Altering the National Anthem is not new. Earlier A R Rahman also, altered with the tune and despite some little controversies, people liked it. Now, the multiplexes in mumbai play the Rahman version of National Anthem before every show.

But this time the story is different. This time the lyrics has been altered. Again a new way to be in the news!!

Now, today Mumbai Mirror had an article on it.  Censor Board has not approved it, saying:

… the lyrics of the national anthem cannot be played around with. In the film’s case, the lyrics of the national anthem have been mixed with other words.

Vinayak Azad, regional officer (CBFC) 

I quickly had a look on the video and this is what I found:

and here are the lyrics:

But, I dont feel any thing wrong. This alteration has not been done for some entertainment or cheap publicity. This time the song has a message,  a request.  According to Sheetal Talwaar, Co-Producer of Rann:

We believe the song reflects the current state of the country. Also, according to our constitution, one has the right to freedom of expression and speech. We are not violating any law or dishonoring the national anthem at all. There is no violation of copyright either.

And Ram Gopal Verma Says:

I have not tinkered with the anthem or treated it in a disrespectful manner. The song has been used to express the angst of some characters of the film against the current situation in the country. It does not say anything that is not true. I think by the words and the visuals, everyone can see the dignity with which it has been treated.

Now, this song violates the freedom of right or not, but it definitly strikes the chord.

As described in the Press release, The movie is about the media. how the media is used to earn money, used to play polictics, used for business.  Some of the quotes from Movie:

To control people’s mind is to control MONEY

Aaj mandir me baithe bhagwaan se bhi log ‘ENTERTAINMENT‘ chahte hain

Rajneeti ki teen patti me trumpcard hai MEDIA

FILM walon aur hum me fark sirf itna hai ki hum humari filmon ko NEWS kehte hain
(This is the best one!!)

Aaj BURI khabar, bhali hai

Aaj IDEAS kam hain aur COMPETITION jyaada

And with the news channels such as India TV, Aaj Tak etc showing all crap, I hope this movie will definitely pass the message of using the media effectively and responsibly. Atleast the video does so.

Whats your opinion on the alteration of National Anthem & Video?

The song has a certain charm which keeps your ears glued to the sound. The words are simple which we use daily…. udd, mud, ghar, saloni, manmani…. and my first thought was its Gulzar again!! Who else can write such lyrics other than Gulzar?? But, to my surprise its Prasoon Joshi!! Prasoon Joshi has given some great Lyircs in Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, but this time , with Massakali, he has tried to have the Gulzar’s touch…. he has the special ability to transform the everyday used words in to meaningful songs. But now Prasoon Joshi also has done it, imagine transforming words such as  kasbe kuche nukkad basti . ..  in to a song!!!

Have a look at the song:

Aye Masakali Masakali, Ud Mataakali Mataakali
Aye Masakali Masa Masa Kali, Ud Mataakali Mataakali
Masakali Masakali, Ud Mataakali Mataakali
Zara Pankh Jhatak, Gai Dhool Atak
Aur Lachak Machak Ke Durr Bhatak
Ud Dagar Dagar Kasbe Kuche Nukkad Basti
Mein Yeah E Yeah E,
Itdi Se Mud Ada Se Ud,
Kar Le Puri Dil Ki Tamanna, Hawa Se Jud Ada Se Ud
Purr Bhuur Bhurrr Phuurrr, Tu Hai Heera Panna Ree
Masakali Masakali, Ud Mataakali Mataakali

Ghar Tera Saloni, Badal Ki Colony
Dikha de Thenga In Sabko Jo Udna Na Jane
(Udiyo Na Dariyo Kar Manmani Manmani Manmani
Badhiyo Naa Mudiyon Kar Nadani) – 2
Abb Than Le Muskan Le, Keh Sana Nana Na Na Na Hawa
Bas Than Le Tu Jaan Le, Keh Sana Nana Na Na Na Hawa
Aye Masakali Masakali, Ud Mataakali Mataakali
Aye Masakali Masa Masa Kali, Masakali Masakali, Ud Mata….

Tujhe Kya Gham Tera Rishta, Gagan Ki Bansuri Se Hai
Pawan Ki Guftagu Se Hai, Suraj Ki Roshani Se Hai
(Udiyo Na Dariyo Kar Manmani Manmani Manmani
Badhiyo Naa Mudiyon Kar Nadani) – 2
Abb Than Le Muskan Le, Keh Sana Nana Na Na Na Hawa
Bas Than Le Tu Jaan Le, Keh Sana Nana Na Na Na Hawa
Masakali Masakali, Ud Matak Matak Matakali
Masakali Masa Masa Masakali, Matak Matak …

Your first thought would be what’s Massakali. So, Director Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, says

My definition of Masakali… Masakali is a song about liberation and freedom. Flying high.

It is the name of the white pigeon which is dancing on Sonam’s head. The white pigeon has also found it’s way perched on the Delhi 6 logo. For me it depicts peace and love which is the essential soul of the film. The song is also Bittu’s (Sonam Kapoor) aspiration to break free and fly high.

My experience while shooting the song…well more than shooting it was while recording the song. While I was briefing Prasoon Joshi and AR Rahman on the same, Rahman kept coming up with the thought of a white pigeon and I told him it’s a strange coincidence that we have a white pigeon named Masakali in the film.

And to complement the song, Maestro A R Rahman’s Music. The use of Mouthorgan is simply awesome.

And the singer needs a special mention for delivering a brilliant performance.  Did you recognise the singer. He is Mohit Chouhan.Dont remember?? He is the same mohit Chouhan who sang:

Dooba dooba rehta hun yaadon me teri,
Deewana ban gaya hun main chahat me teri . .

And the way its has been picturised needs a special mention. Sonam Kapoor looks just great in the promos. She looks the girl next door, and the way she dances with dove on her head, or walks on the streets,  or makes faces just make her more adorable each time.

Its  6th time the song is playing in my PC. I am just addicted to it!!!

Comments are most welcome . . .