When I first got to know that Zoom has taken an initiative to remake the iconic "Mile Sur", I was really excited. This song is considered among the most patriotic, which emphasize the common spirit of unity in diversity. It makes one nostalgic. I felt chalo finally someone recognized the need of this video in present troubled times, when different places in India are mentally disturbed by spoiled politics are seeking separate states and terrorism is the buzz word.
Yesterday when I saw the New ‘Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ video I was stumble down. Frankly speaking, the legacy left by old one is incomparable with new one. New one doesn’t stand anywhere near the old humble and sweet "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara". I must say full marks to director/producer for initiation. Congratulations atleast they thought of this. But they messed up BIGGGGG Time... Firstly the producers didn’t understand the intent of redoing the iconic song. The original song had all the national heroes who have contributed to the country in their respective fields. The New mile sur seems to be a commercial song in tribute to Bollywood. Sallu doesn’t surprise me, I’m glad he is atleast partly dressed and does Ms Padoukone have only legs to show?? At least a tradional dress would’ve made her look graceful. Wonder what Rohit Bal and Karan Johar doing in this video? I am not demeaning Bollywood or the entertainment sector here, as they are much needed. But I strongly feel: For a song with an intention of national integration should include heroes from all fields- from sports to politics to business, from dancers to noble Laureates to Bharat Ratna Winners. I wonder why there was no Kalam, Tata/Premji, Tendulkar/Saurav, Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore, Paes or Bhupati, Vishwanathan Anand or Sania Mirza or Sunita williams? With the focused depiction on bollywood that too newbies like Ranbir, Shahid and Padukone, it failed to connect and seems like Bollywood is our role model.
Secondly the new composition is so disappointing that it totally spoiled the original song. There is no smooth flow and at places it sounds totally out of place especially in Aamir's part. The way Shanker Mahadevan sang, I thought it was end of the song and Sonu Nigam overdid with unrequired extra notes. Flamboyant living musical legend such as Sivamani have his movements out of sync with the music!
Thirdly the editing and camera work is poor. The best of the film industry are lined up with a really shabby editing job to showcase the country. India is such a beautiful country and they got only Taj Hotel to shoot several shots. The beautiful 7 northeastern states are totally missing. Where are the endless deserts of Rajasthan, snow covered Himalayas, green paddy fields or tea gardens?
To conclude Phir mile sur is like a poor remix of the original. Original score was legendary. Even today when I hear it I get goosebumps. Good old childhood socialist song made impure by capitalist bollywood walas. It’s a big disappointment and thumbs down.
Phir Mile Sur (1st part): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq31OjsQ124
Phir Mile Sur (2nd part): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nytoo6jFfNg
