FIRST LOVE - REVIEW

FIRST LOVE - REVIEW

Five superb actors . Two tracks in one reel and, this too helmed by a supremely talented music video director.
Yet, FIRST LOVE, a film deals with your first crush, a film that promises to be  your First love whence you see it ads, lacks the power to make you fall in love with it. It's high on hype. But extremely low on content. Reason: Too many expectations spoil the broth!
                                                                                            
Simosh Sunuwar slipped to prove his abilities in his directorial debut Mission Paisa, but with FIRST LOVE the problem is that he tries to showcase his directorial abilities in this one film and tries in mastering his hand in many departments. Never stretch a rubber band beyond a point. It's bound to give away. FIRST LOVE tests the patience of the viewer for this very reason!

On the brighter side, Simosh  has handled certain sequences remarkably. In fact, he does pull off some amazingly well-tuned moments as well as some tragic ones. But as the captain of the ship, he should've ensured that the he is best at what he aspires to be doing. Either he got carried away with the script or he realized he had to do justice to the magnum cast, resulting in this labour of love proving one laborious exercise for the watcher.

To cut a long story short,FIRST LOVE disappoints a little !

Story 1:
 Aayus, Gaurav and Rohan : 3 forever friends and a love drama they tread on when they are in their college days.  Aayus [Aryan Sigdel] is in love with Aava (Nisha Adhikari) ; and no two thoughts, Aava also loves her. Aayus is a big time flirt and the audience keep guessing if he's going to leave Aava halfway the story. This very fear is constantly killing Gaurav (Karma) who one-sided loves her. He loves her unconditionally, buys a diamond ring for her which she unables to buy ; gifts her every possible red rose , and fails to confess that he loves her (coz he knows Aayus is dating Aava).

Story 2:
Rohan [Vinay],  meets his 'dream girl' Nitu [Reecha Sharma],  a close buddy to Aava (Nisha Adhikari) and falls for her the very day he sees her. Now for some reason Nitu is a shy girl , communicates less and runs away from the love proposed by Vinay . Wait for the intervel and with the post interval proceeding reels you'll get know : Who is this girl NITU (reecha), Why is she avoiding Rohan ? This track of Rohan and Nitu is a straight lift from Sanjay gupta's Dus Kaahaniyaa ( a film comprising 10 short stories, of which  watch 'Zahir' , directed by Sanjay Gupta and acted by Diya Mirza and Manoj Bajpyee ) . Only a difference is - Reecha narrates her flash back of  alloting a past being a bar dancer and  which ends brutally being a HIV positive at the end.

Now coming to the technical aspects :
 
Vinay -Reecha: Clearly, the best story amongst. And what takes it further is the twist in the tale -- Recha leaving her past of a bar dancer, realising that she can't love because she is a HIV positive. The sequence of both Vinay and Reecha practicing spelling thing  is outstanding (pre- interval). The symbol of love through a text book is very romantic and best , from writing to execution point of view .

Karma -Nisha: Believable. But too verbose to the point of getting boring. Also, the sequences could've been much more convincing, especially those parts where Nisha has a change heart for Karma. The drunk sequence is superb. Special mention to the scene where Karma confesses his love but Nisha takes it otherwise.

Aaryan - Nisha:  Mirrors the confusion. The one question : Why would any true boyfriend leave his girl friend in a trauma , especially whence she is his pregnant .In the wake of internet and mobiles why he is unable to messege her. And to my surprise why does Aaryan's character get a hasty exit.

Satya- Sworoop's music is pleasant. Though i'm not satisfied with the choreography. Surendraman Singh in a sad song shines both singer-musican wise.

Of the five  important characters and the sundry supporting ones, Reecha [suits the role and also does well. Note : this is her debut film], Vinay [exceptional], Aaryan  [dependable], Nisha  [wonderful], Karma [pleasant surprise] and Namrata Shrestha , in a surprising cameo is passable.

On the whole, FIRST LOVE has one major ace -- its massive star cast, which has translated into tremendous hype.Hari Humagai's camerawork is aptable .Simosh Sunuwar direction is obviously better than his previous work , but not up to the expectations! For the viewers , Go -Watch , this is one time watchable.

2.5/5 ratings
JAICINEMA 

Truly Jharana Bajracharya .

Jharana Bajracharya is my all time favourite actress in Nepal. Alok knows it from the time being that's not known. He knows how i reacted when she was not in the casting of SANO SANSAR, and i guess Alok still reminds how i fought him over this one mistake he did. But actually Jharana was to do SANO SANSAR in a very special cameo...infact very very special. And what was the cameo about , i wouldn't love to talk it now. May be sometime.... And what's more she has arrived now with a bang  called 'KOHI MERO' , and this time the director is no one but Alok Nembang. Their association begun with the very successful 'Lakhau Patak' video, sung by Nabin K. Bhattarai , where Alok played the twin roles of both actor and director to Jharana. If i'm not wrong they are BEST FRIENDS like in Karan Johar's Kuch Kuch Hota hai since then. Jharana was my first crush when i saw her in a national magazine that featured her crowing glory Miss Nepal sometimes in 50s. I have many things doing the round and then words fall short describing such sensually beautiful Jharana. How could i forget the event  that she was my first choice for MERO LOVE STORY. Hmm... let's bygone be bygone. Since i'm doing a full month KOHI MERO special, Jharana was my first choice to begin with and my pleasure she agreed to be a part of it. Thank you Jharana.

One movie you wish u had worked in ?

. Still to be made.

What is the one thing you hate about your routine?       

 · There is nothing really I hate.

What's the one trait you hate about yourself ?

 · Sometimes I lose my patience.

So what happens when you get angry ?

· You won’t see me there.

If you were to be granted three wishes, what would they be ?

· I will let you know when I’ll be granted.

What would you like to comeback as in your next birth?

· I don’t want to be born again.

What's the best thing that has happened to u ?

· To have found Vipassana.

Are u competitive when it comes to your career ?

 · No..its the source of pain.

Three things that we don’t know about you.

· Simplicity, quietness, and real.

Have you ever thrown tantrum being a celebrity- actress ?

 · I don’t t think so.

What's your favorite thing being famous ?

· To be heard.

What's your worst thing being famous ?

· Many impractical expectation.

 What do people most underestimate about you ?

· Goodness.

What's the one film you'd see again and again ?

· Madagascar

What's excited you most while signing a film ?

 · The essence.

What's excited you most while signing a music video ?

· Words and music.

What's the most expensive thing you've bought with the first salary ?

· I do not buy anything that expensive.

What do you do when u're not shooting ?

 · Live life.

What puts you off about people ?

· Negativity.

 How do you deal with the rumors about yourself ?

· I don’t take them seriously cause they are not true.

On what occasions do you lie ?

· I don’t lie.

What's your greatest fear?

 · To loose myself in the world.

What's your biggest achievement?

· I don’t have it yet.

 What's the one dish you'd break all diets for ?

· I don’t diet.

What are your most treasured possessions ?

· I don’t have one.

What do you value most in your friends?

 · Their simplicity.

One rumour you've heard regarding you.

 · That I was married to some business guy and got a kid.

 One movie pickup line you love.

· I don’t think I like pickup lines

Your takes on following :

Who would suit the cast of 'KOHI MERO', if there weren't be Aryan, Sanchita ,Subash and you in the toplines ?

 · No one

Meaning of JHARANA.

· Never stuck.

Alok Nembang

· Who thinks work all the time

 ARYAN

· Good actor

SANCHITA

 · Sweet

SUBASH

 · Is good

BHUSAN DAHAL or ALOK NEMBANG

· Alok

Tell us why we go see Kohi Mero

· If you want to take a break from yourself then you will.

Last words

· watch the movie and have fun.

Kohi Mero : Music Review

Expectations

Huge. Very huge in fact are the expectations from the soundtrack of KOHI MERO . And why not? First and foremost it's the return of the director of  'SANO SANSAR'- ALOK NEMBANG. Now that's a reason huge enough. Moreover, with MUSIC.COM playing the twin role of an a producer (of this film ) and a music distributor, one can be rest assured that KOHI MERO would be a zero compromise project both from the film and music front. No wonder, KOHI MERO is not just the hottest film of the season but also has listeners waiting to lay their hands on yet another blockbuster musical score.

MUSIC

The album opens with a title song , “KOHI MERO”, sung by Dipak Limbu and Anju Pant, has touches of Legendry musician Ranjeet Gajmer shades ; and is a sure hit track. Orchestration and a tabla beat dominate throughout the song, along with humming by both Dipak Limbu and Anju Pant. Dipak Limbu sings the song with outstanding command, while Anju Pant still sounds like a nightingale, though her humming makes her sound like her tongue has gotten thicker over the years. Overall, the song impresses with excellent lyrics and a effortless music by Suresh Rai.

The second song written and composed by Suresh Adhikari , picks up the pace a little. Dipak Limbu and Anju Pant come together in a weirdly titled “Aakha Aakha” which too sounds a bit situational but fits the bill. The song opens with a famous 'Beni Ko Baazara Jata Maya..' chorus.While Dipak has sung many songs like this previously and sings it with ease, Anju Pant sounds like she is putting too much effort into the composition and as a result her efforts seem bland. However, a catchy backdrop along with some finely written lines gives the song a little more reason to listen to it.

Time for some relief. When we listen to third track of the album it feels as if time is stopping by and we are to the heaven then. The Dholak, Ghungharoo, Dhimri and Matka drum beats increasing slowly and croon of 'satya Raj Acharya' somply bound you off. The Track ''sabda ma' is a beautifully written track by Bhupendra Khadka , while this time around Suresh Adhikari needs a special mention for a wounderful music . This song mostly goes by vocal. And what more can we ask for if Swaroop Raj Acharya is singing it??

'Dherai Din Pachi' another song ,is a realisation track if we talk in terms of Lines in the lyric . Anju Pant , once again, does a fantastic job. Her honeyed voice is a perfect match for this beautiful composition. This is a song that I feel designed for endless journeys of love and it's inner quest for 'YES' from a special person we love. Very filmy! This too is penned and composed by Suresh Adhikari.

Next song is a repetation of the title track 'KOHI MERO' ; though this time not a duet . This one is a male version of Dipak Limbu . And same track is repeated in its 8th number , which is a female version sung by Anju Pant. Both theses solo are good to ears , though i prefer duet much .

'Samaya Le', which is by and large the best song of the album is the 6th track . The song is registered immediately with the listeners with its soft, melodious feel and may also play on your mind for rest of your day if you are the types who prefer melodies to the head banging music. This track has Shiva Pariyar and Rajina Rimal doing the vocal honors for the film. The opening of guitar is sure to remain with you for years to come. However, once you hear Shiva Pariyar voicing out Suresh Rai's meaningful lyrics like "Sunsaan Biraan Aaja Mero Zindagima Kable Uskai Kami", you will feel the originality setting in and the song will gradually creep on you with superb musical arrangements and a catchy tune. I owe my standing oviation to Suresh Rai for this wonderful song . Sursh Rai is certainly a musician to see in days to come.

Up next is, 'Pakha Na Pakha', which is an invigorating and quixotic number with good pace and the song grows on you after you have heard once and you will crave to hear it again. Naresh Bhattarai has marvelously penned it,and Satya Raj Acharya has delivered his magnificent voice. It is again a trademark peppy number, something that we always expect of such mushy love stories. Basanta Sapkota has composed the music of this song.

The album ends with a theme music of title 'KOHI MERO' followed by another theme of 'Samaya Le'. These themes make a complete filmy album , gibing you the choice to enoy withg them when you get into your goodnight moments.

MY REACTION

It is not everyday that each and every song turns out to be extremely good in an album but that's indeed the case with kohi mero. This one is going to be unstoppable once it hits the stands!

4.5/5 stars
Feel free to comment us.
JAICINEMA

I HATE lUV STORYS : I didn't hate it that much.

Star cast: Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Samir Dattani, Samir Soni, Kavin Dave.

Plot: Sonam, an art director with a Bollywood director, falls in love with Imran who works as an assistant director in the same unit. But Imran doesn’t believe in love. Spurned, Sonam returns to her childhood friend, Samir Dattani. It is now Imran’s turn to fall in love with Sonam. But is she ready to accept him?

What’s Good: The freshness in the script, the chemistry between Imran and Sonam, the humour, the 

performances, and, of course, the music.

What’s Bad: Nothing really except, perhaps, the slow pace at times and the film industry-centric jokes.

Verdict: I Hate Luv Storys is a definite winner. City & multiplex audience and the youngsters will especially luv this luv story.

Loo break: Not really!

UTV Motion Pictures and Dharma Productions Pvt. Ltd.’s I Hate Luv Storys (UA) is the love story of Jay Dhingra (Imran Khan) and Simran (Sonam Kapoor). Jay works as an assistant to director Veer (Samir Soni) who makes mushy love stories which prove to be box-office hits. But Jay hates love stories and doesn’t fancy the idea of marriage, preferring instead to have affairs. Simran joins as the art director of Veer’s new film, Pyar Pyar Pyar. She identifies with the typical Bollywood heroine and she thinks life is a romantic film. As luck would have it, Jay is asked to assist Simran in the art department.

Jay and Simran, poles apart, begin by hating each other but soon, Simran begins to love Jay even though she is to be married to her childhood friend, Raj Dholakia (Samir Dattani). Jay’s imperfections make him extremely endearing to Simran who realises that the magic in her relationship with Raj is fast disappearing in spite of Raj loving her a lot. Mistaking Jay’s friendship (with her) for love, Simran confesses her love (for him) to Jay. Surprised, Jay tells her, he doesn’t love her.

Simran returns to the ever-forgiving Raj and tries to re-build that relationship but now, Jay realises that he is actually in love with Simran. Does Jay profess his love to Simran? Does Simran accept Jay or does she also spurn him the way he had spurned her?

Debut-making writer-director Punit Malhotra has penned a script which makes good-humoured digs at Bollywood romantic films, especially the mushy ones. For this, he falls back on landmark love stories like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Dil Chahta Hai, Devdas etc. Since the very scenes from these films, which have become memorable, are shown in a new and satirical light, the audience enjoys the humour that is created. But there’s a flip side too. While the comical look at landmark scenes is entertaining, the use of such memorable scenes to find a solution to Jay’s problem in the climax does not appeal as much. For, the audience expects that the resolution of the drama would offer complete novelty because the concept of the film is slightly new. Nevertheless, the humour towers above all else, even if the comedy is more class-appealing than for the masses. The youth, especially, would identify with the humour and the actions and reactions of Jay and Simran.

The first half starts off well but gets repetitive along the way. It, therefore, tends to get boring, also because the pace is a bit slow. Besides, director Veer giving so much importance to his assistant, Jay, doesn’t make too much sense. The other weak spot is that there is an overdose of film industry jokes, especially in the first half, which may not get the desired reaction from the public.

Not only does the pace pick up after interval but there is also more drama in the second half. Even the lighter moments of the post-interval portion are more entertaining and enjoyable. On the minus side is the emotional appeal which is quite low. As already mentioned, remodelling the climax on earlier films is also a weak point.

However, considering all the pros and cons, the film does come across as a whiff of fresh air even though it may not be consistently enjoyable. Secondly, the chemistry between the two lead actors is very palpable and, therefore, a major plus point. Dialogues are extremely witty and youth-centric but also more for the city crowds.

Read more...

Imran Khan is endearing and does well for a good part of the film. But he does need to improve in emotional scenes. His acting seems slightly below the mark in the scenes in which he becomes emotional while talking to his mother as well as in the scene in which he professes his love for the first time to Sonam Kapoor. Imran is free and lovable in the light scenes. Sonam Kapoor does an excellent job. She gets into the skin of the character and shines in both, light as well as dramatic, scenes. She also looks very desirable. Samir Dattani is sincere. Samir Soni fails to evoke much laughter although his scenes are meant to be funny but that is not entirely his fault. His scenes are not comical enough and also, part of the humour lies in the fact that his character is inspired by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which many among the audience may not understand. Kavin Dave, as Imran’s friend, Kunal, is rather cute. He has wonderful lines to mouth and his acting is very natural. Bruna Abdullah is extremely likeable as Giselle. Khushboo Shroff (as Nidhi) and Aseem Tiwari (as Nikhil) lend fair support. Ketaki Dave and Shirish Sharma are alright. Anju Mahendru provides able support. Aamir Ali has his moments. Pooja Ghai gets limited scope and is okay.

Punit Malhotra has penned a script that isn’t easy for a first-time director like himself but his narration is quite smooth. His efficiency, as director, is evident in several scenes, prominent among them being the one in which the tough security guard softens and smiles lovingly at a depressed Jay, and when Jay looks dejectedly at the little boy selling red flowers. Punit definitely has a bright future ahead of him. Vishal-Shekhar’s music is a major asset of the film. The title song and ‘Jab mila tu’ are already hit numbers. ‘Bin tere’, repeated thrice in the film, grows on the audience beautifully. ‘Sadka’ and ‘Bahaara’ songs are also quite nice. Song picturisations (Bosco-Caesar) are good. Ayananka Bose’s camerawork is splendid. Sets (Amrita MahalNakai) are very good. Costumes (by ManishMalhotra) deserve mention.

On the whole, I Hate Luv Storys is a good, entertaining fare for the city youth and the multiplex audience. Although it doesn’t have much for the smaller centres (where even the English title may prove to be a setback), it will emerge to be a plus fare on the strength of its business in the cities and its revenues from sources other than theatrical.

3.5/5 Ratings

JAI CINEMA