Listening 'Couples Retreat'

‘Couples Retreat’ is in a way the true entry of A.R.Rahman into Hollywood. He did some stage musicals, there were some Hollywood movies which used his Indian songs, he was a co-composer in ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ and also it was a movie by an Indian Director, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was never meant to be such a huge success and even A.R.Rahman didn’t believe it was his ‘Ticket to Hollywood’ while working on that movie and moreover it was a movie set in India. But with ‘Couples Retreat’ is none of the above. The world knows who A.R.Rahman is and they expect him to go ‘Jai Ho’ again. Has he?

‘Sajna’ is a breezy romantic ballad done on a template ripped straight out of ‘Dreams on Fire’ (a gem which is yet to get its due) with simple lyrics and a catchy Hindi hook phrase ‘Sajna Re’. Except for that hook, the melody of song sounds simple and too much worked upon as they have tried hard to fit in lyrics for Rahman’s tune. It gets better with vocal harmony countering the main melody and is truly elevated at the end with a soulful string section smoothing the rough edges of the melody. But overall, this song is a very underwhelming start to the soundtrack.

But wait, a full instrumental version of the song comes up in ‘Tour to the Villas’. The melody of the phrase ‘Sajna Re’ is almost the main theme of the movie. The sweeping grandeur of this theme as played on full throttled string section begins the track ‘Tour to the Villas’. I can imagine ‘Tour to the Villa’ being played when the couples enter the ‘Eden Resort’ in an Island and take a tour around the resort checking out what is in store for them. The music just follows them as they move through various sections. The track shifts from the main melody to another beautiful melody played on ‘Erhu’ (a Chinese Spa in the resort or a mediation or Yoga centre??), and to more ambient, soundscape music filled with ethnic percussions and exotic instruments that effectively puts the listeners right in the middle of the mood and space that it wants to create.

There is another main theme in the movie which first appears in the track ‘Jason and Cynitia Suite’. It is a simple, soothing melody oozing romanticism. The melody is introduced in the very beginning on a guitar solo, and then it turns into a guitar concerto with strings joining in and replying to the guitar phrase by phrase. The melody slowly ascends up and turns into a full throttled orchestral piece proving that A.R.Rahman

OST Couples Retreat

Music: A R Rahman
Rating 4.5/5
A first peek into the music of Couple's Retreat was revealed by A R Rahman yesterday through this official facebook post. "The music of my first Hollywood comedy is unveiled! What do you think of it?" he wrote. Since then, his post has been abuzz.
Though the album 'Couples Retreat' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack comprises of 15 tracks and is yet to be released officially (physical/ digital downloads), here's a lowdown on some of the appealing tracks from the album.
The music has a world music appeal to it, and most likely, if you understand it or not, you'll still love it. For instance, Sajna (No, it’s not a Hindi track!) is a soothing English number with beautiful string sections and a resonating chorus line. This is the main soundtrack of the film and one can hear the core melody of this track throughout out the album.
Another gem is Kuru Kuru Kan (Afro Nisha) which is based on good old reggae music and has Rahman singing in Tamil- it's 'chillax' music, easy and going. The track Nana also treads on the same path, but is a lot more common. The best, however, is Salvadore. In this song, Rahman finds a common thread in Hindustani alaaps and Spanish tap dance music through Kailash Kher’s voice – the result is unbelievable.
Among the tracks that instantly hook the listener is Animal Spirits – you might well get transferred to the Caribbean’s! while Luau by John O’Brien may throw you in Hawaii thanks to the fun African rhythms, ukulele and slide guitars.
Other tracks (relatively shorter) like Jason and Cynthia Suite, Tour of the Villa’s, Meeting Marcel, Itinerary, Sharks, Intervention, The Water Fall, Jason and Cynthia Suite Piano theme are equally interesting melodies and are set to an operatic mood – wait till you watch this on screen.
The album credits Rahman as a producer and composer of the 'OST Couples Retreat'. So, these are not songs to which actors ‘shake a leg’. Needless to say, 'soundtracks' offer much larger canvas for composers to play with and Rahman has quite likely made the most of this opportunity.
Music of Couples Retreat truly sets Rahman into the International league. The grand international feel and the impeccably playful sound of this film will definitely find a way to a matured listerners heart. For those into shake-a-leg bollywood songs, will have to go for a walk.
LAST WORD
'Couples Retreat' will certainly enchant Indians accustomed or open to western music. However, feedback from International listeners will give a larger perspective about the soundtracks popularity. Who knows, Rahman may just cast his second global spell!





Courtesy: radioandmusic.com

Hrithik or Aamir in Telugu remake?

The producers of Hindi Ghajini – Allu Aravind and Madhu Mantena – are considering a remake of the Ram Charan Teja starrer Maghadeera in Hindi. The duo are reportedly working on it and trying to obtain the dates of Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan, sources say.


Speaking to the IANS, Mantena said, “Yes Allu Aravind and I are remaking Magadheera in Hindi. As for the cast, it’s too early to talk about it. But Magadheera is definitely being planned to be bigger than Ghajini”


It is worth a mention here that in the original, Ram Charan Teja played a dual role, while in the remake two different heroes are being roped in. Wonder what the producers have in mind.






Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Couples Retreat Music Soundtrack

www.couplesretreatsoundtrack.com/

Exclusive: ARR’s ‘Couples Retreat’ tracks unveiled

Come thou art diehard fans of A.R. Rahman. The ‘Madras Mozart’ has all made it with a stupendous musical score for his Hollywood project ‘Couples Retreat’. The musician had expressed his gratitude of uttering few lines in Hindi and Tamil on the dais of Academy Awards, has again rendered his act.

Yeah! Couple of songs in the musical album has a song ‘Sajna’ and a full-length Tamil song ‘Kuru Kuru’. The musical album has 15 tracks with stunning instrumentations of various genres.

1.    Sajna Re

2.    Kuru Kuru – A.R. Rahman

3.    Nana – Rap by Blaaze

4.    Tour of the Vilas

5.    Meeting Marcel

6.    Jason and Cynthia

7.    Itinerary

8.    Undress

9.    Sharks

10.  Luau – John O’Brien

11.  Salvadore

12.  Intervention

13.  The Waterfall

14.  Jason and Cynthia – Piano Theme

15.  Animal Spirits

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Rahman takes Tamil to Hollywood

For the first time in the history of Hollywood, a full-length Tamil song would feature in 'Couples Retreat', thanks to 'Mozart of Madras' A R Rahman.

The number 'Kurukuru Kan....' has been sung by Afro Nisha, whose voice has a striking resemblence to that of Rahman.

The Oscar award winning music composer said a few days back that his music for 'Couples Retreat' would be completely Western but with a touch of Indianess.

"There's no point in doing something I've already done. I've reached a stage where I've to do new things. There're so many avenues to be explored. So Couples Retreat will be their kind of music with my touch, done in my way," Rahman said.

Directed by Peter Billingsley, the comedy revolves around four couples who settle into a tropical island resort for a vacation. While one of the couples is there to work on the marriage, the others fail to realise that participation in the resort's therapy sessions is not optional. It stars actors like Jason Bateman, Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman and Kristen Bell.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Endhiran’s blazing climax

The shooting of Shankar’s ‘Endhiran’ is fast approaching its climax! Currently the team is busy in putting its heart and sweat into the making of the movie’s climax.

Being the significant part of the movie, the scene features a fire bursting out of a scientist’s laboratory. This is said to be only a 4-min scene, however an elaborate set has been erected in the city’s Prasad Studios.

The production team has specially flown down few Hollywood visual effects companies to supervise this fire scene. This expertise will decide as to how and where special effects would be applicable while editing later.

Now, did you know that this is something new and done for the first time in our Indian cinema? Well, this method was earlier followed by a famous American filmmaker George Lucas in several Hollywood flicks of his times. Shankar had recently highlighted the importance of special effects and graphics in movies.

A dedicated man he is, our Superstar has insisted on staying on the sets, to see the shooting; although he has no role to play in it.

Hmm, now if such interesting things are happening on the sets, one would be really thrilled to experience the happenings live! Right?

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Rahman in Bala's film?

A latest buzz in Tamil cinema is that filmmaker Bala may opt for A R Rahman for his forthcoming film, which would have Arya and Vishal in it.

Rumours were doing rounds that Bala's next venture would feature Jithan Ramesh and Jeeva in lea roles. However the director was tight-lipped. Sources close to Bala now say, "After intense discussion, Bala chose to repeat Arya (who acted in 'Naan Kadavul') along with Vishal for the movie'.

Impressed with the story narrated by Bala, both Arya and Vishal agreed immediately to do the film, it is said. Shooting for the movie might begin this year-end.

Unlike his other films, Bala has planned to completed this film in a short period.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

AR Rahman on grooming his children

In an interview to a popular television channel, Oscar winning musician AR Rahman had said that it is a fantastic experience working with his children. While his son has rendered his voice for the Hollywood film Couples’ Retreat, his daughters have sung for the Hindi film Mangal Pandey. The proud father said that he is happy to see the evolution of his children and groom them. Rahman said that his son’s interest in music came on its own and hence he decided to tap the potential to its fullest

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Silambarasan evades

Although there are still final touches pending for his Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya, the multitasking Silambarasan has gotten around writing script for his next movie Vaaliban. As it seems, he is now indulged in developing the basic plot and the script.
As a result, he is also conspicuous with his absence in the film events including promos, audio releases and premieres. Vaaliban will also be directed by him.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rahman brings in Indianess without Indian sounds

Oscar winner AR Rahman is busy scoring the music for the Hollywood comedy Couple’s Retreat starring Jason Bateman, Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman and Kristen Bell. Speaking about this film, Rahman said that he would not use Indian sounds but would bring in the feel of Indianess in the album.

Rahman said in a recent interview, “I’ve reached a stage where I've to do new things. There are so many avenues to be explored. So Couples Retreat will be their kind of music with my touch, done in my way.”

The musician is also keen that there should be no traces of Slumdog Millionaire. According to sources close to Rahman, the musician feels that his best is yet to come.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rahman’s new find

The Chennai Mozart and now the double Oscar winner A R Rahman made a humble start in the music industry in Indian cinema. Now he has attained so much popularity in the global industry which others dream of.

He is always known for being genius and creating something all the time.

Now sources indicate that he something new for the flick “Yanthram”. The buzz is that Rahman is using a new instrument called Continuum fingerboard. This is supposedly a virtual touch screen keyboard and has been used by very few musicians.

Many are waiting to hear the new instrument from the Mozart and are excited about this new find of his.

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

Shankar’s version of Maruthi Gypsy

Noted as the showman of the south, Shankar is one of the most sought after directors in the south. He is known to make his movies on a grand scale. Even though his budgets for movies are sky high, the producers have lot of faith in him.

He is currently busy with the shooting of “Yanthram” which stars Superstar Rajinikanth and the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai in the lead.

Sources indicate that Shankar has used a Maruti Gypsy for the shooting. However this vehicle has twenty wheels instead of the regular four wheels.

The car apparently costs Rs 3 lakhs for the making and currently, the shooting has been happening in Chennai at a brisk pace.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

‘Endhiran’ confirmed for summer 2010

For sure, Shankar’s “Endhiran’ is worthy to be tagged as “ever longest project in the history of Kollywood’. The film started rolling, say, before 15 months and still the filming schedules haven’t been completed.
Earlier, during the occasion of “Eeram’ audio launch Rajnikanth had stated that his “Endhiran’ would hit the screens somewhere in December. But closer sources have now brought out the fact saying, “Although shooting would be wrapped-up within next month, it will take 4-5 months to complete the post production works.”
The sources further added that since director Shankar has used the latest techniques in computer graphics like “Animatronics’, it would take a long time to windup. “Animatronics’ is the most commonly used technique in Hollywood films where gigantic figures as Dinosaurs, King Kong and Anaconda were presented with realistic appeal. This is the first time that such a technique is being utilized in the history of Indian cinema.
Despites getting dashed down with their hopes, ardent followers of Rajnikanth have said, “Though it takes a very long time, it’s worth waiting for as our “Thalaivar’ offers something extraordinary in his each film.”

Courtesy: thaindian.com

Shankar speaks on Endhiran!

Shankar has given an interview to a Tamil daily where he has said: “ Endhiran is beyond imagination, with much grandeur and richness.

You can see the effort which is to be taken for 10 films in this one film. Rajni is such an amazing hero. Just words can’t describe his efforts.”

On Rajini’s look in the film, Shankar says “Sivaji was just a sample of how young the star can look. In Endhiran he will look even younger. For his make up things, we went to America and searched in many places but nothing came right. Then we tried in India and it worked out perfectly for the character he plays. Normally make-up, Kamal will only take efforts for make up is the public opinion. But in this film Rajni has taken amazing efforts as he waited patiently for two three hours to put up the make-up.”

On Aiswarya Rai- Rajinikanth screen combination, Shankar says: “There was terrific chemistry between them, as she plays a medical student. Shankar added that the film has “never before seen special effects and graphics.” They have used a technique called “Animatronics” the use of electronics and robotics in mechanised puppets (Robos) to make them appear to be alive.

Courtesy: sify.com

Kalabhavan Mani in Endhiran

South India's comedian-turned-hero and noted villain Kalabhavan Mani, known for his National award winning performance as a blind man in Vasantiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum (1999), will be seen in a meaty role in director S. Shankar's forthcoming Tamil science fiction film Endhiran, rumoured to be the last film by super star Rajinikanth before he enters politics.

The shooting of the climax scenes of Endhiran has begun recently. Sources say that 95% of the shooting has already been completed and the remaining portion, including a six minute climax fight scene, is being shot in Prasad Studios.

The first part of the climax was shot last week at the Siruseri IT Expressway. Some scenes were shot at the SIPCOT industrial estate in Sirucheri, where a Volvo bus has been used as a satellite remote sensing lab. Once the shooting is complete, Shankar will need another six to seven months to complete post production works, it is reported.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Soundarya as a specialist in ‘Endhiran’

Preparing for the final leg of the shoot director Shankar said that two songs are left to be canned abroad. “The first science-fiction film in Tamil will deal with the good and bad effects of robots in the backdrop of Indian culture”, said the director. Our superstar also confirmed it saying that more than 80%of the film’s shoot is over, during the ‘Eeram’ audio launch.

Sources close to the production house says that Sun TV is planning to release the film by April 2010. The reason behind the delay is the usage of EFX, CG and 3D animation techniques unlike another Tamil movie. They have used nearly two lakhs and fifty thousand frames for these special effects!

As all these works can’t be finished in Chennai alone, few important scenes have been handed over to a company in Canada. It’s heard that this particular firm has handled several Hollywood movies.

The focal information is that our hero Superstar’s daughter Soundarya is an important member in the team of Endhiran’s Digital experts’ team. The girl is always very much involved in boosting up her dad’s image… Great!

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Shankar commends Rajni’s patience

Produced by Sun Pictures, shooting for Shankar’s Enthiran starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is proceeding in full swing. Quite understandably, the director is unwilling to part with details of the script besides the fact that it’s a futuristic subject which requires a great detail of computer graphics work.

“I have always been fond of using graphics in my movies in songs sequences or at places where the script has demanded it. But with Enthiran, we’ve taken CG to the next level. However, I can vouch for the fact that audiences would hardly realize that graphics have been used,” informs Shankar.

Coming to Rajinikanth’s look in the movie, he says, “Well, yes, he looks much younger in this movie than in Sivaji. People said he looked very young in Sivaji, but when they see him in action in Enthiran, they’ll be quite stunned at how much more naturally youthful he looks,” says Shankar. Adding, “Spending longs hours on the make up chair is generally something one associates with Kamal Haasan, who has done it for scores of his movies. Well, for the first time Rajini has spent close to three hours almost every day getting his new look on! I really do appreciate his patience!” 

Courtesy: galatta.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