A Strong Wake Up Signal

By MovieTalkies.com, 02 October 2009 3.5 / 5

'Wake Up Sid' is a transition of a boy into a man which has been beautifully depicted through the story telling of young director Ayan Mukerji. The movie revolves around Sidharth (Ranbir Kapoor), a rich spoilt brat, who has a small world that consists of his college friends Rishi (Namit Das) and Laxmi (Shikha Talsania) and his comic books, PSP, iPod, swanky car, credit cards, his camera and his house help chotu. Sid is least interested in spending time with his parents Ram Mehra (Anupam Kher) and Sarita (Supriya Pathak) and is spoilt to the core. Its only after he fails his graduation exams and bitterly walks out of his parents' home to stay with a new found friend Aisha Bannerjee (Konkona Sen Sharma) does he realize how aimless his life is and from there on starts a transition… a journey of a young spoilt brat into a mature responsible man, though still, a child at heart. Not only Aisha but also all other characters big or small make him realize his follies in life and also strengthens his relationship with his parents and friends in the movie. Probably that's the reason why the film is named 'Wake Up Sid' as the intention is not only to make Sid realize his responsibilities in life but also value and cherish his loved ones and their presence in life. And whilst all this is happening there is a parallel track running in the movie with a tad elder Aisha, career oriented and motive driven in life with a complete opposite child like, aimless, yet honest and loveable Sid. She is probably one of the major reasons why Sid changes and discovers his true calling photography. Though the two share the same apartment it's quite hypothetical that they never even manage to come close even to a kiss, and their love for each other is intact only to be discovered during the climax. This movie is a refreshing change from the stereo type Bollywood movies and easily falls into the genre of the new age cinema, which the younger generation (the likes of Farhan Akhtar) has introduced to Bollywood. It can easily be dubbed as a cross over between 'Lakshya', Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na', 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Love Aaj Kal'. The kind of cinema preferred by the multiplex audience, who has a fair liking and knowledge of International cinema and is open to experimental movies too. Ayan Mukerji does a very good job as his directorial debut with 'Wake Up Sid' and the way he has handled this simple story and the characters is commendable, though the second half could definitely be shorter and less draggy. The music is good and songs are situational, so no loo breaks for anyone. Dialogues by Niranjan Iyengar are very simple, and humorous at times. Editing by Shaan Mohammed is crisp and Anil Mehta does a good job with the cinematography capturing the beauty of the silent yet familiar streets of Mumbai during the wee hours of the morning. The film has its moments and sometimes makes you feel like crying with Sid, like when he re unites with his mother or gives his father his first pay cheque. Anupam Kher gives a good performance, so does Rahul Khanna, who is soon becoming the perfect marriage material and a tough completion for the protagonist in every movie. Supriya Pathak is good, though one feels that her Hansa image could have been utilized in this character. Konkona Sen looks ravishing in this newly created avatar by Manish Malhotra and gives a power packed performance, but the winner of the movie is all the way Ranbir Kapoor, who acts good and looks good and cute (especially in those cartoon character t shirts and printed boxers and socks) and shows his true blue Kapoor blood in the performance. Some scenes are just amazing, like the one when Sid goes to work and people just go and come and carry on their mundane life, while Sid prances and dances around them but they do not seem to be perturbed as they have become too mechanical or the one where father and son have a confrontation, when Sid has finally discovered his true calling and has started to lead a life with a goal. Simple dialogues, no heavy metal filmy drama yet so emotional. These scenes are so practical that they make you identify with the characters in the movie. A simple movie yet with a good message. We bet when you come out of the theatre, you must have already identified Sid with some friend or a far off relative, a character put to life from the common man's life on to 70MM. This film is definitely worth watching.

Shankar Ehsaan Loy stay true to form

By MovieTalkies.com, 22 August 2009 3.5 / 5

Another Mukherjee makes his debut in Bollywood, but this time as a director. Young Ayan Mukherjee takes his first steps into Hindi films with Dharma Productions' Wake Up Sid. A coming of age film, its music has been composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy while Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics. There are five songs in this album, one of which sees guest composer Amit Trivedi coming in, followed by a club mix. The music has the trademark Shankar Ehsaan Loy touch and at places even sounds quite similar to what they have already composed. But that surprisingly, does not seem to take away anything from any of the compositions in the album. The good thing about this album is that each of the numbers has a definite place of its own and has the potential to become a chartbuster. But the number which stands out, is definitely the title track, followed by 'Iktara.' The album begins with the title track, 'Wake Up Sid' sung by Mahadevan. This has a club remix version as well which packs some real power. The album could not have had a better beginning even though one could be forgiven for thinking that it is Rock On! Part 2. The number is snappy and Mahadevan does not disappoint. But its club remix is truly electrifying and that should help catapult this track to the top of the charts. The fact that the song is picturised on Ranbir Kapoor, should also go in the song's favour. The second number 'Kay Karoon,' has been sung superbly by Clinton Cerejo with backup vocal support provided by Dominique Cerejo and Loy Mendonsa. This number sees the composers use the minimal of instruments, except for the guitar. This song has a certain sense of wonder which is brought out brilliantly by Cerejo. It helps that the lyrics have been impeccably penned by Akhtar, all the time keeping the youth factor in mind. The mood which began with 'Wake Up Sid', is carried forth into the third song of the album, 'Aaj Kal Zindagi,' another solo by Mahadevan. However, what bogs down this number is the sense of familiarity about it. But it is again, a number which is very easy on the ears and Mahdevan gives it his best shot. One finally hears a different sound in this album, courtesy guest composer, Amit Trivedi, who composes a number called 'Iktara', which has been sung by Kavita Seth and Amitabh Bhattacharya. Seth's unusual voice supported by Bhattacharya, is like a breath of fresh air. It is original and eminently likeable. But this is a track which could take time to catch on. Indus Creed's lead singer Uday Benegal makes his entry into the album with the number, 'Life Is Crazy'. Mahadevan joins him on this outing and the duo are supported by Loy and Alyssa Mendonsa. It's all about friendship and fun and keeps the youthful feel of the album going. Nothing pathbreaking happening here. Shankar Ehsaan Loy seem to have been stuck in some kind of time warp with this album. The music of Wake Up Sid seems to lag behind in the originality department. The typical sound that the composers have developed since the Dil Chahta Hai days, seems to soak every composition in this album. Of course, being class composers, all the tracks here flow smoothly and have a touch of class about them. And that is the precisely the point, one knows that Shankar Ehsaan Loy are capable of giving us something new, something better, hence there is a slight sense of being cheated. However the feeling does not last long as the tracks are extremely likeable. Overall, the music of 'Wake Up Sid' is young and easy on the ears, without going the hip-hop or rap way.

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