Deepika Padukone will be seen along with Rishi Kapoor in the remake of the hollywood film titled–The Intern.This piece of news brought along memories of Sholay–a multistarrer which was inspired by hollywood flicks.For the first time mixing was done with technicians hired to do the sound which even today is classic.The 1975 film enjoyed unadulterated admiration from all quarters.Even today it’s relevant due to it’s content.The Thakores & Dacoits are passe but the gap between rich & poor remains.The story was good & was showcased so well.
Gujarish,Black have a very outlandish feel but the stories are excellent.Giving an Indian touch is what is needed to be appealing.The short film -The Pianist was converted into a fuller film as Andhadhund–was a commendable effort.It got it’s due with the number of awards & a place in the heart of audience for Ayushmann.A risk well taken & a script different than run of the mill.Also,Amitabh’s Badla with Tapsee Pannu was based on Spanish film,The invisible guest—only there the protagonist is male & in the Indian version we have Tapsee.Also Amitabh’s character is played by a female,so basically the story remains the same.A very well made film.But then we are hoping to see Tapsee in different roles than her Judwaa,like Pink,Sannd Ki Ankh,Thappad,Mission Mangal,etc.
I saw Guddi-Jaya Bhaduri’s debut film when I was in school.It has the lovely song by Vani Jayaram-a hit even today.”Bole re papihara”.It has a school assembly where the song,”Hum ko manki shakti dena..”that every school goer knows,was shot in FTII because of Jaya who wanted her institute in her debut shot.Back to her song she sings at her birthday,”Aaja re Pardesi…”.I always thought this song an original.She is a movie buff & in love with her idol Dharmendra.This song is from ‘Madhumati’–a Dilip Kumar-Vyjayanthimala starrer.But it catches the situation so accurately.In various Hindi films we find a song at the birthday party but this instance was unique.
The first remix song ever was “Mere sapno ki rani..” made so well.It completed the entire story of the lead.Brushing off the image of the train,a very young Rajesh Khanna & Sharmila Tagore,a jeep riding along a slow train,Sujeet kumar playing mouth organ was not so easy.After a few repeats one got used to it.Today’s trend of re-mixes makes one cringe.’Laila main Laila..’ with Zeenat was ok,today it’s not worth watching.”Akhiyon Se goli mare…had the hit pair of Govinda & Raveena Tandon,today..lets drop it.Ghungroo toot gaye…had a feeling,Pankaj Udhas’s voice has that dard,lost in translation.It’s Marathi version had a different feel & a meaning.Today it’s unbearable.How can Hritik be so stone deaf?His uncle –Roshan has been working in music industry for years.Ye kahan aa gaye hum?
Satte pe satta–Seven brides for seven brothers( a film we don’t need to see,Hindi version is well made.)Recently a Marathi version was done successfully by Sachin but did not do so well at the box office.Tezaab,Baazigar,Dil hai ke manta nahin (also has the same story as chori-chori—a Raj Kapoor & Nargis starrer),Pyar to hona hi tha based on French kiss–a Kevin kline Meg Ryan starrer.Almost frame to frame with a sister’s wedding thrown in.Gulan-the bikers give away their origin.Hum tum–inspired by When harry met sally,another Meg Ryan starrer.Shahrukh Khan-Anushka’s characters are inspired as harry & sejal.Hey Baby–three friends take care of a baby.It is well made &most of the laughs are ok.The lead pair of Vidya Balan & Akshay Kumar is worth watching.The basic concept of abandoning a child at the door step needs correction.
Along with The intern,Forest Gump by Tom hanks is being done by Aamir Khan.Girl on the train & The fault in our stars adaptations are in the making.The theme of star crossed lovers remains the favourite,it has been explored so many times yet the treatment matters.Tiger Shroff in upcoming Rambo should be that we look forward to as always.
South Indian films were often dubbed and made available to the viewers.In the age of remakes popular stars get to work.A Kamal Hassan-Pushpak neede no dialogue or publicity.Nam hi kafi hai! Today ‘Wanted’,Singham,Rowdy Rathore,Drishyam,Simba,Kabir Singh are remakes of hit movies.But they have mixed response,not all were successful.Akshay Kumar’s Gabbar is back was good, even if the lead actress died & could not help his mission.That mission is everyman’s dream!
Korean films like,’ 7 days’ &’ I saw the devil’ have already been seen as Aishwarya’s come back film with Irfan as ‘Jazba’ & Ritesh-Malhotra film ‘Ek Villain’ respectively.A 1998 film by Rajkumar Santoshi–China gate bagged the award for best dialogue had the –Chamma chamma song later used inthe movie Moulin Rouge!
‘ Accidental husband’ also has a couple of Hindi -Punjabi tracks.It hardly matters when the matters are of the heart,but what really matters whether the heart lies in the right place or not! The sensitivities of the Bengalis & the south Indian directors is time tested.Their gems are ever bright.With mimicking a few hit tunes does it make a song? I wonder.Have we lost it? Is only the beat so important? The hard work of ages that stands testimony only a thing of the past?Beautiful lyrics still hold the charm,Sufi tunes are still on the hit lists,then all is not lost & we are moving through a passing phase!?If that’s so there is hope yet & all is not lost.Indian music is hummable due to its melody,lyrics,The rhythm,beat come much later.I hope we quickly beat the retreat & correct our stance.Good work is yet to happen.So looking ahead & wishing the best for better listening & viewing!
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