Bollywoodization Of Romeo And Juliet | Under Lens

Recently released Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela brought epic romance of Romeo And Juliet back in focus in India. Though the film got hype for all wrong reasons, amongst the critics there was a nod of appreciation for Sanjay Leela Bhansali who came out of his comfort zone and came up with something so un-Bhansalish.

When Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak came, it was not the first film to explore love between children from warring groups. Earlier divides were for different reasons. There was poverty, there was religion and language. Like Bobby, Betaab, Love Story, Ek Duje Ke Liye. All these films had an element or two borrowed from Shakespeare’s most popular work. For example in Betaab, estranged family friends defined the core of opposition. In Ek Duje Ke Liye, language and cultural differences became the barrier. Love Story had an interesting take. Fathers of both girl and boy once loved same woman. Girl’s father though was able to marry her, was never able to digest the fact.  Moreover, there were screen adaptations as well like one made by Akhtar Hussein in 1947 – Romeo And Juliet. QSQT’s success opened up barrage of adaptations. In 90’s we saw many films on similar lines. Most of them hardly added any value.  

Ram-Leela adapted Shakespearean tragedy with gore of warlands in India. Based in a fictional village, Ram-Leela is about two warring communities confronting each other for over five centuries. Film might have disappointed many but it managed to check some points. At no point any character in the film was able to shake the faith these characters had for each other. Even when they were against each other, the burning passion was all over the screen. That was probably the only think that justified lust at first sight between Ram and Leela.

After Romeo And Juliet, its Hamlet time. Will Shahid’s Haider come any close to his father’s Maqbool?

  

Ram-Leela | Much Ado About Nothing | Editor's Pen

Hi Friends…

What kind of country we are turning into? What kind of country we aspire to be? Do we want minefields for our future generations? Some people definitely do. They are offended by even non-existent things. SLB @ Ram-Leela for forced to change the title of the film to B-grade sounding title. In fact this entire charade is a  stigma on the country which is respected for its tolerance and freedom of speech.

Today they have a problem with a film titled after God and/or enactment of His life. Tomorrow they will have issue with people keeping names after Godly figures. What if a person named as Ram or Krishna turns out to be a terrorist or corrupt broker? Will people get offended by that? Let me brush memories... remember Delhi Gang Rape... 'Ram Singh' was the driver of that bus. Offended now?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali definitely wanted to get a mileage from the title of the film – that’s what a title should do. However, its silly to think that at any point he intend to hurt emotions of people. But wait, we get offended by non-existent things… right.

Sadly, in this country we are not able to make good films due to this very reason. The country, frankly, doesn’t deserve good and open films. We don’t. The social fabric is shallow and we are happy with walls we created around us. These walls, however are made of up of paper. We are not a failed nation though that day is not very far.

Regards

Sujoy

Ram-Leela | There But Not Quite | Music Review

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, director turned composer is back with his new album after 3 years, and yet he has stretched to give 10 tunes. Yesss, you read it write, the album is too long and hence bear with me if the review grows lengthy too. Anyways, while reviewing Guzzarish in same forum, I said, SLB’s music lacks variation and this album has once again stamped my belief.

The movie aims to be an epic love story set in Gujarat and the music also has the traditional folk touch to it. The album opens with the title track, ‘Ram chahe leela’ with a bang !! A kick-start to the album, and the gossip of Piggy chops dancing to its tune as an item girl is definitely going to keep it in chartbuster race. The contemporary lyrics blend with folk music, add to the spice. Indian Idol gal, Bhoomika Trivedi does her debut with this song, and is pretty confident, wishing her all the best.

Next in queue is ‘Lahu munh lag gaya’, Sahil Hada is just OK, trying little too hard. The Gujarati folk music is good and instrumental arrangement is well synched. Followed by ‘Ang laga de’, the sensuous number. It opens with Aditi Paul’s perfectly balanced voice and seductive notes, and at once promises to be one of the best in album. The song duration is approx. 6 mins and though it sounds pretty decent, it remains to be seen whether it’s visually appealing too!

Sahi Hada appears again, this time with ‘Poore Chaand’. I need to admit here that at first, I considered it least promising in the album. But, its one of those which grow on you. Considering SLB’s fixation for moon, this can be expected to produce some great chemistry between Deepika & Ranveer. With all this we are back to, HDDCS ‘Dholi Taro’. Yes, the song, ‘Nagada sang dhol’ seems to be a sequel. In this dandiya season, its definitely going to set some dance floors on fire. The disturbing factor, is the lyrics, ‘dhaiyan dhaiyan dhum’, c’mon everyone knows how a dhol sounds.

Here comes my personal favorite in album, ‘Laal Ishq’. Arjit Singh, Aashiqui2 & YJHD fame, is making it a habit to get the best tunes. The subtle and effortless singing, with the tinkle of temple bells gives it a soothing feel. The track is well grounded in classical music and though it treads over six minutes, this one is sheer beauty! This is for ones in love.

‘Ishqyaun Dhishkyaun’ the fun element in the album in the voice of Aditya Narayan. The lyrics are too juvenile and totally different from album’s mood. But SLB proves himself again, the music still remains the same and does not go along with happy go lucky lyrics. The only duet in the album, ‘Mor Bani’, is a traditional Gujarati song. Next in line is, ‘Dhoops se’, with Shreya Ghoshal to bring it to life. She once again proves why she can be compared to music veterans of the industry. An emotional and passionate song.

Album ends with, ‘Tattad tattad’, being used for film’s promotion. This one has nothing much to offer other than Ranveer’s  body show.

Verdict – SLB has improved but lacks variety to its hard core, and really can’t warranty the kind of commercial elements that could have ensured a chartbuster status. But still we appreciate this attempt at the traditional folk melodies, in the world of ‘Chikni Chameli’ or ‘Anarkali disco’. Rating – 3/5

Written By: Neha Jain