Songs of Paradise

Anwar Says: There was not much or interesting on OTT in these days , so I was in a bit silent mode. Yesterday, a biopic was released on Amazon prime of the first Kashmiri female singer, Raj "Noor" Begum and I was eager to know about her. First, if you are making a biopic, don't change the journey but it's the director who has to see that it is not presented so crude, that audience loose interest in between.

Saba Azad as young and Soni Razdan as elder Noor were perfect choice for the protagonist. Danish Renzu, a born Kashmiri, based in L. A. , not been able to create the Kashmir of 1950's, still the effort is appreciable. Songs are properly composed but the background score used mostly western instruments and not the Sarangi etc. , the saaz of Kashmir. Dialogues are outwrought for a soft movie like this.

Overall, it's a musical film having been able to convey music but with a lot of latches and shortcomings as movie. 2.5 out of 5 from me.

#amazonprime #anwarsays #kashmirimusic #noorbegum #firstfemalesinger #sabaazad #sonirazdan #danishrenzu #couldbebetter.

The film takes us into the gentle world of Kashmiri folk music and songs, keeping its focus on the main characters' fight to exist in an exclusive male domain against the backdrop of the often bloody conflict in the region. The MC's courage, poise and delicate emotions are brought forward brilliantly by the director. Saba's portrayal is perfect. The movie takes us into a world not often seen without colored glasses. Though as some places the narrative seems to be bogged down, slowing the fluid movement of the story.

Songs of Paradise follows the real life of Kashmiri singer Raj Begum, set in the 1950s.

The movie has beautiful frames capturing both the interiors and the scenic backgrounds of Kashmir. Saba Azad plays her role with innocence. Zain Durrani carries the charm needed for his role. Sheeba Chaddha does a decent job, although Saba's and Sheeba's dialogue delivery and diction feel off-track at many moments. Bashir Lone holds the emotions well in the film.

Talking about the music, the movie carries Kashmiri music throughout, and it's pleasing to the ears; a refreshing change for us as an audience. The movie beautifully talks about culture, issues, and taboos with respect to the location. However, it lacks the emotional depth needed to feel the intensity of the story. Overall, Songs of Paradise is refreshing to watch and is worth a viewing on OTT for its Kashmiri musical touch.

OVERALL - 5/10.

Just stumbled upon this without any expectations. But couldn't stop watching.. it's so innocent and yet so strong.. difficulties faced by women back then (perhaps somewhere even today) that we are unaware of. How a girl with a beautiful voice just wanted to sing and how she was penalised for it, how she struggled and overcame difficulties. It is definitely not a big budget movie, but as you start watching it, you just enjoy it, and as I said, it's like a warm cup of tea, the story of Kashmir being unfolded.

This type of cinema is the need of the hour. So called today's directions and productions can learn a lot from this gem. Actual cinephiles crave for such master pieces. Take a bow Saba for justifying such a great personality of Indian music. Tremendously indeed a great job done to the characterization.