Zubeidaa’s all-star cast for both screen and soundtrack brings together some of the biggest names in modern day Indian entertainment.

THIS is the tragic story of a princess (Karisma Kapoor in the title role), narrated through the eyes of Riyaz, the son who never knew her.

Directed by 66 year old Shyam Benegal and set in the backdrop of the formation of the republic of India, Zubeidaa is the daughter of Suleman Seth (Amrish Puri), who secretly takes part in the shooting of a film. Her father is horrified and hastily arranges for her to be married to Mehboob Alam. However, circumstances after the birth of her son mean the poor girl faces a bleak future.

Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar is best described as an offbeat drama with all the ingredients of a commercial potboiler but a somewhat over familiar storyline.

THE highlight of the film is Manoj Bajpai, as always he gives a hard-hitting performance, making director Hansal Mehta’s film an entertainer.

Ram Saran (Manoj Bajpai) is a naïve villager who comes to Mumbai with hopes of making it big. But what waits is a whole different story. The film takes a look at the dark side of life in the fast paced city of the stars. From being a simple mechanic, Ram Saran’s life takes the most unusual turns. Kamya (Tabu) plays a journalist and the romantic interest of Bajpai and Saurabh Shukla plays his friend Gaitonde.

Ramgopal Varma’s latest production ‘Road’ is a gritty thriller featuring Vivek Oberoi, Antara Maali and Manoj Bajpai. Its music, by Sandesh Shandilya (of K3G fame), is in keeping with the film’s theme.

However, film’s director Rajat Mukherji roped in as many as five different songwriters – Khilesh Sharma, Jaideep Sahni, Nitin Raikwar, Makrand Deshpande and Taabish Romani – to pen the lyrics.

‘Road’ opens with the titillating number Makhmali Ye Badan, rendered zealously by Sonu Nigam and honey-voiced Sanjeevani. The song is a romantic number with sensuous lyrics from Khilesh Sharma. The same song is later repeated in the album.