'Soundtrack' To Be Premiered At Ahmedabad Film Fest

Soundtrack, the forthcoming flick, which revolves around a hedonistic DJ who goes deaf following a life of debauchery is to be premiered at the Ahmedabad International Film Festival on October 6, 2011.

The festival, an annual feature of Ahmedabad, started as FulMarxx Shorts Fest in 2007 and subsequently evolved into International Film Festival Ahmedabad showcasing Retrospectives, WorldCinema, Indian Panorama, Cinema of Gujarat, Children Films and Short Films.
 
Soundtrack starring Rajeev Khandelwal and Soha Ali Khan and produced by Saregama is an official remake of Canadian cult movie It's All Gone Pete Tong.

Saregama's 'Soundtrack' ready to woo audiences

The cast and the story
The movie has Rajeev Khandelwal, Soha Ali Khan and Mrinalini Sharma in the lead roles. After 'Aamir' and 'Shaitaan', Rajeev has raised people's expectations, and this movie is certainly going to be looked forward to.

Based on a true story, 'Soundtrack' is about India's most prolific musician and DJ. The movie traces his alcohol, drug and sex fuelled meteoric rise, and his battles with his internal demons, and a damaging handicap.

The cast also includes Mohan Kapur, Yateen Karyekar, musicians Sid Coutto and Ankur Tewari. Anuraag Kashyap will be seen in a very special role in the movie.

The music
The music for the film has been composed and performed by Midival Pundtitz and Karsh Kale.

Said Apurv Nagpal, Managing Director, Saregama, "We have in our opinion the 'Album of the year' with a dozen or so great songs. I am sure the music will rock and appeal to the target audience".

Apart from a peppy track, 'What the F', by Anushka Manchanda, the album includes songs by Kailash Kher, Papon and Ankur Tewari.

The album also has two remixes of classic old songs, which have been remixed keeping in mind the sensibilities of the present generation.

'Soundtrack' releases on October 7th.

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Soundtrack

Soundtrack has an array of exciting original compositions, but what catches one's attention instantly is the inclusion of the remixes of two of Kishore Kumar's biggest songs ' Ruk Jaana Nahin (Imtihaan ) andYeh Jeevan Hain (Piya Ka Ghar). And though Suraj Jagan is earnest in his rendition of Ruk Jaana Nahin, the lack of a fresh angle to the remix makes it a tad boring. But Yeh Jeevan Hain works well due to Malini Awasthi's folksy & striking vocals.

The lyrics of Banao disappoint, but the track clicks because Papon is incredibly charming in his rendition of this languidly paced modern day devotional number. Besides the Assamese singer's raspy vocals, the only other prominent feature in this soothing number is the acoustic guitar. However it's Papon's second song in the album Naina Laagey that blows your mind. MP & KK first composed this outstanding classical song for their 2009 album Hello Hello. They blend Indian vocals & instruments seamlessly with electronic rhythms to deliver a serene almost tender love song. This one's highly recommended for your Ipod listening.

In Atomizer MP & KK fuse mainstream with the eclectic and create a kicking dance track replete with thedhol and processed vocals ' an addictive piece of music.

But the pick of the album is Ek Manzil, perhaps the only track that comes closest to being a filmi song and is somewhat similar to Pritam's compositions for the Bhatts.  Ek Manzil opens dramatically with a magnificent cello piece. MP & KK embellish this soft rock number with flashes of Indian classical music and Vishal Vaid's soulful vocals contribute immensely to its haunting appeal. The melancholic cello sound returns as the mainstay for The Soundtrack theme, an engaging instrumental piece.  Vaid also makes an appearance in Fakira, a Sufi meets electronic experimental number that's at best average.

Main Chala (Kailash Kher) is the quintessential Midival Punditz  & Karsh Kale number.  Their fans will recognize their style and love this track. With a heavy electronic-trance bed and powerful vocals by Kailash Kher, this one can get you into a hypnotic frenzy.  Designed as a potential chartbuster and in spite of singer Anushka Manchanda's best efforts, What The F fails to sizzle. But that's a tiny blemish in an otherwise refreshing and spirited album.

Verdict: Go for it!

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Lyrics aim for shock value
Sep 07, 2011 - Saumya Bhatia
Age Correspondent

If Bhag Bhag DK Bose surprised you, What the F is going on? will drive you over the edge. The track from the upcoming movie Soundtrack that stars Rajeev Khandelwal and Soha Ali Khan is creating a buzz with its tongue-in-cheek number sung by Anushka Manchanda.

"What the F is going on
Can't slow down
What the F is going on
I didn't see
What the F is going on
I am fallen over, oh can't you see"
Even as Bhag Bhag DK Bose from Delhi Belly was controversial and raised questions about the use of such provocative words, What the F is going on? stands for the four-letter word which is undoubtedly the most widely used slang these days.
The track has been written and produced by Midival Punditz and Anushka. But youngsters it seems are cool with such foul-mouthed songs and say there's nothing shocking about them.
Stylist Nikhil Aggarwal finds the number pathetic. He says, "I didn't like DK Bose either, but this song has nothing going in its favour  neither the score nor the lyrics. Atleast, DK Bose was hummable, and I don't find it too controversial, in fact, there's something is missing here."
For Sakshi Sudan, professional, the song isn't a big deal. "It certainly didn't shock me, I don't think it will raise any controversies as people won't bother to raise questions. Everyone is aware what it stands for and there's no shock value attached to it."
Mohan Nahar, musician, says the track resembles Nelly Furtado's Maneater. "But the resemblance is just about it. Sadly, the chorus doesn't reach the crescendo and the song is too diluted. 'What the F' is barely noticeable. Secondly, unlike DK Bose which made a statement at our culture, this lacks punch."
Interestingly, movies today thrive on controversies and it's not surprising that people are willing to go to any length to grab attention. Himanshu Bhandari, DU student states, "Today, marketing or promoting a movie needs big money. Making a film stand apart in a bunch is a daunting task. They spend a lot more on promoting a film these days. This just follows the trend and apart from a few curious listeners it won't garner much interest."

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Soundtrack is a commercial project, not underground and niche
http://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1635553&TPN=20&#46460388

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Rajeev is the face of intelligent cinema

His film's name is Soundtrack and Neerav Ghosh is a happy that his debut film is based on a subject that's close to his heart.

Says the filmmaker, "Back in the 90s I was too part of a band in Delhi and I was the lead guitarist in that band. So, I've seen the life of a musician from pretty close quarters and am glad that my first film that happens to be on music. I was signed on for some other projects too, but things didn't work out then! Maybe since my heart and soul was in music it is only apt that my first film is on music."

Speaking more about his film, Neerav says, "When I started out as a musician, I'll confess the cool quotient of the profession was attractive and the thought of chics adoring you, alluring! But, when on stage amid while performing amid all that loud music of different instruments, a thought always crosses a musician's mind (and it did mine too) 'what if I go deaf?' And it is this fear that gave birth to my film. And playing the lead role is Rajeev Khandelwal."

Quiz the director on his choice of actor and he says, "He just seemed so perfect for the role. Also, he's the face of intelligent, urban cinema and I knew that he'll do justice to the character I have in mind." How did he steer clear of roping in big names for his first film? He says, "I always believe that a film is made in the pre-production stage itself. If the script is strong, the plan well laid out and locations chosen in advance, then the execution of plan, which is filming, is the last part and easiest. And if this is done well, your film does well too!"

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Soha - "'Soundtrack' won't offend anyone"

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, September 06, 2011]

Soha Ali Khan's 'Soundtrack' is all set for release this month and the film is expected to dwelve deep into the world of drugs, sex and rock-n-roll when it comes to urban party circuits. Since the film tells the story of a DJ (played by Rajeev Khandelwal), each of these elements does make it's presence felt in the narrative. Though the actors as well as the makers are confident that the film would appeal to the youth, a few have wondered whether Censor board would have objection to any of such of the so-called objectionable elements.

However insiders from the industry feel that 'Soundtrack' shouldn't face any issue due to a liberal stance adopted by them off late.

"It was during Sharmila Tagore's tenure itself that the Censor Board had actually become much more liberal when it came to the usage of cuss words or disturbing visuals," says a source, "Something that was considered sacrilege during the 90s pretty much became a norm during the 2000s though the lady still insisted that stricter rules were applied when it came to distinguishing an adult film from the one that was okay for public viewing.

"Exactly," a prominent filmmaker agrees, "She had been quite reasonable through her tenure and brought about quite a few positive changes."

At her end Soha too feels that 'Soundtrack' hardly has the kind of any material, whether verbal or visual, that could have faced Censor's ire.

"There may be couple of scenes where Rajeev (Khandelwal) is doing some drugs or is engaged in an act of passion. But then they are very tame portrayals of what happens in real life when you get together in such party circles where drugs, sex and rock-n-roll are part of one's life," says Soha, "I am sure when people would see the film, they won't be offended by anything whatsoever."

Well, we would like to check that ourselves when the film releases on 30th September.

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Soundtrack is extremely naughty and urban

Debutant filmmaker Neerav Ghoshs dream of breaking a guitar finally came true. " I fulfilled my dream of breaking an electric guitar on the set of my film 'Soundtrack'. That was the thing I always wanted to do," says Neerav excitedly. This might be his first outing as a director but Neerav has been working in the film industry in various capacities. He wrote lyrics for the film 'Mithya'( 2008), edited and did sound design for 'Waisa Bhi Hota Hai part II'( 2003) and was assistant director on Bombay Boys ( 1998). 'Soundtrack stars Rajeev Khandelwal and Soha Ali Khan in lead roles and is a is a musical movie that follows the life journey of a musician.

Neerav considers himself a rock star in real life. " I am a rock star in real life. I had my own band in Delhi. I used to compose and sing. I had always wanted to break an electric guitar like the rock bands do at the end of their performance. But an electric guitar was very expensive so I could not afford to do so," says Neerav. Of course, being a rock star did not come too easy and Neerav had his fair share of struggle as well. " I was just twenty when I started earning my own money. I used to do shows and earn money. Later, I came to Mumbai and started struggling but honestly speaking, there was no real struggle for me. I did not have to sleep on the road or do tough things. Life was easier for me because I was making short films, music videos and then television shows," he clarifies.

Interestingly, although 'Soundtrack'is what would be considered a 'musical movie', Neerav has his own opinion on them. " I do not believe that musical movies always have success. See 'London Dreams'and 'Jashn'- both were big flops. 'London Dreams'had very big stars, but what happened? There is no formula of hit or flop. Failure and success are always there in every genre. For a musical film, the music has to be extremely good whether it be a 'Rock On'or 'Jhankar Beats'. The music of those movies were really good. The music of 'Soundtrack'is extremely naughty and urban. I have made the movie keeping the multiplex audience in mind. I already decided during the scripting process what song would feature where," says Neerav.

So lets hear what the director has to say about his hero. " The best thing about Rajeev is that he comes fully prepared.  He surrendered himself to me . Rajeev did everything that I wanted. He climbed a coconut tree after I asked him only once . He says yes to everything and is ready to help whichever way he can.  Normally, actors just do the basic things, but Rajeev did whatever I asked him to do.  The amount of hard work he has done for my movie he has not done for any movie, " concludes Neerav.
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Soundtrack

Posted: Fri Sep 16 2011, 16:31 hrs

Passion gone wrong

Drama

Producer

Saregama

Director and Writer

Neerav Ghosh

Cast

Rajeev Khandelwal, Soha Ali Khan and Mrinalini Sharma

Release September 30

Based on a true story, the film is about a DJ who goes deaf at the peak of his career. Soundtrack revolves around the life of a struggling musician Raunak (Rajeev Khandelwal), his rise to stardom and his subsequent battle with hearing loss. Raunak a small-town musician comes to Mumbai and becomes a DJ. But when he lands his first big break in Bollywood, due to a sudden turn of events, Raunak becomes deaf. In this depressed state, he meets Soha Ali Khan, a free-spirited speech therapist who coaches him.

The buzz

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Mumbai: Neerav Ghosh, who is making his diretorial debut with the upcoming 'Soundtrack', says he can relate to the struggle in show-business that is depicted in the film because he has experienced it first hand.

Neerav, a musician who switched to directing music videos at an early age, worked on documentaries and TV commercials before his Bollywood debut.

"I have worked on this film for three-and-half years, acquiring remake rights of the original film ('Its all gone Pete Tong'), adapting the story for the Indian audience," Neerav said.

"It was emotionally exhausting. I know your first film takes time as you face some glitches like getting finance, etc. In my case the transfer of rights and getting finance for the film took time. But I just kept going."

'Soundtrack' is the story of a struggling musician (played by Rajeev Khandelwal), his rise to stardom, and his subsequent battle with hearing loss.

Neerav feels even the audience will be able to relate to the subject. "There are a lot of relatable things in the movie like struggle, getting back on your feet," he said.

The film also stars Soha Ali Khan, Mrinalini Sharma and Mohan Kapur. It also has a cameo by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. It will release on September 30.
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Soundtrack was emotionally taxing: Rajeev Khandelwal

Rajeev elaborates, "Playing an emotionally unstable character is always taxing. When Neerav told me about Raunak's hallucination, I knew it was going to be an edgy journey." How does he tackle inner demons in real life? He says, "I move on quickly." Is he referring to the delay of UTV's Peter Gaya Kaam Se? He says, "That's one of the examples. I completed shooting and dubbing for the film. It was almost complete, but something went wrong with UTV. For reasons best known to the banner, they haven't decided when to release the film and I can't stress over it endlessly. I truly believe every film has its own destiny and Peter… will find a life itself."
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When Rajeev Khandelwal escaped death!

He is renowned for giving his best at whatever he does. But, Rajeev Khandelwal confesses that this quality of his, almost took his life while he was shooting for his forthcoming film 'Soundtrack'.

Elaborating on the same, Rajeev says, "It was an attempt to film a suicide scene, where my character had to wear a dynamite initially and later, he decides to jump into the swimming pool in order to save himself. As soon I had to portray a change of mind about the suicide, I jumped into the pool as per the sequence, but unfortunately landed on a plastic sheet, lying on the surface of the water."

He further adds, "I was totally wrapped in the plastic sheet with no room to breathe. Everyone on the sets was aware of my swimming skills and took it to be yet another attempt on my part to give a perfect shot. Only after a few minutes, could they smell something fishy and came to my rescue. But, trust me, had it been just a matter of a few more seconds, I might have died."

"Besides the close encounter with death, everything went smooth while shooting, in fact, it was quite a learning experience, as my co-stars and director, Neerav Ghosh have a musical background which helped me being a part of this film," he concludes.

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Soundtrack's wild parties
There have been many films that have captured the wild, insane partying culture of the youth on the Indian screen in recent times.

However, Soundtrack is looking to redefine that, inspired from parties from around the world like Ibiza. Lead actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who isn't much of a party-goer set out to experience the night life.

Director Neerav Ghosh says, "With a title like Soundtrack, people will expect an film showing the wild side of a musician's life - the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. Their world is a very cool and aspirational world and it's not something we see very often in movies. We made a conscious effort to raise the bar in the portrayal of the wild parties and the effervescence of the youth. So while the plotline of the film is about a lot more than partying, it was important for me to paint a fairly true picture of the live-hard-party-harder lives of urban youngsters."

He adds, "My own credo in my younger days used to be, 'You live only once, so try everything twice.' I have been to some wild parties over the years, and a lot of what is in the film is things I've seen myself or urban legends I've heard again and again at nightclubs and parties.

Apurva Nagpal of Sa Re Ga Ma adds, "We've all grown up hearing of wild parties with international musicians, rock stars and groupies, and in Soundtrack the portrayal is well in line with what happens, something audiences will be seeing for the first time."
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Soundtrack is based on a true story
TNN Sep 27, 2011, 12.00am IST])

Soundtrack, an official adaptation of All Gone Pete Tong, is based on a true story. Director Neerav Ghosh says, "Saregama's Soundtrack is the rollercoster journey of talented DJ and musician, Raunak Kaul (played by Rajeev Khandelwal).

He is diagnosed with a hearing disorder that ultimately leads to his going tone deaf. Then Gauri (played by Soha Ali Khan), herself born deaf, enters his life, and leads him from his dark state to a happier place where one day he finds a way to make music again." Ghosh explains the reason for the film's postponement: "I am very happy with the producers' decision to postpone the release by a week to October 7. As it is, here is a bit of a bloodbath in theatres on September 30 with half a dozen films releasing. A Dussehra release is a good fit with the theme of my film where my hero battles his demons to emerge triumphant despite great odds."

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3.basanti_diya

4..Rabi.(Rabi)

5.ruksaar_khan(ruksaar)

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Rajeev Khandelwal to host an international car show - Page 2

'Never play safe in life' - Page 2

Nation Geographic India- SuperCars Official TV Show Trialer- Rajeev Khandelwal and Bentley - Page 2

Glimpse Of Rajeev @ GIMA 2011 - Video - Page 2

'Nat Geo Super Cars' with Rajeev Khandelwal premiers on October 10th - Page 5

'Soundtrack': A story of hope - Page 6

Rajeev Khandelwal visits Bangkok nightclubs - Page 7

Watch Soundtrack What the F!Uncensored! - Video - Page 9

Movie Name:	Soundtrack
Critic Rating:
Viewer Rating:	6 0
Star Cast:	Rajeev Khandelwal, Soha Ali Khan, Mohan Kapoor, Yatin Karyekar and Mrinalini Sharma
Director:	Neerav Ghosh
Producer:	Sanjiv Goenka and Apurv Nagpal
Music Directer:	Midival Punditz, Karsh Kale, Kailash Kher,Vishal Vaid, Laxmikant Kudalkar, Pyarelal, Ankur Tewari and Papon
Genre:	Musical /Drama

Rajeev Rocks as Neerav Triumphs With 'Soundtrack'! 

By MovieTalkies.com, 06 October 2011 

There's something irresistible about a heroic triumph, something about an individual overcoming all odds, that appeals to something in every one of us. That appeal is only multiplied, when stories of such triumph leave the pages of fiction, and come into the world of reality, touched by a sense of realism. Perhaps that is why director Neerav Ghosh's debut effort, 'Soundtrack', makes for such a deeply satisfying watch.

However, let one state at the outset, that while this documentary-like feature film claims to be based on a true story, that, in fact, isn't quite true. The film is actually an official remake of the 2004 Canadian indie classic, 'It's All Gone Pete Tong', a similar mockumentary of sorts that spoke of the rise, fall and rise of a fictional Ibiza DJ, Frankie Wilde, with names like DJ Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk and Lol Hammond appearing as talking heads relating Frankie's story through the film. While the original film has turned into something of a cult touchstone, 'Soundtrack', with a first-timer in Neerav at its helm, still has some way to go before it achieves that sort of success. Where the film does see success, however, is in the way Ghosh manages to Indianise as urbane a story as this subject, and makes it quite relatable.

The film's plot is almost Beethoven-esque in its scope, and indeed, more than 'It's All Gone Pete Tong', it is the master composer's legendary life that 'Soundtrack' will invite direct comparisons with. Smartly, then, Neerav makes Ludwig himself a narrator in the film, peppering the narrative with framed quotes from the composer's life.

The plot revolves around a music-maker called Ronak, played superbly by Rajeev Khandelwal, arriving in the city to hit the big-time. Ronak carries within him, the legacy, or rather, the burden of his late father, Parth, who himself tried to make a mark in the music industry, but simply couldn't find success. Ronak, though, tastes victory immediately, as he quickly turns into the superstar DJ at the Tango Charlie club, with the club's owner, Charlie, played by Mohan Kapur, acting as his manager. It is evident that Ronak has a great ear for music, though this is accompanied by a vicious addiction to sex, drugs and alcohol, all of which he finds quite easily in the wonderland of his fame. However, the film's pivotal turn comes when he finds that even as the noose of his addictions is tightening around his neck, his ear is quite literally leaving him, rendering him deaf. The rest of the film deals with Ronak's own tribulations with his condition and how he eventually rises to meet the challenge of life, with some help along the way.

The film, though slow at some points, hooks from the start. The film scores with its interesting narrative, where Ronak's story is told in flashbacks, interspersed with interviews with characters from the film, like Ronak's uncle, his manager Charlie, his band mates Biscuit and Banjo, and his girlfriend, model Shonali, along with real life characters like Kailash Kher and DJ Aqeel, speak of their meetings with Ronak and their impression of him. The tone that they speak of him in, which casts him in an almost genius-like silhouette, makes his character that much more intriguing and appealing. The use of the mysterious Johnny Joker character is also quite interesting, taking the narrative forward in quite unexpected ways, though one must say that the credit here goes to the makers of the original film.

Rajeev Khandelwal, though just two films old as 'Soundtrack' rolls in, has quickly become one of the most interesting actors to watch on the Indian cinema screen. The actor has successfully made the transition from the small screen to the big, and his performance here as Ronak proves that this isn't without reason. Khandelwal is amazingly sincere on centre-stage here, and comes up with a truly captivating performance. The scenes where he is still struggling to deal with his condition are heartbreaking, while you can't help but cheer him on as he finally finds him triumph in the climax.

Soha Ali Khan is also a revelation as Gauri, entering the narrative almost halfway through the second half, but leaving quite a mark. The actress charms in her 'special' role, and shows that given the right scope, she too has the histrionic skills to deliver. Mrinalini Sharma, unfortunately, doesn't get this scope, though, as Ronak's supermodel girlfriend Shonali, she does show potential. Yatin Karyekar, as Ronak's uncle, delivers a great performance, as do the non-actors on the cast, musicians Sidd Coutto and Ankur Tewari, who play Biscuit and Banjo, respectively. Mohan Kapur is perhaps the other main character, apart from Ronak, here, and with a performance that is over the top at points and beautifully understated at others, shows what Bollywood has been ignoring all these years. His Charlie is hilarious, yet endearing, throughout the film.

Given that the film revolves around music and a musician, it was imperative that 'Soundtrack' have a flawless soundtrack itself, and on that front, the film's music directors, the superb Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale, deliver handsomely. Tracks like 'what the f', 'atomizer' and 'fakira' rock the dancefloor, while 'banao', by Papon, and 'jannat', by the film's Banjo, Ankur Tewari, truly charm. However, the climactic number, 'ek manzil', with its haunting cello hook, is where it all truly comes together in a piece of addictive brilliance.

There are points in 'Soundtrack' where the scene-to-scene influence of 'It's All Gone Pete Tong' is unshakeable. And, given the fact that it's an official remake of the film, the question arises as to how much of the credit for 'Soundtrack' goes to Neerav Ghosh. Holistically speaking, the plot is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of any film, as it is here. However, when that plot is backed up bravura performances like those from Rajeev Khandelwal and Soha, as well as an OST that is as brilliant, the credit then legitimately lies with the director for having the vision to come up with a work as complete as 'Soundtrack'. While the argument can be made for watching the original instead of 'Soundtrack', one has no doubt that if you miss watching this debut effort from Neerav Ghosh, you will be missing out on something promising indeed.

This is the story of "Bandra's Beethoven". That label, used by a glib manager (played by Mohan Kapoor) to hard-sell the hero of Neerav Ghosh's Soundtrack, is bereft of irony or humour. It is meant to be sycophantic, glowing, earnest, 'soul-soup' inspirational largely what the entire movie also is.

Director Neerav Ghosh mentions in the credits that the film is inspired by the motion picture It's All Gone Pete Tong. But in fact, it is more than just an inspiration. Soundtrack has scenes which are exact replicas of the 2004 British production, written and directed by Michael Dowse. The true story of the original, that of a DJ at an Ibiza nightclub somewhat of a legend in the Ibiza club scene then and the sudden end of his raucous lifestyle, is not stuff of great tragedy. In Dowse's movie, Wilde has no nuances, and is unintentionally comic in the way his life spirals down. British actor Paul Kaye? adds to the part a skinny man with a stupid laugh, corroded by drugs, who finally cleans up. There is a comic intensity to Frankie's tragedy which makes the character bearable, although the film in its itself is quite charmless.

The writing of the Hindi remake adapts quite awkwardly to the Mumbai context. This is not really a decadent 'Charlie' and 'charas' land. The director and cinematographer (Anshuman Mahaley) depends on neon hues, jagged camera angles and the music to create the drug-induced madness. The actor does not have to do a lot. The only nuance in Raunak, really, is his hallucinatory relationship with an unthreatening clown who goads him on to inebriation (in the original, it was a grizzly bear-like beast with dried cocaine stuck to its nose). There is also his past a childhood without a father and the only child of a helpless mother, a trite Bollywood tool in this context.

Raunak, a man of firm build and groomed hair, is the anti-thesis of a man swallowed by self-destructive madness. His physicality belies the rot inside. Khandelwal has performed with gusto and he makes some scenes extremely potent, but overall, he is sorely mismatched to this character. Soha Ali Khan? plays a deaf girl who rescues Raunak from oblivion. She too, like Khandelwal, is inconsistent. In some scenes the character is strikingly original, and in some completely banal. Mohan Kapoor as the greedy, soulless manager, is the most convincing character here.

Soundtrack is a downer, but for a few powerful scenes all of which are exact replicas from the movie it's inspired from.

I will confess I am at a disadvantage here because I have watched It's All Gone Pete Tong twice, quite by accident. And comparisons with the mediocre original is unavoidable. When it's a remake or an "inspiration", the task of making it better or to adapt it truthfully to its context is up for scrutiny. And I judge the film largely on those terms.

The star of Soundtrack is its music. Lyricists (Kailash Kher?, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Karsh Kale, Vishal Vaid, among others), music directors (Midival Punditz, Karsh Kale, Papon, Kailash Kher, Laxmilant Kudalkar) lift the trajectory of this self-aggrandizing hero by a few notches. The film is visually accomplished, if albeit too plastic at times, but the music and the cinematography momentarily achieves what neither the lead actors nor the writing can achieve.

Soundtrack released in theatres on Friday

sanjukta.s@livemint.com

Soundtrack Movie Review

Beethoven said, "I am not satisfied with the work I have done so far. From now on I intend to take a new way." If only Bollywood followed this mantra, then we would surely have more amazing and different movies and better performances. Inspired by the life of Beethoven to an extent, first timer Neerav Ghosh's Soundtrack does successfully implement this thought with the end product leaving you highly satisfied. And while it's no secret that this movie is a remake of award winning Canadian independent movie It's Long Gone Pete Tong, its Indian adaption manages to keep you engaged till the end.

Ronak Kaul (Rajeev Khandelwaal) lives, eats and breathes music. Music is his life. Having inherited the talent and passion for music from his deceased father, he wants to make sure that he doesn't inherit one thing from his father  failure. So when he arrives in the City of Dreams, Mumbai, to make it big in the music field he pushes himself to his maximum limit  and more  to make his dream come true. Starting as a DJ in his uncle's (Yatin Karyekar) night club Tango Charlie, owned by Charlie (Mohan Kapoor), he soon finds himself expanding his avenues to establishing his own studio, making his own music and finally composing the same for a movie by Anurag Kashyap. But along with virtues come vices, so Ronak finds himself falling deeper into the world of alcohol, smoking and drugs as he gets into a relationship with Shonali (Mrinalini Sharma). Trouble starts when Ronak wakes up one day to realise that there's a constant ringing sound in his ears which makes normal hearing difficult. Initially dismissing it as a temporary problem, his work schedule goes for a toss when the problem persists. Visits to doctor reveal that he has tinnitus, inherited from his father and aggravated by his bad lifestyle. Eventually a freak accident renders him totally deaf which pushes him into a deep state of depression. When he finally decides to come out of his self-exile, he meets the free spirited Gauri (Soha Ali Khan), deaf from birth, who teaches him lip reading as well as the way of life. But still, the fact that he will never compose music again keeps on pricking him until finally he discovers a way of doing so and bringing music in his life back again.

Rajeev, who debuted with Aamir and proved his mettle again with Shaitan, is definitely the star of this movie. Whether it's his high on music avatar, his interaction with his inner self, his times during mental depression or his final self-rejuvenation, Rajeev keeps you totally hooked on to his performance. Watch out for the scenes during the time he shuts himself up in a room for two months. Mohan as Charlie is another amazing actor who fits his character to the T. Mrinalini and Soha do justice to their roles as well as Yatin as Ronak's chachu.

The best performer of the movie however is the director himself, who definitely doesn't give you the feel of a debutant. From the moment you see the picturization of how the daily mundane sounds seem music to Ronak you know that Neerav has got something different to offer. Crisp storytelling without a moment of boredom, Neerav makes sure that the viewer remains glued to the screen. Incorporating some unique and creative filming techniques  whether the sound waves to depict the fast changes or the direct interaction of the artists with the audience, Ghosh makes sure that the movie doesn't deviate to unnecessary side stories focusing totally on Ronak. Kudos to Neerav, Rajiv Gopalakrishnan and Chintan Gandhi for coming up with a beautiful screenplay.

In addition to the great direction, crisp editing by Sanjey Roderick and Ambar Vyas keeps the movie well-paced. Anshuman Mahaley's cinematography is worth mentioning and definitely one of the bigger plus points of the movie. Music is different and as an independent album good to hear but somehow you feel that it lacks the magic when incorporated in the movie. This especially stands out since the movie is wholly and solely based on music.

Apart from the slow initial second half, there isn't really much you can complain about in this movie. A breather of fresh air in the have-seen-befores been churned out recently. Definitely worth a watch.

Our Rating:

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