2016... Special Edition of Shobywood

Here is the very special edition of Shobywood where I have gathered all the best art & motion works that have appeared in the year 2016. This list contains best of Urdu digest novels, English seasons, Urdu couplets, Bollywood movies and songs. Enjoy reading and don't forget to mention your favourites in the comment box below:

BEST URDU NOVELS...

Namal (Urdu Digest Novel)- For the last three odd years, Ms. Nemrah Ahmed has glued us (and glued us in real literal terms) to the screens (read digest pages) and we the critics along with hundreds and thousands of her fans have been waiting anxiously for the new episode of her mega blockbuster Urdu Novel #Namal. The fights of Kardars vs Yousafs was superbly dealt by Nemrah Ahmed in this brilliantly written novel. Not only the novel is a super hit, my reviews on the same got magnificent recognition among the masses and people really waited for my reviews too.

Borshay (Urdu Digest Novel)- Believe me guys, this one will be remembered for ages to come. Ms. Sumaira Hameed has written yet another superb story on yet another unorthodox plot that has never been attempted before at least in the Urdu digest industry. This fairy tale sort of fantasy romance is something to cherished and if I have to pick an award for Best Innovation in Urdu Digest Writing, I'll not have even a minor second thought and shall present it straight to Ms. Sumera for her excellent work titled as Borshay. Needless to mention, Ms. Sumera gave me the title of "Johri of The Stories" much before the publishing of Borshay and my Borshay review was again an instantaneous hit.

Piyal Saaz (Urdu Digest Novel)- A beautiful little series that had everything in right volumes. Ms. Aymal Raza has chosen a simple tale that encompassed two generations in the story that was really heart moulding. It is pertinent to mention here that dialogues for Piyal Saaz were superbly written and can easily be termed as one of the best of the year in digest writing.

BEST TV SERIES/ SHOWS...

Travelers "Season 1" (English Language Series)- This year saw the new breed of world savers but this time they have come up all the way from (probable) future. This Netflix- Showcase original series is a great thing to watch especially for the twits & turns embedded in the story. Those who like watching good English language series must taste it for once to see how Grant MacLaren & his team (Marcy, Carly, Trevor and Philip) tries their heart out to save the world from a big might disaster.

Penny DreadFul "Season 3" (English Language Series)- One of my most favourite TV series Penny Dreadful from the banner Showtime returned this year with more secrets to be unveiled & more horror elements to entertain us. I watched it just for the sake of Ethan Chandler, Vanessa Ives and Ferdinand Lyle.

BEST COUPLETS OF 2016:

Woh kehta hai ke dil phir se lagao,

Khasarey per khasara, kis liye jee?

(Poetess: Fakhira Batool)

Jaa'n Hatheli Pe Le Ke Phirna Kiran

Tu meri jaan hai to yun'hi sahi

(Poetess: Kiran Rubab Naqvi)

Teri tajseem tak yun yeh rahey ge

Hamara chaak per bhi imteha'n hai

Gahey ulfat, gahey shamsheer hain hum

Yeh dil, asp e jahaan e kamra'n hai

(Poet: Col. Syed Maqbool Hussain)

Jaisey tumhain apna to koi gham hi nahi hai

Kiyo hum se udaasi ki wajah pooch rahey ho

Hum kaun hain hum kiya hain humain khud nahi maloom

Tum kon ho or kis ka pata pooch rahey ho

(Poet: Zain Shakeel)

Woh mujh ko dekhney mere qareeb aya hai

Yeh dhund sarey maheenon mein kiyo nahi hoti

(Poet: Haris Bilal)

Dua mein manga tha tum ko, miley bhi, kho bhi gaey

Tumharey baaad kisey ab dua ki khuahish hai

(Poet: Dr. Asim Tanha)

BEST BOLLYWOOD SONGS:

Ji Huzoori (Ki & Ka), Pashmina (Fitoor), Raaz Aankhein Teri (Raaz: Reboot), Buleya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil), Sanam Re (Sanam Re), Aey Dil Hai Mushkil (Aey Dil Hai Mushkil), Lo Maan Liya (Raaz Reboot), Tu Hai (Mohenjo Daro), Hua Hain Aaj Pehli Baar (Sanam Re), Rehnuma (Rockey Handsome), Soch Na Sake (Airlift) and Bolna (Kapoor & Sons).

BEST BOLLYWOOD MOVIES:

Honestly speaking no one particular movie in the year 2016 attracted me much. However I sort of liked Airlift, Traffic, Force 2, Kahaani 2 and Rocky Handsome.

MY DEBUT POETRY BOOK (MBMST)...

Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere (Urdu Poetry Book)- My debut poetry book. I have to say only one thing about Main Bekhayali Mein Sang Tere that it was my dream that came true. :-)

Top 5 Bollywood Actors in 2016- Picked by Shoby

Top 5 Bollywood Actors in 2016- Picked by Shoby

Here is the second episode of Bollywood Top 5 2016 and today I am going to discuss the top 5 Bollywood performances by a male artist in the year 2016. Almost every actor got a chance to show case his talent in the year 2016 and it was one of those years when all the three Khans had their movies released. Let me tell you which performance attracted me the most in the year.

Number 5: (Akshay Kumar in Airlift): One of the earliest releases of the year saw a spectacular performance from one the best artists of Bollywood. Akshay Kumar played this script backed role of a hero superbly who manages to evacuate many people from the war-disturbed country.

Number 4: (Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo Daro): Mohenjo Daro was a period drama from Asutosh Gawariker and it had a very challenging role of a farmer belonging to 2016 BC which Hrithik Roshan played with excellent perfection.

Number 3: (Salman Khan in Sultan): Unlike his recent flicks where mostly he played stylish roles, this time he had to play the role of a wrestler & that too who has a transition of age within the movie. Salman Khan was shining all over the screen while portraying the character and he lifted the movie thorugh his extreme acting prowess.

Number 2:  (Shahrukh Khan in Fan): Although the film in its totality was a sheer disappointment, what actually saved the movie was one of the career best acting performance by The King Khan. Undoubtedly, Fan was the most challenging film for SRK, where he had to play two role, one of a mega star and one of an enraged fan, simultaneously. No points for guessing that SRK did both of these very demanding characters with utmost ease and grace. So much so that you literally start hating the antagonist.

Best Actor of 2016: (Ranbir Kapoor in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil): This Kapoor star is one of the most brilliant actor that we have in the industry today. From film to film, he is grooming and surely doing better than the best. Although to me, KJo tried his level to best to re-make a mix of JWM, Rockstar & a few other movies but it was Ranbir Kapoor who made the movie worth watching by depicting his superb acting skills. Once again, he got to play the character where he witnesses a transitoin from one phasde to another and once again he did it with extreme brightness.

Few other actors who have also made a mark through their performance include Ranveer Singh (Befikre), Fawad Khan (Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil), Imran Hashmi (Raaz Reboot), John Abraham (Force 2 & Rocky Handsome), Aditya Roy Kapoor (Fitoor), Sidharth Malhotra (Kapoor & Sons).

Top 5 Songs of Bollywood 2016- Picked by Shoby

Top 5 Songs of Bollywood 2016- Picked by Shoby

So it is that time of the year when we all sit together to share which thing from the lot attracted us the most.  Just like our custom of every year, here at #Shobywood, let me give you my list of Top 5 Bollywood products, that made a mark to me in the year 2016... This is the first episode of the Series Bollywood Top 5 at Shobywood an it contains my most favourite Top 5 Bollywood 2016 songs...

Number 5: (Ji Huzoori from Ki & Ka): A song that was all about emotions. Sayeed Quadri penned some very soulful lyrics where every word was chanting heart wrenching stories of separation & going apart. Mithoon & Deepali Sathe crooned this slow melodious symphony in an excellent manner.

Number 4: (Pashmina from Fitoor): To me, this is perhaps the best Bollywood song that has come out in 2016 if we talk about lyrics. The combo of two most unique artists Swanand Kirkire (lyricist) & Amit Trivedi (musician) is always a treat to listen. Whenever they have collaborated, they have given musical gems and no different was this Pashmina. I bet, you just hear the track and you will literally feel yourself like in Kashmir.

Pashmina Dhaagon Ke Sang Koi aaj Buney Khawab... Lyrics that melts your heart and composition that goes on to further enchant you. This one was a class and it will b e remembered for years to come especially for those who love to hear unorthodox music.

Number 3: (Raaz Aankhein Teri from Raaz: Reboot): In the recent times, one lyricist that has made a very authentic mark is Rashmi Virag. She has written some awesome lyrics and the songs she has penned has become chart busters. Raaz Ankhen Teri is yet another soothing song that contains very sweet & emotional lyrics. Jeet Gannguli has given it a very nice composition and to make it icing on he cake, this time it was Arijit Singh behind the mic who sung it beautifully.

Number 2: (Buleya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil): Apart from many other things, one thing that is mandatory in a Karan Johar's film is the celebration of music and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was a winner in this department once again. Almost all the songs of the movie were spontaneous hit but my favourite of the album is this excellently composed & sung Hard rock track Bulleya. The veteran music composer Pritam composed this high octane song which had some excellent sufi enriched lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and duo of Amit Mishra & Shilpa Rao sang it just perfect.

Best Song of 2015: (Sanam Re from Sanam Re): If it is a Divya Khosla Kumar's film, one thing is fore sure, it should have one of the best soundtracks of the year and Sanam Re proved it once again. The complete album was a bouquet of multi coloured flowers, multi aroma flowers and the title track itself was one of the best melodies that Bollywood produced this year. Penned & composed by the celebrated musician Mithoon, Arijit Singh gave his heart to croon the super sweet, heart warming melody.

Other songs that attracted me in the year 2016 were Aey Dil Hai Mushkil (Aey Dil Hai Mushkil), Lo Maan Liya (Raaz Reboot), Tu Hai (Mohenjo Daro), Hua Hain Aaj Pehli Baar (Sanam Re), Rehnuma (Rockey Handsome), Soch Na Sake (Airlift) and Bolna (Kapoor & Sons).

Hope you have liked my choice... You can also give your valuable feedback at the below box and tell which songs you liked in the year 2016.

EXCLUSIVE- Aymal Raza's Review on my Poetry Book MBMST...

MBMST Review by Ms. Aymal Raza...

Who does not know Ms. Aymal raza, when it comes to good reads in modern day Urdu literature especially thosae who are fond of reading good write-ups in digests acknowledge her prowess of her writing different stories in an altogether different style & dialect. She has written critically acclaimed "Tavvez-e-Hubb" a couple of years back and just recently she has finished her famous novel "Piyal Saaz" which was published in a leading dihest and liked by masses.

I had hte prestigious opportunity to present my debut book "Main Bekhayali Mein Sang tere..." to Ms. Aymal and requested her to review the same. I have no words to thank for her kindness that she did not only read my book completely but also reviewd the same. Believe me it really worked like oxygen to me.

Let me share her review on my book... Please read her kind words & feedback...

Namal (Mega Episode 29)- Mega Review by Shoby

Namal (Mega Episode 29)- Mega Review by Shoby

Have you seen a serial killer. My bad, I have only two pure examples. Dr Haanibal Lecters and Dexter Morgen. Have you seen how these psychopaths enjoy the prey while they kill. I believe Hashim Kardaar is the most eligible character to be enlisted in the list of next big cold-blooded murderer.  Without any further ado, lets connect to the the previous episode. Saadi is captured along with Ahmer in his flat and Zumer is abducted in the hotel's elevator.

This time, he has committed not be deceived by Hannibal. After an excellently written, full of adrenaline rush, action packed sequence (which reminded me of Late Sir Ishtiaq Ahmed's Inspector Jamshed/ Kamran Mirza) type of thrill, along with the indirect assistance of Sheru, the man of crisis Faris Ghazi has reached the location of Zumer and he has manged to save his wife this time. Faris is successful...  Hashim Kardaar was so wrong... Faris Ghazi has all the guts to safeguard his family women... so as I predicted #Zumer is safe & sound... (Shuker adaa kero Namalians)

Much more to come but unfortunately not a big shock to me. One pertinent character of Namal had to die in the episode and as I said in last review, that one character can never be Hashim, Faris, Zumer and Saadi at least at this point of time. She entered the Namal world quite silently and now she leaves with the same silent tone. Just like how Hannibal Lecters murdered Beverly Katz when she came to know about his reality, Hashim Kardaar has murdered Aabdar Haroon... Aabi is no more... RIP :-(

Loved this whole part of Aab e Zeedan as Nemrah writes it almost flawlessly. These scenes demanded action, thrill, mystery, shrewdness & straight forwardness and most importantly pace and not even a single ingredient was missing from all these scene...

At the start of episode #Checkmate we got to know that Ahmer & Saadi were released by the abductors after they reveals he secret regarding Kardaar's murder by Jawahiraat. Zumer asks Faris about The Qanun e Shahadat Order, 1984 and he feels like she has got some mental illness (Once again Nemrah managed to bring a smile in a damn tough condition. :-)

Jawahiraat's conversation with Hashim after she contacted Haroon Ubaid reminded me of one of the episodes of Penny Dreadful, where Evelyn (the witch) kills her own daughter when she returns with a failure of killing Ethan. 

Sheru asks Faris Ghazi to fulfil his promise of taking back Saadi's case but he refuses to do so.

Once again we witness all the relevant characters of Namal world in court room and Zumer saying, have a nice day to both Hashim and Sheru is telling something else. Haleema is in the witness box today and once again a commendable job by Zumer (Sorry) #NemrahAhmed on this intelligently written interrogation that took place between Zumer & Haleema. Even Faris is inspired... 

Sahibazadi tries to blackmail Jawahiraat by using the information disseminated by Ahmer & Saadi but Jawahiraat turns the table by already making up for the same, keeping both of her sons together.

I request my readers not to get bored of my repetitions where I am times & again saying how Hashim Kardaar resembles Dr. Hannibal Lecters. Hashim uttering the words Qatal mohabbat mien bhi hotey hain... Qatal majboori mein hotey hain... reminds me of nothing but the last episode of Hannibal Season 2 (Mizumono) when Hannibal tries to kill others along with his favourite friend come foe Will Graham. Brutal... Lethal... Dangerous... Atrocious... Compelled... and yes A Psychopath...

"Acha bhala main teesri shaadi kerney ke qabil ho raha tha"... After rescuing his wife and getting back to back jolts, if only one person in the planet has that rarest tendency to say something like this, he is no one else than Faris Ghazi. "Do larkiyan or bhi pasand thi... And he goes on to explain their details of his probable GFs... :p

Incredible... Isn't it... Multiple scenes simultaneously in one screen... Only Nemrah Ahmed can attempt something like this... Jawahiraat being interrogated in the witness box, Faris torturing Lab Assistant/ Doctor/ Lift operator and Hanna replying a two years old letter of Aleesha, Hanna & Saadi hacking a government website (Believe me Hanna's message regarding entry tests is really what I feel :-) ) and a 440 Wolt Shock, Haseena is betraying the residents of Morchaal. It seriously looks like watching a sleak noir movie.

Prosecution pleads for death penalty... And this is how Zumer sums up the prosecution and meanwhile Faris Ghazi has taken care of some real bad sectors of society. the crimes of whom have really shattered Faris in one way or another.

Hold on guys, Namal is not yet finished... Many more secrets remains to be revealed. Hashim himself has killed his father... No no, he has not killed Aurangzeb Kardaar. He has killed his genetical father Tayab Mutee (a cousin of Jawahiraat)... So technically speaking Hashim (jo sab theek ker diya kerta tha) the superlative Head of Kardaars in not a Kardaar himself... WOW... (Although, I am not really surprised by this twist but yes it was seriously a great one)...

Furious & enraged Hannibal has poured acid all over Evelyn's face...

Half justice have been done... More of the less is left... Bravo Namrah Ahmed for giving this self obsessed witch the treatment she literally deserved... Now waiting for the final round of Karadars vs Yousafs which is ultimately becoming something like Kardaars vs Kardaars...

Befikre- Film Review by Shoby

Befikre- Film Review by Shoby

3 Hearts out of 5

The director of blockbusters including DDLJ, Mohabbatein and Rab Ne bana Di Jori, Aditya Chopra is back with his latest directorial venture Befikre. This is the first time, when he has directed a film minus Shahrukh Khan and believe it or not, it really came to me as a shocker when he announced the film without SRK. This time, Ranveer Singh was on board along with Vaani Kapoor. Aditya has not only directed but also written and produced the film by himself. Lets see what he has this time for the audience.

With almost every other film starts like boy-meets-girl sort of situation, this time it is a little different. Here we see Dharam (Ranveer) & Shyra (Vaani) FIGHTING OUT LOUD and this big combat ends up with the announcement of their break-up. Meanwhile in the flashbacks, we see how the Delhi based Dharam arrived Paris (France) and woos Shyra courtesy his witty humorous nature.

Later on they decide to have a live-in relationship so that they can spend some quality time together and as in almost every other case, there starts the fights between them for various reasons and then they depart from each other, however they again meet to celebrate one year completion of their break-up after a few small episodes. Rest is left to be seen in the film.

First thing first, it is an out & out Ranveer's affair as he outshines through his very own bravura performance. He has played the role of a care free humor loving happy-go-lucky dude in a very believable manner. Vaani is decent in her avatar of French girl with typical Indian desi background. Other actors have also done a commendable job in their little capacities. Dialogues are fresh and one enjoy this youth-centred romantic drama courtesy honestly done awesome writing.

Although the climax is quite predictable and nothing new is discovered in the heart of the story, however writing never lets down and one hooks up quite well with the proceeding. Cinematography is brilliantly conducted by Kaname Onoyama and you get to see the most romantic city of the world through camera lens in an awesome manner.

The musical duo Vishal-Shekhar has given a nice sound track for the movie which blends beautifully with the on-goings. My picks from the album are Arijit Singh's Nashe Si Chadh Gayi and Je t'aime sung by Vishal Dadlani & Sunidhi Chauhan. To me, this film possess probably the best choreography of year 2017. One of the best choreographers that we have in today's Bollywood Vaibhavi Merchant has choreographed some awesome dance moves in all the tracks especially in Ude Dil Befikre, Nashe Si Chadh Gayi and Je t'aime.

Overall, this light romantic drama is worth a watch thanks to its nicely written fresh script, authentic acting by core cast and excellent music. 

OK Jaanu... Trailer Review by Shoby

OK Jaanu... Trailer Review by Shoby

More than a decade ago, veteran film maker Mani Ratnam made Tamil film Alaipayuthey which had the musical score by the Academy Award winner AR Rahman. Film went on to be a blockbuster. When they decided to remake it in Hindi, they engaged with them the legendary poet Gulzar & director Shaad Ali and the final product that came out in front of all of us was immensely loved Saathiya. Music, Compositions, Lyrics, Dialogues, Acting and almost everything about Saathiya was a class act and really deserved a standing ovation.

In 2015 Mani Ratnam made O Kadhal Kanmani (OK Kanmani) with the super successful music by AR Rahman and now the same team of Saathiya once again joined hands to remake it in Hindi titled as OK Jaanu. 

Trailer of the film is out and the movie is slated to release in January 2017. Starring the hit pair of Aashiqui 2 (Aditiya Roy Kapoor & Sharada Kapoor) the film also stars the veteran actor Naseer ud Din. Trailer of OK Jaanu is fresh, youthful, musical and warm.

Aditiya and Shrada makes an almost perfect on-screen couple with all the little naughtiness, innocence & warmth in their respective acts. Although trailer features glimpse of just one song OK Jaanu's Title track which is off course Gulzar sb's version of Mental Manadhil, one can expect the movie as a grand musical love drama with some excellent signature dialogues from Gulzar sb. 

Lahore Se Aagey- Movie Review by Shoby

Lahore Se Aagey- Movie Review by Shoby

3 Hearts out of 5

Looks like youth oriented road based comedies are getting popularity in quite serious volumes in Lollywood. Last year Wajahat Rauf gave us a nice road trip from Karachi Se Lahore which was a decently made comedy with some real great performances by the core cast. December 2016 saw the sequel of the movie tentatively titled as Lahore Se Aagey which is again directed and produced by Wajahat Rauf. With ARY Films backing up the project with some excellent promotions, this film was sure to garner handsome attention of the cine-goers. Let’s see what the film actually has in it for the viewers.

The most love character of Karachi Se Lahore "Moti" (Yasir Hussain) is back on the screen but this time his life is in real danger. One of his claimed-uncle's wife (Rubina Ashraf) has hired two goons to murder him so that he may not reach Swat, where the uncle (Behroz Subwari) is waiting for him to handover all his property to this innocent-plus stupid looking happy-go-lucky guy.

On the other hands, Tara (Saba Qamar) is just fed up of her complex relationship with her fiancé  She wants to pursue her career as a rock-star singer but her fiance is a big hindrance in achieving the objective. Luck makes the two protagonists meet each other and there starts a roller-coaster of laughter. What happens in between is left to be seen in the cinemas.

Coming directly towards the acting department, it was an out & out Yasir Hussain's product by every mean with Saba Qamar enjoying her due share of screen presence. The chemistry between the two, the dialogue delivery & timing is just near to perfect. Once can’t really stop himself from Laughing out Loud when Moti is delivering his dialogues in most uncertain of the conditions with practically no-holds bar.

Although there is nothing novel in the screenplay & story is quite mediocre but the film stands tall when it comes to delivering what it promised and that is loads & loads of sheer fun & entertainment. Writing is quite good and despite of the fact that few episodes were added without a solid purpose in the heart of the story, the film manages to get the viewers glued to the screen courtesy its appealing dialogues & top notch performances.

Cinematography & DOP is very good especially the concert scenes & beautiful northern part of Pakistan (Swat) is pictured beautifully. Editing is crisp and film's length is almost perfect. Director has made sure that the audience never gets bored from the on-goings.

Shiraz Uppal has given a nice soundtrack penned by Shakeel Sohail and it goes good with with the proceedings, however I am a bit unhappy as according to the story, when Saba was performing for the finals of singing competition, ending parts of the film was literally demanding a solid rock sad track. If they have added a good sad number there, it would have been a perfect blend of music & story. It is pertinent to mention here that mashup of already- hit songs was a treat for someone like me who is a big fan of Pakistani pop industry.

This film is full of special appearances. From pop icons Komal, Shiraz Uppal & Gauher to famous artist Ali Zafar & Noor ul Hassan, everyone present there just enhanced the overall value of the product.

Considering the fact that we are still in the rehabilitation status as far as our Lollywood industry is concerned, we can safely say that Lahore Se Aagey is a very nice effort and this franchise has the tendency to be further explored.

Dear Zindagi- Movie Review by Shoby

Dear Zindagi- Movie Review by Shoby

It looks like been ages since Shahrukh Khan has got a solid script. His recent releases like Happy New Year and Fan have seriously damaged the confidence of his fans over his script choices. Therefore much was at stake with this Red Chillies and Dharma productions, Gauri Shindes directorial Dear Zindagi. lets analyze, what the film actually had in it for the viewers.

Aliya has played a psychologically complex character, a cinematographer by professional who seems like being tired or trying relationships. Shahrukh works as his psychologist who givea her the sessions.

First thing first, 10 on 10 for both Srk and Aliya Bhatt for their flawless performances in the movie. Similarly Kunal Kapoor and other supporting actors were brilliant. However this slice of life cinema lacks a couple of most important ingredients especially pace.

Writing of the film has major loopholes and it lacks the power to hold the viewer for long.

Music of the film is just ordinary. Background score is good. Cinematography is crisp and goes well with the films theme.

If people like Sharmas and Shindes cant give Srk a strong script, I seriously believe its time to rethink and re-assess his moves #Srk...