Mayawati lifts ban on Aaja Nachle

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Saturday decided to lift the ban imposed on Madhuri Dixit's comeback film "Aaja Nachle" following an apology by producer Yash Chopra who has also decided to remove the objectionable parts of the title song's lyrics.Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh told IANS: "We have just received a formal apology from Yash Chopra, who has agreed to not only remove the objectionable portions from the title song but has also assured us that he will not use those lines in any of his future films.

"In view of the apology and his assurance, the state government has decided to lift the ban. Movie halls will begin screening the movie by Saturday evening," Singh added.The state government had Friday banned the screening of the film following objections by Dalit leaders who had alleged that the title song made derogatory insinuations against the community.Shailesh Khanna, the principal secretary to the chief minister, had Friday said: "The title song contains an objectionable reference to a particular Dalit community. This is against the spirit of the Indian constitution.""Bazar mein machi hai maramar; bole mochi bhi khud ko sunhar" (There is so much chaos in the market that even a cobbler is calling himself a jeweller) was the objectionable line of the title song.Trouble first erupted when Udit Raj, who heads the Indian Justice Party, Friday led a demonstration in front of a movie hall in New Delhi where the film was being screened.
Source:IANS

The Rock passes 'Kingdom' at box office

Note: Source is taken from MSN...

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had the winning game plan at the box office. Disney's 'The Game Plan,' starring Johnson as a football quarterback whose bachelor lifestyle is disrupted by the arrival of a daughter he never knew he had, opened as the top weekend flick with $22.7 million.

The weekend had looked like it would be a showdown between 'The Game Plan' and Universal's Middle East thriller 'The Kingdom,' which stars Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner as members of a U.S. team investigating a terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia.

But 'The Kingdom' fell short, debuting at No. 2 with a solid $17.7 million.

The previous weekend's top movie, Sony's action tale 'Resident Evil: Extinction,' fell a steep 66 percent from its opening-weekend gross, finishing in third place with $8 million and raising its total to $36.8 million.

Johnson was the latest action hero aiming to broaden his audience with a family film. With a PG rating, 'The Game Plan' took advantage of a long dry spell for kid-friendly movies, as parents with children made up two-thirds of the audience.

"There was definitely pent-up demand for people who don't necessarily want to go to the heavy R-rated films," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney. "The entire general audience has been underserved lately."

'The Kingdom' faced heavy competition from other violent R-rated films, among them '3:10 to Yuma,' 'The Brave One' and 'Eastern Promises.' Though not an overtly political film, 'The Kingdom' also had to test audience interest for action tales set against the war on terrorism.

If you're going to tell stories like this, you're going to tell stories of what's actually going on in our world. It's very difficult, challenging subject matter," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal. "Either you're going to like this kind of movie or you're not."

In limited release, Fox Searchlight's 'The Darjeeling Limited' opened strongly, taking in $140,000 at two New York City theaters on Saturday and Sunday, following its premiere Friday at the New York Film Festival.

Directed by Wes Anderson ('The Royal Tenenbaums'), the film stars Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman as brothers on an odyssey across India.

Focus Features' World War II saga 'Lust, Caution' also did well in its debut at one New York City theater, taking in $61,688. From director Ang Lee ('Brokeback Mountain'), the NC-17-rated 'Lust, Caution' features scenes of explicit sex as a Chinese woman goes undercover in a plot to kill a man collaborating with invading Japanese forces.

Both films expand to more theaters Friday. It was the second straight weekend that Hollywood business was down after a summer of record revenue. The top 12 movies took in $76.7 million, down 11 percent from the same weekend last year, when 'Open Season' was the No. 1 movie with $23.6 million.

"What goes up must come down," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "It would be really difficult to maintain three, four months of up box office, so this was kind of inevitable. It was quite a strong fall last year, so we're having a little trouble competing."

Please leave your valuable comments friend...

Om Kara music review

Omkara - A Rare Masterpiece

Vishal Bharadwaj is one of the most underrated music composers of Hindi Film Industry. Maachis, Satyaand Maqbool are priceless gems emerging from his musical stable. It was conjectured that after turning Director, he may lose interest in his prowess as a music composer of eminence. But as I listened to his latest directorial offering Omkara, my belief in him as a master creator of amazing melodies was reaffirmed. In todays time when one reads a Shankar-Ehsan-Loy interview, they are referring to their work in terms of Himesh Reshamiyas volumes of hits. Vishal Bharadwaj is not into that rat-race. And he is not desperate to impress anyone. It shows in his music. For a discerning listener, Omkara CD is a collectors item. Gulzars lyrics is an added bonus as the manner in which he weaves the sheer rusticity with human plight is nothing short of brilliant.

Title track Omkara is already creating waves. In days to come, you shall be hearing a lot of it on every street corner with little children imitating Sukhwinder Singhs out-of-the-box singing style. Its not your usual song, for its interwoven in a narrative story telling manner. Maybe, reminiscent of the title track of Mangal Pandey at the level of the idea. But Omkara has its own idiom and unique style. Gulzars writing carries vignettes of the language of the cow belt. Rhythm arrangements by Nitin Shankar are a mix of Dhapli, Bass and Snares. The music section in the middle is an eclectic mixture of male backing vocals, Ektara, acoustic guitar and Opera Strings. The rhythm pattern changes gears in the middle and raises the tempo signifying the extreme nature of the protagonist Omkara. After listening to hundreds of ordinary songs, this one surprises with its unpredictability. A Brilliant Song!

O Saathi Re Din Doobe Na, Aachal Din Ko Roke, Dhoop Ke Peeche Dode Chaanv Chue Na In O Saathi Re, the soft murmur of a guitar, like the wet-with-dew-morning makes you take a deep breath of calmness. Shreya Ghoshals silken warm voice tremulously gels with the bass-ignited-soft-rhythm pattern. The real surprise follows when you hear Vishal singing the male lead with the tenderness of a potter weighing his clay while making a vessel of a lifetime. Even his breath sound adds a dash of romance to this song between the cosy confines of a couple rejoicing in their world of isolation after the hurricane of troubles. Chennai String Orchestra efficaciously traverses the skies of abstract luminosity while Chintoo Singhs acoustic guitar hits all the right chords. If soothing music with illuminating lyrics defines your music, then youd love to play this song again and again.

Na Ghilaaf Na Lihaaf Thandi Hava Bhi Khilaaf Sasuri, Ho Itni Sardi Hai Kisi Ka Lihaaf Layi Le Ja Padosi Ke Choole Se Aag Layi Le.. Beedi Jalayi Le. Its UP Bihar time guys. Remember the raucous Shilpa Shetty item number in Shool. Well, the flavor is the same and is bound to be a big hit with the front benchers. The choice of singers in Sunidhi Chauhan and Sukhvinder Singh is perfect. For their uninhibited, unpretentious and irreverent singing depicts the uncouth elements this song is visually meant for. Rambunctious tabla-dholak rhythm pattern winks at the inebriated-with-celebration backing vocals. Electric guitar rhythm pattern is immediately followed by a Harmonium piece. Vishals music takes the unpredictability route yet gain. And one is thrilled at the end result. This Beedi is smouldering with stimulation.

Suresh Wadkars Jag Ja is a treat for all those who treasure goose-pimple-evoking-poetry and salubrious vocals. Its as if one is taking a solitary walk through the river of green fields having a sumptuous feel of the millions of flowers reveling in their pristine glory. A waterfall of Piano notes amalgamates with the golden butterflies of a nascent flute. The impish guitar squirrel mischievously scampers and then hides behind the tree of silence-n-bells. A song full of stunning imagery! Thank God, Suresh Wadkar is still around. Hope other music directors have the good sense to use his gold voice more often.

Main Chaand Nigal Gayi Ho Bheetar Bheetar Aag JaleRekha Bharadwaj sings in a typical pastoral style. Namak is a song that reeks of the salty countryside earthiness. Its the kind of song that one hears in village festival evenings in the open ground under the lamp of the moon as the cool breeze blows unattended. So, what kind of instruments one can expect in such a song: Harmonium inflections, lots of tabla, dholak, dhapli, live clapping, backing vocals and of course Rekhas vocals create an image of a local village singer-performer with hundreds of cheap bangles in her hands. And while she belts out the song, her face lights up with thousands of expressions, quivering of eyes and a naughty smile to add seasoning to this spicy fare. No, its not vulgar by any chance. Its sheer magic for those who enjoy countryside music.

Naina Thag Lenge.Dont trust your eyes. For they can rob you with their treachery! A drone resembling bass is heard throughout this song to add effect while electric guitar riffs as fillers add tension to the rhythm pattern. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan evocatively voices the mind of a man with doubts in mind especially when he touches the highest echelons of pitch. The vocals identify with the Rajasthani style of speaking Hindi. Niladri Kumars sitar playing is a highlight of this number. A study of mind, Naina may not find favours with everybody as it tends to get too abstract at times. For them who treasure their Jim Morrison and Bob Dylan, Naina will sound great on your I-Pod.

Laakad is a good song if you listen to it in isolation. But after listening to several songs following the same idiom, it is a song too many in this otherwise fabulous album. Rekha Bharadwaj sings soulfully as a boat tears the heart of a water bed to reach somewhere. Guitars by Hitesh and Clinton are adequately minimalistic, complimenting the snares-n-bass combination. Emptiness in life is exemplified by silences as the Chennai String Orchestra builds up a crescendo of emotions. As a song it touches your heart but it isnt drastically different from the basic sound of the album.

The last track of Omkara is called The Tragedie of Omkara. Its a short instrumental track wherein the sinister pitfalls of human mind are delineated upon. To be honest, theres nothing outstanding about it. In fact, I must say that Vishal seems to be impressed with Hollywood style of background score. After having kept the basic score earthy and rustic, it may have been fitting if he would have chosen a more Indianised theme music with a few Indian instruments here and there.

After completing writing about the eight tracks comprising the Omkara album, I must say, theres a sense of deja vu. For one doesnt get to listen to such fine music in the idiom of Hindi Film Music. It is different. It is original. Yes, it may not be totally mass oriented. Nor does it have any customary remixes. But as I had said in the beginning, Omkara is a collectors item for the discerning music lover. And it is definitely entertaining!

Plus Points: Superb songs

Om Shanti Om Music Review

Note: Source is unknown...

Are these expectations met? Well, very much as each of the seven unique tracks bring on a variety that makes Om Shanti Om a winner all the way.

It is a truly unconventional beginning to Om Shanti Om as instead of an expected Beat-one-Beat-two beginning from Vishal-Shekhar, one gets to hear a rather serene Aankhon Mein Teri which turns out to be an extremely soulful hear. On hearing it initially, it is the sheer different factor due to which it takes some time to follow the composition. But once you have heard it closely with lights switched off and no interference around you, Aankhon Mein Teri turns out to be an irresistible piece of melody that lingers on for hours.

There are number of factors which go in making Aankhon Mein a song that would be remembered for time to come. First and foremost it is the re-discovery of Vishal-Shekhar who create an unconventional tune that breaks the norms which they had themselves set for them. Furthermore, Vishal himself writes lyrics for this track which turns out to be a unique experience since it shows the sensitive romantic side of him. But the biggest of all is K.K. who showcases once again that he is THE most versatile singer who we have in the Bollywood musical scene today!

Well, those who love the dance numbers coming from Vishal-Shekhar dont have to wait for long with the arrival of Dard-E-Disco. This is the very track which is much talked about for Shahrukh Khans perfect-six-abs and unlike Aankhon Mein which grows immensely only after a few hearings, it is an instant hit from the GO. Reminding of the style, rhythm and the funk of Kaal Dhamaal [Kaal], Dard E Disco is a jump-on-the-dance-floor number which has a Persian touch to it even as overall feel of the song stays on to be Western.

From the title of the song, one would have expected Dard-E-Disco to belong to the 80s era with a Mithun hangover it but thats not the case as the song turns out to be pretty contemporary. Sukhwinder Singh is in his full elements for this track that has some spicy writing by Javed Akhtar saab. Marianne, Nisha and Caralisa come together for backup vocals who give the song a perfect disco feel. Later in the album arrives the remix version which makes for a justified presence due to the songs theme and keeps the entertainment alive.

One would have expected the graph of the album to at maximum stay steady after Aankhon Mine and Dard-E-Disco but to ones pleasant surprise, it shoots up amazingly with Deewangi Deewangi which hooks you on within first one minute itself. A sure shot chartbuster which could well have been the opening number for the films promotion, Deewangi Deewangi is what qualifies as a trademark number which could have been lapped up by Yash Raj Films or Dharma Productions.

Coming together of Shaan, Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahul Saxena (heard in Indian Idol) ensures that there is not a single dull moment in this instant-attention-grabbing track. Boasting of the innocence in melody that was witnessed in the 70s and now presented in the 21st century avtar with a fusion of qawalli, bhangra and western arrangements, Deewangi Deewangi that also incorporates the sound of Om Shanti Om would definitely lit up the screen when it is played. Its Rainbow Mix only confirms the thought as it helps in consolidating the sound of the song.

If you have ever been in love, you wouldnt have missed out the dancing-couple-on-a-glass-floor gift item that has a sweet sounding tinkling sound which compliments their moves! This is the sound that marks the beginning of Main Agar Kahoon which reminds one of the 60s era when songs like these were in vogue. Picturised on the likes of Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor, they were mostly sung by Late Mohd. Rafi.

This is the very reason why Sonu Nigam has been roped in to croon Main Agar Kahoon which required the kind of rendition which would succeed in getting you nostalgic about the music of the era gone by. With Shreya Ghoshal in tow who is just the right fit for a song belonging to this genre, Main Agar Kahoon gives a completely different flavor to the album by bringing some thehrav to it after a rocking outing experienced in last few songs.

Names like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma are good enough reasons to expect a quality offering from Vishal-Shekhar in the song Jag Soona Soona Lage. Written by guest lyricist Kumaar, this painful yet mellow track about separation has its beginning borrowed from the opening sound of Main Agar Kahoon. Both the singers are highly competent in this beautifully written number that shows an altogether different facet of the composer-duo. A track which has a thorough Indian base to it and makes for a passionate outing, expect it to make multiple appearance during the films narrative.

Its time for the world of Tohfa Tohfa Tohfa [Tohfa] as dhols and ghunghroos come together in unison to create the sound of late 70s and early 80s. With a Lakshmikant-Pyayelal patent all over Dhoom Taana, it is only consolidated further as Shreya Ghoshal sings the song in a style that was made famous by yesteryear singer S. Janaki in Jeetendra-Sridevi-Jaya Pradha films. Roping in of Abhijeet too seems to be done with a purpose since it only brings the nostalgia of Kishore Kumar in spite of no conscious effort by the singer to do so.

All through this vintage song, the dhol beats accompanied by the chorus of Dhoom Taana is hard to be missed though there is a shift in mood mid-way with rock-n-roll. Just recently there was news around Deepika Padukone shaking a leg with Sunil Dutt, Jeetendra and Rajesh Khanna, courtesy SFX. Well, Dhoom Taana seems to be just the candidate for that setting! A winner which should definitely have the house on fire as it unfolds on the big screen. Especially watch out for the crescendo towards the songs end.

Finally comes a track which seems to be set in accordance to the reincarnation theme of the film. Set as a tribute to Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha [Karz] with even the lyrics taking a cue from the classic track by Lakshmikant-Pyarelal, Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om is set in exactly the same story telling mode. The styling of this Shaan rendered track follows the same mode as one expects a high voltage dramatic narration when the song is on.

High on orchestra, Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om is an elaborate number which has a lot to convey through its lyrics by Javed Akhtar saab. With its mukhda based on the films theme music, the song makes an appearance again towards the end of the album. In its remix version as Dastaan - The Dark Side Mix, it is pepped up further with additional arrangements.

Another remix track which takes the album towards its completion is Om Shanti Om - Medley Mix which basically is an amalgamation of all the tracks from the film presented in a club-mix avtar. A good way to wind up the album. Finally comes a minute long theme piece which is titled Om Shanti Om - Themes. Played on a piano, it leaves a lasting impact even as one can revisit the sound in at least half the tracks in the album.

Credit must go to Farah Khan who mixes the commercial elements of the movie with an inherent class which she wanted to lay out in the soundtrack for Om Shanti Om. This is why a fine balancing act is done in the album with hardcore massy tracks like Deewangi Deewangi [best of the lot], Dhoom Taana and Dard-E-Disco presented along with touching tracks like Aankhon Mein Teri, Main Agar Kahoon and Jag Soona Soona Lage. And then there is always a Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om to bring the nostalgia of Ek Haseena Thi [Karz].

Om Shanti Om is easily one of the most complete scores by Vishal-Shekhar and Javed Akhtar.

Plus Points: good music

Happy Feet Movie Review

If you're half expecting just another talking-animals flick, 'Happy Feet' will blow you away. It's SO much better than the standard kiddie movie, and it features actual funny jokes, great music and a worthy message to boot.

Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood) is a misfit Emperor penguin smitten with Gloria (Brittany Murphy). But he can't find his heartsong (that unique voice that allows penguins to mate for life) and, instead, tap dances like Savion Glover (no coincidence, he choreographed all of Mumble's moves).

The penguin elders think his dancing is freakish, so they banish him from the community. He meets a group of Adelie penguins called the "Amigos," led by a Spanish-accented Robin Williams. The Amigos accept Mumble right away, and show him that his gift makes him cool, not an outcast. Rated PG What's in It for the Kids: Say what you will about Robin Williams, but animation is his forte.

His manic energy is perfectly matched for voice work, and his multiple characters (especially wise-cracking Ramon) are bound to send the under-10 crowd into spasms of giggles. The song-and-dance sequences are spectacularly fun, but it's the Adelie "amigos" that really steal the show. But for the record, please explain to your kids that not all Latinos talk that way -- please!

What's in It for You: Most animated movies rely on original music composed by pop stars hoping to score an Academy Award, but this one has a dozen recognizable hits (from Stevie Wonder's 'I Wish' to Queen's 'Somebody to Love' to Earth Wind & Fire's 'Boogie Wonderland') sung by the various penguins -- it's actually a good thing. Plus, all the mating jokes will go way over your kiddos' heads, but you'll get a kick out of 'em.

This might be one of the very few animated films where you'll laugh just as much, if not more, than the kids.

Redeeming Social Value: There are two main messages in the film, both of which are actually worth talking to children about: one, that we should embrace instead of ridicule those who are different from us and two, that we should all play closer attention to how our careless actions affect the environment.

You never know when that plastic six-pack holder will end up choking an adorable penguin. And lastly, while there's no inherent social benefit to tap-dancing, it's a lost art usually relegated to little girls and Rockettes. It would be so "accidentally cool" if more kids wanted to shuffle-hop-step after seeing Mumble channel Savion Glover



Plus Points: Good dances my penguins

Engrossing story

It is the adventure of four kids into the magical world of Narnia. The youngest of all Lucy stumbles into the world of Narnia, whose secret entrance is from the door in the wardrobe, in the Professor's house. She befriends the magical creature there, who protects her from the Witch of Narnia, thereby facing her wrath personally. Lucy takes her siblings into the world again, but knows of the fate of her friend and the danger in which they are from a other creatures. They also come to know about the prophecy and how Aslan is banished from the kingdom of Narnia...the ensuing sacrifice of Aslan of Lucy's brother and the battle for the kingdom is an engrossing tale...it is another series for children where fantasy takes the rein and takes a colourful course..the animation for the magical creatures is excellent, as is expected from the Walt Disney presentations....and the characters are wonderfully presented..

Plus Points: the story, the animation and the performances by the cast

A good thriller

Aankhen is a welcome break from the kitsch-ridden Bollywood masala flicks. It is adapted from Aatish Kapadia’s Gujarati play “Andhalo Pato,” (Blindman’s Buff) and is based on a novel and taut plot with commercial ingredients like songs and romantic-angles strewn in.

In addition, Vipul Shah’s imaginative and meticulous direction combined with Ashok Mehta’s stylish cinematography lends it a Hollywood potboiler look.

The story of a obsessed Bank employee to take revenge from the bank, which he once worshipped. Amitab's plan is to take revenge through the bank robbery...by three blind persons so that it may seem impossible for investigating the crime....His forced accomplice Sushmita Sen, who is a teacher in the blind school, and the ensuing recruting of three blind persons, and their training for the plan is the theme....the plan doesnt go as planned and the events that follow is the climax where Amitabh falls into the pit that he himself digs for the other three...the death of Paresh turns the other two against Amitabh,whom they sense as the person behind the plan, and they cleverly turn the tables over him....thereby instigating him...and make him appear as a mentally disturbed person. The plot and the movie are good and the actors also did a good job....the theme shows how even the best laid sinister plans fail...

Plus Points: the performances, and the theme

Minus Points: akshay kumar acting is pathetic

Mind will really blow after watching this movie

Hi Friends,

This is the most sucking performance of the actor & actress.Truth is stranger than fiction. And real stories sometimes have much more power than the fictitious ones. Mahesh Bhatt’s latest presentation ‘Woh Lamhe’ is no fanciful creation of an imaginative writer. It is rather an unraveling of the turbulent relationship that Mahesh Bhatt had with the late actress Parveen Babi.

While none but Bhatt can tell how authentic an account ‘Woh Lamhe’ is of his stormy affair with Babi, the movie does come across as a hard-hitting, complicated love story between an aspiring filmmaker and a schizophrenic actress.

The movie is multi-layered. It is the story of a woman who is gradually sucked into the whirlpool of her own madness. It is the tale of a man who fights against all odds to save the woman he loves and helplessly watches her go insane. It also takes a dig at the film industry where professional contracts and money takes precedence over a human being. And, last but not the least, it is Bhatt’s final farewell to the woman he loved and lost.

At the first glance, ‘Woh Lamhe’ seems like too mature a concept to handle for a 25-year-old director. But Mohit Suri, with guidance from his mentor Bhatt, handles the theme with remarkable sensibility and sensitivity. The movie doesn’t make us feel pity for the ultra-phobic female protagonist. We rather feel empathy and sympathy for a woman who has no control over her unfortunate fate.

Kangana Ranaut plays actress Sana Azim, who is at the prime of her acting career. Shiney Ahuja plays an out-of-work filmmaker Aditya Garewal, who is looking for an opportunity to get his lucky break. He doesn’t mind using Sana to make his own career as a filmmaker, until he falls in love with her.

The film breezes on a rather light note all through the first half, with ear-catchy songs by Pritam (‘Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai’ and ‘Chal Chale’) and with many moments of unexpressed emotions between Aditya and Sana. The sequence in which Sana is raped by her dominant boyfriend (Shaad Randhawa) does stand out like a bolt from the blue.

In the second half, the film takes a rather serious course when Sana’s insanity begins to come to the fore. She begins to hallucinate. In her delusions she begins to see a woman who warns her that everyone is out to kill her. Sana loses her trust in people. She even suspects Aditya.

While the people in the film industry and Sana’s mother want her to undergo electric-shock treatment, Aditya objects and elopes with her to Goa where he hopes that Sana will get cured by his care and love. But destiny has something else in store for Sana. She vanishes. Years later, when Aditya meets Sana again, she is on her deathbed.

‘Woh Lamhe’ is the story of love, loss and despair.

Shiney Ahuja continues to live upto his reputation. He brings a required mix of confidence and helplessness to his character. He does get his golden sequences in the second half (his altercation with Sana’s mother, for example) where he gets to show his histrionics.

Shaad Randhawa is efficient in his brief negative role. Masumi (playing Kangana’s delusion) is effective.

On the whole, ‘Woh Lamhe’ is a well-crafted, finely written, but the star cast acting is pathatic. Go and watch at your own risk.

Plus Points: Story

Minus Points: Acting of actor & actress

Truth is stranger than fiction. And real stories sometimes have much more power than the fictitious ones.

One more on Chak de India

I would like to share my views on the movie 'Chak De India'. Mr Mir Ranjan Negi was former India goalkeeper has been the guiding spirit of this movie..

Mir ranjan Negi life had become nightmare after 7-1 defeat at the hands of pakistan in the year 1982 Asian games final.Negi was acussed in some quarters of having conceded goals. In truth the failure was collective and his team mates stood by him but he quit the game bcoz of no choice. He returned to hockey 16 years later as goalkeeper coach. India won the 1998 Asian games at bangkok but later he was sacked by ungrateful federation from coach post along with other officials. Negi was asked to train girls team and the team won Commonwealth games gold in 2002 again his contribution was as a goalkeeper coach. Two years later his 19 years old son died in a road accident and negi quit coaching.

Out of this struggle a story was born and the script woven around negi's inspiring comeback, a stirring saga that assumed the form of a movie with shah rukh khan living the role on the big screen, much to the delight of the hockey fraternity.Some of successful sports themes are Laagan, Iqbal,Hip HIp hooray,Tara Rum Pum & saheb but Chak De India is different story......

Plus Points: The story was good, must watch movie.....

Spidey new one

HI friends,

This movies crew is given below,
A Sony Pictures Entertainment release of a Columbia Pictures presentation of a Marvel Studios/Laura Ziskin production. Produced by Ziskin, Avi Arad, Grant Curtis. Executive producers, Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, Joseph M. Caracciolo. Directed by Sam Raimi. Screenplay, Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, Alvin Sargent; screen story by Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, based on the Marvel comicbook by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko.

Spider-Man/Peter Parker - Tobey Maguire
Mary Jane Watson - Kirsten Dunst
New Goblin/Harry Osborn - James Franco
Sandman/Flint Marko - Thomas Haden Church
Venom/Eddie Brock - Topher Grace
Gwen Stacy - Bryce Dallas Howard
May Parker - Rosemary Harris
J. Jonah Jameson - J.K. Simmons
Captain Stacy - James Cromwell
Emma Marko - Theresa Russell
Dr. Curt Connors - Dylan Baker
Joseph "Robbie" Robertson - Bill Nunn
Maitre d' - Bruce Campbell
Miss Brant - Elizabeth Banks
Hoffman - Ted Raimi
Penny Marko - Perla Haney-Jardine
Green Goblin/Norman Osborn - Willem Dafoe
Ben Parker - Cliff Robertson

The three main recurring characters get stuck in a rut and the same can be said of the film itself in "Spider-Man 3." After the significant improvement of the second installment over the first, new entry reps a roughly equivalent dip in quality and enjoyment, with Spidey now giving off the faint odor of running on fumes. This devaluation shouldn't hurt at the box office, at least at first, as the vast majority of the fans who turned the first two into $822 million and $784 million worldwide grossers, respectively, will cram multiplexes around the globe to see the first blockbuster of the summer.

A sense of strain envelops the proceedings this time around. One can feel the effort required to suit up one more time, come up with fresh variations on a winning formula and inject urgency into a format that basically needs to be repeated and, due to audience expectations, can't be toyed with or deepened very much.

Big problem with third Spideyis the script, the very same element that elevated the second yarn. Four years back, vet scenarist Alvin Sargent, with a story assist from Michael Chabon, enriched the premise from all angles -- emotion, humor and villainy. This time, the magic has eluded Sargent and the Raimi brothers, director Sam and co-writer Ivan, the result being a story that would have provenmore satisfactory for a late '60s cartoon-hero TV show than for a new-century blockbuster.

At the outset, everything is so hunky-dory that New York City looks like Pleasantville. Thanks to Spider-Man, crime is virtually non-existent, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) is a burgeoning musical theater star, and Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), still studying science at college, is dorkier than ever.

But evil begins to reassert itself on several fronts. As Peter and Mary Jane gaze at the stars from their spider-web hammock overlooking the city, a modest "War of the Worlds"-like meteor crashes nearby and emits a gooey black silk that slithers and slides of its own accord.

A hard-outside/soft-inside criminal (Thomas Haden Church), who turns out to have been responsible for the murder of Peter's beloved Uncle Ben, escapes from prison and, through a process that defies comprehension but is undeniably eye-catching, turns into a shape-changer named Sandman who can blow through the caverns of Manhattan or become a giant hulk with fearsome pummeling power.

And then there is Harry Osborn (James Franco), who, still blaming Spider-Man for the death of his father, decides to emulate the great green one by engineering a new designer Goblin outfit and flying board and taking to the skies to avenge his old man.

Peter acquires yet another adversary in the person of Eddie Brock (Topher Grace), an aggressive street photographer who vies with Peter to capture the revelatory shot that will reveal Spider-Man for who he really is, a coup that will land the winner a full-time job from editor J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) at the Daily Bugle. The rivalry turns into outright war when Eddie morphs into one more Marvel supervillain, the fanged Venom, whose skills eerily match those of Spidey.

Early going is enlivened by a couple high-wire action sequences, a Goblin attack and especially a vertigo-inducing scene in which an out-of-control construction crane demolishes part of a nearby skyscraper, sending platinum blonde Gwen (Bryce Dallas Howard), a classmate of Peter's, heading toward the pavement, only to be saved at the last second by guess who.

But the dramatic temperature is brought way down by Mary Jane, who's become a real drag. Fired, in a poor scene, from her Broadway play, she pathetically begs for attention, becomes petulant when Spidey plants a public kiss on Gwen after saving her, then seeks solace from Harry.

In all his dealings with her, Peter still acts like the prim, naive high school kid he was when first seen in the series five years ago, as if he hadn't learned anything through all his subsequent trials. Scripting of the many domestic scenes between Peter and women, specifically Mary Jane and Rosemary Harris' Aunt May, is very dull and unimaginative.

Script's one big idea is to have Peter/Spidey explore his "dark side," a gambit of tiresome psychological value but with the obvious side benefits of temporarily suspending his goody two-shoes personality and giving him a new, black costume. All the ploy really amounts to is an interlude in which Peter struts around Gotham with a trendy new haircut ogling women and humiliating Mary Jane with some aggressive nightclub antics.

Given the setup, Spider-Man in the end has to contend with multiple villains in a gigantic action climax that, unfortunately, is too reminiscent of the first film's Roosevelt Island episode thanks to the similar imperilment of Mary Jane. Still, Sandman is a strange and visually interesting baddie endowed by Church with a melancholy undercurrent.

Grace, who could plausibly have played Spider-Man himself, provides a spark with something extra as Spidey's first major adversary his own age.

Technically, pic is fully on a par with the previous entries, which means the visual effects will have fans wide-eyed throughout.
So friends go and watch the movie...

Plus Points: Visual effects

Minus Points: Script is the problem

Content taken from Unknown source...

Life in A Metro music review

Hi friends,
Life in a ... ummm ....ahemmmm ... Metro. Like skunk's ( I meant KANK) extra marital affairs, Corporate's sleaze, Page 3's horrid truth, Metro's urban affairs is another attempt to showcase the lives of several leads in a metropolitan city. Cast includes Shiney Ahuja, Shilpa Shetty, Kay Kay Menon, Sharman Joshi, Gautam Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kangna Ranaut, Irrfan Khan. Quite an impressive cast indeed. Directed by Anurag Basu and music score by Pritam.

Shiney Ahuja, quite a misnomer! His movies, all of them are always dark, brooding, lovelorn, yet brilliant, quite shiny figuratively. I read the plot and it was confusing, and hard for me to fathom who fell in love with whom, who is sleeping with who, so on so forth. I will leave it to you to view and make some sense out of it albeit the music, is very sensible.

Here it is.

In dino (My Favourite)

A lovely song, sung by Soham, written by Syed Quadri. Quite a soft rock ballad it is, urges to celebrate life, dream big, live a little, love a lot and discover yourself. Very spirited tune and the guitar accompaniment compliments it quite well. I so hope it is picturized on Shiney himself in a mumbai train, with his lovely smirk. A second version is 'revisted' by Bunty Rajput, which serves well for a lounge mix at the bars, but takes away the sweetness of the song.

Alvida

Another beautiful song, sung by KK, written by Amitabh Verma. The lyrics are quite refreshing, the tune however is not very new. Punn intended on the word Alvida throughout the song. The mix is slightly classical and mainly rock. A reprise version is sung by James. An instant deja-vu. James sang Chal chale for Woh Lamhe and became my instant favorite. In this, he sounds exactly like how he did in the song "hamari adhoori kahani, bheegi bheegi" from Gangster, the same anger, the same pining, in essence, not new at all.

O meri jaan

This is a romantic song, sung by KK, and is quite scandalicious. Dil khudgarz hai, kal tak uss ka tha, aaj raat se tumhara, ooh la la! Well suited for all the casanova's out there. Tu nahi koi aur sahi, koi aur nahi, toh koi aur sahi. Very young at heart and gets nice and peppy as well towards the end. A reprise version is sung by Suhail Kaul, very charming.

Rishtey

Another rock song sung by James, this had me tune out. By now I had too much rock and 'twas quite repetitive and sounds off key as well. James's voice is wasted well in this non-inspirational song, although the lyrics by Syed Quadri are quite apt. Rishtey is 'revisted' by DJ Nikhil Chinappa and DJ Naved. Tuned out again.

Baatein kuch ankahee si (My Favourite)

Wow! Just when I was writing the rest of the album off, a surprise. Lovely, very lovely song, sung by Suhail Kaul who has a pure teenager touch in his vocals. The mellow guitar work and the lovely organ leads make this song perfect for a senior prom dance. A second version is sung by Adnan Sami who brings in vocal punch, adults! you are allowed to dance too. Lyrics by Sandeep Srivastava are lively as well. Adnan Sami's version is revisited by DJ A-Myth.

Kar Salaam

A band performance with Suhail, Soham and Pritam himself on the vocals. Perhaps the only fun track in the album with lighthearted lyrics by Syed Quadri.

Overall, a nice album with two clear winners, In dino and Baatein kuch ankahee si. Rest of them suffer from too much of a rock hangover. Pritam is known for his rock rhythms but, it may not be required to compose each song to be an ultimate rock ballad. Guitar work gets quite repetitive towards the end and having a reprise and remix for almost every song does not help the cause either. Shiney Ahuja has been a lucky guy, perhaps his charm will take the music much higher than where it sits right now.

Plus Points: some of songs are mindblowing

Musical review taken from unknown source...

with lots of love,
Vamsi........

Beware of Viagra!

If you thought Viagra was the greatest medical miracle man ever had, here is something you need to know: Viagra and other impotence drugs can cause sudden hearing loss!

It's not clear that the drugs truly trigger hearing loss, but in the US, authorities have decided to add a warning about the possible risk after counting 29 reports of the problem since 1996 among users of this family of medicines.

The impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra will bear the warnings. So will Revatio, a drug for pulmonary hypertension, which contains the same ingredient as Viagra.

Viagra's label already mentioned hearing loss as a possibility, because a few cases were reported during initial testing of that drug. But given that hearing loss is a risk of advancing age and certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, that can lead to impotence, it wasn't clear if the link was real.

That still isn't clear, said FDA ear nose and throat specialist Dr. Robert Boucher. But in poring over FDA's database of possible drug reactions, what struck him was these 29 reports said the hearing loss occurred without hours to two days of taking one of the drugs.

"We don't know enough to say that it's ironclad caused by the drugs, but we see enough to say we can't ignore it either," he said.

The reports involve hearing loss in one ear, which in a third of cases was temporary.

FDA urged patients who experience any hearing problems - loss or ringing in the ears - to promptly call their doctors and stop taking the impotence drugs.

Source: AP

A carnival in Chandigarh

Come November and the air in Chandigarh will turn festive as the city will organize it’s first ever carnival. Besides the very desi Punjabi music and dance, the event will also have glimpses of Canadian culture

Canada has been chosen to be a partner country in the two-day Chandigarh Carnival to be held here Nov 24 and 25.

The carnival parade with its tableaux and decorated cars will this year, for the first time, be going through various residential areas of the city.

Canada, which has a huge immigrant population from Punjab, will present a musical programme by the Shuffle Demons, at the Leisure Valley Nov 24.

with lots of love
Vamsi...

Jonty Rodes the star of the past

Hi friends,


Good morning to all of you....I am great fan of Jonty rodes for his fielding very much, so I am sharing his pictures with you all...

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Look that catch of Jonty Rodes....

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Jonty Rhodes (Ex-Protea, Cricket), Ricky Smit (co-ordinator of Nick Rey Trust), Ash Maharaj (SAHorseracing.COM) and Dean Gold (Mark Gold Jewellers)

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I admire jonty Rodes for his energy on the cricket field. He is always active and great sporting personality..Cheers to him


With lots of Love
Vamsi..............

Lovely Looking Ashwariya Rai...

Hi friends,

How are you doing??? The life is so chill for Mrs Ashwariya Bachan these days. I am sharing some of my collections of her with you all friends.. I hope you love it.

Best of all..............

with lots of love

Vamsi.........