Bhoothnath

Article Updated 08 April, 2008 10:36:04 PM IST

Bhoothnath

B.R. Chopra Productions have enjoyed a reputation of making good quality family entertainers with socially relevant themes and have provided us some quality music over the years. With B.R. Chopra retiring, it was his son Ravi's turn, who also gave us the memorable Baghbaan and Baabul, both of which fit into the category mentioned above, and that after a long absence! The music of both films was terrific with Aadesh Shrivastava in full flow. However, the next movie, Bhoothnath is directed by Vivek Sharma and is very different from what the banner has ever attempted. In a bid to bring in fresh sounds and notes, the banner has let go of its favourite, Aadesh Shrivastava and has roped in the Vishal-Shekhar. V-S is certainly the flavour of the season with their Om Shanti Om proving to be an all-time blockbuster and is now in the top league with films like Tashan and Bachna Ae Haseeno up their sleeves. So let us check out their next offering after the very exciting Tashan soundtrack.

Crisp whistling and finger snapping sounds commence 'Mere Buddy', which features twice in the album. The second version is merely a space filler and a repeat of the first. True to its title, the song is all about friendship and camaraderie between the two main protagonists. However, since its V-S, the song is certainly not the 'Yeh Dosti' type number. It is a very happening, high on beats and rhythm, certainly a very easy to hum number, that should be appreciated by the target audience, the kids! The song becomes special because it is rendered by the megastar Amitabh Bachchan himself. He has always made it a point to sing for Ravi Chopra (both Baghbaan and Baabul had memorable songs by Amitabh). It is a hearty welcome to the megastar who gets behind the mike for this fun 'n' frolic number. One must add that age seems to be having no effect on the quality of his voice, which seems to be getting better and better with time. The child singer Armaan Malik sings like a pro and all credit to the artist for matching the megastar to a tee. Javed sahab's lyrics need to be commended, as they are apt and simple.

Close on the heels of 'Mere Buddy' is another kiddie number 'Hum To Hain Aandhi', which is once again a composition, which is in harmony with the mood of the movie. It is in the same alley as the song 'Chhota Bachcha Jaan Ke Humko' sung by Aditya Narayan, son of Udit Narayan. All rock guitar strumming, good background chorus and a simple melody make this a nice number. The singing is made easy by V-S and all the artists are good. They all sing well together (almost like a chorus) and their vocals gel perfectly. Once again, Javed Akhtar has provided lyrics befitting the situation. The "I am the best" attitude of the kids is superbly conveyed.

Bugle sounds (similar to a war cry); tabla and ektara beats commence the rustic 'Banku Bhaiyya'. It's an all-traditional, very popular raga based number with an ample folk touch to it. After 'Dance Maare' (Tashan), V-S come up with another number that has a rustic flavour and a folk touch. It is a throwback to S-E-L's 'Bunty Aur Bubli' and Vishal Bardwaj's 'Omkara'. Though being a lighthearted piece, it introduces the main character of the movie, the child who befriends the ghost, Bhoothnath. Sukhwinder is a pro at singing these types of numbers and he has done full justice once again. Javed Akhtar's lyrics are situational, at times in the North Indian dialect and humorous bringing to light the fearless but mischievous character of the child. "Din mein dikhatein hain woh taare. Raat ko suraj ke nazare. Ulti ganga ulti dhaare kah do to kar de. Bhoot bhi unse dar ke bhaage. Jo nahin maane dekh le aake."

The next song 'Chalo Jaane Do' can be termed as the best song of the album. Yes, as soon as one hears the number, we know that it is a straight copy of 'Koi Tumsa Nahin' (Krrish), but still we rate it as the best. The reason is the absolute joy that one has while hearing the song as it touches the heart and strikes a chord instantly. There are three main reasons behind this: 1) The excellent rendition and the ease with which Amitabh Bachchan renders the number is amazing. 2) The vivacious Juhi Chawla behind the mike singing like an established playback singer. In fact if one does not see the credits its impossible to fathom that it is the pretty Juhi doing the honours. Her vocals are so sweet and her command over the notes perfect. She, being a good actress, emotes well while singing too. 3) The simple but heart-touching lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

The first promos of Bhoothnath on the satellite channels gave the audience a taste of the supernatural through this excellent musical piece by guest composers, Salim-Sulaiman. The lovely background musical arrangements, which are comprised, of a piano piece, orchestral sounds and medieval drums succeed in giving that haunted, spooky touch. The effect is chilling and the piece turns out to be an eerie but intriguing musical experience. However, since this is not an out and out horror movie, the fear factor is not allowed to go out of hand. Hats off to the talented duo.

The album ends on a somber note with the philosophical and thought provoking 'Samay Ka Pahiya' (The wheel of time/life), very unlike a V-S composition. The last time they composed something like this was for Tara Rum Pum ('Saiyyan Ve'). This is a situational track that can find usage in the background, especially in tense, emotional sequences. Sukhwinder's high notes in the beginning of the soundtrack convey an important social message that its very important to forgive and only then can one attain salvation.- "Krodh ke bojh ko man pe uthaye kahe chalta hai prani. Chhama jo shatru ko bhi karde. Wohi mukti hai. Wohi gyaani hai." After this the rarely heard but extremely talented Hariharan takes over. The mood and theme of the movie is conveyed through this number, and we come to know that Bhoothnath is not just about a friendly ghost and a child and their adventure and escapades. There is a lot of melodrama and emotional content in the film too. The song has soft traditional musical arrangements and flute, sitar, tabla and synthesizer dominates. V-S show that they are not just about hip-hop but they can compose according to the demands of the movie.

Rating: 7/10

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