James

Article Updated 01 August, 2005 01:55:28 PM IST

James

While talking about 'James', Ram Gopal Varma says that it is his most commercial movie till date. Though his movies have never boasted of good music, barring 'Rangeela' (while not ignoring the fact that the songs of 'Satya' and 'Khallas' from 'Company became quite popular), let us check out what Ramu's lyricist Nitin Raikwar has to offer musically (this time in a dual role). Interestingly, Ramu has three music directors for 'James'! Of them, we have only heard of Nitin Raikwar, who is more famous for his 'tapori' lyrics.

The first track (picturized on the sensational and sexy Delhi newcomer Nisha Kothari) goes, 'Zindagi jeene ka naam hai jee le, Pyar ek jam hai pyar se pee le'. The song, a fast paced vibrant youthful number, takes a rather philosophical look at a way of life. Nitin surprises us not only as a lyricist but also as a composer. He is equally adept at both. Shweta Pandit sings the song with much life and gusto. However, the song to an extent reminds one of Varma's own 'Ho Ja Rangeela Re' from 'Rangeela.

The next track 'Hero' has lyrics by Nitin Raikwar but music by the lesser-known Prasanna Shekhar. It is solely dedicated to Mohit Ahlawat, the dashing debutante hero of 'James' that people close to Varma say is the next best thing to happen to Bollywood since Hrithik Roshan. And after seeing the theater promo of 'James' they may not be wrong! While on the song, Sunidhi is in top form; alas this title track is disappointing to say the least. The rhythm is a complete rip-off from the 'Rangeela' theme and the singing style is like 'Khallas'.

The next track 'Sindoori Aasman hai sharmaya sa, Goonja ek prem rag hai jhankaya sa', is a leisurely paced routine romantic duet that even Sonu Nigam (in the company of Shweta) fails to lift. This number has been inspired (not copied) by 'Surmai Ankhiyon Me' from the Kamal Hasan - Sridevi classic 'Sadma'.

The next song 'Jaan Hai' sung by Sonu Nigam (in his inimitable style) is quite a classy romantic track. Shreya Ghoshal compliments Sonu quite well. The duet is different in the sense that it is more in a dialogue format (in the 'mukhda') rather than a song. Check out Nitin's lyrics "Main gussa hoon tumse, Nahin pyar tumse, Ye jhoot hai jaan le, Jaan hai, Jaan hai, Agar sach lage to meri jaan le.” In the 'antara' the crescendo signifies the passion and the deep emotional bonding of the lead pair.

The last track 'Suraj Ki Kirno' has some nice and simple lyrics by Nitin "Suraj ki kirno ki laali mein tum ho, Galiyon mein phoolon ki kaliyon mein tum ho." The song by itself is quite an average romantic number; one that gives an instant 'heard before' feeling and that too with a footnote, which is added 'innumerable times'! Even Sonu and Shweta fail to lift this ordinary composition.

On the whole, 'James', apart from one or two tracks ('Zindagi Jeene Ka Naam Ha' and maybe 'Jaan Hai') is a very pedestrian album. One just wonders why Ram Gopal Varma needed three music directors to compose three ordinary and two decent to good tracks. The same purpose could have been served with a single composer.

It is sad that the promising Mohit (with a good screen presence) will have no popular music to back him in his debut movie. What cannot be ignored is that we are talking about Ram Gopal Varma who does not need popular music (or for that matter music!) to make his movies a success.

Rating: 5.5/10

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