Ram-Leela: Lahu Munh Lag Gaya

Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan: The Sensual Version



After we all realized Lahu Munh would take place in a Holi setting, it was pretty obvious that SLB was going to go for an Aankhon ki approach (and lord, did he). Both a slow song against a festive backdrop. Again, not complaining but really there are some scene for scenes similarities. Am I just a die-hard HDDCS fan or is it obvious to most? Also, this movie is an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet (how original) and I'm going to go ahead and assume this is the "masquerade ball," which is really kind of brilliant. Sanjay really is the Baz Luhrman of India. I can't be the first to say that right? Yup, I'm not, but I digress.

With this and Nagada Sang, Deepika keeps proving this role was for her. Really imagine Kareena or Priyanka attempting these numbers? It would kill it and totally not in the way Deepika is.

Ram-Leela: Nagada Sang Dhol Bhaje

Wait a minute... deja vu. Like seeeerious deja vu (lighting diyas in the intro, garba, epic pagdi tying, etc. etc.). But wait? Why don't I care?

First of all a thousand applause because finally Deepika proves why she's the it girl this year and gets to show off her dancing*  that I have screamed about and damn, homegirl is FIERCE (in spite of being injured while shooting this.)

Secondly, considering the song title has 'dhol baje' (was this a really desperate attempt or super brilliant tactic by Sanjay? Is HDDCS that long forgotten or is he using its success?) was I the only one underwhelmed by the beat?

Such spectacular costumes, sets, choreography, cinematography, editing. I hate this word, but: epic. Expectations met, Sanjay. Well done. Hope it continues. I stayed up for this release and it was well worth it.

A teaser of Priyanka Chopra's look from the item was released recently as well:

Another song  from the film after the jump:

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Ramleela

If Sanjay Leela  Bhansali (of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas fame) and Vishal Bhardwaj (of Omkara, Kaminey fame) had a baby, the world would get this:

You want old school colorful Bollywood? Check. You want nitty gritty non-flakey acting? Check. There is a lot of promise that comes with this trailer, but given SLB's last two films it will be hard to say if he manages to balance the drama and opulence. If anyone can, it's him. I guess the man heard me when I said I miss vintage Sanjay. This movie could really help bring him back into the game as long as he doesn't get caught up in trying too hard and if the "mature" content is handled tastefully-- very tricky terrain.

A long time ago when Kareena was signed for this role, I was very fangirl stoked to see her work under Bhansali and then she was replaced with Priyanka and I was still really stoked and then she was replaced with Deepika and then I got confused. Then future projects of Deepika began to surface and she was slowly building a strong resume and by 2012 it was very obvious that 2013 was going to be the year of the Deepika. Ramleela might just be the movie that confirms her position as a top actress. Ranveer Singh has done nothing, but well for himself and I have no doubt this film will only prove once again why he's the next big thing. Though Priyanka was replaced it's believed that she'll still be appearing in a song. Holla.

One thing is guaranteed though, as with all SLB films, this thing is going to be aesthetically flooring especially with the undeniable chemistry. We'll have to wait until November 15th to see. 

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Guzaarish

Woohooo we get a first look at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's awaited Guzaarish

Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan) is a magician who one day injures himself horribly while performing an illusion causing him to become a paraplegic. This is when Sophie D'Souza (Aishwarya Rai) enters his life as his nurse. The film focuses on what happens fourteen years after the two met.



Delicious. Absolutely delicious. A little disconcertingly dark, but I guess that's Sanjay's style now. I kind of miss his colorful (with dark undertones) days of Hum Dil De.. and Devdas, but that's okay this looks lovely. What really reeled me in was this song promo.



Seriously. Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings out the best in Aishwarya. And to quote a YouTube comment,

"Ash is a chameleon. Give her anything from traditional to modern she carries it off with such grace. She looks divine as well. Agreed she isn't the best most natural actress nor the best dancer but she is a competent one in both aspects and that adds the word 'versatility' to her cap."
-tonynaso

Loved it. You have to hand it to her... the new chickadees have nothing on her and it's pretty baller that she's still around post-marriage.

And can we talk about that song?? Soooo sultry. I found that I liked it more and more each time I listened to it. It's interesting to hear SLB as a music director. We all know he has an ear for it, especially with that whole story of how he heard Shreya Ghoshal on TV and roped her in for Devdas (sadly he didn't use her for this film). Every single one of his films has had a memorable song, if not the entire soundtrack. I really anticipate the soundtrack for this one.

The film is slated to release November 19, 2010.

Just A Thought

There hasn't been a film nearly as charming as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in a while, right? I feel like it's SLB's best work. Yes, even better than Devdas.