Best Filmfare Cover EVER!

As Madhuri Dixit spent those few last months in India, as a BIG Madhuri-fan, I was happy to get plenty of news, pictures of her. And among them was her photoshoot for a new Filmfare cover. She is back to the USA now, but there was still something I could look forward for... And I really had a pleasant surprise yesterday when I saw the cover. I think this is the best and most beautiful one ever.  And I just think it deserved a post on my blog... 

 

Her beauty always stuns me. She is too stunning for word. A real lady, millions times more beautiful than all the younger actresses altogether. I love her...

Mini-reviews: The Best Movies of 2010

 NB: When I say "best movies", I mean of course my favourites, hence I'm only entitled to my opinion. :)

Dabangg 

Directed by Abhinav Kashyap
Starring: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Sonu Sood
My Rating: 7/10

If there is one movie of 2010 to mention, this is definitely Dabangg which easily became an all-time blockbuster. And why is it surprising? It had all the  ingredients of a great success made in Bollywood. Great (and in the same time, funny) fighting scenes, great songs and a folk item number ("Munni Badnaam Hui" will be remembered for years), a beautiful heroine and a charismatic hero. I was glad to see an Indian movie being totally desi, with no NRI touch (which had become usual in Hindi movies of the last years). The one totally worthy of mention is, of course, Salman Khan. Dabangg is his movie. He carries it off perfectly on his shoulders alone. And he made the character of Chulbul Panday already cult. Surprisingly, this is a great movie but with a flawed script, there are some stupid (silly, idiotic, whatever) scenes (the fight scenes made me laugh so much and the hulk-like scene is unforgettable) but it has an old charm, it reminds you of the movies of late 80s and early 90s. This is Bollywood as most Hindi-cinema addict love it.

Band Baaja Baaraat 

Directed by Maneesh Sharma
Starring: Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh 
My Rating: 7,5/10

 

Band Baaja Baaraat  was the surprise hit of last year. Deservingly? A big YES. In a country where marriage is so important, it is such a pleasure to see a movie about wedding-planning. I will mention the soundtrack first, where the catchy "Ainvayi Ainvayi" gets the big mention. It is a joyful and memorable song which will stay in your ears for a long time. Points goes to the movie for its realistic portrayal of the characters (and of Delhi), in the way they talk, they make their choices, Shruti and Bittoo are characters one relates to. They are strong-minded young people, with dreams and desires to lead a life as they choose it. In that way, the movie is very modern, and yet still remains Hindustani at heart. What makes it a very good movie is definitely the performances, Anushka Sharma is natural and convincing as Shruti, she plays her part with ease and proves she is the best out of the lastest generation of actresses. Ranveer Singh could not give a better performance as a debut, and every awards he got for it were rightfully deserved. He has a charm which cannot be ignored. Moreover, Anushka and Ranveer makes a natural and lovely jodi, at ease with each-other.

This is Maneesh Sharma's directionnal debut and one can only praise him. This is a great romantic movie and one of the best romcoms of the few last years.

My Name is Khan 

Directed by Karan Johar 
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol
My Rating: 8/10

Here is a movie whose topic cannot let you insensitive, 9/11 attacks being events which marked the entire world. The story about a simple man, good at heart, with a simple message to the President of the US "My Name is Khan and I am not a terrorist" is one which will touch your heart. Shahrukh Khan gives here one of his best performances as the autistic Rizwan Khan. His gestures, his dialogue delivery, his standing... everything was the proof of a great actor, being only and only the character. Rizwan is a heart-warming character, and it is impossible not to melt before his naivety and his natural goodness. Kajol was great as the strong Mandira, you could feel her pain as a woman and a mother, and her will to fight which was very inspiring. One could reproach to My Name is Khan its simplistic message, but this is where the strength of the movie lies and also its (over)melodrama from times to times but this wears the mark of Karan Johar. The movie is a beautiful way to look at the world, Rizwan has a beautiful way to look at the world, and it warms one's heart to see a simple and beautiful movie like this one. It is definitely a human movie.

To you, what are the best movies of 2010? :)

Deewana Mastana

Directed by David Dhawan 
Starring: Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Johnny Lever
Released: 1997
My Rating: 5/10

Raja (Anil Kapoor) and his friend Ghafoor (Johnny Lever) are crooks who sell train-tickets on the black market in Amripur Station. One day, with the help of a corrupted police-inspector, they rob Rs 2.5 millions from the railway treasury. After bumping off the very inspector, free and rich, they run to Bombay. There they meet the beautiful Neha (Juhi Chawla), a psychiatrist, and within little time, Raja falls in love with her. But he needs to win her trust and friendship first...

Meanwhile, Dr. Neha gets a new patient, Bunnu (Govinda) who is afraid of (almost) everything. As he feels better and better, he also falls in love with Neha and soon finds a fierce rival in Raja... There starts many twists orchestrated by both Raja and Bunnu to win Neha's heart.

Joyful Bunnu

I expected a simple and entertaining movie. The first hour was rather pleasant and enjoyable, thanks to the pleasant screen presence of Juhi Chawla. She is an actress whose happiness and joy on screen show. But a little before the intermission, she slowly "disappears" to leave place to Govinda and Anil Kapoor.

B E A U T I F U L !

This is where the film starts to be annoying. The jokes are "funny" in the first half, but it really gets boring and repetitive by the intermission. And the performances do not help to make the whole less annoying. Johnny Lever proves he is a side-kick who should be watched with moderation. I think he was given too much screen-space. Anil is, by no means, funny, and soon becomes cringeworthy, almost as much as Johnny Lever. Govinda is the only one, when it comes to the male leads, to give an enjoyable performance, and he was really sweet, but his character Bunnu soon reveals himself to be as much a looser as Raja.

Anil being............ RIDICULOUS!

The plot is rather predictable. By the last thirteen minutes, you know what is going to happen. But still this is a movie which is not boring at all (even if you cringe at some of the jokes) and there are some good scenes. I have to mention the scene between Bunnu and Raja, when they try to convince the other to let go of Neha and when plenty of cinematic mentions are done, from Rangeela to Hum Aapke Hain Kaun without forgetting Dilip Kumar's Devdas all made in a great way. I am a Hindi-cinema obsessed lover, and I adore mentions of such classic and cult movies in films, they are always welcome.

The music is lovely and some tracks will stay in your mind a little, but it is not unforgettable. It is typical 90s-ish music, but still very pleasant to the ears. One I have to mention O mummy mummy o daddy daddy, not the song in itself (the lyrics are funny indeed) but the picturization is memorable, thanks to Govinda. He is a great dancer, his enjoyment and expressions are priceless, that is why I love watching him dance so much.

To sum up, Deewana Mastana is a cringeworthy movie, with jokes falling flat by the end of the first half. Watch it if you are a Govinda or Anil Kapoor fan, but if you cannot stand Johnny Lever too much, avoid.

7 Khoon Maaf

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj 
Starring: Priyanka Chopra, Vivaan Shah, Neil Nitin Mutesh, John Abraham, Irrfan Khan, Aleksandr Dyachenko, Annu Kapoor, Naseruddin Shah, Usha Uthup, Konkona Sen Sharma
Released: 2011
My Rating: 8/10

Warning: As the movie has been released just last month, most of you might have not seen it and I know the promos around it were rather mysterious. This review will be spoiler-free, but I do not want to influence your ideas on this movie in any way. But if you still want my opinion about it, I advice you to skip the first paragraph (the plot) and to read the rest.

Susanna Anna-Marie Johannes has had a life filled with pain, emptied by her mother's death at an early age then by her father's, who was also a mother, a brother and a friend for her. She then yearns for love, for this fatherly love in a husband. Rather idealistic, she comes across reality in a rather harsh way, her lovers (husbands) have fatal flaws, and as she tries to find love, she has to kill them all... Now, it seems she has commited suicide, and a young forensic doctor Arun (Vivaan Shah), who has to confirm whether the body is hers or not, is forced to revive all his memories, for Susanna made him the man he is today...

I am usually not a fan of Vishal Bhardwaj's works, but for me, 7 Khoon Maaf marks a new trend. Dark comedy is almost inexistant in the Hindi cinema industry, and to some extent, that makes 7 Khoon Maaf very refreshing.

The minus point is the slow-pace of the movie, however you never lose interest in Susanna's search of love. Some scenes are also pretty disturbing and violent, though there is no graphic violence, that is probably what makes it even more unforgettable. The soundtrack, with the great exception of "Darling", is rather forgettable on its own, but it perfectly serves the story. No song is ever misplaced and all contribute to the atmosphere.

Daaaarliiiiiiiiiiing!

True, the story gets a little predictable after a while, we know Susanna is going to kill her current husband, but surprisingly, one cannot wait to see what is the actual reason behind it. We never lose touch with the story.

Another positive point of the movie is definitely its atmosphere. As written above, dark comedies are very rare in Bollywood, but 7 Khoon Maaf is a gem in the genre. There is a gentle and subtle touch of dark humour, which makes some scene priceless, and surprisingly, you can find yourself laughing several times. Creepy, isn't it? All the more so when you find yourself longing for some of the husbands' death, Susanna is, surprisingly, no villain to our eyes, most of her husbands were terrible men.

The performances are all very good. Every husband plays their part well, and are convincing. One can see they take the most that they can in their small and short screen-time space. One has to mention Vivaan Shah, the movie being his debut, who is the main attraction of it, besides Priyanka Chopra. He is natural and flawless, and one detects incredible charisma in him which, I am sure, will reveal itself in its future career. I am very positive on him going far and wish him the best.

He is not only talented, but very handsome too!

Priyanka was terrific. Amazing, impressive... Well, many words can be applied on her performance. She proves she is the finest actress of her generation with 7 Khoon Maaf. She did not play Susanna, she was Susanna. Her body-language, her dialogue delivery, her every gesture and her every glance expressed every desires and feelings of Susanna. She made her a living and real person. Susanna is one very interesting character. You cannot hate her, you sympathize with her, but with horror, you still realise what she is doing is horrible and wrong. Somehow, Susanna is the epitome of womanhood; she is feminine, beautiful, mysterious, strong, level-headed and she has a heart. She is the "perfect" woman. But perfection does not allow the other to be flawed. And her husbands were flawed. Susanna needs the perfect man, the one who will accept her the way she is, the one who will be nice, gentle and faithful to her. The one who will give her everything, and to whom she will give everything...

A woman with hopes and desires...

7 Khoon Maaf is a must-see this year. This is, in a rather surprising way, a tribute to real love. Its originality, its performances and its story make it worthwhile. And of course, don't you want to know who is this mysterious 7th husband?

The Weekly Bollywood Song - Darling

I did not post such article last week, because of the Holi post. But here is the song of this week. 

Darling from 7 Khoon Maaf

As you might know, the movie has been released back in February, box office success was not there for Priyanka Chopra and Bhardwaj, but the positive reviews from the critics came. One of the plus of the movie is definitely its interesting soundtrack. And I have to say "Darling" is a gem! Inspired by the folk Russian song "Kalinka", it could not be less! Enjoy!

What's your Raashee?

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker
Starring: Priyanka Chopra, Harman Baweja
Released: 2009
My Rating: 4/10

Yogesh (Harman Baweja) is a modern young man, living and working in Chicago. The favourite of his grand-father, he is to receive his whole inheritance on the day he marries. Meanwhile, an astrologer predicts to the worried family of Yogesh that fortune is to fall on them. That is a comforting news for Yogesh's brother, Jitu, who has endless debts. To save the family from ruin, they call back Yogesh to India and ask him to marry. Yogesh, who has always hoped for a love-marriage, agrees when he realises the gravity of the situation. His brother shall pay his debts on the 20th of the very month, which leaves more than twelve days for Yogesh to find his soul-mate. By urgence, the latter then asks to meet twelve girls only (all played by Priyanka Chopra), one of each Zodiac sign, of each Rashee.

Will you choose Anjali (Aries)? - a friendly but insecure girl

Or Sanjana (Aquarius)? A well-educated and gorgeous microbiologist, gifted with a cheerful nature

The movie has the credit of holding a record, the one of having played the most of characters in a single movie for Priyanka Chopra in the whole History of cinema. Pity this record is not hold in a much better made movie.

Kajal (Gemini) might be great also. She is fun, outgoing and VERY romantic. And she dances really well!

Or you might prefer the quiet and traditionnal Hansa (Cancer)? She has an amazing sense of honesty!

This is an Ashutosh Gowariker's movie though. And his filmography is amazing with movies like Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar. But we shall not add What's Your Rashee to this glorious list.

Why? The main flaw is its length: 3h20 of screening, of Yogesh meeting twelve girls, every time in (mostly) the same way: the meeting with the family (most of the time), then time to know more about the girl, then a song... Yes, a song for every of the girls. That means: thirteen songs if we include the title song. And only one or two stand out, the others add to the slow-pace of the movie, I ended up fastforwarding them after a while...

Or perhaps you're rather business-like? Rajni (Libra) believes everything, even marriage, is a contract.

But well... if you're the dreamy kind of guy, then you can always dream of your past-life love with Chandrika (Pisces)?

Another flaw is also the plot to some extent. Other little "plots" are added to the main story, but all of them are uninteresting and add even more to the length. The characters are also rather cliché. Yogesh is a submissive boy, not once does he get angry at his brother for he is sacrificing his personal happiness because of Jitu's mistakes. And Harman Baweja does not add any subtility in the character with his rather, but how cute, expressionless face but we cannot say he is bad. Predictably, the twelve characters Priyanka is playing are also rather shallow, but that is only normal in a movie which have to introduce and deal with so many characters. I have to say I still do not understand how the characters were related to their zodiac signs in any way... because I did not see any similarity.

There is also Mallika, the stunning dancer. But beware, she's a Leo... Raawr!

But there are also ambitious and passionate girls like Nandini (Scorpio)...

...or caring and loving women, Pooja (Virgo) for example

The main cast has rather done a decent job, but Priyanka owns this movie throughout. She is the only reason you would need to watch this movie. She pulls off all her twelve roles with ease and makes all of them different. She proves she can carry a whole movie on her shoulders, but the fine actress that she is deserved much better...

You will love energetic, friendly and playful Vishaka (Taurus). She's a bit immature too

And you will be surprised by mysterious and spiritual Bhavna (Sagittarius)!

Well... there's also Jhanka (Capricorn)... Simple and quiet young girl...

Catch a pen and a piece of paper before watching the movie, you will need it, to catch up and remember all the names of the twelve characters... if you still care about which girl Yogesh will choose in the end, that is... through the endless story and songs...

Happy Holi!

Aaah Holi... The source of many joyous (and colourful) songs in Bollywood. So, to celebrate it my own way, I just selected my three favourite Holi songs.

 3. Let's Play Holi - Waqt - The Race against Time
I have not watched the movie yet, but this song is too catchy for me not to mention it.

2. Holi Ke Din - Sholay
The perfect Holi song! Joyous, lively... and served with Hema Malini's grace.

1. Soni Soni - Mohabbatein
I did not like the movie, but the great soundtrack saves it and Soni Soni is defintiely the gem, the one which stands out. What can I say more? Watch it to see by yourself!

Happy Holi!

Don (1978)

Directed by Chandra Barot

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman 

Released: 1978

My rating: 7,5/10

Don is a cult-film. You definitely cannot speak about 70s Bollywood without mentionning it. It portrayed the Bombay (and India) of the 70s perfectly and of course, it is yet another great movie to the achievements of the "angry young man" of India, Amitabh Bachchan is a legend and it is not questionable.

Don (Amitabh Bachchan) is one of the most powerful men in the business of crime, famous for being elusive to the police and his ruthlessness. He is a man who does not hesitate to kill anyone who has the unfortune to be on his path. Proof is with Ramesh whom he shamelessly killed as the former wanted to leave the gang. But despite his power, he easily made himself enemies besides the police, including Ramesh's sister, Roma (Zeenat Aman) who is determined to seek revenge for her brother's and his fiancée's death. After being tracked down by the men of Police officer D'Silva (Iftekhar), Don is accidently killed, but his death is only known to D'Silva who has a plan. He finds a Don look-alike whose name is Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) , a poor man taking care of two children, and asks him to impersonate Don to take down all his gang.

Amitabh. Amitabh. Amitabh. What can one say after that? It is his show all along. He is fabulous in his dual role, both as the stylish Don and the joyful Vijay fond of Paan. He easily plays both roles, and, proof of his versatility, makes them very different in every sense.

The supporting cast also made a fabulous job, Iftekhar is very convincing as Police officer D'Silva, and Zeenat plays Roma with fierce and powerfully. Can she be called "Angry young woman"? Definitely. She has nothing to envy from her male counterparts when it comes to her role, she has her share of fights and of importance.

A Roma in grief

And now as an "angry young woman"

What makes this movie cult is definitely its soundtrack. From Yeh Mera Dil (Helen's great item-number) and Main Hoon Don to Khaike Paan Banareswala, every song is great and catchy. I have to say I really have a weak spot for Eeh Hai Bambay and Khaike Paan Banareswala, popular songs to their best and in both songs, Amitabh's enjoyment is glowing.

Let's all eat Paan from Benares... Yoohoo!

One of the flaws of Don was perhaps its length, sometimes the story was a little too slow-paced, but the last half-hour made it all worth it. Don is a milestone in the history of Hindi cinema, and is a must-watch for every Bollywood fan, the legendary Amitabh's performance deserves you loose your time on it!

Rangeela

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma
Starring: Urmila Matondkar, Aamir Khan, Jackie Shroff
Released: 1995
My rating: 7/10

Mili (Urmila Matondkar) is a young woman from middle-class family but with big dreams in her eyes. Passionate about movies, she wants to make it big to the silver screen. Supported by her family and her best buddy Munna (Aamir Khan), a small-time black-marketer, she works on it and is soon spotted by one of the biggest film stars, Raj Kamal (Jackie Shroff). She is to make her debut movie opposite him, but as Mili clims the ladder to success and becomes closer to Kamal, Munna slowly realises his feelings for her...

Rangeela is one of the biggest hits of the year 1995, it also marks the music debut of A.R. Rahman in the cinema industry, who is now the achieved composer we know today. And the praise is understandable, the title-song will stay in your ears for a long time...

The plot might seem simple and is predictable, but it is heart-warming and endearing. One follows with sheer pleasure the whole story, the optimism of Mili and the bond she shares with Munna: most of their fighting-scenes are among my favourites! Points also goes to Rangeela thanks to its "filmi" atmosphere, it is always with delight to see cinematic mentions in an Indian movie, I think this is the greatest tribute one can do to their cinema. What makes Rangeela very special also is that it is centered on a heroine, in this case Mili, which is somehow unusual in Bollywood and a refreshing change, one must say.

Aamir Khan is very good as Munna, Mili's best friend, one can't help pining for him when he feels Mili is going away from him. Jackie is also good as superstar Raj Kamal, his sober acting was perfect for the character. But one reproach could be made to his character, who is not very developped: proof is that besides having lost his fiancée in a car crash, we don't get to know anything more about him. Another reproach would be that no change and difference can be seen between the Raj Kamal who used to grieve over his fiancée's death and the Raj Kamal who is in love with Mili. Jackie might not be to blame though, that is probably the script's fault.

Mili and Munna -sweet, sweet and sweet!

Mili and Raj Kamal - very filmi indeed!

But this is without doubt Urmila Matondkar who is the best here. She is incredibly natural as the vivacious Mili and greatly carries Rangeela on her shoulders. When this movie released, Urmila totally re-defined beauty criteria (and also probably introduced the infamous size-zero) but this is understandable: she possesses some kind of sensuality (and modernity for this time) without being vulgar at all.

Urmila being sexy!

In the end, Rangeela is a sweet and entertaining movie, predictable but without being boring at any places, thanks to good performances, a script mastered very well and a GREAT and catchy soundtrack!

Devdas (2002)

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali 
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Kirron Kher, Jackie Shroff
Released: 2002
My rating: 10/10

Devdas can be considered as the Indian "Romeo and Juliet", a legendary and tragic love-story of modern times in India. And when it saw the light as a short novel written in 1901 by a young and drunk Sarat Chandra Chatterje, he did not know Devdas would definite the passionate and tragic lover when it would be published, more than a decade later, in 1917 (despite its strong objections).  With Devdas started a new era, be it in Indian literature but also in Indian cinema, as a young P. C. Barua said "Devdas will make film history!"  The novel, which is set in 19th Century Bengal, was the object of many movie adaptations, already in 1927 until our time, and the story still captivates millions of people. One of the most recent adaptations is the one by Sanjay Leela Bhansali released in 2002 which had a tremendous success in India, but also abroad as it made it to Cannes and created some interest from the West towards the Hindi cinema industry. The movie was praised and created a new era for the future and success of Bollywood in Europe.

Paro and Devdas - the epidome of tragic love-story

The story is not complicated. Devdas (Shahrukh Khan) and Paro (Aishwarya Rai) are childhood sweethearts. Devdas is sent to study abroad, in London, by a displeased father. Years later, he comes back as a grown-man while Paro blossomed into a stunning and celestial beauty. All those years, she yearned for his return, lighting up a lamp which no force on Earth can extinguish. What used to be childhood affection turns to passionate love. But, due to an argument between the two families and to Paro's lower social status, the parents of Devdas refuse even the slightest idea of marriage. After an argument with his father, Devdas runs away, leaving both home and Paro, and sends the latter a letter saying no love ever were between the two. Realizing soon he did a mistake, Devdas comes back to her on the very day of her wedding, with a much older man. Heart-broken, Devdas turns to alcohol and seeks solace from a courtesan, Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit) to forget his pain, and hence starts his self-destruction... 

Devdas, my first Bollywood movie. The most beautiful cinematic moment I have ever lived. I shall never forget it. I still remember the shock and the amazement it provoked in me. From the beginning, I was hooked into a masterpiece larger than life.

This part is so sad...

Visually, Devdas is breath-taking, in every frame, every details, nothing is misplaced. With Devdas, Sanjay Leela Bhansali proves he is not only a filmmaker but a painter giving life and motion to his pictures. Throughout the movie, there is a predominance of red/orange tones, which gives the visual atmosphere a vibrant feeling, vibrant is also the perfect word to describe Bhansali's work from the vibrant visuals, vibrant characters and vibrant story. There is an aura of greatness in every frame. In the end, the visuals serve the story, not the contrary. Not once the visual glory of Devdas makes you loose the touch with story.

The true greatness of the movie definitely lies in the story and the characters. Be it Devdas, Paro or Chandramukhi, they are all human, with their qualities and flaws; all those three characters cannot be called any less than complex characters. Devdas is a spoilt young man, arrogant and sometimes violent, but he is kind-hearted and loves Paro with all his heart. He is weak, but in the same time more human than most people around him. He will have to pay for his weakness all his life. Paro is this dignified and proud being, and as Devdas got a punishment for being weak, she will also be punished for her vanity. Then appears Chandramukhi, as the moonlight appears in the darkest of nights. She is a prostitute, and this illusion of her being a woman with no value in life disappears as soon as she takes care of Devdas, dutiful, generous and giving.

 

Shahrukh Khan is amazing as the tragic-lover Devdas, and gives us here the greatest performance of his career, I even think this is the best male performance from an actor ever. His Devdas is real. He is Devdas, in his every breath, every glance, every gesture, every word. Shahrukh brings an aura of grandeur in the beginning as a gentleman coming from London in the first half, before we can feel his suffering, in the second half of the movie, as if we are living it. Despite the character's flaws and mistakes, Shahrukh Khan makes us pine for him. Devdas is heartbreaking.

Paro - the celestial beauty

Aishwarya Rai is wonderful as the dignified and dutiful Paro. She has never been more beautiful than in Devdas. Her eyes are crystal-clear and delivers every emotions Paro feels: her love, her hopes, her braveness, her despair and her pride. There is a tremendous difference between the Paro of the beginning, and the Paro of the second half. Paro is first a young and stunning woman yearning for Devdas and dreaming of a marriage with him, but when she is wedded to a much older man than her, she lives her fate with dignity and (proud) silence. In the second half, she seems almost haughty, and  possesses the aura of a real aristocrat; everything, from her glance to her standing, is regal. Her character is admirable.

Chandramukhi - the golden-hearted courtesan

But the heart-stealer is definitely Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi. Stunning and glowing like the moonlight, she first attracts your eyes and then you give her your whole compassion as Chandramukhi soon shows herself to be a gold-hearted woman, who gives her love and does not expect it in return. She knows Devdas will only love Paro, and only Paro, but she feels happy and grateful to have been touched by God's grace. In this way, she can only remind one of Meera, the famous poetress in love with Lord Krishna, who sung and danced her whole life to praise him. Chandramukhi is then definitely Devdas's Meera, as she dedicates her whole soul to him and worships him. She is also a strong and determined woman, who despite being a courtesan, possesses her self-esteem too. The scene where she slaps Kali-babu is one of the most memorable of the whole movie. Madhuri Dixit gives her whole soul to the character, and who cannot drown in her most expressive eyes?

Kahe Chhed Mohe - a pure and marvellous dancing moment

One cannot speak about Devdas without mentionning the soundtrack and the breath-taking dance numbers. Every track is marvellous and compliments the movie marvelously. No song is misplaced, and each of them serves the story. You fall in love with Shreya Ghosal's voice as soon as Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka starts playing. Morey Piya is beautiful, powerful story-telling of the love of Radha and Krishna, so is its picturization made of a shy sensuality. Kahe Chhed Mohe is magical and fantastic, it is to me the most beautiful dancing moment ever. Definitely the magnum opus of Madhuri Dixit when it comes to dance. Classical and Indian in every form. But one of the highlights of the movie is without doubt the extraordinary Dola Re Dola which demanded great dedication from both Madhuri and Aishwarya. The result is magnificent. Every steps, choreographed by Saroj Khan, is executed flawlessly. The dance is lively, and the colourful set adds to its splendor. We feel the emotions, the love and the friendship of Paro and Chandramukhi from every smile and gesture of them. Joy is written all over their faces. This is not too much to call Dola Re Dola the most stunning and greatest dance sequence in the history of Indian cinema.

Dola Re Dola - breath-taking in every sense of the term

In the end, Devdas is and will always be (to me) the summum of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's work. It is perfect in every frame, breathes life and tragedy, actually emotions is another great word to describe this movie. It captures feelings, and humanity perfectly. Two years after watching it for the first time, the shock is still the same. I still have the very feeling of this movie touching something greater than life. In the end, Devdas is much more than a cinematic work.

The eyes of pain...

The Weekly Bollywood Song - Khaike Paan Banaras Wala

So, I have decided to put a song every week on this blog (to keep it updated just in case I do not have time to review anymore) and this week's song is "Khaike Pan Banaras Wala" from Don, just because it is a cult song and it is very catchy. Amitabh's enjoyment and expressions are priceless!

Of course, without forgetting the new version thirty years later with SRK as the lead. This one is more modern, but just as catchy. Besides, who can resist King Khan's charisma?