Blue to wash over overseas

Come Friday and the place will just be coloured Blue!  Releasing this 16th, Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd’s ‘Blue’ is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. ‘Blue’ is tagged with a U/A certificate by the Censor Board. Directed by Anthony D’Souza, this under-water adventure-thriller includes Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan. One gets to enjoy a bonus with Katrina Kaif in a cameo role here. The music is already making waves, thanks to AR Rahman and Resul Pookutty, who handled the sound.

‘Blue’ is not only going to hit the nation but also the international screens. The movie will be screened across USA and Canada. Over the movie’s board, there is Hollywood cinematographer with Pete Zuccarini, who had worked on movies like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Deep Blue Sea’. And, not to forget, the special number by singer Kylie Minogue. So catch the ‘Blue’ fever this Friday folks!

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

BLUE gets ‘U/A’ certificate

It’s ‘season of blue’ all over the town with everyone overwhelmed with high expectations on this Diwali release.  Produced by Shri Ashtavinayak Cine Vision banner, the film has been given ‘U/A’ by the officials of Censor Board.

Directed by debutant Antony D’Souza, the film is slated to bring you the crème de la crème quotients or stunning visuals of underwater ambience unforeseen in any Indian Cinema. Apart from carrying the A-one category of star-casts Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan, the film boasts about going inclusive of world’s top-charting technicians.

Cinematographer Pete Zuccarini, who enthralled us with his spellbinding visuals in ‘PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN’ and ‘DEEP BLUE SEA’ along with Laxman Udaykar has cranked the camera on eye-catching visuals across Bahamas and Bangkok. A.R. Rahman's musical score is already a stunning charbuster across the global audio markets.

This underwater action-adventure centers on complex relationships between friends on the pursuit of lost treasure.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

BLUE - TRAILER

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Feeling Blue: Will Rahman work miracles?

Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd is getting jittery about their next release 
Blue. 


Blame it on the shocking failure of their multi-starrer, adventure-caper Luck in which they had pumped in a reported Rs 35 crore. Luckily for them, the film was bought over from them by Studio 18 at the last minute. Studio 18 lost approximately Rs 15-20 crore on Luck.
   
But now, with Blue lined up for release on October 16, it’s unlikely that TV 18 or any other major corporate studio will come forward to buy this exorbitant underwater adventure.
   
A source said, “The budget of Blue has shot up to more than Rs 70 crore for various reasons, including Sanjay Dutt’s dates. It would require a miracle to recover that kind of money. So before the release, the producers plan to pump up the star value as much as possible.”
   
Apparently, the film’s makers are also planning to cash in on Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif’s collective star power in Blue, though the two are not paired up. Katrina only has a guest appearance, but she is considered super-lucky after the success of New York and her string of successes before that. Akshay Kumar has a negative role, but has been asked to perform an extra song for the film. In fact, the film’s music composer A R Rahman, who’s currently down in India, has been busy putting together a song for Akshay.
  
Director Tony D’Souza confirms this last-minute embellishment. He said, “We have a song to shoot with Akshay. We’re waiting for him to find time to shoot it. It will be played with the film’s end credits. Akshay prefers the British Bhangra band, RDB. But in Blue, we’re giving him a Rahman track to jive to. Now that’s an offer Akshay cannot resist.”
   
By the time Akshay returns from London, it will be too close the release date. So the star is expected to fly down to Mumbai for a couple of days this month, to shoot for the song and then return to London 


Courtesy: indiatimes.com

First promo of 'Blue' will be unveiled with 'Kaminey'

The coming weeks will witness the release of some hugely-anticipated films. The first promo of ‘Wanted’ has met with tremendous response, with the aam junta greeting the promo with rare enthusiasm. This writer is confident that the first promo of Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision's ‘Blue’, directed by Anthony D'Souza, will also be welcomed with whistles and claps. In fact, the first promo will be unveiled on 14th August with ‘Kaminey’.

While on ‘Blue’, a section of the industry feels that the film won't make it in Diwali since the actors have yet to dub for the film and also A.R. Rahman has not recorded the background score yet. It's far from true, since Akshay Kumar has already completed his dubbing, while Sanju and Katrina are expected to dub in the forthcoming week.

Also, the maestro, Rahman, has started recording the background score in Chennai. Sure, the CG work will take time, but the makers are 100% sure that ‘Blue’ will hit the screens on the scheduled date, on 16th October. That should put an end to all speculation vis-à-vis the release date of this biggie.

Courtesy: indianexpress.com

Director Anthony D'Souza on his action bonanza Blue

First-time filmmaker Anthony D'Souza plumbs the depths of oceans off Bahamas for his action bonanza Blue.

Have you finally wrapped up Blue? When is it releasing?
We are nearly through with the shoot. I am headed for Bangkok with Lara Dutta for two days' work and then I need eight more days to shoot Katrina Kaif's song. Blue is scheduled to be released on August 13.

Where did you find this deep-sea adventure, for it certainly is an alien concept here in India? 
I have always been fascinated by water and then I wanted to make a "never-seen-before" film - so it had to be a film shot in the ocean. I had to find a fresh setting and what better than an action adventure with real sharks, sting-rays and eels to the menacing great whites?

Sounds scary! How did you protect your stellar cast from the oceanic wild life? 
Wild animals pose no danger by themselves, unless provoked. In our case, we took ample precautions to ensure the safety of the cast and crew. There have been no injuries or mishaps.

So which was the most spectacular and the most menacing of the oceanic beasts you shot with? 
I chose to shoot off Bahamas because the kind of sharks that I wanted are only found there. We have shot with real sharks - hammer-heads, reef sharks, great whites, manta rays and eels. While reef sharks are the gentlest and easiest to shoot with, the great whites that measure 15 to 18 feet are the most menacing and also the most spectacular.

Tipped to be the most expensive Indian film ever made with a whopping budget of Rs 100 crore, what has been the most expensive aspect of Blue? 
I still won't be able to give out the budget of the film as I am still shooting. The most expensive part of the film was the execution and implementation of action. We shot for 60 days in deep sea off Bahama Islands - of these, 15 days were for rehearsals and 45 days for the actual shoot. For the first time, the Indian audience will be treated to 25-30 minutes of underwater adventure.

Our underwater DOP Pete Zuccarini is the man who shot Pirates Of The Caribbean, so the filming is flawless and spectacular. I hope I have brought the audience entertainment worth their money.

How did you manage to find funding for this extravagant adventure as your first film? Also how did you convince Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt to be a part of it?
I approached Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. with my script and they liked it right from the outset. My ad-films and music videos on the resume also worked well, I guess.

I met Mr Dutt, Akshay and Zayed Khan, narrated them the script after which they were on. Really, I think that I am most fortunate. It must have something to do with my parents' blessings because I am not much of a religious guy.

Any particular reason for casting middle-aged heroes in this seemingly-youthful deep- sea adventure? Who's the best swimmer from the cast? 
Blue is about betrayal and a treasure-hunt. This is a film in which the characters are playing their age - Mr Dutt, Akshay, Zayed, Rahul Dev and Kabir Bedi in a guest appearance. Mr Dutt, who has a lung problem and is forbidden by the doctors to swim, insisted on doing each and every stunt himself. Akshay is ever-ready for any challenge and Zayed has been a swimmer ever since he can remember. Lara, on the other hand, trained for five months for the underwater action. But the best swimmer title goes hands down to Zayed Khan!

How did you handle the ego tussle of Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar? 
On the sets and off it, the two stars are like brothers. We used to read all those crappy reports in the media and laugh at those together.

Who's the heroine of the film - Lara or Katrina? Are you including an additional song in the film to assuage Katrina? 
Lara is the heroine of Blue and she plays Mr Dutt's girlfriend and the film is based on their love story. Katrina Kaif, paired opposite Zayed, has a guest appearance in the film. Katrina's song is a part of the script and is in the last portion of the film.

Alright, so why cast Kylie Minogue? Apart from the hype, how does she help the film? 
I have been a great fan of Kylie's. She has one song and some scenes in the film. She shot for eight days and she has some humorous and dramatic scenes with the entire cast. I found her to be very professional and down-to-earth. She's a director's actor.

A R Rahman's music is likely to be a big high for the film. What kind of music have you come up with?
We have seven songs in the film and A R Rahman's music this time is certainly not Indian, it's very Western. Abbas Tyrewala and Mayur Puri have penned the lyrics.

Is John Abraham a part of your next venture?
My next film is a three-hero action film, also for Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision. John Abraham is certainly a part of it and I am hoping to cast Sonal Chauhan opposite him. 


Courtesy: bollywoodhungama.com/

Kylie Minogue thrilled to work with AR Rahman

Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue says she was thrilled to work with Oscar winning music director AR Rahman in Bollywood film Blue. The 40-year-old singer plays herself in the film, and also performs a set-piece song-and-dance routine in the underwater thriller starring Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Katrina Kaif.


"It was an incredible experience (to work with AR Rahman),” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her as saying. "I met AR Rahman at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards (in London last month). I couldn't believe I was doing a song with him in Bollywood so soon after," she added.


The film is about a sunken treasure ship and is said to have been inspired by the Hollywood production, The Deep. On being asked if she would like to be a part of some of the Bollywood movies in future, Minogue said she would certainly consider.


"I got a lot of love here. Right now this feeling is just sinking in but certainly in future I will do more if I get the chance,” she said. "I didn't know much of Hindi but it does not matter because everyone was very cooperative and I had fun and joy. I Wanted to be part of Bollywood for a while and it was great opportunity that came by," she added.


Courtesy: oneindia.in

Catch Rahman, Salman sing Yuvvraaj

Music has always played a powerful part in Subhash Ghai's films. Yuvvraaj is no different. And doing the honours is the brilliant A R Rahman.
We got Rahman to talk about the film's music, and sing as well -- don't miss the video! Salman Khan could not resist the songs too, and gave us the unplugged version of Dost.Katrina Kaif had her say about the music as well.
But first, over to Rahman:
You have worked with Subhash Ghai in most of his films.
I have been working with Mr Ghai for almost 10 years, from Taal days. We have always been in love with musicals. He came for the opening for my [Broadway show] Bombay Dreams in London and said that he wanted to do a full-fledged musical with the great dancers and live orchestra. I think his dream came true with Yuvvraaj.
I gave a Lord of the Rings CD to Mr Ghai, and he fell in love with it. He wanted his musical to be like that. There were about 400 people involved in each track of LOTR, and he said we would get those 400 people. So it started with that vision. Some of the tracks were as huge as that, others were simple.
How do you handle the pressure of making different music, especially in a Subhash Ghai film?
Pressure has always been there but if you let it get to you, you will land up doing wrong things. So we go with what our heart says.
Working as a team reduces the tension, especially with Gulzarsaab and Mr Ghai. It becomes easier.
What is new about the music of Yuvvraaj?
With Yuvvraaj, it is like taking a U-turn -- going back to orchestra and choir that you don't get to hear these days. Most of the music is beat-oriented and the industry thinks that that is what we want. I think it is a very bold step by Mr Ghai to do what we like and give people what we want them to like.
How well do you relate with the tag-line of the film: Music binds love?
Music always binds love. It affects people's lives. It's the best thing about me coming into music. If I hadn't got into music and had been a bank manager, I wouldn't have got the joy of entertaining people or changing their lives. I'm greatful to God for that.
Do you like the response the music is getting?
I did not expect the music to be out this early. I thought they would take months to launch the music. But T-Series has done a great job in promoting the music. So it is a blessing for all of us -- Mr Ghai, Gulzarsaab, me and the whole team.
Taal had larger than life music as well.
Taal had more ethnic and electronic stuff, Yuvvraaj is more classical. I wont call it pure classical but it has traces of acoustic and orchestral instruments.
You have had five hit albums this year. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Most of them were done in the last two of years. [Music for] Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na was done two years ago, Jodhaa Akbar was done last year... we started with Yuvvraaj last year. God has been very kind to me by giving me 5 superhits this year.
What is music, according to you?
When I started off, I wasn't interested in music. I realised the power of music when I started composing at the age of 18. I knew then that music could have your own expression and your own voice. It led me to spiritualism and that keeps me going.
Can you give some tips to aspiring musicians?
All they need to do is take a flight to Chennai and join my school for music.



Katrina is a part of an orchestra in the film, and plays the cello. And the beautiful actress knows how important music is to Hindi cinema.
Watch the video to hear what Katrina has to say about the music, and don't miss her favourite song, Muskura.



Ask Salman Khan about the music of Yuvvraaj and he says, "It's wonderful. I am very excited about the film and I hope it does well."
The actor seems to be quite excited about his new film. He gives us an unplugged version of Dost -- check out the video.




Courtesy: rediff.com

'Yuvraaj' can create or destroy

he music of this forthcoming flick has climbed up the popularity charts really fast and is being touted for its sheer class and great melody which make us remember some of the evergreen tracks of Bollywood films due to its music arrangement and the quality of the poignant lyrics created by the maestro Gulzar.

Everyone who has associated with 'Yuvraaj' is hoping that the public embraces the film wholeheartedly just like the way they have given a fantastic response to the music.

After delivering three flop movies, the status of Subhash Ghai as a film maker of all seasons and whether the showman still retains that magic which made him one of the most successful movie makers of Bollywood in the 1980's and early 90's hangs on the box office fate of 'Yuvraaj'.

The birth of another ambitious project of Subhash Ghai also depends on the way the film lovers are going to respond to the grandeur and the story embedded around the concept of the value given to the relationships in the Indian culture.

The veteran film maker has already planned out a remake of his super hit movie 'Hero' which was released in 1983 and gave Jackie Shroff his first hit film.

This time he is planning to cast Salman Khan in the lead role which will be totally different from the style and persona of the protagonist of the original movie.

For the heroine's part Katrina Kaif is being considered.

According to a buzz, Salman Khan has already given the nod to act in the remake of 'Hero' as he had already gone through the script and liked it at the time when he was offered the lead role in 'Yuvraaj'.

But the hunk liked the story of the three brothers fighting for their dead father's wealth more than the remake and thus both Subhah Ghai and Salman decided to start out with 'Yuvraaj' first.

Lets just wait and see what is going to happen.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Yuvraaj strikes the right note

The film may not have released as yet, but the cast of the much awaited Salman-Katrina flick Yuvraaj is already celebrating.

The film's music is creating quite a buzz already. But there's one man who's going all out to ensure it's publicity galore for Yuvraaj.

While it's a known fact that Salman Khan doesn't enjoy the whole publicity circus too much, but he seems to be taking it very seriously this time around.

"They called me for one promo and I ended up doing ten. Any publicity is good publicity for a film so lets see whether this publicity works in our favour or not," says Salman.

Salman has been involved in so much promotion that he now knows the journalists questions by heart.

But wherever Salman stands, there have to be controversial questions and this time is no exception with the media questioning Salman about the Bharat Shah 25 lakh rupee case and of course his relationship with Shahrukh.

"I have not done the case and I have no idea about it," quips Salman.


Courtesy: ndtv.com

Salman turned Blonde

Subash Ghai had a tough time convincing Salman Khan to dye his hair blonde for his film., Yuvraaj. Ghai wanted Salman, who plays the title role to appear different.
 
According to sources” Ghai tried different looks for him but failed .Then suddenly, one day, a brain wave struck him and he asked Salman to go blonde.Initially, Salman laughed it off but when he realized that Ghai was serious he refused outright.
 
Ghai confirmed the news and said” I tried several looks for Salman,but every look I devised looked pale and ordinary than the others in comparision with his real life personality”.
 
Then how did the blonde look come about?Ghai revealed” It just happened in Austria on the first day of the shoot. I was still toying with the idea. I suddenly told Salman that I want him to go blonde.”
 
This shocked Salman but he noticed a frown on my face. On the other day of shoot, Ghai was surprised to see Salman not turning up for the shoot. Ghai suspected if he din’t like the idea of going blonde. But he had another shock “he suddenly walked in and I was dumb-struck, he had coloured his hair blonde and was smiling”,he said.
 
Salman, u sure love giving pleasant surprises! 


Courtesy: chitramala.com

Yuvraaj Promo

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

"Yuvvraaj has the makings of a romantic classic" Says Katrina

Katrina Kaif, the golden bird of Bollywood at present has really turned the fortunes of many filmmakers and producers. And now the lady is yet again ready with her upcoming release ‘Yuvraaj’ which is a Subhash Ghai directorial venture.


Apparently, Katrina is playing a cello player in this romantic musical saga. She defines her experiences as a cello player to be very ingenious and interesting, different from her regular roles. She is paired opposite Salman Khan in the movie with whom she shares a special relationship off screen too.


Upon her expectations about the movie she revealed that the movie is very special for her. “This film is a little more special to me in the sense that it is looking very good. It has a good story and it is a film which I think is going to be on celluloid forever. It has the makings of a romantic classic.”


The movie also stars Anil Kapoor and Zaid Khan. The music is given by maestro A.R.Rehmaan. Katrina Kaif has now delivered six hits in a row starting from ‘Namaste London’. She is hoping to belt out yet another hit, adorning a new feather into her already glossy cap. All the people involved with this movie are also hoping for the same.


Much has been said about Katrina Kaif’s new look in the movie. If you too want to have a look at it and download free Katrina Kaif Wallpapers and Katrina Kaif Pictures then do log on to http://www.kaif-katrina.com You won’t be disappointed for sure!


Courtesy: newdesignworld.com

'Yuvvraaj' on small screen!

Salman Khan and lady love Katrina Kaif in a television show to promote their upcoming venture 'Yuvvraaj'

Ahead of his new film Yuvraaj's release Salman Khan kick started a promotion spree. His first stop was reality show 'Sa re Ga Ma Pa' and tagging along was sweetheart Katrina Kaif. And a light hearted Salman said, "I shall go wherever Subhash Ghai sends me."

True to his words this actor is surely going places to promote his forthcoming film Yuvvraaj. On the show, Salman says, "The show is nice and we are here to promote 'Yuvvraaj'. It has these days become a trend to promote movies in every possible place."

It seems the actor has learnt that honesty is the best policy. A candid Khan said, "This was the first time I was working with Subhash Ghai, so I was nervous whether the film will be made or not because I am a little unprofessional. I do my job well, but I am slightly unprofessional."

That's not all. Sallu went on to even add, "I can't sing or dance, but have been lucky to have got some hit songs in my kitty."

The final blow however was that Subhash Ghai told each one of them in the movie inclusive of Anil Kapoor and Katrina Kaif that they were all playing the character of Yuvvraaj.

Much has been the buzz of the movie and with spectacular promos screened everywhere, Salman will be hoping for yet another feather in his cap.

Courtesy: timesnow.tv

Salman and Katrina, both sizzles in Yuvraaj

Another one bites the dust, or so it seems. First it was Sangeeta Bijlani, then Somy Ali, followed by Aishwarya Rai, and now Katrina Kaif. Once again, Salman Khan is in love.


Salman was quite low-low after his break up with Aishwarya Rai, until he found Katrina Kaif. After a series of hook up and break up, it is but natural of him to be really protective about his relation with Katrina.


In last five years, the pair has seen many ups and downs in their relationship but never failed to stand by one another's side. The best part of their relationship is, if they fight regarding some issue, the other moment they are together. Though they have done couple of films together but never exhibited their off-screen love on-screen, for promoting any of the films. They always try to cover up their liking for each other, from this precarious world where relationships are made to be broken.


Now we are lucky to see their fondness, closeness, love and attraction for one another in Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj. The duo is at their romantic heights and both sizzles in Yuvraaj.

Courtesy: india-forums.com

'Yuvvraaj' has been a creative challenge for me: AR Rahman

We catch up with A.R.Rahman and quiz him on what he has in store for all Rahmaniacs (die-hard A.R. Rahman fans) this time around with the soundtrack of 'Yuvvraaj'.

Q. This year has been a treat for A.R.Rahman fans. After a royal and vintage score in 'Jodhaa Akbar', you gave us the peppy and zany 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na'. What do you have in store for your fans with 'Yuvvraaj'?

 

The music of 'Yuvvraaj' is something which we (Mr, Ghai, Gulzaar saab and myself) have all worked very hard on. Since the film itself is a musical, the music plays a very important role. I wouldn't like to say much about what's in store as far as the music goes. I don't even want to say the clichéd stuff that this is completely different from what I have done. All I would like to ask the people is to listen it for themselves and I hope they like it (smiles).

 

Q. Subhash Ghai's films are known for the music and this one is a musical. You've worked with Mr. Ghai earlier in 'Taal' and then in 'Kisna'. How similar or different has been the experience working with the showman?

 

It has always been a pleasure to associate with Subhashji on his projects. Working on the music of 'Yuvvraaj' has been a creative challenge for me, as Subhashji has always been associated with melodious music and has a vast understanding about the subject. As for comparisons with 'Taal', all I would say is that this is completely different. It's a different story, set in a different place and is also multi-cultural. 'Taal' was more Punjabi-friendly, remix, rhythmic kind of music etc. whereas 'Yuvvraaj' is more about melody and love etc... 'Yuvvraaj' being a musical and a grand film, audio is just 50%. The visuals and the music complement each other.

 

Q. Did you give him many sleepless nights considering you like to work at night?

 

I had a request from Mrs.Ghai asking me not to work very late in the night. So whenever it was 12 at night, I used to tell him, "I am tired. So let's call it a day" (laughs)

 

Q. The music of 'Yuvvraaj' has a very European kind of a feel with symphony, large scale orchestrations etc.

 

Yeah, we've used a Motif from Beethoven's 5th Symphony because the story is set in Austria/ Prague etc. Hence, we wanted that experience and feel to come alive through the music.

 

Q. You are known to give new singers a chance be itNaresh Iyer or Rashid Ali or Benny Dayal. How do you find this new and untapped talent every time?

 

It just happens. We just check them out and if they are good enough we give them a break (smiles).

 

 

Q. How long did it take to compose the music for 'Yuvvraaj' and what was the brief given?

 

The initial brief was Mr Ghai always wanted to have a full fledged orchestra kind of a musical score and with 'Yuvvraaj' he has fulfilled his desire. I hope people like it and appreciate it.

Q. Lyrics have been written byGulzar Saab...How has been the experience working with him?

 

I love working with Gulzaar saab. His whole temperament and vast experience is something which I really admire. All the films that I have worked with him have been really enjoyable.

 

Q. Which track is closest to your heart?

 

I like "Tu Muskura"...it's a really soulful number.

 

Q. A lot has been said about Katrina playing the cello. Whose idea was it and is it the first time that the cello has been used in a Hindi film?

 

It was Mr. Ghai's idea. I don't think the cello has been used in any other Hindi film on screen. The sight of a beautiful girl playing an instrument like the cello seems like an overwhelming visual. It's really nice.

 

Q. Which soundtracks have you liked in the recent past?

 

I've heard a couple of songs of 'Rock On'. I loved the trailer and the whole concept seems really interesting. I want to watch 'Rock On'.

 

Q. Finally, what's next in line after 'Yuvvraaj'?

 

After 'Yuvvraaj', there is the Aamir Khan starrer 'Ghajini'. I am also doing the music for Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.'s multi-starrer 'Blue'. There is also Danny Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire', the music of which is already done. So there's a lot to look forward too.

Courtesy: msn.com

Blend it like A R Rahman!

This is fast turning out to be A R Rahman’s year. In 2007, he gave us an extremely melodious music album Guru, which made a clean sweep at all the awards. This year too, he’s the frontrunner with two superhits already — the exquisite Jodhaa Akbar, and the fresh and peppy Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa. His latest Yuvvraaj again has Rahman’s quality and class stamped all over it.

So does it meet the sky-high expectations? The answer is yes. At a time when original music is so hard to come by and the film music scene is so dismal, it’s incredible how Rahman manages to infuse life back into it each time.

Yuvvraaj is high on melody, achieved mostly by high octave tunes and rich, intricate orchestration. The album has a distinct cross-cultural blend to it — where the classical is finely interspersed with contemporary vocals and groovy beats. This is especially true of the album’s best track, Dil Ka Rishta — sung in Sonu Niigam’s assured, youthful voice. Manmohini Morey is another track in the same vein. This is a superb fusion classical track with hip music.

Tu Meri Dost Hai is already gaining popularity through promos. Sung by newcomer Benny Dayal, the number is a high-octave intense melody. Yet, somehow, the ‘antara’ and its accompanying orchestration appear slightly scattered and lost after an out-of-the-world beginning.

Mastam Mastam and Shano Shano are two tracks that are a notch lower and seem to be included keeping mass appeal in mind. While Mastam Mastam is still catchy with its folksy feel, the second one is a letdown. It’s one more for the dance floor after Jaane Tu’s Pappu Can’t Dance Saala, so there’s a feeling of deja vu. A lot has been done to keep it ‘busy’ and hip but somehow both Rahman and lyricist Gulzar (otherwise in terrific form here) seem out of their comfort zone.

Tu Muskura is a soft love song — beautifully composed by Rahman but Alka Yagnik’s choice as singer isn’t as convincing. Over the years, Yagnik’s high notes have been getting shakier and there seems to be a certain contrived sweetness to her voice. Yet, we’ll say she’s better off with Rahman than any other composer of recent times. She was sparkling in both Lagaan and Swades, remember?

After listening to the songs of Yuvvraaj, one conjures up an image of an epic musical love story. Subhash Ghai’s and Rahman’s last film Taal still continues to mesmerise music lovers. Yuvvraaj too comes with immense potential, but a lot would depend on Ghai’s story and situations if they have to do justice to Rahman’s rich, grand compositions. After all, there’s nothing as heartbreaking as a good music score being wasted on a poorly made film!

Courtesy:

Music Review: ‘Yuvvraaj’ is a musical treat all the way

AR Rahman’s magical touch to Subhash Ghai’s imaginative identity gives an ingenious distinctiveness to the music of the Salman-Katrina starrer ‘Yuvraaj’. The opening track of the film sounds to be the perfect introduction to the following tracks and is designed as a dialogue monologue in Salman Khan’s typical anglicised accent.

The theme music is basically inspired by the instrumentation from the Fifth of Beethoven, a 1976 composition notably used in several English films.

“Yuvvraaj’s music is classical and if you enjoy Beethoven, you’ll love this,” Rahman says about the Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer. And Slum Dog.? “It’s about multi-culturalism which is bridging gaps across the globe,” he adds.

After delivering hit group performances in ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ and ‘Golmaal Returns’, Benny Dayal has got his first lead playback song with ‘Tu Meri Dost Hai’. The song opens with an alaap which forms the base tune of the track. Sung by Shreya Ghoshal with Rahman’s melodious voice for a short portion, the song is sure an instant smile-inducing one.

‘Tu Muskura’, with minimal musical arrangements, reflects Alka Yagnik’s soulfulsinging. ‘Shano Shano’ is an instantly infectious disco dance number in Sonu Nigam’s to die for vocals.

Gulzar is at his best once again with his choice of unusual yet hummable lyrics in ‘Mastam Mastam’. ‘Dil Ka Rishta’ appears to be the climax opera act comprising all the lead actors including Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and Zayed Khan, who play brothers in the film.

Manmohini Morey has chaste classical singing on a contemporary backdrop by Vijay Prakash, in the likes of maestros akin to Ustad Sultaan Khan. This small piece is a gem of classical music. However, ‘Zindagi’ is a sad number about looking life in retrospect but doesn’t get outright depressing.

With ‘Yuvvraaj’, Rahman and Ghai have teamed up for the best of contemporary and classical compilation.


Courtesy: zeenews.com

Rahman excels in Yuvvraaj

That A R Rahman is a master composer is no biggie. What is truly commendable is that he has earned an unblemished reputation of someone whose name alone sends promises of astounding melody. And so, at the risk of gushing, I'd say any soundtrack by him is like an event itself, more significant than hugely popular stars and their purported demigod status.
This year, he took us on a breathtaking tour of royalty and romance with the majestic Jodhaa Akbar [Images] and followed it with the frolic-filled, foot-tapping trendiness in the youthful beats of Jaane Tu[Images]... Ya Jaane Na.

• Why we should look forward toYuvvraaj

Next, he helms Subhash Ghai's[Images] lavishly-staged, Yuvvraaj, inspired in soul and element from European and Indian classical as well as Rahman's exclusive library of imagination. Being a wide-ranging musical, Yuvvraaj, starring Salman Khan [Images], Katrina Kaif [Images], Zayed Khan [Images] and Anil Kapoor [Images], like Ghai's Taal[Images], is every music-aficionado's delight.
Here's why:
Besides the CD layout, there's not much Yuvvraaj shares in common with Taal. The latter was deliberately theatrical and consisted folk-tune flavours. This one is marvelously smooth and meadow-fresh, conjuring lilting images of Prague and Austria, where it has been extensively filmed. At the same time, it packs in enough complex emotions of its own.
The soundtrack opens with Main hoon Yuvvraaj, wherein Salman Khan spews hard-to-miss sarcasm, introducing himself as the proverbial 'bad boy' against the etched-in-every-memory Fifth of Beethoven (performed by The Chennai String Orchestra). He has a point to prove, a notion to dispel. And he does it, with spirit, beauty and Benny Dayal (of Pappu can't dance saala fame)'s striking vocals, through Gulzar's [Images] wistful poetry and Rahman's inventive intricacy of Tu meri dost hain.
The lingering rhythm of Tu meri dost is swapped for the zingy, retro, disco-friendly beats of Shano Shano. An animated line-up of singers, right from Sonu Nigam [Images], Srinivas to Sunaina, Vivienna Pocha bring the house down in this club-meets-lounge ditty.  Its remix by Krishna Chetan, featuring Ember, is a dry and darker rap-inclusive interpretation of the racy original.
Tu muskura is a lyrical delight sending a wave of goose bumps across the enamoured listener. Gulzar's vivid wizardry pours its heart out through verse like, 'Sharir see yeh muskurahatein teri. Badan main sunti hoon main aahatein teri.' Needless to say it takes Rahman's exquisite touch to cast these delicate words into the silhouette of his melodies.
Sonu Nigam lends his characteristic velvetiness to the peppy hues of Mastam mastam, again overflowing with Gulzar's graphic thoughts (Bheje mein bhochal hain, pairon mein paatal hain). Effortlessly free-flowing, Mastam's USP lies in its being entertaining and silvery, at once.
Misty-eyed poignancy breathes effectively through the melancholic realisation of Zindagi. Rendered with excellent restraint and stirring sentiment by Srinivas, against Rahman's deft play of woodwinds and breezy strings, this is easily one of Yuvvraj's best compositions.
Piano, cello and other participants of a grand orchestra and powerful chorus create a vision of escalating drama of sibling bonding under Rahman's intense guidance and signature alaap. Dil ka rishta is his brand of symphony, generating a state of big-screen showmanship and mellifluous festivities.
The vigorously classical notes of Manmohini morey, with a conspicuous stamp of Rahman's whiz-kid personality, are grippingly and flawlessly translated by Vijay Prakash.  
Ultimately, Yuvvraaj is a triumphant score from the maestro. For all its meticulous arrangement and old-world grandeur, it's essentially deep-rooted in timeless melody, which seldom disappoints.
Rediff Rating: 


Courtesy: rediff.com

Ghai, Eros sell Yuvvraaj's India theatrical to Ashtavinayak

Producer - director Subhash Ghai and Eros Entertainment have sold the all India theatrical rights of Yuvvraaj to Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision.

When contacted by Businessofcinema.com, Eros Entertainment president Sunil Lulla denied the deal. "No such negotiations are on for Yuvvraaj," he said.

At the time of filing this story, Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision officials and Ghai's spokesperson remained unavailable for comment.

Sources inform Businessofcinema.com that the deal has been struck. If industry sources are to be believed, it is said that a major reason for this transaction can be attributed to the heavy losses incurred by Eros throughout the year due to the unsuccessful run of their films. This in turn has led the company to sell its forthcoming film Yuvvraaj. Ghai is said to have been in the forefront of this negotiation.

The amount of this deal for all India theatrical rights could not ascertained. Eros will distribute Yuvvraaj in the overseas territory.

Yuvvraaj was a part of the five year distribution deal that Ghai's Mukta Arts had struck with Eros in November last year. The India video rights are still with Mukta Arts and is not a part of the deal with Eros.

Before Yuvvraaj's release, Eros also has Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta starrer Heroes up for release on 24 October. "Currently, we are in the process of finalizing the release strategy for Heroes," Lulla said.

Yuvvraaj stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Boman Irani and Zayed Khan. It is slated for release on 21 November. Yuvvraaj is directed by Ghai and has music by A R Rahman.

Courtesy: businessofcinema.com