MUSIC REVIEW OF VAAH! LIFE HO TOH AISI!
By Satyajit - Eye TV India Bureau
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It's between life and death, man and God, luck and love. Everybody exclaims "Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!" The fun-packed fiction 'VLHTA' arrives in Bollywood with inspirations from mystical Hollywood comical capers like 'Bruce Almighty' and 'Bedazzled'. It's a different ball game this time as the three-hour package comes out as funky roller coaster entertainer. The successful pairing of Shaahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao hits marquee in this film. After a couple of years from their first success they romance once again with the support of Sanjay Dutt in his exceptional presence. After 'VLHTA' the third coming together for Shaahid and Amrita Rao will be in John Mathan's 'Shikhar'. The pairing of deadly Dutt has been fabulous with Mahesh Manjrekar. Manjrekar's last offering 'Viruddh' was a tearjerker with social relevance with Big B, Sharmila Tagore, and John Abraham in the lead roles and Sanjay Dutt in guest appearance. This time he shifts his territory and changes gears into fun-frolicking entertainer with loads of child artistes. The character of Sanjay Dutt will be a surprise package as he plays "Yamraaj" (the God of Death). This modern "Yamraaj" comes out in the caricature of an urban youth doing humorous acts with protagonist Shaahid Kapoor. Himesh Reshammiya shows his yuppie and indifferent façade with these trendy and upbeat soundtracks. The high pitched "Hanuman Chalisa" will be a revelation from guest composer Ajay-Atul. Some leading soundtracks are remixed by leading DJ Akbar Sami to rock the dance floors! It will be Sameer's poetic lyrics once again that will be coagulated with rhythmical flow of music. This Sangeeta Ahir presentation has eight original soundtracks that can be heard on TIPS.
Side A has four original soundtracks with "Tere Yaad" and "Koi Aap Sa" promising to be a winner. Nostalgic memories ("yaadein") die hard and if it comes out with punchy and foot thumping musical concoctions it casts magic. "Tere Yaad…Yaad" is one beautiful track that gives mesmerizing feel with thunderous vocals of Jayesh Gandhi and KK. A typical party number with the duo enjoying every nostalgic moment they shared remembering their beloved. Sameer's lyrics are predictable but enthralling; and compassionate that lifts the spirit of the song. Jayesh Gandhi's voice has been used effectively by Reshammiya and provides enough punch and zest for the song. KK's modulating and effervescent voice promises entertainment with free-flowing rollicking music supporting well. The titillating musical effects with chirpy vocals work impressively as they culminate into brilliant entertaining soundtrack. Reshammiya starts off on a positive note with this chartbusting track and will be a sure shot winner. This track has been remixed by popular DJ Akbar Sami on the other side of the album with hip-hop effect.
Melody time comes in the second soundtrack "Pyar Mein Tere" with conventional Reshammiya beats and tunes. Sonu Nigam oozes out romantically engineered lyrics with yelling effect as he croons "Chashme-Baddor". Sameer's conventional lyrics come out effortlessly epitomizing lover's heart-warming feel. Shreya Ghoshal sings briefly along with Sonu as the soundtrack ends. It's an above average soundtrack with Reshammiya branded music. If the memories of 'Tere Naam' melodies are in your mind then you can predict that this presentation comes from the same clan. Reshammiya's favorite Udit Narayan along with Shreya Ghoshal sings "Chahenge Tumhe" with their usual style. There is nothing new but something to cherish for composer's fans with the same musical arrangements supporting the soundtrack. If properly choreographed it can be a winner and one hopes it to be. The "Feel good factor" comes out with cheering and whistling as Kunal Ganjawala pumps out magical emotions in "Koi Aap Jaisa". It's encouraging, and heartening with fun-frolicking tempo. It's once again Jayesh Gandhi's loud vocals along with softening Madhushree voice symbolizing grit and determination. This "happy go lucky" metaphors the theme of the film by echoing out "Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi!". This situational soundtrack has been thematically composed and provides full entertainment.
Side B has four original soundtracks with spiritually brilliant "Hanuman Chalisa" and a couple of foot-tapping remix soundtracks. Pure, mystical and pristinely spiritual "Hanuman Chalisa" is welcome once again within a span of one month in Bollywood. The flying God's magical powers are worshipped worldwide and this time Ajay-Atul's impressive musical rendition adds grace. Vocally ecstatic Shanker Mahadevan along with Ajay churns out the longest soundtrack of the album. Loud and high pitched orchestration is supplied with the desired phrases and verses to give overwhelming effects. Every "Hindu" will be treasuring it. Like the success of 'Hanuman' it is expected to give value for their money. "Hanuman Chalisa" in the album 'Hanuman' has the same daunting effects with Vijay Prakash's vocals. Manjrekar's last release 'Viruddh' has one soundtrack "Shree Ganesha Dheemahi" in praise and adulation of Lord Ganesha. It was a success and like that it will be a hit. Spiritually great!!!
Udit Narayan shines in perfectly perceptible and soulful track which encapsulates melody and rhythm in the soundtrack "Dil Ke Maare Hain". Udit shines once again in typical Reshammiya soundtrack with modulating and titillating effect. Alka Yagnik fills the space for the feminine counterpart impressively and fits the slot well. It starts off impressively and ends up well.
Remix! Remix!! Remix!!! … For a change it comes with Arabic musical traditional feel in the "Pyar Mein Tere - club mix". The word "Chashme-Baddor" along with lyrics is aggravated with frenetic and chaotic musical arrangements. DJ Akbar Sami clubs Arabic musical stuffing with brimming Bollywood magic. DJ's have one more soundtrack to their credit and another follows in succession.
Like traditional remix number one line "Tere Yaad" gets echoed and modulated to give a thumping start to soundtrack "Tere Yaad..Yaad - love mix". The rigorous rap effect, bhangra clapping with the vocals of KK and Jayesh Gandhi make you twirl and dance. The original and remix soundtracks have been finely garnished with ingredients that will make pop genre drool over them.
The 'VLHTA' album can be termed as above average with a couple of soundtracks like "Tere Yaad.. Yaad" promising entertainment… Himesh Reshammiya's last musical releases 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' and 'Koi Aap Sa' were hits and this album will certainly not disappoint his fans.