Maalik Ek Music Review

EXPECTATIONS

In a film which is about 'Sai Baba', it is but natural that the soundtrack too would boast primarily of devotional songs. With hundreds of devotional tracks already made for Sai Baba, one looks forward to what does composer Anup Jalota have in store for the audience with his score in Maalik Ek.

MUSIC
Its a bunch of kids that brings on a collective laughter to kick start 'Sai Baba Achche'. A chorus track with Jackie Shroff (playing the role of Sai Baba) holding the baton for the song with intermittent laughter being thrown around; ' Sai Baba Achche' has an innocent appeal to it which goes with the genre. Written by Amit Khanna, this one is about Sai Baba narrating the tale of Lord Rama.

Anup Jalota brings himself on a singer as well for 'Sai Naam Mein Jadoo Aisa' which is written by Manoj Kumar. Expectedly a devotional track, this one is in praise of Sai Baba and Shirdi. Strictly for the followers of devotional tracks and especially Sai Baba, this one takes the album forward in the expected direction.


Sameer writes 'Sagare Jagat Mein' which has Jagjeet Singh at the helm of affairs in the singing capacity. One can sense a marked difference coming in the album as the experienced singer leaves his mark yet again in this yet another devotional track. Accomplished singers continue to make their presence felt, this time with Ghulam Ali arriving on the scene. This time around, the mood is that of exuberance and celebration with Amit Khanna written 'Diwali Mein Ali Ram Ramzan Mein' turning out to be a fusion of faith with Hindu as well as Islam religion being equated as one.
It is back to Sai Baba soon after though with Anuradha Paudwal (returning after a hiatus) coming behind the mike with Anup Jalota and Sumeet Tapoo. Titled 'Sabse Pyaara Mera Sai Baba', this devotional track is about a 'rakhi' being tied to Sai Baba. It is surprising though to hear Shreya Ghoshal singing ' De De Thoda Sa Pyaar' which deviates the album from it's devotional setting. Still, one doesn't mind that since it brings some variety into the album which was primarily one-dimensional so far. The element of simplicity remains intact though in this Amit Khanna written number.

It isn't every day when Anup Jalota and Pankaj Udhas come on the same platform. However, the devotional mood of the album makes that possible as well with Pankaj Udhas singing a traditional number ' Sai Baba Geet Sudha'.

OVERALL

Maalik Ek is the kind of album which is basically focused at those who wish to hear an array of devotional tracks in one single setting. This also means that as a movie album, this won't have much reach since the film by itself hasn't been promoted at all. However, as a standalone album that could be marketed without the trapping of being a score for a film in particular, Maalik Ek does have a few tracks that would be picked up by the followers of Sai Baba.

OUR PICK(S)

Sagare Jagat Mein, Diwali Mein Ali Ram Ramzan Mein

Golmaal 3 Exclusive

EXPECTATIONS 

Fun. That's in one word to describe the expectation that one has from the music of Golmaal 3. Films coming form the house of Rohit Shetty have time and again celebrated life and are aimed at youth. Whether it is Golmaal, Golmaal 2, All The Best or Sunday, music in each of these films has been vibrant with no single dull moment. This is what one expects from Golmaal 3 as well that has composer Pritam and lyricist Kumaar coming together. With the film being third in the series, one expects double the fun this time around, if not the triple. 

MUSIC 

It's time for some 'Golmaal' all over again as K.K., Anouska Manchanda and Monali Thakur come together for a high on energy title track. The beginning is exactly on the same line as what one would have expected here, which means that the sound of ' Golmaal Golmaal' is heard all over again. The 'remix version' ensures though that there is a lot of spunk ready to be exploited on the dance floor.

Next to come is a song about togetherness, 'Apna Har Din', which is all set to be picturised on the entire principal cast of Golmaal 3. A fun number with a touch of carnival mood to it, ' Apna Har Din' (which also arrives in a 'remix version') has a 70s style composition with Shaan and Anouska Manchanda sounding genuinely happy while crooning this one. However, the overall impact that the song creates is that of being a situational number. 

'Ale' sounds better though and goes full throttle in getting the club mood on. In fact after listening to it a couple of times, one does tend to remember the kind of beats and rhythm that one had heard in the title song of Tum Miley. The song is good but not the kind that makes one stand up and hail it as the next huge chartbuster. A foot tapping track nevertheless with youth written all over it, this Neeraj Sridhar and Antara Mitra sung number is about a bunch of friends who have paved their own path and don't care much about the outside world. 

Surprisingly, the best song of the album comes at the very end. One expects at least one massive chartbuster from Pritam in each of his albums. In Golmaal 3, it is 'Desi Kali' which has all in it to rock the charts in its arrival. A smash hit from the word go, 'Desi Kali' has the kind of beats and rhythm that ensure that you get a hang of the song in the very first listening. With Neeraj Sridhar and Sunidhi Chauhan coming together for this song, they ensure that this one turns out to be one of the more popular songs in the offing. Deservingly, there is a 'remix version' of this club track as well which brings on some more spice in the album. 

Last to arrive are a couple of songs from Disco Dancer - 'Disco Dancer' and 'Yaad Aa Raha Hain'. Since the film features Mithun Chakravorty in an important role, inclusion of these two songs does not come as a surprise. None of the two songs are presented as-is though and have been re-arranged slightly to go well with the contemporary times. While Bappi Lahiri sings 'Disco Dancer', it is Sudesh Bhosle who comes behind the mike for 'Yaad Aa Raha Hain'. 

The shower smiles in a politician.

OVERALL

Golmaal 3 has a chartbuster in the form of 'Desi Kali' with instant recall value coming from title track 'Golmaal' as well. The other two tracks - 'Apna Har Din' and 'Ale' add on to the situational appeal as well. As expected, the music of Golmaal 3 is a fun ride that should go well with racy visuals, which is the hallmark of Rohit Shetty cinema. 

OUR PICK(S)

Desi Kali, Golmaal  click here to listen

Action Replayy Music Review

EXPECTATIONS

There are good expectations from the music of Action Replayy. After all more often than not, music of Vipul Shah has been popular with the masses. Though London Dreams couldn't find a wider audience, music of Namastey London, Waqt as well as Aankhen had worked with the audience. Even otherwise, his production Singh Is Kinng boasted of chartbuster music. With Pritam at the helm of affairs who pairs up with his lyricist partner Irshad Kamil all over again, you do expect a good soundtrack. However, you are not quite sure about the genre it would belong to. Whether the music would turn out to be out and out romantic or would it have a strong element of fun to it? Let's find that out.

MUSIC

What catches your attention even before you play on the album is the sheer number of songs that have been included in Action Replayy. Really, after the likes of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani or a Love Aaj Kal [incidentally both of them have Pritam as a composer], Action Replayy has to be the heaviest album around. There are as many as nine distinct songs with remixes of four of them. For an Akshay Kumar starrer, this has to be the biggest musical album ever since one can remember.

First to arrive is 'Zor Ka Jhatka' and call it incidental but the song indeed leaves a 'zor ka jhatka' from the very first note. This one is a thumping hit for sure, as evidenced in the manner it keeps a relentless pace right through its four minute duration. Indian in appeal and carrying a theme (evils of marriage) which is not hard to relate, 'Zor Ka Jhatka' is a fun track that has Daler Mehndi pairing up with Richa Sharma. Both the singers thoroughly enjoy their stint behind the mike and this is visible in the energy that comes along. A sure shot chartbuster which has Master Salim singing for the 'remix version'. However, it is the Daler Mehendi version you want to go back to.

A complete mood shift is enabled with 'O Bekhabar' which has a distinct Yash Chopra feel to it. Swiss Alps and chiffon sareers aren't difficult to be visualised in this romantic track where Shreya Ghoshal gives yet another good account of herself. This one belongs to the kind of Bollywood tracks that have never failed for decades. Pritam along with Irshad Kamil grasp the 'pyaar mohabbat' theme well and present a melodious song to the audience that they won't mind listening on a repeat mode.

If you have seen the promos of Action Replayy, you wouldn't have missed listening to the sound of 'Nakhre'. A fun celebration track that brings on a carnival affect, 'Nakhre' is a true blue retro track that has singer Francois Castellino getting the Elivs Presley mood recreated. While the intentions are noble here and the core tune right as well, it is the singing that makes one a tad dissatisfied. In an attempt to recreate the Elvis magic, the final result isn't as desired that makes one feel that 'Nakhre' (which also appears in a 'remix version') could have been far better.

However, the disappointment doesn't stay on for long as Sunidhi Chauhan and Ritu Pathak come together for the 'holi' number 'Chhan Ke Mohalla'. Really, this one turns out to be as instantly catchy as 'Zor Ka Jhatka' and turns out to be yet another chartbuster knocking on the doors. With a Laxmikant Pyaarelal flavour to it, 'Chhan Ke Mohalla' reminds one of their 70s compositions and is instantly likeable. Also, there is an instant element of seduction to it, something which is expected from a 'holi' number, which further makes one listen to the 'remix version' with added anticipation.

What comes next though is a song straight out of Pritam territory with 'Tera Mera Pyaar' turning out to be a song that would have been gladly picked up by Bhatts or Imtiaz Ali. A soothing love song with Karthik, Mahalakshmi and Antara Mitra doing quite well to get the lovey-dovey mood on, 'Tera Mera Pyaar' (also arriving later in the 'remix version') continues to add on to the different moods of Action Replayy. By this time around, one is sure that the soundtrack is a mix of love songs as well as fun numbers which leads one to check out what next is in store.

This is the reason why one is not surprised when it is a fun dance number that comes in immediately. 'Dhak Dhak Dhak' has Mika going ballistic and after hearing it a couple of times, you too join all the fun. With a core Indian feel to it, 'Dhak Dhak Dhak' - a dance number - never really rests and maintains its tempo right from start till the end.

Next to arrive is 'Luk Chup Jaana' which is yet another track that has the potential to make it into the charts. This one again requires just half a listening to realise that it has a Pritam stamp all over it. In fact one is surprised that this well orchestrated and arranged dance number sung by Tulsi Kumar and KK hadn't arrived in the album a little earlier. It really deserved to and if promoted well, could be one of the highlight tracks in the film.

Even with so much to offer, the platter doesn't get empty with Pritam churning out yet another number - this time a rock track - 'I Am Dog Gone Crazy'. Though the lyrics suggest an out and out whacky number, which is not really the case as singer Suraj Jagan keeps his vocals under control. Rather than turning out to be hardcore rock that leads to a restricted audience for itself, it stays within boundaries to auger well with the quintessential Bollywood followers as well.

Shreya Ghoshal, the only singer in the album to enjoy two solo tracks for herself, returns with 'Baki Main Bhool Gayi'. A love song that has a definite tempo to it and moves ahead with some racy beats, 'Baki Main Bhool Gayi' may not be the chosen one from the crowd. Still, as a part of the package in Action Replayy where there is no full moment, this last song in the album as well manages to make its own contribution.

OVERALL

Action Replayy is a fun album and better than what had initially expected. In fact while it is 'Zor Ka Jhatka' followed by 'Nakhre' and 'O Bekhabar' which are being currently promoted, there are quite a few other songs that deserve to find attention for themselves. With exactly a month to go for the release of the film, one would definitely want to see more of 'Chhan Ke Mohalla', 'Luk Chup Jaana' and 'Tera Mera Pyaar' at the least. An entertaining album that doesn't have a single dull moment.

OUR PICK(S)

Zor Ka Jhatka, Chhan Ke Mohalla, O Bekhabar, Luk Chup Jaana, Tera Mera Pyaar

Imran & Deepika shoot special music video for Break Ke Baad

What happens to an on-screen couple in love after the film is over? It seems filmmaker Kunal Kohli won't make us wait for a sequel to get an answer.

For Break Ke Baad, the film Kohli is producing with Deepika Padukone and Imran Khan in the lead, the team recently shot an additional epilogue, after the screenplay had its say.

Explains Kunal Kohli, "When I made Hum Tum, everyone wanted to know what happens to Saif and Rani after THE END. Do they live happily ever after? I've lost track of how many people have suggested a sequel to Hum Tum. That's something I won't do. Why go back to a film when there're so many virgin stories waiting to be broken into?"

What Kunal would henceforth do is add an "after-story".

"In Break Ke Baad, we've shot a story beyond the screenplay narrating a small improvised screenplay about the life that Deepika and Imran lead after the film is over. I could be using the same device in my other films in future if the characters seem to have a life after the film."

Last week, Kohli and his Break Ke Baad director Danish Aslam also shot a music video which was initially cut down by Kunal Kohli. But the director and his lead pair Deepika and Imran insisted on it.

Says Kunal, "I really didn't want to do a music video. I was the first one to do music video in our films for Hum Tum. But now everyone is doing it. So I was against doing one in Break Ke Baad."

What convinced Kunal were the lyrics. "I wanted a song about separation. But I didn't want the words, 'Break Ke Baad'. Prasoon Joshi came up with such a wonderful line. 'Dooriyan Zaroori Hai'. I was like, wow! All our love songs talk about separation being not worth considering. And separation was seen as important in every relationship. Every relationship needs space. I liked that concept."

The music video would be part of the newly-shot epilogue in Break Ke Baad.

Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun... Music Review

EXPECTATIONS

First and foremost, you don't really expect a musical score for Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun. An offbeat film exploring an unexplored theme (same sex relationship), Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun didn't quite promise any songs; let aside being mainstream or unconventional. This is the reason why one is surprised to see a pretty loaded album with as many as half a dozen songs and a few theme pieces as well. Put together by composer Nikhil and lyricist Satya Prakash, Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun does make one wonder what really to expect before it is played on.

MUSIC

There is a surprise in store with none other than Lata Mangeshkar gracing the very opening track. She is in charge of the title track 'Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun' which actually turns out to be a soothing song from the very first note. A love song about falling in love with no explained reason whatsoever, 'Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun' has a haunting feel to it and should work as a part of the film's background score. A really long track that extends to almost 10 minutes, 'Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun' is a soft number that also had Shaan crooning the male version. His rendition has a slight rock feel to it though the overall arrangements still remain the same.

It is apparent that the makers wanted songs to last for a really long duration. No wonder, the very next song 'Dabi Dabi Kwahishien' too has a good 7 minutes duration. Yet another soft song, this one boasts of a better tune and has a romantic feel to it. Though there isn't overtly new or extraordinarily different about this number that comes with a mix of Hindi and English lyrics, in the given scheme of things when one had played 'Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun' with not much expectations, 'Dabi Dabi Kwahishien' isn't a bad hear after all.

This track appears in as many as four versions with the first being a duet by Shaan & Shreya Ghoshal, second being a Shaan solo and third seeing the pair being joined by Farhad Bhiwandiwala, a fresh voice which does make its presence felt. The fourth is titled 'Saiyan Saiyan' and this one has a Sufi flavour to it. However, this attempt seems a little strange since this Nikhil and Farhad Bhiwandiwala sung number turns out to be one of those rare sufi outings with bits of English lyrics in it.

However, there is a complete shift in mood soon after with 'Mumbai Meri Hain' which seems like a quintessential Usha Uthup song. The singer though is Anee Chatterjee here and honestly, this carnival track doesn't leave much of an impression. Belonging to the world of late 70s/early 80s, this one is a quick skip as it doesn't even attempt at being any different in today's world.

The album goes further downhill with 'Atariya Main' which is written by guest lyricists Vimal Kashyap and Fanindra Rao. One is immediately transported to the world of 'Gutar Gutar' [Dalal] which actually is not a good sign by any means since that era has been left behind years back. Rekha Rao croons this fusion mix track where all the sound of seduction and kinky lyrics don't quite come together to create any excitement whatsoever.

There is some semblance that comes in the proceedings with 'Lagi Lagan Teri Saiyan' taking a soft opening. However, the opera like touch which is given soon after seems a little odd. A relatively shorter number with a running duration of a little over 3 minutes, this Farhad Bhiwandiwala and Anee Chatterjee track appears to be for the background rather than a full fledged love song. What follows next are a series of classily designed theme tracks with 'Jenny Ashley In Love', 'Helen - Theme' and 'Zeenat Amaan - Sad Theme' arriving in quick succession.

OVERALL

Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun isn't quite a complete pushover but then it also doesn't have any chartbuster track that could be its USP. For a film where one expects the songs to mainly work for the background score, Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun does have a couple of high points in the title song, 'Dabi Dabi Kwahishien' and a couple of theme tracks. However, from the sales perspective the album has a tough journey ahead with the coming weeks being cluttered with as many as a couple of dozen album releases.

OUR PICK(S)

Dabi Dabi Kwahishien, Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun

Jhootha Hi Sahi Music Review

EXPECTATIONS

A couple of years back, A.R. Rahman and Abbas Tyrewala created a very good musical outing in the form of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa. But naturally, you do expect something magical all over again in Jhootha Hi Sahi as well. Of course, this one is not a traditional romcom that would result in those template created songs that time and again do fit into the situation. Jhootha Hi Sahi has a telephone instrument pretty much playing the other lead character as well and hence you do expect lyricist Abbas Tyerewala and composer A.R. Rahman to do something different from what is conventional. Still, a feel good score is what you do want to hear eventually.

MUSIC

Honestly, you don't quite warm up to the opening number 'Cry Cry' instantly. The slow movement of the song coupled with some very simple, though average sounding lyrics, don't make you sit up and notice beyond a point. While Rashid Ali begins crooning this song about being happy in life rather than worrying about things which are not in one's control, Shreya Ghoshal joins in only after half of 'Cry Cry' is through. However, the fact remains that despite giving the song a repeated hearing, it doesn't quite settle down to be the kind of number that qualifies as an opening track in an album.

Slightly taken aback by this time, one plays on 'Maiyya Yashoda' that comes next. This is one of the unlikeliest of Rahman compositions though one doesn't mind that as the simplicity factor pretty works this time around. A festive number about the folk fare of Krishna, his 'Yashoda maiyya' and the 'gopis', 'Maiyya Yashoda' arrives in a 'desi Jamuna Mix' and a 'videsi Thames mix'. The two versions highlight the cultural dissimilarities due to Jamuna and Thames rivers to be on the opposite sides of the continents.

Though the songs do bring on some energy into the album, you still are in lookout for the kind of songs that make an A.R. Rahman soundtrack something special. Thankfully you start getting a glimpse of that with 'Hello Hello' coming in next. This one could well qualify as a theme track since it narrates the tale of the protagonist who - as the receiver of a hotline number - is attached to his phone instrument. Though from the theme perspective, it does remind one of the title theme track of Karthik Calling Karthik, in spirit it is far livelier when compared to the dark undertone that the Farhan Akhtar version carried.

However, the wait to hear something remarkable is finally over with Sonu Nigam coming up with one of the best songs rendered by him - 'Do Nishaaniyan'. Not just the music arrangements are fantastic; the overall flow of 'Do Nishaaniyan' is extremely pleasant as well that makes one play on the number repeatedly. Reminding one of the kind of Mohd. Rafi numbers from the 60s, though presented in a contemporary manner, 'Do Nishaaniyan' not just promises to make an impact in the film's narrative but also stay on with the music lover to be played for many more months to come. No wonder, the song deservedly appears in much slower 'Heartbreak version' as well.

Have you already been impressed with the sound that accompanies the talkie promo of Jhootha Hi Sahi? In that case, there is a reason to celebrate as most of it actually comes from the fun track 'Pam Pa Ra'. A sweet song about a girl being happy with the conversation that she had with a stranger on the hotline, this Shreya Ghoshal rendered track has a heart felt appeal to it and brings on the expected exuberance of the protagonist. Expect some gloss and fluorescence when this song appears on screen.

Vijay Yesudas brings on an international experience with his Hinglish track 'I've Been Waiting' which has a jazzy blue feel to it. Reminding one of 'My Heart Is Beating' [Julie] even though this one is different in theme and spirit, 'I've Been Waiting' works even though it has some heavy duty poetry forming the Hindi lyrics. This one is for a romantic night out and is bound to make your heart beat go even slower if it is in anticipation of your beloved's arrival.

Beginning the album with 'Cry Cry', Rashid Ali ends it with much better 'Call Me Dil'. In fact one really wonders why this song didn't arrive at the very beginning of the album since it has an intrinsic sweetness to it that would have set the context of the film there and then. Telling the tale of the protagonist who is required to hide his identity as someone on the other side of the hotline, it also features the words Jhootha Hi Sahi that lay the foundation of the song.

OVERALL

Jhootha Hi Sahi starts on a jerky note and actually takes some time to settle down. However once it does, it turns out to be a pleasant sounding album that has at least a couple of songs that have a long lasting appeal, if not instant. These A.R. Rahman songs may not turn out to be roaring chartbusters now. Still, it can pretty much be rest assured that if the film works at the box office, the music too would find itself in much demand. Also, for those who can get a hand on the wonderfully packaged 'Collector's Edition', there is also a Karoake CD of all the songs to play around with.

OUR PICK(S)

Do Nishaaniyan, Call Me Dil, Pam Pa Ra

Allah Ke Banday Music Review

EXPECTATIONS

One doesn't play on the music of Allah Ke Banday expecting anything that would be a quintessential feel good affair. After all the film, as the promos and the title suggest, is pretty much a gritty dramatic tale revolving around children and crime. Hence, you expect a theme score that would be haunting to say the least, a la Ram Gopal Varma films like Satya, Company or the Sarkar series. With multiple composers coming together for different songs in the album, you look forward to the kind of songs that would primarily play in the background with lip synch numbers being totally out of question.

MUSIC

The album gets a hard hitting start with Chirantan Bhatt coming up with exactly the kind of sound in 'Maula' that one expected from Allah Ke Banday. Sung in high pitch by Hamza Faruqui and Krishna, this fusion between sufi and rock does bring in the kind of high intensity impact that Allah Ke Banday required. Sarim Momin gets the right lyrics in place as the protagonists' plea before God to make life better for the underprivileged.



Next to arrive is a Kailash Kher, Naresh & Paresh creation titled 'Kya Hawa Kya Baadal'. Written and sung by Kailash Kher, the track has a sad intrinsic feel to it. However, what takes the song down is the fact that it turns out to be pretty sad not just in the way it is sung and the theme that it conveys but also the way it overall sounds. Clearly, this one just doesn't go anywhere and though it does aim at bringing on the theme feel of the film, the overall sound of 'Kya Hawa Kya Baadal' is such that you aren't really excited to check out the much longer version that appears later.

New entrants Tarun & Vinayak come up with a two minute long piece 'Rabba Rabba' which has director/actor Faruk Kabir himself coming behind the mike. This is the same song which is currently playing in the promo and is strictly situational. A rock number which has lyrics by Ravi Khote, this song yet again gets into the territory of lost childhood and innocence. However, even as one starts warming up to a little extent, it reaches an end.

Sunidhi Chauhan goes almost unplugged for 'Mayoos' with just about a couple of instruments playing remotely in the background. As the title itself suggests, this one Sarim Momin written song has a sad feeling to it. This is understandable though as this film couldn't have afforded to carry anything feel good. Despite the fact that this Hamza Faruqui number does turn out to be better than the couple of songs before it, it would be challenging for 'Mayoos' to make its presence felt outside the narrative of the film.

There is an attempt to get some fun in place with Ishq Bector playing the double role of composer and singer with the track 'Kaala Jaadu'. Sarim Momin writes for this situational track that could be set in the juvenile prison. Sounding so much like an 80s track, it is barely passable and though it tries to bring on the fun element on it, the maximum impact it may manage to make it within the context of the film if picturised well.

OVERALL

Allah Ke Banday was never expected to be a commercial score. However, despite this limitation, the overall results are not the kind that would make one gaga about the intrinsic quality that the album would have brought with itself. One now looks forward to what the film has to offer because it sounds far more promising.

OUR PICK(S)

Maula