Showing posts with label movie review The Shaukeens Fenil Seta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie review The Shaukeens Fenil Seta. Show all posts
Akshay Kumar is always lucky for me-Hard Kaur
7:43 AM
Rapper Hard Kaur is ecstatic about composing Aashiq Mizaaj for The Shaukeens and calls Akki her bada paaji
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; November 21, 2014)
Free-spirited tough girl
Hard Kaur wears her heart on her sleeve. The rapper and singer doesn't
mince words and calls a spade a spade. We caught up with her fresh from
her new job as Bollywood music composer for Aashiq Mizaaj (The
Shaukeens).
How did Aashiq Mizaaj happen?
Akshay Kumar and (producer) Ashwin Varde took to the song. Interestingly, lyricist Siddharth Banerjee aka Sunny, who's also a rapper him self, had written Aashiq Mizaaj with Akshay in mind two years ago. Akshay took to the song when he heard it. It ended up getting played in parts throughout the film. He is always lucky for me. He comes into my life at a point when I need help, whether it was the stint in Patiala House or Bas Ek King from Singh Is King. He is my bada paaji. I love him like a big brother. He's always involved with the music of his films. Initially, I was so excited about the song that I didn't want to let anyone else sing it, but then I heard Aman Trikha and thought his voice would do more justice. So, I am just rapping at the beginning.
Why did you choose to turn composer?
What if you get fed up of listening to yourself? I tried to tell music directors to do something different. One can't do the same thing -thoda sa singing, thoda rap, thoda singing - again and again. Sachin-Jigar gave me that freedom with Char Baj Gaye (F.A.L.T.U). I really wanted to start composing because people aren't giving me the songs and lyrics I'd like to make. When I go party, I want to hear stuff I like too. And if I am not getting it, better do it yourself. Also, there are so many singers and rappers waiting to make it, so ek ek karke unko bhi chance denge. I have composed music for non-film albums. When I meet music directors, I sit and jam with them and work on my songs, changing the beats, the bassline, the hi-hats. People think we are just going to sing our section. I have utmost respect for Pritam. He'd instead say, 'Go, write the song in an hour and come back.' When I get back, he immediately responds to the song. I also wanted to compose because I was not getting that respect otherwise. I love composing because you can write for other people. I get to experiment with songs that I can't sing myself and tap into my knowledge of other genres apart from rap and hip hop.
What do you think of the rap scene in India?
Hundreds of rappers have appeared all of a sudden. I love Yo Yo Honey Singh for what he is doing but everybody else who is copying him and sounding exactly the same is what annoys me. I want to tell them, 'You all have your own voice and in hip hop you can have your own style. Raftaar is a great example - he doesn't sound or write like anybody else.
What are you currently working on?
On November 21, I am performing in Abu Dhabi for UAE's biggest free music festival. I feel privileged to be the only artiste invited from Asia for a festival that features the likes of Juicy J, Jason Derulo and Rita Ora. I will be performing with a crew of dancers I spotted in Mumbai. Some hail from slums but can dance better than top notch B-boyers.
I am working with a bunch of rappers I respect, including Blaaze, DJ Uri, Double-D, Su-Real from Delhi, Hiphop Tamizha (vocalist Adhi and DJ Jeeva in Chennai) on creating a platform where real rappers get some recognition. One of them will feature on my song KIA (Kaur In Action). We want to start educating kids who want to rap.
How did Aashiq Mizaaj happen?
Akshay Kumar and (producer) Ashwin Varde took to the song. Interestingly, lyricist Siddharth Banerjee aka Sunny, who's also a rapper him self, had written Aashiq Mizaaj with Akshay in mind two years ago. Akshay took to the song when he heard it. It ended up getting played in parts throughout the film. He is always lucky for me. He comes into my life at a point when I need help, whether it was the stint in Patiala House or Bas Ek King from Singh Is King. He is my bada paaji. I love him like a big brother. He's always involved with the music of his films. Initially, I was so excited about the song that I didn't want to let anyone else sing it, but then I heard Aman Trikha and thought his voice would do more justice. So, I am just rapping at the beginning.
Why did you choose to turn composer?
What if you get fed up of listening to yourself? I tried to tell music directors to do something different. One can't do the same thing -thoda sa singing, thoda rap, thoda singing - again and again. Sachin-Jigar gave me that freedom with Char Baj Gaye (F.A.L.T.U). I really wanted to start composing because people aren't giving me the songs and lyrics I'd like to make. When I go party, I want to hear stuff I like too. And if I am not getting it, better do it yourself. Also, there are so many singers and rappers waiting to make it, so ek ek karke unko bhi chance denge. I have composed music for non-film albums. When I meet music directors, I sit and jam with them and work on my songs, changing the beats, the bassline, the hi-hats. People think we are just going to sing our section. I have utmost respect for Pritam. He'd instead say, 'Go, write the song in an hour and come back.' When I get back, he immediately responds to the song. I also wanted to compose because I was not getting that respect otherwise. I love composing because you can write for other people. I get to experiment with songs that I can't sing myself and tap into my knowledge of other genres apart from rap and hip hop.
What do you think of the rap scene in India?
Hundreds of rappers have appeared all of a sudden. I love Yo Yo Honey Singh for what he is doing but everybody else who is copying him and sounding exactly the same is what annoys me. I want to tell them, 'You all have your own voice and in hip hop you can have your own style. Raftaar is a great example - he doesn't sound or write like anybody else.
What are you currently working on?
On November 21, I am performing in Abu Dhabi for UAE's biggest free music festival. I feel privileged to be the only artiste invited from Asia for a festival that features the likes of Juicy J, Jason Derulo and Rita Ora. I will be performing with a crew of dancers I spotted in Mumbai. Some hail from slums but can dance better than top notch B-boyers.
I am working with a bunch of rappers I respect, including Blaaze, DJ Uri, Double-D, Su-Real from Delhi, Hiphop Tamizha (vocalist Adhi and DJ Jeeva in Chennai) on creating a platform where real rappers get some recognition. One of them will feature on my song KIA (Kaur In Action). We want to start educating kids who want to rap.
Movie Review: THE SHAUKEENS by FENIL SETA
10:11 AM
A section of audience always raises objections when remakes of well-made films are announced. The essence or the USP of the original fails to get captured in the remake is what they argue. Chashme Baddoor, Don and not to forget, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag were ridiculed by many moviegoers (the latter was mocked by almost all) for not doing justice to the original. However, The Shaukeens will be an exception. With Tigmanshu Dhulia as the writer and Tere Bin Laden director Abhishek Sharma at the helm, The Shaukeens turns out to be an interesting and fun entertainer and it’s as good as original!
The story of the movie: Laali (Anupam Kher), KD (Annu Kapoor) and Pinky (Piyush Mishra) are friends and sexually frustrated men, due to various reasons. After failing to get laid in their hometown Delhi, they venture out to Mauritius to fulfill their wishes. At Mauritius, they come across the sexy and free-spirited Ahana (Lisa Haydon). The three Shaukeens then instantly start wooing Ahana in the hope that one of them would be the lucky one. And an opportunity shows up at their doorstep when superstar Akshay Kumar (Akshay Kumar) lands up at Mauritius. And Ahana who is a crazy and die-hard Akshay Kumar fan reveals that she’ll do anything if somebody arranges her meeting with the superstar. How the three Shaukeens try to compete with each other in completing the ‘mission’ forms the rest of the story.
The Shaukeens is not unconventional or out of the box. It’s also isn’t a laugh-a-minute riot. However, don’t worry as it’s a sweet and simple fun film that’s guaranteed to put a smile on one’s face. It’s just 125 minutes long and although a few portions of the film are okayish and dry, the film on the whole is quite engaging. The introduction of the Shaukeens is quite interesting and the problem they face in their lives is nicely depicted. The Bangkok episode is hilarious (hope Thai tourism doesn’t raise objection!). As expected, the film gets better as soon as the Shaukeens land at Mauritius. Lisa Haydon’s entry is too good! The intermission point indicates that the second half would be better. And sure enough, Akshay’s antics raise laughs for sure. However, the film ends on a great note thanks to a well-written and directed climax. And kudos to the writer-director of The Shaukeens since most of the second half is original and different from the original film.
Any blemishes? As mentioned above, one can’t expect something funny to happen every minute. Also, the manner in which Ahana gets to meet Akshay Kumar and she doesn’t find anything fishy is slightly unconvincing. Same goes for Ahana’s obsession for facebook likes and comments. Sure, there are such people but it could have been better executed.
The Shaukeens rests on some great performances. Akshay Kumar has a supporting role and not exactly a special appearance. And he rocks! It’s great to see the actor playing himself and also poking fun at his own stardom and the kind of films he has done over the years. He’s totally into his character and his scenes with Bengali director (Subrat Dutta) and in the climax is just amazing! Believe it or not, this is one of the best performances of Akshay in recent times!
As for the three Shaukeens, each one brings something interesting to the table. Annu Kapoor gets totally into the skin of the character and looks every inch a bacherlor and a wannabe Casanova. Anupam Kher allows his subtle performance to make the desired impact. Piyush Mishra too in a way raises tons of laughs. Watch out for him when he starts sweeping the floor or when he does a tit-for-tat with his sons over Corbett-Ranchi tour! Hilarious! Lisa Haydon looks beautiful and sizzling and plays her character with aplomb. In fact, Ahana in many ways is an extension of Vijaylakshmi of Queen (where she made an old man – Rani’s father – crazy as well!) but one won’t feel the need to compare the two characters. That’s a feat for a new actress like Lisa and this indicates that she has a promising future! Subrat Dutta gives a very funny performance. Cyrus Broacha (secretary), Kavin Dave (assistant director) and Manoj Joshi (filmmaker) have some great moments and do a nice job. Yuvika Chaudhary, Rati Agnihotri (Laali’s wife) and the actors who play Laali’s son, Laali’s sister Chanchal and Pinky’s family members are nice. Gaurav Gera (Bhanu) has a great screen presence – he deserves better and lengthier roles! Finally, the cameos done by Kareena Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Suniel Shetty are interesting but it’s Dimple Kapadia who takes the cake!
Music is nothing special but it isn’t disappointing either. Aashiq Mizaaj is the best of the lot. Manali Trance is very well shot but one wonders why it’s a part of the film after all. Alcoholic, Meherbani and Ishq Kutta are fair. Lonely is an interesting song (although it’s surely inspired from Akon’s Lonely) and sung very well by Anu Malik. Sandeep Chowta’s background score isn’t over the top and makes the correct impact. Amalendu Chaudhary’s cinematography is decent. Feroz Khan’s action is great, especially in the helicopter scene. Tigmanshu Dhulia’s story is impressive and the manner in which he added his original bits to the plot of Shaukeen and did away with Mithun Chakraborty’s character and a lot of other stuff is praiseworthy. Screenplay is nice as well while Dhulia’s dialogues are excellent. The punchlines are neatly woven in the everyday conversations and doesn’t sound filmy or out of place at all! And Abhishek Sharma’s direction has its charm. Sure, there are scenes which could have been better but then, it’s better to be subtle and true to the script rather than going over the top and adding masala unnecessarily. Also, he handled the climax quite deftly and he made it looks very unconvincing and simple. He achieved a similar feat in Tere Bin Laden as well. Also, the manner in which he neatly incorporated the Saigal Blues song (Delhi Belly) in the intro deserves applause!
Some of the best scenes:
1. The introduction of The Shaukeens
2. Pinky’s conversations with his family members
3. The Shaukeens try their luck with a young girl on Sunday night
4. The song Aashiq Mizaaj
5. The Shaukeens spot Ahana
6. The Shaukeens try to cheer up Ahana
7. All scenes of Akshay Kumar
8. The climax
On the whole, The Shaukeens is a fun-filled entertainer that is guaranteed to put a smile on one’s face. The humour isn’t in-your-face and there are no jokes and gags every minute. Yet, the film is quite funny and doesn’t let the attention wander even for a monent. Akshay Kumar pokes fun at himself and surprisingly, gives one of the best performances in recent times! The three Shaukeens and Lisa Haydon too are quite brilliant. Dialogues are witty and climax is quite smartly done. Watching this film in theatre won’t be a bad idea. Go for it and enjoy the antics of The Shaukeens!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
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