Sunday, 13 December 2015

Dilwale Trailer 2- Review by Shoby

Dilwale Trailer 2- Review by Shoby

Rohit Shetty known for making mega blockbuster sheer masala entertainers literally shocked me with the second trailer of his upcoming SRK- Kajol starrer Dilwale.

Featuring (a portion of) Theme of Dilwale (by DJ Chetas) which actually is a signature DJ Chetas mashup of the album (Dilwale), the second trailer shows yet another side of the story. Although the prime focus is once again or Shahrukh Khan (and rightly so, as he is the main protagonist of the movie), this  trailer shows the more intense and grey side of the picture.

It apparently seems like a big revenge drama is all set to be revealed in cinemas with a strong writing embedded in the heart of the script. By far, the screenplay is looking like much convincing, although it will be clear when the film will be released.

Kajol also has a significant part to play in the second trailer and her role is now getting clearer. She is there to win the hearts once again, mark my words.

Releasing on December 18 this Friday opposite Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Bajirao Mastani, this competition is looking head to head magnum. 

Namal (Episode 17)- Novel Review by Shoby

Namal (Episode 17)- Novel Review by Shoby

Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here

Episode 17th starts of with a portion of Inferno (Hell) "Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here", a part of Dante Alighieri epic poem "Divine Comedy". In this translated version, Hell is depicted symbolically in conversation with the person who is just about to enter in it. It delivers a strong message of pain, punishment and grief.

Connecting right from where 16th episode concluded, a sort of panic was observes in the house after Faras Ghazi got arrested. After a bit motivational counselling by Zimer, Saim has become Usama- The Big Man, the guardian of the family and what a beautiful transition we have witnesses. Zimer and Hanna's reactions in front of Hashim Kardar were phenomenal when he comes to rescue them from police's raid .

Zimer tells Faras whether he likes it or not, she is going to plead his case and asks him to remain silent in front of the investigation team. Repetetive uettring "Under Article 13, I have the privilege to remain silent, Faras Ghazi is shown remained calm in the initial investigation.

Aabdar reaches Saadi for her interview (to NDE person) and when asks him to cooperate otherwise she is going to make him reveal the name of his advocate Saadi's first response is a signature Nimrah Ahmed's writing when he says, "Un jaadugaron ne Kaha, Aey MUSA (asws)! Pehley aap daley ge (asaa) ya hum dalen (rassiyan)". Beautiful!!!

The court scene (depicting the Katchehri's atmosphere) is so authentic and make belive that you naturally want to applaud Nimra for such a beautiful imagery. Thumbs up to Nimra for maintaining the stance of Hell overall (Mukhtalif zabaney, boliyan dardnaak, ghuseeley lehjey talaffuz, dard ki baaten)" from Inferno.

Even in most tense of the the situations, Nimra does not forget to produce that one liner, which brings a smile to the reader. Check what Ahmer thinks while meeting with Faras in Jail, "Prison Rights jaen jahanum mein... Arey in qaidion ko to ulta latka ker durrey marey janey Chahiye". I tell you the most lively and colourful character of Namal is the one and only Ahmer. No one else can think about planting (tortoise) to capture someone.

Once again Saadi is shown having a conversation with ALLAH while reading Sura e Namal. This time I got the lesson that "ALLAH PAK humain naimaton se is liye nahi nawazta ke hum naik hotey hain, balkay is liye nawazta hai ke hum in ke baad bhi naik rehtey hain ya nahi".

Scene where Zimer gets cut on her hand and utters a monologue in front of Faras is undoubtedly one the best scenes of this whole novel. Love, Anger, Care and what not was present there. Numerous human emotions are superbly depicted by Nimra in one sequence. Hats Off.

Shiza gets another life as she comes out of coma but she is shown in same horrific trance. "Tumhain pata hai, duniya  mein kitni awazen hoti hain", Shiza's lines beautifully elaborated the grief and sadness of tha traumatised girl. It made us feel the pain and agony people like her go through.

A wonderful surprise in the episode was the Hanna's response to Saim, "Zeyada Jehan Sikander banney ki zarorat nahi hai". Reminded me of Nimra's blockbuster Jannat Ke Pattay.

Novel has yet another exciting rather chilling end, where Saadi reveals Hashim in front of Jawahir Kardar that Hashim's father was actually murdered and Col. Khawar was the culprit behind the crime. Meanwhile, reactions of Jawahir were something to watch out.

Overall, this episode had a visible stamp of Nimra Ahmed's writing. Whole episode was beautifully engaged with threads woven in the premise of "Aadmi Ke Do Dil"... No one has two hearts so one has to stick with only side of the story. You can either be with good or evil, not with both of them simultaneously.

Saturday, 12 December 2015

Non Lip Sync Songs in SLB's Films- An Exclusive Feature by Shoby

Non Lip Sync Songs in SLB's Films- An Exclusive Feature by Shoby

Legendary director Sanjay Leela Bhansali sb is all set to release his dream project Bajirao Mastani on December 18, 2015. My last exclusive feature about Bhansali sb was about the usage of word "Chaand" in his movies. Thank you all for liking the feature. Those of you who could not read it earlier can read it here ( http://shobywood.blogspot.com/2015/12/chaand-legacy-continues-in-slbs-film.html ).

Today let us explore yet another dimension from the directorial projects of the legend. There is a custom that every SLB movie contains at least one song in which there is no lip syncing. Artists do not utter the lyrics of the song and the picturization is done through only non verbal communication portrayal and the impact is created by artist's gestures and overall ambiance.

Khamoshi- The Musical (SLB's first direction) witnessed Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala winning hearts of everyone by their serene gestures in 90s hit Bahon Ke Darmiyan. It was one of the most favorite romantic tracks of its time and is still cherished by those who love good music

SLB's mega blockbuster musical drama (Hum Dil De Chukey Sanam) gave us a gem in the form of Ankhon ki Gustakhian, a love ballad no one and literally no one can forget. Marvollously sung by Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy, this song turned out to be an epic. Aishwarya Rai's flawless performance and Salman Khan's naughty moves made it an epic for sure.

SLB's saga Devdas brought Bairi Piya, exceptionally sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Udit Narayan. This time Aishwarya was paired opposite king of romance Shahrukh Khan and they truly lit fire on the screen with their sizzling chemistry. Once again there was no lip syncing and only presenters were artist's gestures, choreography and art direction.

Saanwarya the greatest ever film witnessed Jaan-e-Jaan. One of those songs that I personally love the most. The passion and sort of insistence shown by Ranbir Kapoor in this song is what makes it stand out from the lot. Beautifully composed by Monty Sharma and penned by Sameer, this one was a real SLB song by every mean.

Guzaarish was although an off-beat movie but it featured a track Tera Zikr, in which first time ever Ball Dance was displayed in Bollywood. Jazz and Ballet dance forms were used in the sequences where Hrithik was shown doing different magic tricks. No doubt, it was one of the most difficult song of Bollywood as far as choreography is concerned.

Goliyon Ki Raasleela- Raam Leela was all about love and passion and same was shown in track Lahoo Munh Lag Gaya. With Garba at its best, this was a typical SLB kind of song, where we witnessed colors and dances all over. Deepika Padukone stunned everyone through her eye gestures and facial expressions in this song.

Coming to the upcomingg film of Sanjay Leela Bhansali (i.e. Bajirao Mastani) I feel Aaj Ibadat or Ayat would be that musical number in which lip syncing is (most probably) not used. I can be wrong however it is just a speculation from my end as a die hard fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. However the secret will be recvealed on December 18, when world witness Bajirao Mastani making waves in thaters.

The Legend of Tarzan (2016)- Trailer Review by Shoby

The Legend of Tarzan (2016)- Trailer Review by Shoby

We have been grown up reading stories and watching films/ cartoons based on the legends of the strangest fictional character ever, Tarzan. One who lives in a jungle as the undisputed king and befriends with the beasts living there. Jungle, which is a name of terror and fear for many is a home for this mighty creation.

From the Harry Potter fame (David Yates) coming your way in next year (2016) is yet another version of Tarzan, another untold story that was left to be explored. Although premises are same, but this episode of Tarzan's life is looking a bit different, as far as story is concerned.

With  Alexander Skarsgård playing the protagonist (Tarzan), the trailer of this film has given such a marvelously intense look of the film that you cannot help but to just fell in love with the ongoing. Scene after scene, you desire for more. This is what an excellent trailer is all about.

Sequences showing an army of apes look stunningly realistic. Special Effects in the movie are looking much convincing and by seeing the trailer, one expects a grand affair overall.

Looking forward to this movie in 2016.

WALI (Sumaira Hameed)- Fiction Review by Shoby

WALI (Sumaira Hameed)- Fiction Review by Shoby

Sumaira Hameed (Yaaram fame) is quite unique in the "Afsana" (fiction) genre as well. She always comes up with different concepts and picks unorthodox style of writing, which makes her products look stand out.

While reading Wali, I was constantly thinking about her another Afsana "Aalam e Lahoot" that got published in monthly digest Shuaa in June 2014. Although premises of both fictions are entirely different from each other but treatment for both remains the same.

Wali engages you with the very first line. Set in Caira (Kahira) the capital of Egypt which is famous for historical places, the use of word "gher hanoot shuda bazaaron" sets the tone for you just at the beginning. You get to know that something big is coming your way and while you proceed further, a new horizon opens up for you at each and every step.

Not making a mesh of the sub-plots, Sumaira has kept the basis simple enough to ensure that the reader may not get distracted. Some dialogues give you a feeling that you are dealing with some mystic sort of literary work, just as in the case of Aalam e Lahoot.

With every single dialogue a treat for the readers and by  displaying only a few incidents to bring up the whole story in a concrete and meaningful end, Wali is a winner by all means. It literally takes you in a journey where mysticism meets with the daily life of a normal human being. With a strong social message in the heart of it, Wali is there to win the hearts. Well done Sumaira...

I believe you will surely come up with more of such beautiful literary works in future as well.

My pick from the Afsana:

"Tum ne aisi quwwat kahan se hasil ki"?
"Tum kis quwwat ki baat kar rahey ho"?
"Jaan se piyarey ko chor deney ki... Aik insan ke ehtaram ke badley, apney mehboob ko chor deney ki"...

Yaaram (Sumaira Hameed- Novel Review by Shoby

Yaaram (Sumaira Hameed- Novel Review by Shoby


(A Social-Romantic Novel with all shades of life...)

Its been five odd months that I have read Yaaram and now I feel like writing a review on it. What tempted me to review it is something even I cant figure out. So just skipping this truly unnecessary question, lets go right through the anatomy of the novel.

Sumaira Hameed is not new when it comes to digest writing. Although she was associated with some nice writing pieces earlier but to me Yaaram is something that made her "The Sumaira Hameed" for the readers. Yaaram is a tale of a simple girl Amraha who is considered as anything but lucky and a boy Aliyan a happy go lucky chap, who loves to spread love.

After getting almost infuriated with her family (and attempting suicide), Amraha admits that no one considers her competent enough to live like others do and just consider her a bad luck charm. She decides to study abroad after her Dada (grand father) asks her to make her name by progressing in the field of study, so that one day everyone believes she is as good as they are (or even better). She applies and luckily gets a chance to study in Manchester University (England). There she meets Aliayan who was adapted by Lady Mahr (woman with a golden heart, who has adapted many of the kids).

Apart from Aliyaan, she also gets to meet (read regrets by meeting) Carl (arch-rival and best foe friend of Aliyaan). Carl, a problem creator, who can do everything to make your life miserable and you would not mind dying if you have been given a chance to whether live with Carl or die. MU (Manchester University) also made Amraha meet with Veera (a solid powerful Russian girl), Sai (your true friend and free adviser indeed) and many more colourful characters.

Question must be arising in your minds, how come Yaaram is different from other novels. Let me tell you one thing, I have not read anything of this much fun where campus life of an international educational institute of this grand nature is elaborated so beautifully. From "Tweet me" (a way to borrow food from other students) to fresh student's ragging, from sports week to exam fever, you can enjoy almost every colour of MU campus. Yaaram also acquaints you with struggling life of the students that come from various countries. Sumaira has succeeded in highlighting core issues that foreign students have to confront while keeping the flavor of fun and entertainment at its heart. This is what makes Yaaram literally stand out.

Considering the fact that it featured in a digest  as an episodic novel, its surprisingly fresh idea depicted in such a wonderful manner has made Yaaram a real master piece. It contains those solid intense moments when Aliyaan totally ignores Amraha and ultimately Amraha leaves forgetting words like "fun and enjoyment" in life. At the same time, it brings those really cheerful episodes, when Aliyaan brings a home-made cake on the birthday of Lady Mahr

Yaaram shines when it gives us those red romantic moments between Amraha and Aliyaan and Yaaram gets melodramatic, when Amraha leaves Aliyaan speechless by not accepting her proposal for the first time. You literally want to kill the evil genius Carl (who reminds you of the Jerryon his notorious activities and also want to have someone as good listener as Sai was.

Yaaram has some fantastic dialogues, some of them you would probably not forget in your whole life. I want to quote few of my most favourite dialogues/ monologues from the novel here, just to give you a teaser of what it really has in store for you:

"Amar or Maran... Zindagi do lafz hai... Amar "yaar" ka hona... Maran us ka na hona..."

"Khud ko khatm kr dene k hazaro tariqo me se mohabbabt ko sb se akhir pr bhi na rakhey... Zinda dargor honey k liye kisi or jazbey ka intkhab karey..."

"Sochain adhi khushi nigal leti hain or insan ko puri khushi milti hi kahan hai ke woh adhi ko bhi kho de..."

"Woh aik khoobsurat larki thi, us per muskurahat sajti thi... Woh aik khoobsurat mard tha, apni muskurahat gan'wa raha tha..."

I can never forget this one conversation between Amraha and Dada:

"Dada: Kon hai woh?
 Amraha: Dost
 Dada: Kharabi dosti se hi shuru hoti hai.
 Amraha: Nahi... Kharabi ghuttan se shuru hoti hai."

Philosophy used by Sumaira Hameed in Yaaram is classic and what makes Yaaram even more exceptional is the beautiful use of Persian poetry and quotes. It never looks like exaggerated or inserted in the script just to make a phenomenon out of it. Every dialogue and quote is so calculated that you have no other option except to enjoy the proceedings.

Yaaram has an end that will surely bring smile to its readers. How beautifully Sumaira has changed the gears from Manchester, England to Lahore, Pakistan. Scene where Aliyaan takes a selfie in the Chang-Chee Rickshaw and uploads it on Facebook with tagline "Chaand Gaari" is excellent.

I believe canvas of Yaaram is so vast that one single review cannot do full justice with all the colours of the novel. We cannot thoroughly portray the beauty of Yaaram in a single writing, as we cannot elaborate each and every sequence. No doubt, Yaaram has many other scenes as well that have the tendency of either making your eyes go moist or make you feel warm in love. It can make you cry and also make you laugh out loud on literal notes.

Overall, Yaaram is something a reader should never miss out. I honestly feel, it should be translated in other languages as well, so that more and more audience can read and know that good work in Urdu literature is still going on. I firmly believe Yaaram has the tendency of being converted into a powerful screenplay for TV or Cinema product. Hats Off to Sumaira Hameed for writing such a master piece.

Ishq Jo Asraar e Azam hai... Dastan e Yaar... Yaaram...

PS: Dont forget to comment in the  below mentioned box.

Wednesday, 9 December 2015

Aab e Hayat (Episode 14)- Novel Review by Shoby

Aab e Hayat (Episode 14)- Novel Review by Shoby

Aab e Hayat was slow in the initial stages especially where domestic issues between Salaar and Amama were in focus. Then Congo episode took a lot of time to be concluded in a proper manner. At times, it went on to be a bit exaggerated as well, however now the novel is right back on track and Umera Ahmed is handling the primary plot nicely.

Episode 14 started of with the hilarious conversation of Humain with the family. This Kid, no doubt is an evil genius and upbringing of this "specie" of children is much more than the word difficult. Same is beautifully depicted by Umera Ahmed as she has shown certain excellent reactions of Amama and Salaar, while dealing with Humain.

In this episode, we got a bit more to know about the latest entrant Chunni, which is named as "Raeesa Salaar" after being formally adapted by Salaar (on Humain's discretion). As I said a couple of months earlier, Chunni has a major role to play in the coming episodes. Amama comes to know the actual price of the ring gifted to her by Salaar and once again thinks that he loves her like no one else could do.

As revealed at the end of the last episode, Slaar has been diagnosed with Brain Tumor, this episode further elaborated it and it comes to know that he is diagnosed with "Oligodendroglioma" a life threatening disease and therefore he looks worried in front of his family. meanwhile, he is all prepared to leave World Bank and rejects the offer to be their first ever Muslim President.

While preparing for the Spelling Bee contest on internet, Jibreel gets to know about his father's disease and is in a thinking phase whether to tell his mother about the same or not.

Overall, this episode did not took the story much further and we are standing right at the same place where we were at the end of last episode. As no further exceptional event has been found in the episode, therefore no fabricated or hard hitting dialogues were used . Umera Ahmed has tried to keep the things straight and simple.

To me, highlight of this episode was the Skype conversation between Salaar and Jibreel. This is where we get to see typical Umera Ahmed's style of writing.

My favourite monologue from this episode, "Woh aik bhayanak ahqeqat ke ander betha aik khoobsurat khawab dekh raha tha."

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Seysh Hashia (Episode 9)- Novel Review by Shoby

Seyah Hashia (Episode 9)- Novel Review by Shoby

Good thing about Seyah Hashia is its brisk pace. Saima Akram Choudary is successfully moving the story ahead, while giving us the glimpses from the past in a convincing manner as well.

In episode 9, we have seen Hashim and Bakhtawar have moved to Lahore and resides with one of Hashim's friend where the friend's mother tells Bakhtawar that she has taken a wrong decision and she will regret it.

After passing Intermediate with distinction, Oreeda takes admission in the same medical college where Arsam is studying. Initially their Arsam and Ureeda were having hidden anger and grudges and their emotions were quite visible but both of them become friends again after clarifications.

Another angle from the past is going to be revealed in upcoming episodes, as this time, we have seen some incidents from the childhood of Taimoor and Beenish. A village girl Bindya comes for studies and resides with Beenish and they become friends.

Maheer tells Shanzay that he will make an ad for her but she has to make a promise that it would be her first and last appearance in an ad. Shanzay accepts it and gives the same to him in writing.

Episode ends with another twist, where Adeena and Oreeda happens to be room-mates in hostel in the medical college.

As stated earlier, pace of the episode was good and author is quickly heading towards conclusions. As it was more of a situational based episode so dialogues were also kept simple and they went nice with the proceedings. Saima Akram did not try anything extra to make things look exaggerated or artificial. This is why, it the events looked natural and attention of the reader is not diverted.

Chaand Legacy Continues in SLB's Film- Exclusive Feature by Shoby on Musics of Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is known as a perfectionist in Bollywood has always given special emphasis on the music of his projects. Right from Khamoshi- The Musical till his upcoming saga Bajirao Mastani, he has given us some truly unforgettable melodies. Another unique thing about his film's music is the use of word "Chaand" (moon). Apart from Black (which was almost song-less with the exception of just one thematical track Haan Main Ne Chu Ker Dekha Hai), many of his films have got at least one song in which the word chaand has been used.

No one can forget one of the best musical romantic drama Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam released in late 90s. All of the songs of the movie became instant hits and its musical score won many awards and nominations in award shows. Like other songs, "Chaand Chupa Badal" became a rage right from the beginning. Beautifully composed by Ismail Darbar and exceptionally penned by Mehboob, this love ballad has always been on the top of the most favorites list of many of us.

In Devdas, once again Ismail Darbar stunned us all with his compositions and one of them titled, "Woh Chaand Jaisi Larki" became an instant hit. It was a beautiful blend of love, passion and sadness. Penned by Nusrat Badr, this song was the highlight of Devdas and the movie emerged as a clear winner in award shows. Its musical score was not only critically acclaimed but was also became famous in masses, showing the strength of its beauty and originality.

In Saanwarya, the all times cult classic, Bhansali sb gave chance to Monty Sharma, who spell bound us with some of the most soothing and stunning compositions of all times. Sameer joined Bhansali sb for the first time for the lyrics. The song "Dekho Chaand Aya" (Yun Shabnami) was not only beautifully written, composed and sung, it was choreographed like nothing else. No points in guessing, it is one of my all time favorite.

Guzaarish had the song, "Chaand Ki Katori" written by Vibhu Puri. It was solid but went almost unnoticed. Reason behind that it was a situational track and did not featured in the film as a mainstream song.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali composed the whole sound track of his first 100 cr grosser Goliyon Ki Raasleela- Raam Leela and yet again stunned us with some excellent melodies. Siddharth–Garima were on the board this time to do the lyrics and they have done the job effectively. Poorey Chaand Ki Aadhi Raat sung by Shail Hada was a beautiful track and although not featured in the movie but was regarded as a good composition.

And now in 2015, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has returned with his dream project Bajirao Mastani. How was it possible that the music album of this film goes without the use of word "Chaand". So the track Pinga witnessed the line "Mere angna mein dekho aaj khila hai Chaand". This Marathi flavor song is written by Siddharth–Garima and sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Vaishali Made. It looks like a dance song but in its heart is hidden a deep feeling of sadness and passion of love and associated emotions. Deepika and Priyanka the leading ladies of the movie have given their 100% in the performance.

So we can say that SLB's love for word Chaand continues and the legacy is endless... :-)

Dilwale- Music Review by Shoby

Dilwale- Music Review by Shoby

3.25 Hearts out of 5

When India's most successful director Rohit Shetty joins hands with one of the finest musician Pritam and that too for a Shahrukh-Kajol movie, expectations touch the optimum level. Dilwale is undoubtedly one of the most awaited film of the year and so does its musical score.Lyrics for all the tracks are penned by super talented Amitabh Bhattacharya. Almost all the tracks (except 2 songs) are sung by Arijit Singh. Below is the analysis of each track.

Album starts with Gerua. Rohit wanted a romantic number to match up with the legacy of SRK-Kajol's hit romance (especially like Sooraj Hua Madham from KKKG). Gerua has almost the same feel of romance. Arijit and Antara has sung this beautiful melody sweetly. It should be the highlight of the movie.

Manma Emotion Jaage is a foot tapping number, arranged superbly by Pritam. Amit Mishra, Anushka Manchanda and Antara Mitra have sung it nicely. Some catchy lines are there to make the presence felt. Tera Jalwa dekha to dil hua Milkha, bari tezz bhaagey rey... Using "Milkha" as a proverb is unique and interesting.

My favorite from the whole album- Janam Janam. One of those melodies you love to listen even 1000s of times. Arijit in his unorthodox husk has made this song a grand endeavor- a beautiful love ballad. It has one of the best lyrics of this whole year.

Tukur Tukur- sung by Arijit seems to be a situational track and may work better while in the proceedings. It is a masty track, in which the boy is showing his (so-called) anger and at the same time love against the tantrums of his loved one.

Daayre is the emotional number of the album, which tells about the sadness and grief of the lovers. It has some touchy lines that will surely go well in the film. Lines like Hai Kiyo Faasley Darmeyan Le Ke Aey Re... Daayre are soothing. Guitar is used superbly in the track.

Premika (sung by Benny Dayal and Kanika Kapoor) is another dance masty number. Benny is such a wonderful singer who was a find of great AR Rehman sb in Yuvraaj, however we does not get to listen him so often and it is a pity. Kanika Kapoor is the bindaas princess of item numbers in today's nusic world and Pritam has used her capabilities very well.

Album ends with Theme of Dilwale done by the best DJ in town DJ Chetas. Its a mashup with DJ Chetas written over all it. The high voltage transitions used in his very own style by DJ Chetas are passionate and this bouquet of songs brings out the true beauty of the whole album.

All in all, Dilwale has just a nice mix of soft and fun melodies and it is one of the better albums launched this year.

Monday, 7 December 2015

Bajirao Mastani- Music Review by Shoby

Bajirao Mastani- Music Review by Shoby

4 Hearts out of 5

Just got to listen all 10 tracks from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming magnum opus Bajirao Mastani. I am reviewing music after a little break, so advance apologies, if I go over the board. J  First thing first, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been a ghost musician for many of his tracks in his earlier movies, however he became visible as the main composer in his last movie Goliyon Ki raasleela- Raamleela and gave us a beautiful musical score. This time too, he decided to compose the whole album by himself.  Let us see, track by track, how these songs have turned out for the listener.

Deewani Mastani is no doubt the best song of the album. It is one of those tracks that stays with you even after it is ended. Sung magnificently by the nightingale Shreya Ghoshal, this track tells the story of how passionate Mastani is for Bajirao. With a touch of Sufi and Qawali ang and beautiful use of Sitars and chord instruments, it takes you in another journey altogether.

In his last hit RaamLeela, Bhansali sb joined hands with latest sensation Arijit Singh and gave us one of the best tracks of his filmography titled "Yeh Laal Ishq". In Bajirao mastani, he has once again brought Arijit behind the mic who crooned a sweet slow melody "Ayat". Beautifully written by A. M. Turaz, this one also has the touch of Sufi and Qawali genres.

Malhari is a victory celebration song, where the supporters of Bajirao are dancing in joy and chanting slogans after getting a crucial victory over his opponent in a battlefield. Vishal Dadlani has sung it in his unique solid powerful style, depicting the passion in the right volume, needed for the situation.

Winner of National Film Award for Best Choreography Pandit Birju Maharaj comes together with Shreya Ghoshal and gave us a beautiful classical number "Mohe Rang Do Laal". It has a feel of Kaahey Cher Cher Mohe and Dhai Shaam (from Devdas) and Mohey Panghat Pe (from Mughal e Azam). We don’t get to listen this type of pure classical melodies in today's era more often. As this genre is explored so rarely now a days, that’s why it is my favorite track from the album and can’t wait to see, how (most probably) Deepika will dance on this beautiful composition.

Bhansali sb gave us an epic "Albela Sajan" in his second directorial venture "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam". Ustad Sultan Khan with Shankar Mahadevan and Kavitha Krishnamurthy almost immortalized the song and it became one of the cult pieces of music in Bollywood. Bhansali sb has re-done this track in the fim now. This time, it is more of a chorus track and will surely make its presence felt in the movie, when it will get played during the proceedings.

Ab Tohe Jane Na Doongi sung by Payal Dev, Shreyas Puranik is another classical track beautifully amalgamated with some modern and traditional musical instruments. It feels like thematically in nature and will becoming more meaningful, when plays with the situation in the film.

Pinga is the dance song, everyone was excited for. In Devdas, SLB made Madhuri and Ash dance like no one else could do in Dola Re Dola. In Bajirao Mastani, Bhansali has made dazzling Deepika and stunning Priyanka dance in "Pinga" and both of them have tried up to their optimum level to match the same legacy, which Dole Re has created earlier. Shreya Ghoshal and Vaishali Made has sung it in excellent Marathi style.

Pakistani classical singer Javed Bashir has crooned Aaj Ibaadat. It is yet another track of the album, with a mix of Sufi and classical music. Use of Sitar in this particular track is more than exceptional.
Fitoori, sung by Vaishali Made is a pure Maraathi composition. It looks like being highly inspired from one of the classical Marathi track "Mala Gau Ja Na Ghari". I enjoyed the track as it is such a new addition in the music of mainstream Bollywood’s film music.

Ganjana is the last track of the album crooned by Sukhwinder Singh. It is a devotional track and sung with the same passion and power which was required in it.


Overall, this album has something for almost everyone. My picks are Deewani Mastaani, Ayat and Mohe Rang Do Laal.