Bluff Master

Article Updated 14 December, 2005 04:07:55 AM IST

Bluff Master

Rohan Sippy, after the disastrous 'Kuch Naa Kaho' starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai has repeated his buddy Abhishek but replaced Aishwarya with another beauty queen - Priyanka Chopra. The composers consist of Vishal & Shekhar, Trickbaby and Sameeruddin, instead of the talented Shankar-Ehsaan Loy (who gave a wonderful score in 'Kuch Naa Kaho').

On the first hearing 'Bluff Master!' it appears to be an assortment of Bollywood remixes and songs from Trickbabay's 'Hanging Around'. But let us analyze the album in detail after giving it a few more hearings.

The album kick starts with 'Sabse Bada Rupaiyya' and we may call it the title track as the word 'Buff Master!' has been frequently used throughout. It is basically a remixed version of the late comedy king Mehmood's famous song 'Sabse Bada Rupaiyya'(from the film of the same title). While the makers claim that it is Mehmood's original voice (some parts are), it's the additional vocalist Chetan whose voice dominates the proceedings (for the most part), as he impersonates Mehmood to the hilt. The number has been remixed well by Trickbaby and conveys the essence of the movie effectively (though Abhishek's lethargic and clumsy dance steps in the promos manage to spoil the song).

Next up, 'Say Na Say Na' is a track produced by Robert Uhlmann, Arash and Johan Bejerholm and is authentic Punjabi pop with a heavy dose of English and Persian lyrics. It is more in the traditional 'bhangra' dance style, though it fails to deliver the boisterous, joyous spirit of Punjab. Thankfully the promos show a much better dancing by Abhishek and Priyanka.

Geeta Dutt's classic evergreen number 'Tadbeer Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer' ('Baazi') is next. Well, this is definitely the sensuous and silk smooth voice of Geeta Dutt. The remix by Sameeruddin has been done tastefully as the basic essence of the classic comes out intact.

The much publicized 'Right Here, Right Now' features Abhishek Bachchan as a singer(first time in Bollywood) in this Vishal-Shekhar composition. The sleek music video by Farah Khan featuring Abhishek, Priyanka, Riteish and the four super models has definitely succeeded in boosting the sagging sales of the album, making the number a definite chartbuster. V-S have definitely succeeded in camouflaging the shortcomings of Abhi's voice beautifully (though he is not a patch on his illustrious dad, even as a singer). But credit must be given where it is due, and since it is only his second effort (after 'Antar Mahal'), Abhishek does a good job as a rapper in the company of Sunidhi.

The 'Right Here Right Now Hip Hop Mix' has some additional rapping by the composer Vishal but undoubtedly the first version was much better.

Trickbabay's contribution to 'Bluff Master!' are three tracks from their own hit album 'Hanging Around' (apart from the remixes). The first one is '9 Parts Of Desire', which later appears as 'Parde Ke Peeche' (the Hindi version). For those who have not heard the original '9 Parts Of Desire' it has mostly English lyrics along with the Hindi line 'Parde Ke Peeche'.

The other version (Hindi) has the repeated chorus "Parde Ke peeche" in Hindi. Quite a different composition from what the audience are used to; a soft groovy dance number. The Hindi version has additional (Hindi)lyrics by Jaideep Sahni while the original lyrics are by Trickbaby (Husain/Eger)who do a good job.

The second composition by Trickbaby is 'Indi Yarn', which is actually a mixture of many songs from 'Eana Meena Dika' to 'Shayad Meri Shaadi Ka Khayal'('Sautan'). The singing is pathetic and the remixing ugh! The song becomes intolerable only after awhile.

The third track by Trickbaby is 'Neela' which is quite good and Trickbaby demonstrates their much heard of talent. They do a good job of mixing Hindi classical with Western. In fact the style can be called Hindi-Western classical.

In
'Bure Bure/Boro Boro' we have the original composition intact (with the lyrics partly in Persian). In fact, it will be a shock to many to hear the original of Ram Sampat's 'Dil Dooba' ('Khakee'). It is an extremely rhythmic number, though the lyrics may not be comprehendible for many (who are not conversant in Persian). Written and produced by Robert Uhlmann/Arash, it is a nice departure from the usual Arabic style compositions.

'The Gateway Theme' commences with Riteish animatedly mouthing dialogues in Amitabh's ('Agneepath')style. Like most theme instrumentals, this one too has good orchestral support (provided by Sameeruddin). The Philharmonic Orchestra (Schubert style) has a soothing effect and will be appreciated by the lover's of English classical music.

We then encounter the 'Do Aur Do Paanch Remix'. The original 'Do Aur Do Paanch' starred Abhishek's dad Amitabh along with Shashi Kapoor. Interesting to note here that the theme of the two movies is the same (both are con movies) and may be that is why it appears as a remixed version with the usual upped tempo and beats.

The album finally comes to a close with 'Come Fishing'/Bluff Master! Theme'. It has nothing new to offer except for a mixture of many dialogues by the main protagonists of the movie and with both soft and heavy musical accompaniments.

On the whole, 'Bluff Master!' is more like a sibling of the abundantly available remixed albums out today. Like us, you may believe that old classics (especially from the 50s and 60s) should not be tampered with. Yes, "Right Here, Right Now" is the saving grace and might be a strong enough reason go ahead and buy 'Bluff Master!'. After hearing the whole album (especially after the melodious 'Kuch Naa Kaho'), we feel that Rohit has done a good con job and we feel bluffed!

Rating: 6/10

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