Kurbaan

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala, Karan Johar

Director: Rensil De Silva

Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Om Puri, Dia Mirza, Vivek Oberoi

Music: Salim-Sulaiman

Lyrics: Niranjan Iyengar, Irfan Siddiqui

Singers: Salim Merchant, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani, Sukhwinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Marianne D’Cruz Aiman, Shruti Pathak,Kareena Kapoor

Audio On: Sony Music

Number of Songs: 6

Album Released on: 21 October 2009

Reviewed by: Ankit Ojha - Rating: 7.0 / 10

Composer duo Salim & Sulaiman, popularly known for their stunning background scores in blockbusters like Krrish and Love Aaj Kal, have also doubled up as Music Directors on a number of occasions (particularly for Yash Raj Films in recent times). And their music has always been noticed for its fantastic arrangements and sound design, regardless of the critical response to any of their soundtracks. And now, after the mixed response to Luck comes another soundtrack from their stables – Kurbaan, a movie that has been highly anticipated for three reasons – Dharma Productions, Karan Johar’s faith in another new director (Rensil DeSilva) after Ayan Mukerji in Wake Up Sid, and the pairing of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The promos have already upped the curiosity level of the viewer, and the music as a result has been eagerly awaited, considering Karan Johar has always maintained a consistent quality as far as the music is concerned. So, do Salim and Sulaiman click this time?

Well in short the answer is YES they do! Mainly by producing a couple of great tracks that linger in the mind of the listener long after the song is over.

The album starts with a bumper opener in the form of “Shukran Allah” , a beautiful number that will sweep music lovers off their feet. Despite having a delicate old-world layer to it, the sound design and arrangements make all the difference. The soft dholak beat, coupled with the right percussions and synthesizers give this song the right feel. Most of the elements of the song have a distinct reverb effect that gives it a touch of elegance. Sonu Nigam’s vocals really touch the chords of your heart while Shreya Ghoshal (who ends up coming much later into the song) wins you over instantly despite her short presence. Salim Merchant’s backing vocals give the song a completely heavenly feel. Lyrics (by Niranjan Iyengar) are contemporary, simple yet effective thus attracting more listeners. A good opening track that deserves replay!

The next track “Dua” is supposed to be somewhat situational, but the overall composition is quite well arranged giving the duo another potential winner on their hands. The eclectic duo of Sukhwinder Singh and Kailash Kher (supported by Marianne D’Cruz Aiman) is back yet again after this year’s bumper number “Fatak” from Kaminey and end up giving yet another great performance. The lyrics by Niranjan are a little situational but the overall energetic feel in this one gives it a boost nevertheless. This one too will be noticed and liked by music lovers.

Now this one deserves everyone’s appreciation! If you thought “Shukran Allah” was good, then you’ll have to eat your words, as “Ali Maula” is the piece de resistance of the album! With such fantastic lyrics, amazing vocals, and a superb composition, what can go wrong? This certainly turns out to be a haunting track that buzzes in the mind of the listener long after the track has ended. Whilst Salim Merchant’s vocals and the lyrics by Irfan Siddiqui end up being the strongest attributes, the music too has some fresh stylized beats moving away from the usual Rabba / Maula / Ali type songs. It also consists of some very urban yet suitable synths which gives the song a completely different outcome altogether. This is a fantastic outing by the duo and one which will make you hit the repeat button.Now this one does NOT need a remix is a thought shared by many of you (including myself!) but the "Ali Maula Remix" by Abhijit Vaghani is carefully handled with a good dosage of House and Trance that sweeps you off your feet. You end up shaking your head a bit and tapping your feet to this one unexpectedly! The delay used in Salim Merchant’s vocals enhances the song’s attraction. Overall this is a remix that deserves appreciation.

Shruti Pathak floored everyone with her “Mar Jawaan” from Fashion. She impressed even further with her performance in “Paayaliya” from Dev.D and now she’s back to give you yet another avatar with "Rasiya"- a song that really turns you off in the first and second listens, but grows on you from then onwards. Pathak’s semi-classical vocals with a seductive undertone really give this song an edge. The instruments used in this track and the arrangements and designing of those instruments along with a subtle beat really end up producing another haunting feeling, something which you will want to experience again once the song gets hold of you. The lyrics by Niranjan are more or less suitable to the theme of the song. Kareena Kapoor’s vocal entry into the song makes it even more interesting. Another impressive song by Salim & Sulaiman!

The closing track of the album turns out to be a bit of a disappointment though. Not that "Kurbaan Hua" is a poor track, in fact it is pleasant and fairly enjoyable with Vishal Dadlani’s vocals complementing things well. But there is one nagging problem. This one sounds like a reprise or a second part of Salim and Sulaiman’s previous “Nazaara Hai” from 8 x 10 Tasveer. Even the same singer (Vishal Dadlani) being roped in to sing the track – a fact that could go against the song and damage its prospects to some extent. On the plus side, it might sound better on screen so one awaits for that potential.

Overall, Kurbaan is a good album which has a combination of some fine Sufi lyrics and some surprisingly enjoyable situational tracks that make for a more rounded album (despite the inclusion of a minimal number of songs). Here, the urbanization goes for a toss to give more emphasis to the melody as a whole. Worth-a-buy!

REVIEWER’S TIP – This album might take some time to grow upon some listeners, but ardent Bollywood music buffs will love it if they notice Salim & Sulaiman’s signature style and sound design in this one!

www.planetbollywood.com/

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Producer: Ramesh S Taurani

Director: Rajkumar Santoshi

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Upen Patel

Music: Pritam

Lyrics: Irshad Kamil

Singers: K.K, Ashish Pandit, Atif Aslam, Hard Kaur, Javed Ali, Jojo, Kailash Kher, Mika, Naresh Kamath, Neeraj Shridhar, Paresh Kamath, Rana Mazumdar, Soham, Sunidhi Chauhan, Suzanne DMello

Audio On: Tips Music

Number of Songs: 14

Album Released on: 09 October 2009

Reviewed by: Samir Dave - Rating: 7.5 / 10

Sadly, the cold weather has forced the Planet Bollywood beach house club to close for the season, but fear not all ye faithful PB readers for the party has moved indoors to the PB Bolly La La Club! Here you will thrill to psychedelic lights, posturing guys who redefine the term himbo, and scantily clad (yet traditional) girls who defy gravity. Amidst the cacophony of loud music, drinking (non-alcoholic of course), and techno bleeps ‘n’ bloops is a head full of shaggy hair bobbing in the DJ booth. Who is it? Why it’s the teddy bear of Indian Bollywood music, Pritam bhai! Welcome Pritam bhai, and thank you for spinning your latest release, “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” for the PB crowd (with Irshad Kamil and Ashish Pandit on lyrics)!

With that out of the way, let’s get on to the nitty gritty of this review shall we? That Pritam is a talented music director is of no doubt. On top of that, he is the most prolific music director in recent memory. While some his songs are hit or miss (and dodgy in terms of originality), one cannot deny that he knows exactly how to create tunes that meld themselves to our collective Bolly brains. Pritam is also, without a doubt an excellent remix/arranger, as he is able to take any song and Pritamize ™ it to make it better.

Following on the heels of “All the Best” and “Tum Mile”, the MD doesn’t rest on his laurels as his latest offering, “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani”simply grabs on to you from first track to last. The film itself is much anticipated as Ranbir Kapoor is the lead actor, and he is the hottest commodity in Bollywood today. Ranbir it seems is the designated heir to Shah Rukh Khan’s chocolate boy romantic hero legacy. Co-starring with him is the beautiful Katrina Kaif who I am sure is relieved to finally be working with actors that are closer to her age in her recent films. Directed by veteran and acclaimed film director Rajkumar Santoshi (in his first comedy since “Andaz Apna Apna”), the buzz has it that this film is one that will knock your chappals off!

Let’s zoom on into the first track; “Main Tera Dhadkan Teri” begins with a bang as the feminine with attitude voice of Hard Kaur blasts through the speakers. She sets the stage for the anthem like melody of the song. Pritam’s favorite playback singer KK returns (shame that most other music directors don’t utilize this very talented vocalist) and blasts the song through the Indian stratosphere. Sunidhi Chauhan joins him and sounds as sultry and powerful as ever. The music itself is quite synth heavy and tailor made for dance clubs. This techno sound is broken by electric guitar slashing throughout the interludes. The bleeping bloops add to the ambience. Pritam shoots out a highly addictive track that the listener can inhale like a beedi. Rock on Pritam bhai!

Spoiler alert! You will be left breathless by the second track, as it is without a doubt not only the best on the album, but also one of the most memorable of the year. “Tu Jaane Na”, which takes the softness of a qawwali and melds it with Atif Aslam’s quivering brittle (yet appealing vocals) to create a tune that will immediately have you reaching for your loved one (either in person or via sms). The musical arrangement is thankfully kept simple and straightforward without too much synth use. In fact, let’s welcome back an old friend. Welcome back to Bolly music Mr. Tabla! The soft percussive sweetness of our traditional folk instrument has long been missing from the music scene, but is given a front and center treatment by Pritam Bhai. The lyrics will touch your soul, the music your heart, your loved one….well, I’ll leave that to your imagination. Do not, and I repeat, do not miss the unplugged version sung by Kailash Kher that comes later on the soundtrack. It is totally mindblowing. Who knew you were such a romantic Pritam bhai?!
Track three, “Oh By God”breezes in riding a wave of nostalgia, as you’ll recognize the chorus lyrics immediately, from a classic tune of yesteryear and immediately jive to the rhythm. I won’t mention which, but any fan of Bolly music will know. From there, the shehnai of all instruments gets the spotlight as it takes center stage (almost giving the track a bit of South Indian flavor). Sunidhi Chauhan is her usual boisterous and happy self, and is joined by bolo tara ra’s (Daler Mehndi’s) brother Mika. Pritam has expressed that he always finds himself attracted to singers who have an interesting quality to their voices and Mika certainly qualifies. Not the voice that one pictures coming out of Ranbir, that’s for sure. The track is breezy, catchy, and holds the interest of the listener while it’s playing, but you certainly won’t be saying, “Oh by God” all day after hearing the song! Pritam bhai, kabhi kabhi you seem to be composing in your sleep, but by God, I know you are talented! (Cue shehnai music) Rum chika chika…rum pum po!

Ahem, sorry after the last track, I strangely found myself rushing to my nearest South Indian restaurant and having some steaming hot idli!

Ok, I’m finished and dear readers we right away move on to the next song, “Shining in the setting sun like a pearl upon the ocean…. come and feel me. Shining in the setting sun like a pearl upon the ocean…come and heal me…come and feel me.” I guess the pearl on the ocean is symbolic of us, alone floating along until someone comes along to heal and…er…feel…us. Who knew that the opening lyrics of, “Tere Hone Laga Hoon” were so deep? Pritam plays cupid in this very romantic number that should hit the top of the charts. Atif provides the male vocals and he is “pitch” perfect, while the under utilized and very talented Alisha Chinoy’s sensually sweet voice serves as a perfect counterpoint to the male vocals. She shines in this song, and really is the highlight of the track. The music is soft pop and fittingly arranged (with the heart tugging sounds of violins at the right parts and soft percussion throughout). Go ahead, shine on the ocean like the pearl you know you are…. while your loved one heals and feels you. Ah Pritam bhai, you rrrromantic rrrrrrascal you!

Track 5, “Prem Ki Naiyya” has that peppy Bombay Vikings feel to it (which makes you think that Pritam is really a music director that involves his lead singers in the composing process). That Vikings feeling is not only due to the music, but also because of lead vocalist Neeraj Shridhar (lead singer of…. the Bombay Vikings). It’s got a nice rustic quality to it, as it almost makes me feel like wearing my dhoti ‘n’ sneakers and dancing around like a mad man. He’s joined by Suzanne D’Mello who has the unenviable task of singing these lyrics without laughing, “coo coo coo….silly willy..willy…willy…willy..won’t you give me your love?” Hmmm…methinks there’s too much silly willy nilly with these lyrics. A light harmless track that is pleasant to listen to. Silly willy willy willy…. indeed Pritam bhai.

“Aa Jao Meri Tamana” is next and it shines with a catchy beat, nice lyrics and excellent singing by Javed Ali. He modulates his voice at the right high notes to give more feeling to the song. The music has a mellow techno beat, with the prerequisite keyboards. It’s not the musical arrangement that shines here, but the beauty of Javed’s vocals that really hooks the listener. “Aja meri tamana, bahoon mein aaawo”…are lyrics we’ve heard before, but still tugs at our hearts. The only weakness of the track is that it has a slight familiarity to it in terms of composition (it would be at home in a brothers Bhatt movie), but ignore that and just go with the flow. . Play this track and your loved one will certainly run into your arms. Pritamize ™ your hearts with this track!

The final original track, “Follow Me” is, well, hard core, or should I say Hard Kaur. She provides her mucho gusto masculine feminine with attitude vocals. It’s not bad, its just lots of aggression channeled via the music. It’s a track that’s great to dance to, but not as cool to sit and listen to. Have to hand it to Pritam, he really is diverse in his selection of artists. The sad part of it is that other music directors do not hire most of the artists he uses, so it’s nice that they get the Pritam forum to do their thing.

Okay, that’s the end, wait, no it isn’t. Now that the original tracks are done with, there are seven remix/reprises that await the listener. So you think you’ve sweated it out and struck out with all the girls and guys? Here’s where you get your second wind, as you see Pritam’s mane of wild hair shaking this way and that in the DJ booth.

First up, “Tu Jaane Na (Reprise)” which replaces Atif’s vocals with Soham. He does a fairly decent job, but it’s not as powerful as the original. Also, the organic sounding instrumentation has been replaced with a more synthetic sound. Worth a listen or two. “Main Tera Dhadkan Teri [Remix]”by DJ Suketu is up next as Suketu plays with the tempo and adds the dance snyths. This is followed by another remix of “Tu Jaane Na”which has a Robert Miles airy feel to it due to the keyboards and echo effect added to Atif’s voice. It loses the hypnotic qawwali like quality for the more straightforward club vibe. This is followed (because no one demanded it) by the remix of “Prem Ki Naiyya” (nothing like hearing silly willy to a fast techno beat) which is avoidable. Along this unending remix journey we next go to, “Tera Hone Laga Hoon” which has an 80’s vibe to it, almost sounding like something from AHA, Erasure or early Depeche Mode. This one is worth a listen and retains the flavor of the original. It’s not over yet, for we have the remix of “Aa Jao Meri Tamana” which tries to get you to shake your booty on the floor. Pretty standard fare as far as remixes go.

Now, here’s the best part of the album. The best is indeed saved for last, because we have an unplugged version of “Tu Jaane Na” with astounding vocals by Kailash Kher (along with Naresh and Paresh Kamath of Kailasa fame) who totally knocks this one out of the park. You’ll be swooning to his vocals, backed simply by acoustic guitar. Sweet and straight to the point, the track proves that sometimes less is most definitely more. Download this to your MP3 player immediately and hit repeat! Talk about an unforgettable way to end the album!

If you are looking for an enjoyable potpourri of different musical styles, and melody, then you will love what Pritam has served up for, “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani”. It deserves to be at the top of the charts (at least until the next big thing comes along). Pritam does what he does best, serves up the perfect music spiced with just the right masala that appeals to the largest group of people. Wah wah Pritam Bhai, way to go!

Jail

Producer: Shailendra Singh

Director: Madhur Bhandarkar

Starring: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mugdha Godse, Manoj Bajpai, Arya Babbar, Chetan Pandit, Ghanshyam Garg

Music: Shamir Tandon, Sharib Shabri, Toshi Shabri

Lyrics: Sharib Toshi, Sandeep Nath, Ajay Kumar Garg, Turaz

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Sharib Shabri, Toshi Shabri, Sonu Kakkar.

Audio On: T-Series

Number of Songs: 8

Album Released on: 03 October 2009
Reviewed by: Atta Khan - Rating: 6.0 / 10

Madhur Bandhakar, the award winning film director and script writer returns to the big screen shortly with Jail, another expose along the lines of his most acclaimed projects such as Chandni Bar (2002), Page 3 (2005), Traffic Signal (2007) and Fashion (2008). This time we are given an insight into the harsh reality of prisoners in Indian jails from the perspective of the lead actor, Parag Dixit (Neil Nitin Mukesh). One factor that is pivotal to all of Bandhakar’s movies is quality music and background score. In fact, he is one of the few directors that actually tries to integrate music into his movies rather than include it for the sake of doing so. Over the years his favourite composers include Shamir Tandon, Raju Singh and Salim Sulaiman who produced the superb score for his last movie, the underrated Fashion (2008).

For his Jail, the same duo (Salim Sulaiman) were also outlined to be the composers but for some reason they were not able to fulfill the project and therefore Bandhakar has looked elsewhere to fill their void. The end result is a relatively short soundtrack with music from Shamir Tandon and the talented Sharib Toshi, who hit the big time with their sufi rock anthem “Maahi” from Raaz: The Mystery Continues (2008). Yet one feels they still have a lot to prove particularly after their disappointing contribution to Jashnn (2009) (remember the best songs from that album were composed by Pakistani artist Nouman Javaid!). Indeed, the first two songs here are composed by Sharib Toshi so let’s see if they can impress…

Don’t look so surprised! “Sainya Ve” is another sufi rock tune that sounds similar to songs (particularly Pakistani rock music) gone by including “Maahi”, though it’s still catchy and should satisfy fans in the short term. Toshi’s vocals have that sufi touch to them but here they are beginning to sound stale, alas we have heard him in this mould before! Furthermore, the words “Sainya Ve” are repeated far too often but just like in “Maahi”, this maybe an intentional ploy to make the song catchy… the lyrics (by Sharib Toshi) are limited and apart from “Sainya Ve” you get little else. Overall, don’t let the catchy beats blind you, this is strictly an above average track with little originality and long-term value…in fact, one can call it another “Maahi” hang-over? Either way, the duo will not survive long if they carry on in this manner.

But wait, the remixes are more enjoyable! Both “Saiyan Ve Remix” (by Anamik) and “Saiyan Ve Rock” (Sharib Toshi) feature vocals by lead actor Neil Nitin Mukesh who seems to be enjoying himself behind the mic! Take your own preference but it has to be said, the Rock version has a very laid back lounge feel to it with some cool rock laden instruments, perfect for chillaxin to, this version definitely comes recommended!

“Milke Yun Lagaa” is a definite improvement over “Sainya Ve”. Gone are the silly one liner lyrics (thanks to a timely contribution by lyricist Turaz) and the repetitive beats. Instead we get a progressive rock melody which lingers on the light strumming of an acoustic guitar. If you thought Toshi was a good singer, listen to Sharib’s powerful vocals which are deeper, more versatile and the overall impact is thus better! An Enjoyable listen but again this one will be quickly forgotten in a few weeks. The duo must improve in this area.

After that short albeit disappointing contribution from Sharib Toshi, we move onto the other composer, Shamir Tandon…can he improve the soundtrack?

“Bareily Ke Bazaar Mein” is a wacky item number featuring one of the hottest Bollywood actresses, Sayali Bhagat! An extremely peppy song with bouts of qawaali thrown in, it sounds interesting thanks to some intoxicating singing by Sonu Kakkar but in reality, this one is going to rely on Sayali to give it a hit status. Lyrics by Sandeep Nath are weak and rely far too much on the song title. Having said that the “Remix Version” by Nikhil Chinappa and Nawed Khan just explodes onto a different level making it a more infectious listen. Not bad!

The final track is unusual because it completely changes the mood of album, which has been upbeat thus far. In what marks her 80th Birthday, the incredible Lata Mangeshkar returns with the haunting “Daata Sun Le” . Shamir Tandon keeps the pace slow here which is ideal for Lata jee and proves that given the opportunity, her vocals are still immense, she simply defies her age! Lyrics by Ajay Kumar Garg unearth a plea to God forgiveness and will be appropriate for the movie. If you enjoyed the original be sure to catch the “Contemporary Remix” which enriches the arrangements with some fine traditional sounds (from the tabla and other string instruments). But it's Lata jee who steals the show again.

As far as Bandhakar soundtracks go, this is fairly average and in all honesty it feels a rushed and disjointed effort with the sole purpose of promoting the movie (hence the use of Sharib Toshi). Salim Sulaiman are sorely missed. Having said that, some of the tracks are catchy and it’s likely to sound better on screen keeping in mind the theme of the movie...give it a try.

http://www.planetbollywood.com/

Aladin

Producer: Sunil A. Lulla, Sujoy Ghosh

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaqueline Fernandes

Music: Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani

Lyrics: Vishal Dadlani, Anvita Dutt Guptan

Singers: Anushka Manchanda, Amitabh Bachchan, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal, Sudesh Bhonsle, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sanjay Dutt

Audio On: Eros Music

Number of Songs: 8

Album Released on: 26 September 2009
Reviewed by: Ankit Ojha- Rating: 4.5 / 10

The duo of Vishal and Shekhar (V-S), who had quite a few successful outings in Bollywood last year with Tashan (2008), Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) and especially Dostana (2008), are back to prove themselves in Sujoy Ghosh’s third directorial outing – Aladin, which has already created an instant impression due to its breathtaking promos.

Speaking of Sujoy Ghosh, all his films till now have had one thing in common – Vishal and Shekhar’s music. Whilst the award winning Jhankaar Beats (2003) catapulted the duo to be the next big thing, Home Delivery (2005) did little to promote their career as they ended up producing a situational soundtrack barring a few songs. But Aladin already has mammoth expectations surrounding it so do they fulfill these? Read on to find out.

The opener “Genie Rap” is a feel-good ‘ego-trip’ for Amitabh Bachchan who, as everyone knows by now, plays the Genie (although it’s strange that he is called Genius in the movie ) and has also given his vocals for this particular track. He is joined by Anushka Manchanda, who provides some electric backing vocals throughout the song, which is hip in its own way although when Bachchan starts singing, you start to feel a déjà vu, probably because his vocals sound the same whenever he sings (be it in “Come on Come on” from Baabul (2006), or “Chali Chali” from Baghban (2003). However saying that, there will be millions of Amitabh Bachchan fans who love to hear him sing and coupled with the wacky lyrics and the overall upbeat music, this is an electric hear, if only for a while.

Is this a Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy track? That’s precisely the first reaction of the listener once he’s into the next track, the peppy ”Tak Dhina Dhin” . Admittedly, patches of the Vishal-Shekhar trademark come into focus in bits and spurts, but overall, you get another annoying déjà vu with this song, which has Shankar Mahadevan and Shaan in a singing duet which is well done. The lyrics (by Vishal Dadlani & Anvita Dutt Guptan) are very average though. Overall, yet another situational track which fails to impress from a purely auditory perspective.

Now this is a track which might at last find some patronage among the audience. Titled ”Ore Saawariya”, one wonders if it would have been more convenient to name the track “More Saiyyan” or “Sasur Ghar Jaana”, as the annoying chants by Sudesh Bhonsle and Amitabh Bachchan focus on these words far often! Shreya Ghoshal gives her all to pitch in a really well-rendered semi-classical performance. The lyrics are horribly written again, as pointed out by the repetitive “Sasur Ghar Jaana” etc which irritate after a while! Other than that, the beats are really good to listen to, and the arrangements are fine, but this track, like the other ones, give you that déjà vu feeling once again, which could harm the prospects of the song. A strictly okay outing.

“You May Be” demonstrates that the duo can perform well and bring back some much needed credibility. Though only a spark, it manages to bring a kind of a thehraav to the album and some much needed repeat value. This is the romantic song of the 70’s where soft rock always used to be fused with an Indian touch by the legend that was Rahul Dev Burman. The Hinglish lyrics are nice and sweet and an improvement over the previous tracks. Vishal and Shekhar lend beautiful vocals to this song that can also boast of some really good arrangements and mixing. Though this song is not meant to last long in the charts, it will generate some fan following before stepping out.

A poorer sounding version of “Deewangee Deewaangee” (Om Shaanti Om (2007)) returns for Aladin’s “Bachke O Bachke” , in which the beats, the arrangements, and the sound designing really give us yet another déjà vu. Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan, who are present in this track, have sung for the previous number as well although Shankar Mahadevan and Vishal Dadlani thankfully bring some change. Lyrics are woeful again! Yet another let-down by V-S. Period!

The last track of the album (and the listener adds to this sentence, “Thankfully!”) turns out to be “Giri Giri” , with vocals by Sanjay Dutt. Though he has sung well in the past for a number of successful songs, one wonders where he is heading with this track that sounds lame even without his vocals! But probably, like the Genie, the Ringmaster needs a song as well, so here it is. Though the lyrics are okay enough in describing the Ringmaster’s character, this is another poorly executed track by Vishal and Shekhar who end up disappointing the listener so much that by now you feel giving up on the soundtrack altogether!

“Genie Rap Remix” and “Ore Saawariya Remix” by DJ Suketu and AKS are okay, but how one wishes the originals were better so that the poor DJs could have something to go at (to mix) in the first place. Alas they too have been let down by the duo.

Overall, Vishal and Shekhar have delivered a very average soundtrack here, and considering their back to back hits last year, one wonders where the duo is heading particularly since this is a Sujoy Ghosh movie. Whilst it is yet to be seen if the music will do well on the big screen, he must be disappointed with their efforts for the soundtrack. As for the listeners, they are already well and truly over it!
planetbollywood.com

Main Aurr Mrs Khanna

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala, Sohail Khan
Director: Prem R. Soni
Starring: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sohail Khan
Music: Sajid-Wajid
Lyrics: Jalees Sherwani, Junaid Wasi, Arun Bhairav
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Suzanne D Mello, Wajid, Sunidhi Chauhan, Raja Mushtaq, Uvie, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bappi Lahiri, Shaan, Neuman Pinto

Audio On: T-Series
Number of Songs: 8
Album Released on: 08 September 2009

Reviewed by: Ankit Ojha- Rating: 7.0 / 10

Sajid Ali and Wajid Ali are back after a short break post Wanted for yet another Salman Khan flick, namely Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, a romantic comedy co-starring Sohail Khan and Kareena Kapoor and directed by Prem Soni. And considering most of the duo’s efforts in Salman Khan’s flicks have been average (save for the upbeat Partner and the variety in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, both David Dhawan films) at best, with even Wanted being mixed bag with a few tracks sounding good on a standalone basis, and a few making an impact on screen, the listener wonders if Sajid and Wajid will deliver a bona fide musical hit this time.

And guess what? They deliver a marvelous soundtrack with a variety of genres packed into a single eight-track album (with the list of eight tracks including two really impressive remixes), which might send fans of Salman Khan into mad frenzies (considering the fact that three consecutive soundtracks have been released so far in two consecutive months, including Wanted, and London Dreams other than this soundtrack).

The soundtrack boasts of a perfect opener with Don’t Say Alvida, a breezy romantic number that has the term HIT written all over it. Urdu-based lyrics (written by Junaid Wasi) that boast of an old-world nineties feel, coupled with beautiful music that boast of this strong “all-time-favorite” allure that even the listener of today cannot resist – such is the effect of the song. The soft desi dholak, with a fading background pad, along with synthesizers put on reverb, and Sonu Nigam’s fantabulous vocals make this a stunning number. Add to this combination Shreya Ghoshal, and we have a sure-shot winner that will floor the listeners and change their mind about Sajid-Wajid and their déjà vu music.

Don’t Say Alvida (Sad) is short, but the emotions Shreya Ghoshal pitches in with her vocals will floor you and make a softhearted listener shed a few tears!
The song will floor you so much that once you discover that there is a remix for it, you will be annoyed. But a few seconds into Don’t Say Alvida (Remix) by DJ A-Myth, you realize that this isn’t your regular dhinchak club mix. The ‘lounge’ element very much speaks a lot about the remix, which only places the song in an ‘urban setting’ for recollection and repeat value, as also making the song more popular among the urban audience. The people in love with the original will not hate this one; in fact, they will end up wholeheartedly accepting the new, hip pop feel which the remix provides, thereby actually making them love the song even more.
Speaking of the end of déjà vu, when it makes a sudden entry with Happening, a number true to its title considering its chartbusting status – yes! It’s a sure-shot chartbuster, though listeners get the queer feeling that this is another ‘Kajraa Re’ (Bunty Aur Babli), though they really won’t mind, the reason being that there is this energetic, foot tapping feel to it that is completely irresistible and will generate a lot of takers. Sunidhi Chauhan is at her energetic best, and Wajid (who doesn’t mind relegating himself to the backseat in this one) supports her amply. Lyrics are apt, which is why Jalees Shrewani does a good enough job in penning this track, though they aren’t really impressive when viewed from a practical perspective. However, it’s the energy of the song that infects you in the end, and you just want to dance to the track!
PUMP IT UP! That’s what Happening (Remix) by DJ A-Myth tells us to do. A fun remix, this one literally pumps things up, and stands on really well with the original as far as shelf-life is concerned. Play it loud!

Darn! How many times has the word Rabba been used in the songs of the past? Don’t the lyricists get bored? Anyway, this Jalees Sherwani written track ventures into the dangerous territory of been-there-done-that, which the listener might not get comfy with, considering there have been a gazillion better moody songs that have always had the word ‘Rabba’ getting interjected like it is the ultimate in sadness. The lyrics, speaking about the wrong turns made in life and the mistakes which result into bigger consequences, are so déjà vu (a very similar lyrical theme to ‘Tanhayee’ from Dil Chahta Hai). Even the music doesn’t save the song from being a letdown in terms of shelf-life and chartbusters, which is why Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is forcefully put on the backburner on this one, despite trying hard to give the song his trademark ‘punch’. A situational track that is a major letdown in the album so far, it is only to be seen if the track succeeds in melting hearts on screen!

Redemption though comes back with a bang – and what a big bang! Wajid comes behind the mike to give his best vocal rendition so far with Tum Ne Socha, and when paired up with Shreya Ghoshal, nothing can ever go wrong – and it doesn’t! The track has a complete pop/soft rock feel to it, and you will feel elated from the first playing second itself! Shreya Ghoshal is not just paired with Wajid this time – she equals him in every aspect, be it the singing or the space she is given. Arun Bhairav’s lyrics play around with the imagination and ask us what would happen if your loved one really did something that would shock you. Overall, a song that deserves as many listens as the listener would want to – as this one is an addictive delight that is a winner all the way!

Mrs. Khanna – David Dhawan soundtrack meets Shankar, Ehsaan Loy’s ‘Pretty Woman’ from Kal Ho Naa Ho? Oh well, at the end of the first listen, the only two images I conjured up in my mind were the posters of Coolie No.1 and Kal Ho Naa Ho. In an attempt to find out why, I discovered that this track has a connection – a David Dhawan feel, with a déjà vu of Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy’s ‘Pretty Woman’ included in the mix. The lyrics by Jalees Sherwani are no great shakes, but really, the song is enjoyable, what with this really good mix of singers in this one song – Shaan being the pick of the lot. The others, namely Sunidhi Chauhan, Bappi Lahiri, Neuman Pinto and Suzanne D Mello give ample support. The bhangra beat (which turns out to be a constant, in-your-face reminder of 'Pretty Woman') might annoy you for a bit, but in the end, it turns out to be a fun number that one can listen to when in an upbeat mood.

So, what does one get in this album? It is this rare album that has this amazing collection of singers which will floor you – starting with Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal, all the way till Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (who turns out to be a bit of a disappointment actually), the singers are here to impress, and the music grows on you. This is good, as it is a long time after the collaboration of Partner that Sajid-Wajid have made a ‘complete’ album which leaves you satisfied by the end of the playlist. An album that is a must-keep in your collection if you like a variety of genres!

-planetbollywood.com

Bollywood Fox Music Reviews