BLUE MOVIE REVIEW

Review by : Harish V Starring: Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta, Rahul Dev, Zayed Khan. Direction: Anthony D'Souza Music: A R Rahman. Production: Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd. Blue, one of the most anticipated movies of the year has finally hit the screen. Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan and Katrina (spl Appearance) are all geared up to entertain you. But will they? Ashtavinayak after the Kidnap and Luck debacle was expected not to come out with another high budgeted action thriller but they ended up making the mother of all action movies in terms of budget. This stylish underwater thriller is made at a budget of 95 crores, the highest in Indian film industry till now. Will this high priced risk payoff? The movie is about a 60 year old treasure which has been lost in transit from Britain to India near the Bahamas. Aarav a rich businessman in Bahamas is always behind his friend Sagar who works for him about the treasure of the Lady in blue. Sagar has a secret and he is not ready to share it even with his wife Mona and his brother, Sam. But when Sam gets into trouble with a mafia gang and is being demanded a pay off of $50 million in two days, all hell breaks loose. Sagar now has to come out of his shackles

to save his brother. What's the secret? Can Sagar save Sam's life? Is Aarav the man who seems so perfect is actually perfect? Find the answers in a theatre near you. The first time director, Anthony D'Souza has come up with a nice concept and even though his amateurish direction comes to fore in many scenes, he does pull it off all together. Many underwater scenes with minimal to no dialogues have been taken brilliantly, and the work they have done in almost all the chase sequences, especially the bike sequence in Bahamas, is worth mentioning. The movie's climax is half baked. If only the climax is treated properly, the movie's impact would have been much better. Apart from that, there are few effects which confuse you and the abrupt song inclusion in the narrative doesn't help either. But this movie is not to put your brains to work but to give you a theatrical experience, which Indian action movies have yet to capitalize on. Technically the movie is brilliant with spectacular camera work by Laxman Utekar, especially the way the underwater sequences were shot. Never before seen stunts underwater is a joy for any action lover. Though Rahman fails to create his usual magic in the music, which still is hearable, he has taken the background score to the next level. Editing is done stylishly with fast cuts which make this 1 hour 54 minutes movie go rapidly. Special effects and visual effects are one of the highlights of the movie as it takes the graph of the movie to new heights. Akshay Kumar enjoys his work and his amazing screen presence scorches the screen. Sanjay Dutt is brilliant as usual but has minimal expression needed in his palette this time around. Lara Dutta oozes sensuality and her trimmed look goes well with the bikini. She has no scope of acting. Zayed Khan again overplays his role but fits the character. Katrina Kaif has little to do but does that with confidence and her outfits looks amazing too. Kiran Bedi has no-role to rave about. Overall a wondrous experience that has to be cherished. A roller-coaster ride which is sure to win big bucks at the box-office. Please catch this movie in the theaters which possesses high end sound quality and enjoy the marvel of motion pictures. Verdict: Cherish-able theatrical experience

Courtesy:behindwoods.com

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 for Diwali

Now we have another contestant to compete in the Diwali race. ‘Blue’ is flushing all the way from the North to spread the colour and refreshment to South. Know who brings ‘Blue’ to Chennai? It’s none other than our Kalaipuli S Thanu. So, along with ‘Aadhavan’, ‘Jaganmohini’ and Peranmai’ we will have this Akki starer to entertain Chennaiites this festive season.

Releasing this 16th, the film is one of the most anticipated Bollywood 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.

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 -- shaken, stirred and stylish

This is undoutedbly one of the most-awaited albums this year, and AR Rahman [ Images ] goes all out to make the wait worth it.

Blue, the 70-crore multi-star extravaganza has a soundtrack that not only features Kylie Minogue [ Images ] in a casting coup of sorts, but also gives you Shreya Ghoshal [ Images ] as never before -- shaken, stirred and stylish.

Unfortunately, you may be a little disappointed with the first and the most high profile songs currently on air. Chiggy Wiggy featuring Kylie Minogue and Sonu Nigam [ Images ] is an elaborate composition with surprisingly pedestrian lyrics and a predictable melody. It is however painstakingly crafted and as you move from the sparse arrangements of Kylie's sections to that of Sonu's Bhangra pop, the canvas is suddenly a riot of mustard yellows and halwai oranges. It is a catchy dance track and there is not much more to that.

Quickly hop over to Aaj Dil, which is a fire and ice duet featuring Sukhwinder Singh [ Images ] and Shreya Ghoshal. Nothing is predictable about this song which draws inspiration from jazz, Carnatic, funk and what have you! Shreya Ghoshal gets into on a smouldering, sensuous avtar as she croons to Mayur Puri's evocative lyrics, ably supported by Singh. What also stand out are the guitar and bass lines. The pace, groove, melody and the vocals come together by design in Aaj Dil to make you go 'ooh yeah!'

Fiqrana again is an unpredictably built song, which progresses with great energy soaring sky high with the chorus. It is a tad lyric-heavy and a little too long but Vijay Prakash and Shreya Ghoshal do justice to this inspirational number.

If Bhula Tujhe harks back to Jaane Tu [ Images ]...Ya Jaane Na blame it on the credits. It has lyrics by Abbas Tyrewala and is sung by Rashid Ali who lent his voice to Kabhi Kabhi Aditi. It is a sad song, backed by an extensive western orchestra (Rahman's favourite Chennai String Orchestra) which gives it a 'big' sound. Guess now we know why Rahman picked up Rashid from a gig in London [ Images ]. He does not have a conventional, easy-on-the-ears voice, but a certain expression and timbre which will remind you of Rahman himself. And perhaps why the maestro gives him one of the more emotionally charged, melody-driven tracks in the entire album.  

The Blue Theme by Blaze, Raaqeb Aalam, Sonu Kakkar and Jaspreet is dark blue with its mean-street origins in rap with a dash of electronica. The track ends with a plunge into deep seas, thanks to some clever sound design.     

Up next is one of my favourites from the album, Rehnuma. Though the opening bars will definitely remind you of the title track of Jaane Tu ... (this too has lyrics by Abbas Tyrewala) with its slow jazz buildup, buckle up for Shreya Ghoshal. The girl is white hot and silken smooth in this killer track straight out of a 007 flick. Close your eyes to Rehnuma and you'll see slithering cocktail gowns and slim cigarettes, jet skis, limousines and smoking guns. And when Ghoshal goes for the kill in the chorus Qaatil adaa, she hits the spot, and how! Killer track.
 
The album ends on a disappointing note however with Yaar Mila Tha, featuring Udit Narayan and Madhushree. This folk pop track is conspicuous by its jaded lyrics and treatment, and probably not something you'd look forward to on the screen either. 

Blue is not your run-of-the-mill assemblage of hummable songs with catchy riffs and melodies. The music is as global in its influences and execution as can be expected from Rahman and the scale of the film. You cannot use conventional wisdom to analyse it.
   
Blue also helps us rediscover the incredibly talented Shreya Ghoshal, who was lost somewhere in the cacophony of the mindless, assembly-line romantic duets. Thanks to Rahman, Ghoshal rises to the occasion. All guns blazing.

Rediff Rating: 

Courtesy: rediff.com

Music Review: 'Blue'

Music maestro A.R. Rahman is back with another soundtrack after composing the tunes to "Delhi-6." For his next gig, he has chosen something different to work with, namely the action-thriller "Blue." The news that A.R. Rahman worked on "Blue," and teamed up with Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, has caused a lot of buzz lately. Hopefully fans will appreciate this soundtrack since it offers a different sound and takes some time to get used to.

What We Think:
This soundtrack may not be one of A.R. Rahman's best work, but the tracks are somewhat enjoyable. The songs "Aaj Dil Gustakh Hai" and "Fiqrana" are definitely likeable - both tunes have a surprisingly different sound that makes their harmony romantic. "Rehnuma" is another romantic duet, performed by Sonu Niigaam and Shreya Ghoshal. But it may not stay with the listener for long. A.R. Rahman brings back Rashid Ali from "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" for the track "Bhoola Tujhe" and it brings back the original sound of the music composer. "Yaar Mila Tha" is a full-on masala party track performed by Udit Narayan and Madhushree. It sounds different from anything that Rahman has done before. As for "Chiggy Wiggy," any composer could have created it, but listen to it two-three times and you'll be addicted! The only thing that grabs your attention is the chemistry between Sonu Niigaam's bhangra portion and Kylie Minogue's Australian accent. We end the album with the track "Blue Theme" which gives lots of high Punjabi energy, complete with a lively orchestra and great vocals.

Best Tracks:
"Aaj Dil," "Fiqrana," "Bhoola Tujhe," "Yaar Mila Tha"

Worst Track:
"Chiggy Wiggy"

Final Verdict:
"Blue" is not a path-breaking soundtrack, but it is thoroughly enjoyable and beautifully orchestrated. A.R. Rahman's experiment with different sounds definitely gives it a good vibe.
 

Courtesy: desihits.com

BLUE - TRAILER

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rahman’s Blue on T-Series

The music of the mega-budget Blue has been bought by T-Series (Hindi language rights). The film is produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. and directed by Anthony D’Souza.

This action-packed adventure movie stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan and Rahul Dev. Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue make special appearances in “item” songs.
The music is by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Mayur Puri, Abbas Tyrewala.

Courtesy: screenindia.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/

International pop star to sing for AR Rahman

Kylie Minogue, the international pop star, will croon for the first time for ace Indian music director AR Rahman. It may be noted that earlier Madonna was approached but she could not confirm her participation due to her ongoing divorce. Kylie Minogue has reportedly been paid Rs. 5 crores for this deal.

The song will be shot for the Bollywood film Blue, which stars Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Lara Dutta, probably in Hollywood. It is expected that Kylie will visit India sometime in January 2009 for the song recording. The budget of Blue has so far touched Rs. 130 crores, minus Kylie's pay and other expenses.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A.R. Rahman to compose music for the multi-starrer Blue

Music maestro A.R.Rahman has given some really diverse music this year. While he started the year with Ashutosh Gowariker's period film Jodhaa Akbar, he surprised everyone with the young and peppy tunes which he composed for Aamir Khan Productions' Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.

If you think that's all you get to hear of Rahman this year, then you are wrong. While his music for Subhash Ghai's magnum opus Yuvraaj is being awaited with bated breath, he is also composing the music for Aamir Khan's Ghajini.

And for all you die-hard Rahman fans, there is some more good news. The music maestro has also been roped in by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. to compose the music for their multi-starrer Blue. Blue has been in the news recently as major portions of the film featuring actors like Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif were shot in the exotic locations of Bahamas. With Rahman coming into the picture this adventure ride only gets bigger and better.

Courtesy: indiafm.com