AR RAHMAN'S MUSIC

KarthikeyaN · 01-14-2009, 12:24 AM

EXPECTATIONS

In the past A.R. Rahman has worked on international collaborations but other than the fact that his soundtracks make big news, they haven't been known much amongst the Indian audience. This is the first time ever that one is hearing a lot about this project of his because a) it has been set in India, b) all the actors in the film are Indians, c) the film is getting a mainstream release and d) there are awards and more awards that are coming the way of not just the film but also the music. A score which was relatively unknown till a few months back, has certainly become big due to which one picks up the CD of Slumdog Millionaire with great expectations.

MUSIC

This one is not just a versatile album but also a teasing one, as can be witnessed from the opening number 'Ringa Ringa' which is based on the the rhythm of 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai'. Set in a brothel, 'Ringa Ringa' hardly leaves anything to imagination and one wonders that if not for an A-grade project set-up as that of Slumdog Millionaire, the song would possibly have not gone beyond the censors. In the league of 'Choli Ke Peeche' [Khalnayak] and 'Mujhko Raana Ji Maaf Karna' [Karan Johar], 'Ringa Ringa' is as raunchy as it gets.

'Jai Ho' is the flagship number of Slumdog Millionaire and Subhash Ghai may certainly have been cursing his luck that he allowed this superb track from Yuvvraaj to be handed over to Slumdog Millionaire after he felt that it didn't suit the mood of his own film. Boasting of an amazing mix of melody and rhythm, 'Jai Ho' remains Indian at heart and is instantly catchy. No wonder, it is the lone promotional song of the film and also sees a music video being dedicated to it. Gulzar saab celebrates the spirit of love and life with 'Jai Ho' and infuses enough power in it that justifies all the nominations it is receiving today.

A background theme piece that should help speed up the pace of Slumdog Millionaire with the sheer energy it brings with it, 'O Saya' has an African sound to it. Heavy on orchestra, 'O Saaya' moves at a fast paced and is the kind that has to be heard on a high volume on a good music system to get the right effects. A few theme pieces follow next with 'Riots' getting the scare factor on. Years back, Rahman had composed 'Bombay Theme' in Mani Ratnam's Bombay and here in Slumdog Millionaire he makes it dark and depressing all over again.

On the other hand, 'Mausam - Escape' is mainly a fusion piece that amalgamates Indian and Western classical. A track which takes has quite some range to it with the kind of ups and downs that it sees; it should heighten the impact of the narrative. Same is the case with 'Liquid Dance' which lasts for three minutes and has unpredictability written all over it. Yet another exciting piece that makes you check out the film to know how exactly is it placed in the film.

What makes for one of the most beautiful theme pieces in Slumdog Millionaire is that of the leading lady Latika though. Titled 'Latika's Theme', you want this piece to go on for longer than it's three minute duration due to the lively manner in which it unfolds. From being lively, the mood shifts to that of euphoric with the track 'Millionaire' coming next. With a hint of 'Jai Ho' to it, it is a club track that you could play out loud and jive along with all the fancy lights surrounding you.

'Gangsta Blues' is a haunting yet intriguing number that reminds one of the soundtrack of lesser known film Snip which was made close to a decade back. However, though not much is remembered of Snip today, Rahman ensures that his 'Gangsta Blues' would be identified well by those who have been exposed to this genre of music, courtesy MTV and Channel V! The concluding track 'Dreams On Fire' is a soft and sensitive number and Rahman shows once again that why he is a preferred choice for many international filmmakers!

VOCALS

It would certainly have been the Rahman factor that would have prompted Alka Yagnik to come behind the mike for a number like 'Ringa Ringa'. Even though she has sworn off singing any number that has a hint of vulgarity to it, Alka Yagnik doesn't mind going ahead with 'Ringa Ringa' and comes up with good results all over again in company of her 'Choli Ke Peeche' partner Ila Arun.

Sukhwinder Singh is energetic and effortlessly goes ahead rendering 'Jai Ho' where he is accompanied by Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Vijay Prakash. The singer can comfortably add on another big chartbuster to his name. Rahman himself comes behind the mike for 'O Saaya' along with M.I.A and sings as per the mood and setting of the situation in which it is placed.

One of the most difficult tasks behind the mike is to get the right pitch on when all that you are required to do is hum throughout. Suzanne does it well as the crooner for 'Latika's Theme' and deserves applause for the way she approaches the three minute long piece and keeps it all subtle yet so full of impact. For the English number 'Dreams On Fire', she is yet again in her elements and goes about singing it the way a girl would in an up market night club with dim lights around and no disturbance whatsoever. On the other hand, Blaaze and Tanvi Shah are just so right into the groove for 'Gangsta Blues' which has to be one of the very few 'gangsta' genre of tracks that have been composed by an Indian composer.

OVERALL

Slumdog Millionaire is an excellent album that deserves all the applause and accolades it has been collecting internationally. Basically, a theme album with most of the tracks being background pieces, it never makes you miss the need of any spoken words for most of its duration. And even for those who look want their music to have full song and dance routines, there are numbers like 'Jai Ho' and 'Ringa Ringa' to keep them entertained. Play this one on for a long ride; you would certainly enjoy the sheer variety that comes along with it!

OUR PICK(S)

'Jai Ho', 'Gangsta Blues', 'Ringa Ringa', 'O Saya', 'Dreams On Fire

Rating :

Hari Kuttan · 01-14-2009, 12:33 AM

Hari Kuttan · 01-14-2009, 12:34 AM

Anna Dilli 6 rls enna? Any idea? Oruthan naleyanennokke parayunnu?

KarthikeyaN · 01-14-2009, 12:46 AM

HE’S known to be mighty choosy about his endorsements, with just about a
handful of brands in his kitty. But by becoming the first Indian to win a Golden Globe for the best original music score for Slumdog Millionaire, AR Rahman, already one of India’s best-known composers, has just made history. And with that, the 42-year-old is likely to have a fresh lot of companies beating down his door for endorsements.
Accordingto Percept Talent Management CEO Manish Porwal, several brands will now try to rope in Rahman for endorsements. “Rahman as a brand, like his music, has a very top-end appeal compared to several of his
contemporaries in Bollywood. The win will surely draw the marketeers’ attention further,” he said. Ad circles say Rahman himself manages his endorsement deals unlike other celebrities. “In fact, Rahman charges nearly 300% premium as compared to several of his contemporary celebrities,” said the top official of a talent management company that had signed Rahman for a few sponsorship deals."

KarthikeyaN · 01-14-2009, 12:48 AM

Music maestro AR Rahman has become the first-ever Indian to win the prestigious Golden Globe award as “Slumdog Millionaire”, the rags-to-riches drama set in Mumbai, swept the awards night in Beverly Hills, California, late on Sunday.

The underdog film, made by British director Danny Boyle and based on a novel by Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup and dominated by a mostly unknown Indian star cast, has emerged as a top favourite for next month’s Oscars.

The film that became an instant box office draw in the US grabbed four top awards, including the best dramatic picture, the best director and the best screenplay (Simon Beaufoy), besides the best original music score for Rahman. It is set to open in India this month.

As the Golden Globes traditionally set the stage for the Oscars, the nominations for which are due to be announced next week, there is high expectation among Indian film buffs.

Rahman, the music sensation ever since he burst on the Indian filmdom with his score in the Tamil film “Roja” in 1992, received the award in the name of “a billion people from India”.

“Unbelievable. I thought, I would not win, so anyway thanks to the almighty god for bringing me here...Danny Boyle, Fox pictures, all my musicians in Chennai, Mumbai, and the billion people from India,” the Chennai-based composer said in a brief acceptance speech.

Actors Anil Kapoor, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto were among those present with producer Christian Colson, director Boyle, Rahman and Beaufoy on the stage as the film got the top award.

Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan was at hand to introduce the film along with actress Pinto. He offered to do a “pelvic” Bollywood dance on the spot.

“Golden Globes, or the GGs as we very affectionately refer to them — your mad, pulsating affection for our film is much appreciated. Really, deeply appreciated,” Boyle said.

“We really weren’t expecting to be here in America at one time, so it’s just amazing to be here,” said Beaufoy, whose winning script was adapted from diplomat Swarup’s novel “Q & A” about an orphan boy who wins the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and tries all the while to reunite with a lost love from his childhood.

The film overcame other odds as well. After filming was completed early last year, the relatively low-budget “Slumdog Millionaire” lost its American distributor, yet it has gone on to become a big contender for the Academy Award. After Warner Brothers closed down the distributing firm — Warner Independent Pictures — Fox Searchlight took over the $14 million film’s release.

KarthikeyaN · 01-14-2009, 01:00 AM

Showered by the congratulatory notes and messages, the recent Golden Globe Award winner A.R. Rahman must be a happy man indeed. It may be recalled that Rahman won the award for his music composition for the film Slumdog Millionaire. Among the film personalities that have congratulated him are Rajinikanth and Shankar.They have both stated that Rahman has made Indian and Tamilians, in particular, proud. Others who sent him their wishes are Abirami Ramanthan, Rama Narayanan, Vairamuthu and AVM Saravanan. The widespread talk in Kollywood is that music of the same quality can be expected in films like Endhiran and Mani Ratnams’ Ravan for which A.R. Rahman scores the music.

KarthikeyaN · 01-14-2009, 01:09 AM

The ceremony had yet to begin, but this arrivals line felt more like an afterparty.

The red carpet leading into the Los Angeles Film Critics Association awards on Monday was packed with winners from Sunday's Golden Globes, where the Mumbai-set drama "Slumdog Millionaire" emerged the big victor, earning four statuettes.

The Indian star of "Slumdog," Freida Pinto, said she wished she was already back home.

"If there was no Mumbai, there would be no 'Slumdog,'" Pinto said. "I would love to see how Indians are celebrating, because I know they are definitely rooting for us. Can't wait to go back. I'll be back on Thursday, and start to see the reaction out there."

The film's composer, Indian music superstar A.R. Rahman, said his Golden Globe win was followed by a call from his wife in India.

"She was screaming with joy," Rahman said. "I spoke to my mother and my family and my kids, and friends. In fact, the whole film community. All of them are so excited."

"Slumdog" director and English soccer fan Danny Boyle said he will look back on Sunday for a number of reasons.

"The day was broken up into three parts: two good and one very bad," he said. "The really good: Manchester United beat Chelsea. The really bad: I put the tuxedo on. I was told it was a 'George Clooney-type' look. But once I got it on, it didn't look like that. So that was very bad. And then we picked up four Golden Globes. So it all ended merrily and happily."

The "Slumdog" contingent wasn't the only one making and receiving long-distance calls following the Globes.

"Well, the truth is, I got a call from the president of Israel in the morning," revealed director Ari Folman, whose war drama "Waltz with Bashir" was named Best Foreign Language Feature. It deals with an Israeli Army veteran struggling with cloudy memories of the war in Lebanon in the early 1980s.

"It was no conversation," Folman continued. "It was a monologue. There was no dialogue. When the president calls, there's no dialogue. He said, 'The country's proud of you. I'm proud of you. The team's great, and great film, I saw the film.' Hang up and this was it."

In addition to its Globe win, "Bashir" took the Los Angeles critics' top prize in the Animation category.

But it was another animated feature, Disney/Pixar's "WALL-E," that the group named best feature film of 2008, live, animated or otherwise.

"For us, this is historic," said "WALL-E" director Andrew Stanton, who also was among Sunday's Globe winners. "I mean, we've been striving since 'Toy Story' to have our films be seen just like any other film. And we've tried very hard to raise the bar and make the content that good, so that might happen. And to finally have that happen, it's huge. It's like we finally broke some glass ceiling. It's just really gratifying."

KarthikeyaN · 01-14-2009, 01:41 AM

Delhi-6 tracklist

1) Aarti (Tumre Bhavan Mein)
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Rekha Bharadwaj, Kishori Gowariker, Shraddha Pandit, Sujata
Majumdar
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 3:01

2) Arziyan
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Javed Ali, Kailash Kher
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 8:42

3) Bhor Bhaye
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Shreya Ghosal, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Gujri Todi
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 3:19

4) Delhi 6
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Blaaze, Benny Dayal, Vivinenne Pocha, Tanvi, Claire
Lyricist: Vivinenne Pocha, Claire
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 3:36

5) Dil Gira Dafatan
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Ash King, Backing Chinmayee
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 5:4

6) Genda Phool
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Rekha Bharadwaj, Shraddha Pandit, Sujata Majumdar
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman, Rajat Dholakia
Duration (mm:ss): 2:5

7) Hey Kaala Bandar
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Karthik, Naresh, Srinivas, Bony Chakravarthy
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 5:53

8 ) Masakali
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Mohit Chouhan
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Choreographer: Vaibhavi Merchant
Picturised on: Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor
Duration (mm:ss): 4:51

9) Noor
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: Amitabh Bachchan
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 5

10) Rehna Tu
Music Label:T-Series
Singers: A R Rahman, Benny Dayal, Tanvi
Lyricist: Prasoon Joshi
Music Director: A R Rahman
Duration (mm:ss): 6:51

saji · 01-14-2009, 02:20 AM

Manorama Online Malayalam News=@@@

saji · 01-14-2009, 02:23 AM

Arjjunan mash, ARR ine kurichu parayunnu

Manorama Online Malayalam News=@@@