Film making bug bites ace photographer Subi Samuel too as he produces his debut venture 'Alag'. Truly an 'alag' way to mark his entry into Bollywood, he hasn't refrained from playing a big gamble as he tells the story of a gifted boy with an unconventional body and superpowers. He has also gone ahead and roped in Akshay Kapoor as the lead in the movie inspite of his debut film 'Popcorn Khao Mast Ho Jaayo' sinking without a trace while director Ashu Trikha too is not amongst the most sought directors after back to back failures in the form of 'Deewanapan' and 'Sheesha'. Dia Mirza is the only noticeable name in the venture while Aadesh Srivastava's name gives the album some credibility. Rahul Seth and Nusrat Badr are the lyricists. 1. Sabse Alag (Two versions) [Kunal Ganjawala, Shaan, Hemachandra, Nihira Joshi, Gayatri Ganjawala] It's a soft and sober begining for 'Sabse Alag' that has as many as 5 singers (Kunal Ganjawala, Shaan, Hemachandra, Nihira Joshi, Gayatri Ganjawala) lending their vocals. HAUNTING is the word to describe the song that maintains a smooth pace throughout and is sung at a low decibel from start to finish. Musical instruments in the background too are minimum hence allowing the composer, lyricist and singers to hold the center stage for the music lovers to cherish the final product. A theme number about the principal character of the film who is truly 'different' from others, it has a distinct Indi-pop feel to it. Those who love to hear this genre of music would love hearing the song repeatedly, especially when the solo version by Kunal arrives after a gap. 2. Hai Junoon (Original and The DJ Suketu Mix) [Shaan, Vasundara Das] It's time to turn to rock from Indi-pop with 'Hai Junoon' that may not be the most original or different sounding when it comes to dance numbers but still manages to hold your interest after you have given it a few hearings. English portions in the number coupled with rap'n'reggae incorporation give this Shaan and Vasundara Das number an extra zing that makes 'Hai Junoon' a racy ride all the way. With DJ Suketu arriving on the scene with his remix version, it is always expected that the song would become much spicier. That truly turns out to be the case as club feel is pretty much prevalent in this snazzy remix. Much more entertaining and engaging than even the original, if promoted well it could well be heard playing in discs/pubs/clubs. 3. Apun Ki Toli [Shaan, Kailash Kher, Aadesh Shrivastav, Vasundara Das] When singers like Kailash Kher and Aadesh Srivastava join the scene with Shaan and Vasundara Das, one would have imagined a rioting outing. Sadly nothing like that happens in the case of 'Apun Ki Toli' that is just not the right fit in current Hindi movie scenario! When was the last time that you actually lapped on to a 'tapori' number? The singers try to do the impossible while Aadesh incorporates sound from day to day utility items but to little avail. A situational song that may prove to be a popcorn break for the audience! 4. Saanjh Ki Pighalti [Ujjaini, Anand Sharma, Krishna] After all the pop, rock and desi music comes a soulful love song that reminds of the musical score of nothing less than 'Utsav'. Remember the melody of 'Man Kyon Behka Re Behka'? Music belonging to similar genre and lyrics boasting of near similar class make a good melodious outing for music lovers when 'Saanjh Ki Pighalti' plays on. A song about waiting for one's loved on in the depressing atmosphere of late evening, it has newcomer Ujjaini making a good impression. She is well supported by Krishna and Anand Sharma who are heard giving background vocals. 5. The Soul Of Alag [Ujjaini, Hemachandra] When one reads the title as 'The Soul Of Alag', the impression is that this would be a theme track. But crediting of Ujjaini and Hemchandra makes one wonder if this is instead a song? The answers come to fore when one hears an extended aalap by Ujjaini. Supported by just an instrument or two in the background that play on a feeble sound, 'The Soul Of Alag' engrosses you thoroughly with its haunting appeal and as soon as heavy drum beats are heard, one realizes that this is a true Aadesh Srivastava composition! Remember his background score for war films like 'Border' and 'LOC Kargil'? Towards the latter half Hemachandra arrives on the scene to create a sound of pain and isolation that befits the mood of the lead protagonist. Aadesh Srivastava comes up with a decent score for a film that promises to be unconventional and first of its kinds. Except for 'Hai Junoon', he may not really have a chartbuster category song in his hand but even for the rest [except for 'Apun Ki Toli'], he creates a good situational soundtrack. Above average! |