http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fod_NiFuSTk&feature=related

My analysis of the new version in 3 short words – ‘It lacks appeal’.

Some pointers:

In the start, Drummer Sivamony’s presence at the edge of the river looked very suspicious. Suddenly, it looked as though he became aware of the camera zooming into him and desperately started to beat around the water with sticks. To me, it didn’t look like he was at the water’s edge to beat his drums at all.

Mallu brethren are feeling elated though, they now have some credible airtime and some well known faces, unlike the older version where some unknown timid mahout quickly recites ‘Ende swaravum….’ and turns away from the camera feeling shy.

Actors

I do not think Deepika Padukone deserved the airtime or the position; I’d rather have Shah Rukh Khan in her place. Okay, if you are particular about a female lead actresses representive of today’s times its Kareena Kapoor - she can act, she has proved that with her roles in ‘Chameli’ and ‘Jab We Met’. I don’t know what Ranbir Kapoor has achieved that he even deserves to share airtime there – I’d rather have Ranvir Shourie, KK Menon or Vinay Pathak or Farhan Akhtar. I wanted to see tamil hero Surya in the video though.

Singers and Musicians

Sonu Nigam, the guy who faked Mohd Rafi and Kishore Kumar’s voices to fame is sporting a French beard and is desperately trying to pass off for a hunk on some crowded street. I’d rather have Kailash Kher with his original style, his blend of Sufi, and his characteristic voice. Kavita Krishnamurthy and L Subramaniam have vindictive expressions in their faces, who are the other people-, their kids? What about AR Rahman, Gulzaar, Vishal and Shekhar.

Sportsmen

The camera placements and profiling of all sportsmen were bad. The cricket team could have been included together. Baichung, Sania Mirza, Saina, Sushil Kumar, Bindra, Somdev, Vijender Singh, Rathore and other athletes needed to be shown clearly with long shots engaging in their sport and close ups.

Other Celebrities

We need to show a few of our industrialists, scientists and noble prize laureates also, plainly because some of us Indians are IT professionals and academicians remember?? (Sour note of sarcasm intended).

Is your state/community well represented? Let me know.

This song is a depiction of our Nation’s Unity in its diversity and it is aired as a filler between scheduled programs by private television channels.

Miley Sur Mera(_) Tumha(_)ra(_), To(_) Sur Ba(_)ney Huma(_)ra(_)

Translation: When your tune and mine combine, the tune then becomes ours.