Naksha

Article Updated 29 August, 2006 01:53:16 AM IST

Naksha

Macho man Sunny Deol's carrier started off on a bright, melodious note with 'Betaab', followed by the classy 'Sunny' and 'Sohni-Mahiwal', but off late his movies have not had very good music to boast of. So now with Pritam, who along with Vishal-Shekher and Shanker-Ehsaan-Loy, has become the new face of the Hindi Film Music and so we are expecting some good stuff here.

The album is off to a rollicking start with 'Shake It' and the listeners are treated to three versions of the same. But we really don't mind at all as it is a super rhythmic, racy dance number, complete with Bhangra beats and some good rapping by Indee, the sort that the Gen-X patronises.

Pritam shows his mastery over musical arrangements and the flute piece and guitar combo is excellent. The extremely talented and God gifted Kailash Kher shows us that he is not just about soulful sufi singing, with his Bhangra piece which acts as an icing on the cake.Sameer's Hinglish-Punjabi lyrics are contemporary. Suzane D Mello is at ease in this item number and her voice suits Sameera Reddy (on whom this dance number is picturised).

The 'Shake it Dhol Club Mix' is by Eric Pillai, and the terrific background rhythm is present throughout. A nicely done remix.

The next version 'Shake Shake-All The Ladies In The House' is also by Eric Pillai. It's more of a space filler with the rapper Indee's repeated "All the ladies in the house,Shake it, Shake it."

Next up is 'Yaara Ve' which can be classified as the title track, as it carries the essence or flavour of the movie. It is a situational track which can be used in the background (during the times the lead artists try to unlock the mystery with the help of the map ('Naksha' ). Abhishek Nailwal sings with amazing gusto and yet again Pritam scores with his interesting musical arrangements namely the 'tabla' and Western orchesta fusion.

The 'Yaara-Ve-Tumbi House Mix' (quite a strange name) is by Zero db, and is a routine job though Kailash Kher's 'alaaps', which concludes the song are amazing.

Another Bhangra pop 'U&I', sung by our very own Sonu Nigam follows next. And this one too features thrice; twice as remixes. But when compared to the rocking first track 'Shake It', it is good but not in the same league. Mayur Puri has given some very innovative and happening lyrics. Sonu is a bit off colour and so is not at his innovative best. Quite a nice composition, more of the type that will find patronage with the Overseas (specially U.K) bhangra lovers.

The next version 'U&I-Dil Se Mile Dil' is definitely much peppier than than the first one, as the composer Pritam himself joins the much in demand KK. And of course the result is terrific, as both complement each other to the hilt and raise the slightly bland bhangra pop number to a level which is highly enjoyable by one and all.

"Let's Do Balle Balle-U&I" has Labh Janjua (who is now a familiar name , having sung for many hindi films ,the recent being Pritam's 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects') and Rana Mazumdar making the listners go "Balle Balle". Labh Janjua's Punjabi lyrics are easy to understand and quite nice. All in all a decent job.

Next in line is 'Jat Yamla', Pritam's tribute to 'Garam-Dharam' or 'He-Man', Dharmendra, with Sunny Deol emulating his dad's dance steps so perfectly (in the promos) that we are bound to feel nostalgic. The beauty of this happy-go-lucky cum comaraderie (between Sunny and Viveik) number is that, despite the fact that Western arrangements (specially bagpipe) dominating, the earthy/rustic beauty comes out strong. Himachali folk music is present in parts as the movie has been extensively shot in the beautiful locales of the hill state (Manali & Leh). Good to hear Sonu Nigam in peak form and at his innovative best, modulating his vocals to perfection to suit that of Sunny. Shreya Ghoshal joins him briefly. To sum it up, a number that will be loved by all, specially Sunny fans.

'Jat Yamla -Remix' by DJ A Myth & DJ Kiran is well done though the original with it's earthy charm is better.

The last and the only average track of the album 'Nasha' commences with some didgeridoo like sounds, with the background music depicting suspence and thrill . Alisha tries hard to pep up this dance number with her (full of feelings) singing but at times overdoes it. Our advice to Alisha, don't try to imitate Asha, do your own thing, you are good at that. The song has shades of 'Pyaar Do' from 'Jaanbaz'. Interestingly the song carries the title of Sunny's next movie 'Kaafila'!

On the whole, a surprisingly good compilation from Pritam that will appeal to the listeners. And most important, by-and-large original compositions. Definately worth a buy!

Rating: 7.5/10

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