Music review: Bhool Bhulaiya

You might have had a sneak peak of the trailers sailing across several desi channels. Bhool Bhulaiya is a remake of a malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu, which brought the very talented actress and dancer Shobhana, a national award. Incidentally, Shobhana is in the USA, at this moment on a tour and is performing a dance item named "MAYA" in the classical Bharatanatyam style. She just finished her program in Seattle, during Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday)/Labor day weekend. The movie Manichitrathazhu was so successful that it apparently ran straight for more than 600 days. It was remade in Telugu and Kannada as well in the following years. Bollywood is catching up with it and voila, we have Bhool Bhulaiya.

OK, I got a little lost in the Bhool Bhulaiya and almost went into Shobana's biography but, coming back to the album review for Bhool Bhulaiya. The album, composed by Pritam, whisked with Sameer's lyrics, has 7 original compositions and 4 remixes.  The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Shiney Ahuja, Vidya Balan, Amisha Patel, Paresh Rawal and is directed by Priyadarshan.  The group is promising.
Bhool Bhulaiya
Sung by Neeraj Sridhar. This guy reminds me of the song "Kya Soorat hai" from Bombay Vikings. Is he the same singer? This track definetely stands out in the album, albiet with the risk of sounding similar to the Bhagambhag title song. Exact same beats and bears a similar composition. However, Pritam scores an A with this very peppy track. Hare Raam Hare Krishna, modern day hippies anyone? I happened to see the visual for this song  and there is plenty of boot scootin' boogie in it, with chartbuster written all over. The remix sounds almost the same except for few rap lyrics, and is equally enjoyed.
Labon ko
Picturised on Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan. KK smoothly slips into the song and takes you with him effortlessly. A very hearty and passionate love song and it is a Shiney signature song. It was a feast to watch his infectious smile in this song. The lead guitar work is amazing and the track offers absolut-honeydew appeal in the interludes. Vocals are subdued in the remix version and it killed the soul of the song.
Sajda
KK comes back with a little pep but, the song is a beaten up bush. The composition neither has any first time impact nor, the potential to grow with you after. KK however, puts up a sincere show. DJ Suketu's remix is annoying and hurts your ear in the first few seconds.

Lets rock soniye
Whether you rock a soniye or roll a soniye or balle balle with a soniye, all the soniyes look the same to me. Surprisingly, Shaan gets to croon only one song and that too the very standard dhinchik dhinchik bolly track in the album. Tulsi Kumar joins him with her thinly stretched vocals which definetely do not match Shaan's punch poured passion. Well, the song will sure find its place in weddings, as folks get bored with the soniyes rocking earlier. A remix version with some background noise added, is also in.
Sakhiya
Tulsi Kumar confronts us, with apparently a love song. A very disappointing, last millenium sounding track with some forced beats into it. Tulsi struggles to bring her vocals up to the volume. You may safely skip it.
Mere dholna
Just when you decide to christen Pritam as a rock genre composer, he takes you by awe. Wow ! I must say it has been a long long time since I heard something classical in Bollywood films and that too, this well made. I have not been a Shreya Ghosal fan ever, although I sincerely agree that she has a very sweet voice. Not only taken in by surprise, one can't help, but admire the challenge she takes on with this track and proves her talent with every word.
Music maestro MG Shree Kumar compliments her vocals with his Sargam and there aren't enough words to describe his performance. His sargam at the end of the song, the speed in its superlative degree, just leaves you with a gasp. MG Shree Kumar is a very talented vocalist from South Indian cinema who won many many state and national awards for Best Play back singer.
Alla Hafiz
KK swings back with this zesty track. This track is mildly accented middle eastern and Pritam goes back to his pop style. This song is perfect for a road trip, very groovy. I was a little concerned to play anything after Mere Dholna just to keep that lingering effect but, the track did not disappoint me. Encore is promised.
The album had 4 appealing tracks to me (Title, Labon ko, Alla Hafiz and Mere Dholna) and I almost forgave the few mediocre tracks and uninspiring remixes after listening Mere Dholna. The album has my ***1/2 stars while Mere Dholna gets my full score for the pure artwork.