I dont know about you but remakes are like walking on a double edged sword for me. Some will have an amazing cast combo that gets you excited but disappoint with bad screenplay (or worse scene by scene copies). Then there are others that should never have been redone! But thats only the negative side. However, remaking a song can be more tragic than an entire film. Again the fight is between the fans of the old wine against fans of the current fad. To me, some songs can work if they have the right voices and competent hands on the decks. But there have been quite a few doozies.
For examples, D.Imman redid the famous track of MGR's Atho Antha Paravai Pola Vaazha Vendum when he composed the songs for Madarasi. This same track was done by GV Prakash in Aiyirathil Oruvan. Personally, I prefer GVP's version but this song sounds the best in its original form. At the same time, A.R.Rahman [my messiah] did a cover for the ever sweet track Thottaal Poo Malarum with Hariharan and Harini. This version had more appeal to me without taking away from the original's capacity to make you sway.
So which is better? Is this a good trend? I dont know. But some tracks make me wish they left the original as it was. Take a look at the latest in remade songs I stumbled on.
Now this may not have been the full track but its going to take a lot of convincing and some majorly appealing choreography to say it is better than the original Bheemavaram Bulloda.
I know I know its been so long but I am still not over this song. Seriously, of all the actresses that have tried their hand at singing, I think Shruti Haasan's collaboration with David Kushner is by far the most unique and rocking song EVER!! No one near the candy floss stuff that others have tried to do. Ok, fine the movie is "beyond words" but the song and the clip for "Beyond the snake" made me feel like it was worth the struggle.
So here you are. Take as squizz at the diva in action..
But its not just this one song that I love. She has an electrifying voice that is so unlike her father's but just as mesmerizing. I have heard some of her work on her Myspace. My personal favourites are Bury Me, Again and Tamil.
Although the clip is little off for my likings love her rendition of Aazma Luck Aazma..
Lets not forget her collaboration with Blaaze in Unnaipol Oruvan for the title track music video.
But I think one of the absolute favourites I have of Shruti singing is this impromptu style rendition of Waqt Ne Kiya. Totally awesome and beautifully sung.
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav was one of the few Venky films that I took time to like. But when I figured out it was remade by Vijay, I actually loved it his version. I liked Vijay at the time so that may have been the reason. But it honesty, it was a well remade film. Scenes were the same but it had an authenticity to it that was appealing. So where Nuvvu Naaku Nachav took some time to grow on me, Vaseegara was instantaneous. Mostly, because I loved the comedy and dialogue of Vijay. So considering I am overdue for a post, I thought the rewatch I am having on old films including Vaseegara warranted a post. This is one of my fav scene and song from Vaseegara.
The only thing that I was annoyed by was the heroine selection for Vijay's film. Somehow Sneha seemed way too plastic for my likings. What's worse is her stylist attempts to dress her like Simran in my other favourite song. WTF?!?!
So Ala Modalaindi is out and everyone is going gaga over it. Nandini has rocked the megaphone, Nani and Nithya are awesome on screen and have amazing chemistry. Total class racha! But when everyone has seen the sweet, cute, funny and charming Nani and becoming crazy fan types, original crazy fan nenu? Mass racha kosam waiting. Confused? After making me swoon, think, laugh, cry with his film, Gautham Vasudev Menon with his associates have gone into full blown production and of the 2 films releasing Veppam is one. The film has Karthik Kumar of Kanda Naal Mudhal fame, Bindu Madhavi in what I call her first full length main lead role in Tamil and..... NANI!!!! Expect cheyaledhu kadhu! But if Nani in Tamil is one shock, partner in crime evaro thelusa? Mana Nithya Menone!
So Boss nenu fix aipoyenu.. Veppam is going to scorch the screens. And with Anjana behind the megaphone.. kachithamga this is going to be an important film. Inkenti.. check it out. Sorry its tamil but difference enti? Nani unnaduga. Ensoi!
So with the movie launch going so well, the next step is naturally the music. Just like the creme of the crop has been used for the action, VFX and acting, the music includes work by M.M.Keeravani, Koti, Mickey J Meyer and Salim Sulaimann. Individually each has a trait and appeal that exceeds expectations. Together they are sure to rock.
With one of my upcoming favs, M.M.Keeravani starts with Chandrabose writing the lyrics. Simplicity in tuning and wording, the song is sure to have you tapping your feet with its classic style from the 1960's. Similarity to the Tamil song Paatu Paadava stop as soo as the male vocal Anuj Kurwara begins his charm. He has only a few songs under his belt but is pleasant on the ears with his unique voice. Joining him is Chaitra, a newbie to me but considering until I get used to some voices, I can confuse them, that may be entirely right. Either way, the duo is fresh and lyrics
While some are still "Ainvayi Ainvayi" around tune Band Baaja Baarat, Salim-Sulaiman make their debut in Telugu with Premalekha Rasene. A sweet number that speaks of love and how loved ones take all forms, Chandrabose pens the lyrics once again. Given that the point of view is from a girls perspective, Shreya Ghosal renders the timid, but enchanted by love song with typical elegance. Joining her is one of the duos Salim. I dont kow if it Chandrabose's lyrics or the tuning but there is no hint that the singer was completely new to the language. Some have said the song is styled like Haule Haule but I dont.
Karthik is one singer that infuses a soul to each of his songs and it is amazing how the singer can seem so different even though he has rendered hits like Nizamga Nenena from Kotha Bangar Lokam and Arre Re from Happy Days under Mickey J Meyer before. In another melody based track, Mickey is in his element as usual with Chandamamala. Perhaps the youngest(career-wise) out of the lot, he is no less talented and stand his ground around his peers.
With all the melodies floating around, we now come to a totally different track on the album. Koti has a discography that is quite enviable. He brings out a unique track for the villain in the film, Lakshmi Manchu. As a Geetha Madhuri takes the mike, it took me a while to realise it was her. She has changed her voice pitch before and rendered some interesting tracks but Pralaya takes the cake on robust.
The remaining tracks on the soundtrack include a remix of Premalekha Rasene, Yodha's theme and Tarumukosthundi which has SPB back for another inspirational and strong track by Koti. Unfortunately there are no links to this one so I'm not able to go into much detail but from what I have heard it has the Koti-SPB touch. I dont about you but these 30 promo's are not enough for me! Eagerly waiting for the CD I won to turn up.. :)
He's India's Michael Jackson and regardless what controversies he's stuck in, he still commands a fan base willing to look past. These are just a few songs I watched just for him all the time and are still very fond of.
I love the tuning in this song just because it has an inspirational feel to it as per the scene in the movie. Couldn't find the full clip so added two to cover it all.
part 2
Back to the beginning. This song is supposedly what made Prabhu Deva famous but I kind of feel since he did so many others before Chikku Bukku is just one of the popular ones. Love Raju's cameo in the cameo.
They made a movie with the title of this song but nothing beats this. Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa marked the return of Krishnaraj who unfortunately has disappeared again.
I loved the soundtrack and the movie VIP, a remake of Tere Mere Sapne, in which Prabhu played Arshad Warsi's character. Its a shame that Ranjith Barot didn't do more movies as music director. Quite liked Aks as well.
Yes the costumes are a bit odd but funky song and Prabhu's trademark expression in Naam Iruvar Namakku Iruvar.
Love the chemistry between Kalyani and Prabhu in this and they were great in the movie Alli Thantha Vaanam too.
A song from his first feature film Indu. Cant believe Khushbu did a cameo in the song but here she is.
I cant have a post of Prabhu Deva's without this song. Not so much of the fast moving dance but still a good song.
Now shifting to Telugu, this one is from Style. Like the dance incorporation but could have given Prabhu a stronger role than what he got.
How about some Hindi since this man is all over the place? I remember squealing my lungs out when I saw Prabhu on screen while watching Shakthi. I'd seen the other version but SRK had me interested but this cameo I didn't expect.
It is honestly very hard to find some of Prabhu really early work. like his cameo's when he was still a teenager. Of course there is Chikku Bukku as I have added but there are so many others. If you find any please let me know so that I can add it. Mind you that is a big if since some dont approve. I think the worst thing about one of my favourite actors being caught in a controversy is that people expect me to hate for that fact. But I choose to look at the talent and the actor/director/choreographer that he is instead. If you choose otherwise, let me just say be fair and check the facts, not what the media feeds you. Kamal Haasan is an undeniable entity in the industry but his personal life and theories don't sit well with some and I frankly dont care about it either. Whether that disgusts you or irritates you, I feel that there are so many untold sides of stories that are flosting in the walls of the industry so all I ask is you enjoy this post for what it is. My post on work done by one of my favourite celebrities.
When it comes to singing, there is no limit to the abundance of talent in the industry. But what happens when actors want to sing? Either its a hit or miss. I just finished watching Guzaarish and was amazed at Hrithik's rendition of the timeless classic 'What a wonderful world'. So I thought to compile some of the songs together, just for fun.
Nizam boss, edupu vachesindi.. This man is amazing in all aspects but when he started to sing, I went for the tissue box.
From crying to dancing, Siddharth has sung quite a few songs but I love the fun factor in his voice. But this song from Oy! somehow has me hooked more than others. I kinda feel it suits his voice more than the others.
Kamal Hassan has a very unique voice yet I fund it quite soothing in this song. A classic that still gets used now, although in a more comical sense, Thenpaandi Cheemaiyile gets my vote on Kamal's best vocal act.
But when it comes to Kamal Haasan, one is never enough. While I do love Chitra and her rendition of this song with Kumar Sanu, where Tabu and Anil Kapoor were ok, the original Inji Iduppazhagi has to be the cutest pictorisation between Revathy and Kamal.
I know you might find this weird but I absolutely love NTR Junior's voice. His modulation is just amazing no matter the scene. So naturally when I heard him sing in Yamadonga, I was interested to see how he went. Not bad from Puli but out of the 3 songs he sang, DSP definitely rocks with this one.
Shifting base we have Aamir Khan singing that famous line, Aati Kya Khandala. Although my personal fav from the film was Jadoo Hai Tera Hi, This is just a fun song that became a success bigger than anticipated.
I love the man but was not to convinced with Shah Rukh Khan's singing capabilities. However ridiculous I found it, the fangirl screams continued and the memorising of his lines and dance steps was evident. Mind you I still felt like slapping Ash.
When the other Khans are present, Salman Khan isn't far behind. The film Hello Brother has some great music, typical of a Salman Khan flick. Some may not think he's too good but this is Salman Ishtyle bhaiyya.. And no one does it like Salman.
What can I say about Mamta Mohandas that I havent already? Although she has sung a few songs for herself like this one in King...
.. She isn't adverse to just being a playback singer. My current favourite is Priyankari from Thriller (Please excuse Katherine Theresa's wardrobe. I'm sure Prithviraj makes up for it)
Shalini Ajithkumar may not have been around much in Tamil after Kadhalukku Mariyathai but she and her sister were a force to reckon with when they were child artists. In the film that featured to now married Shalini and Ajith, she debuted as a singer. Pity she didn't continue.
Manoj K Bharathi isn't the best looking guy but when you're dealing with A.R.Rahman who knows how to pick a voice, he must have the goods when it comes to singing. Whats more, after his debut in Taj Mahal,Manoj released an album with actress Meena called "16 Vayathinile" which fared pretty well. For a guy that struggled as an actor, he's got a few talents up his sleave as he tries to make his directional debut, a remake his father's cult classic of the same name.
I'm pretty sure there are others but these are the one that I could gather videos for. If you have any suggestions with videos, please do share. More than likely, I was looking for them..
I dont know about you but remakes are like walking on a double edged sword for me. Some will have an amazing cast combo that gets you excited but disappoint with bad screenplay (or worse scene by scene copies). Then there are others that should never have been redone! But thats only the negative side. However, remaking a song can be more tragic than an entire film. Again the fight is between the fans of the old wine against fans of the current fad. To me, some songs can work if they have the right voices and competent hands on the decks. But there have been quite a few doozies.
