THE OTHER SIDE: My List

Showing posts with label My List. Show all posts

My List : Top 10 Hindi Films of 2017

This year is memorable for shocking upsets like Kabir Khan directed Salmaan Khan's Tubelight, Imtiaz Ali directed Shah Rukh Khan & Anushka Sharma starring Jab Harry Met Sejal, Vidhya Balan's Begum Jaan, Vishal Bhardwaj directed Shahid Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan & Kangana Ranaut starring Rangoon are among 2017's big budget flops along with movies like Raabta, Machine, Ok Jaanu, etc. But few hits of some league breaking movies like Lipstick Under My Burkha, Secret Superstar, Anarkali of Aarah, Hindi Medium, Shubh Mangal Savdhan, Bareily Ki Barfi surprised everyone. Here is my list of Top 10 Movies of 2017. Feel free to give your suggestion in the comment section.

1. Jolly LLB 2: Sequel to 2013 Arshad Warsi staring Jolly LLB, this one staring Akshay Kumar is one notch higher than the first one which is a prerequisite for a sequel. Writer & director Subhash Kapoor has perfectly presented the courtroom drama in appealing and interesting way. The film not only gives entertainment but raise important questions on our judicial system.

2. Hindi Medium: It's a social comedy staring Irrfan Khan and Saba Karim. The directer Saket Chaudhary point out the lapses and corruption in our education system which has made education just a luxury for elites and snatched a chance of better education from the poor. Irrfan Khan has beautifully portrayed his role in this film.

3. Kaabil: This film was ruled out as a hit by me from its trailer and promos but after seeing it Hrithik Roshan won my heart with his performance in the film. Blind man taking revenge of his wife's death looks impossible but the way it was shown by directer Sanjay Gupta it looks real and believable which for me made this film the part of this list.

4. Raees: 'Baniye Ka Dimaag, Miyan Bhai Ki Daring' the dialogue was a hit even before film was released and another phrase 'Ammi Jaan Kehti Thi' was also become part of speech for many. Varun Dhawan even used it in his film Judwaa 2. The star quality of Shah Rukh Khan was nicely used in this film to create charisma of the character he was portraying. Nawazuddin Siddique was impressive as a cop in it and Mahira Khan received the perfect Bollywood debut with this film. The director Rahul Dholakia did a fine job.

5. Bareilly Ki Barfi: Ayushmana Khurana again shines as a small town guy after Dum Laga Ke Haisha. He played a writer in the film but portrayed Rajkumar Rao as himself which starts all the confusion. Kirti Senon give justice to her role and Rajkumar Rao was perfect in this type of commercial film also. Credits to Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari for keeping this film interesting and entertaining.

6. Tiger Zinda Hai: Yes this film sells Salmaan Khan and his chemistry with Katrina Kaif but Ali Abbas Zafar made a perfect sequel to the film whose prequel he hasn't directed by him. The RAW & ISI which were searching the absconding agents in the first part come together for a mission first time in this movie. Great action sequences and the course of story which looks believable made this film part of the list.

7. Half Girlfriend: Film is based on the Chetan Bhagat's novel of the same name. Mohit Suri who usually make incomplete love stories made lead characters Arjun Kapoor & Shraddha Kapoor to come together in the end. The film is more interesting than the novel and the beautiful songs were addition to its flavors.

8. Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya: Seriously Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya was lower in expectations from the first installation of the series Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya. Directer Shashank Khaitan has failed to bring out the romance between the lead characters Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt but the film was good, enjoyable and entertaining. Foot tapping songs like Tamma-Tamma, Title track and Aashiq Surrender Hua helped in the promotion of the film.

9. Begum Jaan: The film was a flop but I have chosen it for the story and performances of the lead cast. Written & directed by Srijit Mukherjee the story has a feel of the kinds of Ismat Chugtai & Sadat Hasan Manto. The period drama moves around partition and a brothel run by Vidhya Balan which came in between the border line. It reminds me of Toba Tek Singh a short story by Sadat Hasan Manto in which a mental asylum was divided by the partition.

10. Jagga Jasoos: Including another flop in this list because it was entertaining for me. Directer Anurag Basu has given this film a comic book type look which is first time for a Hindi film. Lyrical dialogues by the protagonist Ranbir Kapoor is brilliantly done. It was not boring at all but I think didn't work because it has a complex story line which don't appeal in the first go.

Many other films like Phillauri, Mom, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, Secret Superstar, Golmaal Again, Firangi, Anarkali of Aarah, Toilet-Ek Prem Katha, Bahubali 2 were also under consideration before making this list. Looking forward to 2.0, Pad Man, Aiyaary, Hichki, Veera Di Wedding, Race 3, Fanney Khan, Thugs of Hindustan, Super 30, SRK's unnamed and many more. Hope some of these make into the next years list of Best 10 films of the year.

My List : Top 10 Hindi Film Songs of 2017

Music wise this year was not so fantastic. Yes there were good Music, good singing or good lyrics but only few impresses when they form a complete song. Being a movies and music lover I keep an eye on the things going on in these fields and I found that most film makers are more concerned with foot tapping club songs to attract the youth rather than soulful melodies which become hum-able & evergreen. Here are Top 10 songs of the year 2017 according to me without any order since all are beautiful to me. Feel free to add your choice or criticize my choice.

1. Hawayein (Jab Harry Met Sejal) : It's strange but this year two Arijit Singh & Pritam combination impressed me the most. The film Jab Harry Met Sejal didn't work as excepted at the box office but its songs top the charts thanks to Lyrics of Irshad Kamil and Music of Pritam Chakraborty. Another song 'Jee Ve Soniya' sung by Noora Sisters is also my favorite, I am not including it in the list but sharing it also. Radha, Butterfly, Phurr all songs are nice.

2. Baarish (Half Girlfriend): Sung by Shasha Tripathi & Ash King the song was a hit from the day it released because of the soulful yet modern feeling of the song. It was written by Arafat Mehmood & Tanishk Bagchi. Tanish Bagchi is also the music composer of the song. Another song 'Thodi Der' sung by Shreya Ghoshal, Farhaan Saeed catches listeners attention. Both English & Hindi version of the songs are good. 'Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga' is also nice.

3. Bawara Mann (Jolly LLB 2): The film which is famous for its story and performances has this one song which I still remember in the end of the year also. Composed by Chirrantan Bhatt, the song was sung by Jubin Nautiyal, Neeti Mohan and is penned by Junaid Wasi.

4. Dil Diyan Gallan (Tiger Zinda Hai): In recent years melodies are rarely featured on Salman Khan but only those showing his swag & style. This one sung by Atif Aslam has lyrics by Irshad Kamil and is composed by Vishal-Shekhar is a perfect composition for Salman to return to this type of songs. The melody released in the last month of the year but has left a great impact on listeners.

5. Mana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin (Meri Pyari Bindu): Parineeti Chopra's singing debut was melodious in this heart touching song. The song is written by Kausar Munir and music is given by Sachin-Jigar.

6. Nazm Nazm (Bareilly Ki Barfi): The film was a surprise hit of the year and no one would have thought such a song will belong to this film. The song is composed, penned and sung by Arko Pravo Mukherjee. The album has also a version sung by actor Ayushman Khurana but that one is unmatched to the one sung by Arko.

7. Zaalima (Raees): Another Arijit Singh song which won my heart this year was Zaalima which came in start of this year. Featured on Shah Rukh Khan this song became an instant hit of the year. The female part is sung by Harshdeep Kaur. The song is composed by J.A.M.8 and penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

8. Roke Na Ruke Naina (Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya): Arijit Singh seems to be the singer of this year too with beautiful melodies adding to his name. The song composed by Amaal Malik & penned by Kumaar brings out the emotions of the characters in that moment of the film. Tamma-Tamma remix, Humsafar song are also good.

9. Sajna Sohne Jiha (Firangi): I never thought that Kapil Sharma staring movie song will be featured in this list but this movie surely has great music by Jatinder Shah and Jyoti Nooran's voice compelled me to select this one here. Penned by Dr. Devendra Kaafir the song is understandable even though it has Punjabi lyrics in it.

10. Meer-e-Karwan (Lucknow Central): The known song of a not so known film Lucknow Central staring Farhan Akhtar, Meer-e-Karwan describes emotions of an under trial perfectly. Sung by Amit Mishra & Neeti Mohan, it has Lyrics written by Adheesh Verma and Music composed by Rochak Kohli.

Music always remains an important part of our films. It is not wrong to say a good musical film possess better chances to fare well at the box office than a film with bad or unknown music. The year is ending but the Music has long way to go. Expecting good music in Vikram Bhatt's 1921, Rani Mukherjee's Hichki, Baghi 2, Veera Di Wedding, etc but we can't rule out the surprise entrance to this best music list of next year. For next year's best song wait till the next year. Good Bye.

My List : Top 10 Hindi Films of 2016

This year saw many big releases, highly anticipated movies, controversial movies and many impact-full small budget movies but their are few which worked at the box office or really clicked with the audience. This year also saw many sequels like Rock On 2, Tum Bin 2, Force 2, etc but all of them falls below the expectations. Even some films in this list wouldn't be there if there are some better movies this year. Since I watched movies all round the year I considered it my duty to rate them according to my liking so I have prepared a list of top 10 movies of the year 2016. Feel free to mentions your favorites in the comment box.

1. Fan: Shah Rukh Khan in an as Fan was commendable. The work on his look and the character is possible with the actor of his caliber only and under a big Yash Raj like banner. Maneesh Sharma who is the director of this film showcased his range with it after directing the films like Band Baaja Baraat, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and Shudh Desi Romance. I am anticipating bigger and better pictures from him after this movie. This is definitely the top movie of the year.

2. Dangal: As Fan belongs to Shah Rukh this one belongs to Aamir Khan only. No doubt this film is going to become the highest grosser of the year looking at the efforts of not only Aamir Khan but also the girls (Fatima Sana Sheikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar). It was believed after release of Sultan which is also based on wrestling that business of this film will be effected. Director of the film Nitesh Tiwari who is also writer of the film has portrayed the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and her daughters beautifully. Songs are different which worked well with the screenplay.

3. Sultan: Salman Khan film that too an Eid release is a sure shot formula for hit but this one was not cashing on only the stardom of Salman Khan. The film has a nice story, famous songs and shirtless-pants-less Salman Khan. Directer Ali Abbas Zafar found a new reputation in the industry after this film as his earlier two films Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Gunday was not much appreciated.

4. Rustom: I have chosen this Akshay Kumar staring film because it gave an interesting turn of events to a historical court case which paved the way for the removal of jury in India. Melodious music and promotions by the most fit star of the industry open gates of success for the movie. Tinu Suresh Desai is the director of this movie.

5. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Karan Johar directed film remain in the news for casting a Pakistani actor in the film. The actor who has only about ten minutes of role in this film gave it enough publicity to earn big at the box office otherwise film wasn't as good a love story as previous Karan Johar movies. The star-cast of Ranbir Kapoor,Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan along with the great music become one of the highest earner film of the year.

6. Neerja: This year also remained the year of biopics. This one staring Sonam Kapoor as Neerja Bhanot who saved the life of American passengers without caring for her life brought out this story of courage to us. Sonam Kapoor was fantastic in her role of Neerja. Ram Madhvani directed this film which receives both commercial and critical appreciation.

7. Ki & Ka: This film talks about the age old system of society where men are meant to earn money and women to run the house. This film staring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Kapoor challenge this norm of society and show the complications emerged from it. R. Balki directed film earn full marks for concept and performances.

8. Pink: This film also challenges the system of society meant for women/girls in judging their characters. Amitabh Bachchan as a lawyer remarkably points out biased behavior of society while defending the girls who were molested by a boy but become criminals themselves. Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury displayed proceedings strongly in this content based script.

9. Udta Punjab: Udta Punjab with characters portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhat, Diljit Dosanjh and Kareena Kapoor Khan depicts the turmoil of drug affected youth of Punjab. Controversies helped it to get publicity but this film was a truthful depiction of events without blaming anyone for the drug menace in the state. Applause for Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for their performances.

10. Dear Zindagi: It was a simple story of a complicated life of a character played by Alia Bhatt. Her life's complications solved by a psychiatrist played by Shah Rukh Khan. This movie directed by English Vinglish fame director Gauri Shinde gives you life lessons to remember for rest of your life.

Apart from these movies I would like to name some good films of the year which missed this list from slight margins like Airlift, Sarbjit, Madaari, M.S.Dhoni: The Untold Story and Rock On 2. There are few movies which deserves mention for their subjects in spite of their low budgets like Chalk & Duster, Saala Khadoos, Nil Battey Sannata, Traffic, 31st October, Dhanak and Parched. I am disappointed by some 'Naam Bade Aur Darshan Chote' kind of film i.e Befikre, Kahani 2, Mirzya, Raaz Reboot, Mohenjo Daro and Fitoor.

2017 also has big movies waiting for us. I am excited about 2.0 (Robot 2), Bahubali 2, Raees, Jolly LLB 2, Jagga Jasoos, Rangoon, Meri Pyari Bindu and Tubelight.

My List : Top 10 Songs of The Year 2016

In Indian films songs are as important as salt in the food. Sometimes movies failed but their songs cover the losses and good songs many film-makers believes is a sure shot formula of a hit. I love songs and almost heard all the songs released in the year 2016. I have selected Top 10 songs of the year which I think are famous and popularized the films.

1. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) : This year too Arijit Singh remained top of the charts. This song beautifully summarizes the film and emotions dealt in it. Amitabh Bhattacharya's lyrics superbly works with Pritam's music. Others songs like Bulleya is a pop sufi song by the same duo in Amit Mishra and Shilpa Rao's voice. Channa Mereya is another song from this film which deserves a place in this list but omitted to accommodate other songs but this sad song again in the voice of Arijit Singh works magic in your ears. This album deserves all music awards this year because Cutie Pie,Break Up Song,Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo, Alizeh are all good songs. Standing ovation to Pritam and Amitabh Bhattacharya for this great album.

2. Jabra Fan (FAN): Fan has only one song and that too for promotional purposes but this has become like an anthem for all fans to show their love for their favorite star. Sharukh Khan as Gaurav Channa's performance in this song like a die-heart fan has bring out the emotions of all fans for their stars. #FanAnthem is composed by Vishal Shekhar, written by Varun Grover and sung by Naksh Aziz. It was translated in many languages which sung by different singers to spread the craze around the country.

3. Jag Ghoomeya (Sultan): Again a Vishal-Shekhar song that tops the chart. All versions i.e Rahat Fateh Ali Khan , Salman Khan and female version are all hits. Everyone was humming this Irshad Kamil written romantic soulful melodious song before the release of the film. Salman's dance move where he move his hips laying down on the floor was also caught by his fans soon after it come out.

4. Dekha Hazaron Dafa (Rustom): Rustom has two beautiful songs that found place in my playlist of the year i.e Dekha Hazaron Dafa and Tere Sang Yaara. Dekha Hazaron Dafa has found a place in this list because of ear pleasing lyrics of Manoj Mantasir and tunes of Jeet Ganguli which comforts your heart. It is among the best romantic songs picturized on Akshay Kumar.

5. Ikk Kudi (Udta Punjab): Udta Punjab is remembered one for the controversies surrounding it and second for this song sung by Diljit Dosanjh. Lyrics by Late Shri Shiv Kumar Batalvi teaches you how you can praise innocence of a girl. These lyrics combined with Amit Trivedi's music and Diljit's voice transports you into some other dimension where you feel the calmness,spirituality and the healing power of this song.

6. Lo Maan Liya (Raaz Reboot): Emraan Hashmi is the most lucky actor of the last decade with the kind of songs he got in his films. Every film of his whether it worked on box office or not has great music numbers; Raaz Reboot is the latest addition to it. Lo Maan Liya again a song sung by Arijit Singh (Music director - Jeet Ganguli) has entered this list but other songs like Raaz Aankhein Teri, Yaad Hai Na are also equally good songs.

7. Mirzya (Mirzya): Gulzaar sahab always surprises with his lyrics and in this song too the usage of words like 'Ye Wadiya Doodiya Kohre Ki' (Valley of White Milky Fog), Laal Chingari Ishq Di (Red Flames of Love),etc makes you wonder how he thinks about such analogue. It is sung by multiple singers Wadali Brothers, Daler Mehndi, Sain Zahoor, Akhtar Chinnal, Nooran Sisters that in the multi flavored music of Shankar Ehsaan Loy creates a passionate aura of love. If the movie has half the passion of the song it would be in the list of timeless love stories.

8. Hua Hai Aaj Pehli Baar (Sanam Re): Amaal Malik's music did wonders in many film this year. Sanam Re is a musical film having almost all melodious songs which are hit too. This song sung by Armaan Malik, Palak Muchhal, Amaal Malik and written by Manoj Yadav along with title track are more famous than film.

9. Soch Na Sake (Airlift): This song is an adaptation of Punjabi song and what a beautiful romantic song. Arijit Singh who has sung this song with Tulsi Kumar has become the king of such soulful melodies. Music of this song is composed by Amaal Malik and is penned by Kumaar.

10. Dard (Sarbjit): Sonu Nigam's velvety voice enhances the pain of this song. You went into the turmoil of character of Sarbjit. Jaani,Rashmi Virag has penned this moving song which is composed by Jeet Ganguli.

There are many more good songs this year and it was difficult to select only ten out of them. Some songs which I would like to mention here are Bulleya (Sultan), Darkhaast, Tere Naal Ishqa from Shivaay; Itni Si Baat Hai (Azhar),Jab Tak,Kaun Tujhe from M.S.Dhoni; Bolna and Ladki Beautiful Kar Gayi Chull from Kapoor & Sons, Sab Tera (Baghi), Sau Tarah Ke (Dishoom), Toota Jo Kabhi Tara, Khair Mangta from Flying Jatt, Tu Hi Hai (Dear Zindagi), Tum Bin and Dekh Lena from Tum Bin 2, Nashe Di Chad Gayee, Ude Dil Befikre from Befikre and Dhakad from Dangal.

Hope we listen more beautiful songs in the next year. Happy New Year.

My List : Top 10 Hindi Film Songs of 2015

Songs are must in Hindi movies as they played an important part in our movies. A huge budget is set aside for the songs in a movie, actually they are the first glimpse of movie and the best platform to promote films. It has been observed in the past that some of the worst movies have some of the best songs of that year. I am too fond of music. Old Hindi songs are my favorite but I also keep track of each song released in a year and download those I found melodious.

I have selected these 10 songs from my list of songs of 2015. Here is the list of them from 10 to 1.

10. Banno - Tanu Weds Manu Returns : A complete foot tapping song totally in sync with the character of Datto played by Kangana Ranaut in the movie. This song played a crucial part in creating hype for this movie.

09. Chand Aasmano Se Lapata Ho Gaya - Alone : You may not remember that Bipasha Basu staring movie but this song of this movie is very melodious. A song in praise of Bipasha's character is worth praiseworthy.

08. Jeena Jeena - Badlapur : It scores well in all the three departments of a song lyrics,music and singing. Listener could feel the loneliness and longing in this song. We have few female lyricist in our industry and with this song Priya Saraiya urged us to crave for more songs from her.

07.Mein Tujhse Pyaar Nahin Karta - Baby : Melody at its best. A different way to express love comes out in this song. This action packed movie don't have much songs but this one helped in film's promotion because it clicked with the audiences.

06. Sun Saathiya - ABCD - 2 : Sachin-Jigar are not known for this kind of soft melodies but they did a great job in this song. Slow choreography in sync with the lyrics also attracts in this song.

05. Saware - Phantom : I shortlisted two songs from this film another one being foot tapping number Afghan Jalebi but finally zeroed down to this song. Arijit Singh's voice fit such songs perfectly. This song makes you feel for the characters.

04. Tere Bin Nahi Lage Jiya - Ek Paheli Leela : This film was sold solely on Sunny Leone neglecting such a beautiful song composed by Uzair Jaswal and written by Kummar. Beautiful lines of the song echoes in your mind after listening.

03. Deewani Mastani - Bajirao Mastani : Remo D'Souza surprised me with his choreography in the movie Bajirao Mastani. Pinga and Deewani Mastani was totally different from his style and in this song set up, costumes, dance steps all were fabulous. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Music and Shreya Ghoshal's velvety voice make this song stunning. Lyrics too was beautiful.

02. Gerua - Dilwale : This song is currently my ringtone. The word Gerua is used for the first time in any Indian Hindi Film song and its relation to sacrifice was beautifully used by lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya to write this love song. Arijit Singh and Antara Mitra's voice were perfect on evergreen onscreen couple SRK and Kajol. Picturization of this song was mesmerizing.

01.Hamari Adhuri Kahani - Hamari Adhuri Kahani : This song is top on my list because it loaded with emotions enough to break you in to tears. This song in a way explains the complete story of the movie and captures beautifully the emotions,love,pain and passion of this movie. Arijit carried this song superbly which is penned by Rashmi Virag and composed by Jeet Ganguli.

On music front this year was not too bad. There are other songs like Selfie from Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Meherbani from Shaukeens, Yadaan Teriyaan, O Khuda from Hero, Teri Meri Baatein from Piku , Suraj Dooba Hai and Chittiyan Kalaiyan from Roy and many more songs which I liked in this year. Music help us to concentrate, connect and even in easing our pains. Connection of Indian films and music is inseparable but they shouldn't compromise with the flow and pace of the story. Waiting for many more good songs this year.