Khakee Music Review

 

  
A movie can't get bigger than this. Producer Keshu and director Raj Kumar Santoshi have created a casting coup in Khakee by managing to bring the Big A's - Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai sharing the same stage. Addition to the company are Tushar Kapoor (who replaced the other A - Akshaye Khanna) and Jaya Pradha, who makes a sort of comeback (we are ready to forget Bharat Bhagya Vidhata !!) At last we see a movie promo that has an experienced director at it's helm - Raj Kumar Santoshi who has an enviable record of biggies like Ghayal, Damini, Ghatak, Andaz Apna Apna, China Gate, Pukar, Lajja and The Legend of Bhagat Singh behind him. Expectations are manifold from this Santoshi flick that has Lara Dutta in a guest appearance, Sameer as the lyricist and new-find Ram Sampat at the hot seat for composing an entire album.

 Freshness in the first-ever pairing of Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai is already making the rounds and the track 'Waada Raha' more than helps the cause. A lingering melody, it starts off as a regulation love song in the first hearing but registers an impact after played for a couple of times. A fine tune in totality, what sets is apart are the very good vocals of newcomer Arnab Chakravorty who impresses with his very first Bollywood number. His smooth and delicate vocals are a treat to hear to and now-so-popular Shreya Goshal compliments her well. She suits Ash to the T and lends credibility to the entire song.

No wonder that the song is repeated as a duet by Udit Narayan and Shreya Goshal and as a sad solo by Sonu Nigam. In the slow version, one does expect Sonu's voice to undergo a typical cracking modulation (as he does deliberately in most of the tracks !!) but surprisingly he refrains himself from doing so this time around.

'Youn Hi Tum Mujhse Pyaar Karte Raho' follows soon and sustains the tempo that has been built up by now. Another melody by the pair of Sonu Nigam and Shreya Goshal that impresses.

'Upar Waale' by Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh and Kunal comes thereafter which is an intense title song about the respect for one's 'vardi' and duty. A number about how the passion for duty drives the men in uniform, it should most probably find its place during the title rollout of the movie. 'Mere Maula' is another situational slow track about the worship of almighty. Richa Sharma's vocals are clear whereas Kailash Kher lends adequate support.

 From hereon begins the real fun with two rocking numbers in quick succession - 'Aisa Jadoo' and 'Dil Dooba'. Pure masala tracks all the way, they are the tracks that deserves the title - 'complete paisa vasool'. 'Aisa Jadoo' is already creating waves with lovable Lara Dutta wearing the best (and the most innovative) of costumes and the sets being gigantic to say the least. One can smell the amount of money that may have gone in getting just this single song in place, what with lavish sets, flashy costumes, excellent lighting and the works. Especially check out the 'forest' set with green trees in the background. Simply amazing. Lara Dutta just sizzles and proves her capabilities in her first ever stage-item song. Sunidhi Chauhan delivers once again proving her mettle as a front line singer in the 21st century and Ram Sampat amazes with his capabilities as a composer - great sounds, orchestra and musical arrangements. A winner all the way!

'Dil Dooba' is another catchy and a youthful song with a great fusion of Punjabi 'iktara', reggae and rap. Full marks to the composer, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Goshal for making this interesting composition. An instant hit as soon as the promos hit the tube. Remixes of both these tracks are superb and designed especially for the dance floors, with the typical DJ act woven in.

One is amazed to see the immense talent Ram Sampat demonstrates that its difficult to imagine Khakee is his first attempt. He composes a peppy 'Aisa Jaadoo' with same gusto as the romantic 'Waada Raha' and catchy 'Dil Dooba'. Khakee spells variety and delivers without depending on the chacha-chachis and mama-mamis dancing in the background. It has enough ingredients to sell well on it's own merits.