Producer: Anjum Rizvi
Director: Tigmannshu Dhulia
Starring: Uday Chopra, Jimmy Shergill, Namrata Shirodkar, Hrishita Bhatt & Irfan Khan
Music: Raju Singh
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar & Tigmannshu Dhulia
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Soumya Raoh, Hariharan, Chitra, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Kumar Sanu & Alka Yagnik
Audio On: Sa Re Ga Ma
Number of Songs: 6
Released in: 2004
Reviewed by: Mandeep Bahra
Reviewer's Rating: 8 out of 10
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After the limited success of Haasil, Tigmannshu Dhulia follows it up with Charas, and gives it the tag line, "A ‘Joint’ Effort". Thankfully, this corny pun is not indicative of the soundtrack so you can listen to Javed Akhtar and Raju Singh’s creations without fear.

"Yeh Dhuan" can’t be praised enough! This is the sexiest number to emerge from a film soundtrack this year. Raju Singh has come up with a wonderfully zestful tune and a foot-tapping rhythm that will have you reaching for the ‘repeat’ button more than once. The singing is impeccable, although I’m doubtful that the audio company have credited the right singer. Mahalaxmi Iyer gets the credit but the sultry tones that permeate the catchy tune sound more like Soumya Raoh’s. Nevertheless, the song is a definite winner!

Not to be outdone, Sunidhi Chauhan blows us away with her rustic rendition of "Bambhole". The music incorporates many styles making it a true fusion number. Listen out for the Irish folk sounds in the background - Genius!

Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu certainly rise to the occasion as the duo get their most noteworthy number in a long time. Javed Akhtar pulls out all the stops for the poetic, "Sulgay Hue Hain" and the result is remarkable. Raju Singh’s soothing music flows effortlessly creating another repeat worthy track.

"Tumhen Arpan" is another soothing track but pales a little in comparison to "Sulgay Hue Hain". Hariharan and Chitra are still impressive with their singing but the tune isn’t as ear-friendly as the previous numbers.

Shaan and Sonu Nigam go head to head for the upbeat, "Hum Hain Deewane". Both singers flex their vocal cords to their fullest and lift this average number to an enjoyable status. There is nothing groundbreaking about this song but it is worth listening to, if only to hear these two talented singers together.

Tigmannshu Dhulia provides the lyrics for the title track, "Charas" and Javed Akhtar’s absence is very noticeable. However, Soumya Raoh’s steaming vocals and Raju Singh’s techno sounds make the number an enjoyable affair.

Raju Singh is definitely evolving as a composer. From Paagalpan to Satta and now Charas, he just keeps getting better. Raju is certainly a composer to watch out for in the future.