Reviewed by: Mandeep Bahra
mandeep@indolink.com

This film started life with the title RAFTAAR, and a star cast consisting of Sunjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar and Tabu. Along with the subsequent title change, Sunjay has been replaced by Sunil Shetty. These facts will probably not make a difference to the music of the film which is disappointingly average.

Anu Malik churns out what seems to be one of his ‘stock formula’ compositions for the opening track. "Mujhse Milti Hai Ek Ladki Rozana" is quite engaging and Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik are in fine form. However, the song lacks freshness and meanders along to a predictable ending. This song will probably rise to the top of the charts but in years to come, it is likely to be confused with sundry other Anu Malik love songs.

Udit and Alka work their magic on "Sunzara" as well, and make it worth listening to. Anu Malik is certainly being bold with this composition: he has ripped off the same English tune that was pilfered by Bappi Lahiri two decades ago in the film ARMAAN. Did Anu think we wouldn’t notice?! I guess Anu is living by the words of his hit tune, "Chori mein bhi hai maza…".

Anu does redeem himself somewhat with "Jab Bhi Koi Haseena". This track makes you sit up and take notice! Great arrangements with an array of different musical styles, from pop to Latin American, make this song a winner. Pity about Sameer’s weird lyrics, "Chhana chhan chhana nanoo" (????), what’s that all about! Newcomer, K. Krishna Kumar doesn’t let the inane lyrics ruin his fun (and neither should you), as he sings with total conviction. Kumar sounds like a cross between Abhijeet and Shankar Mahadevan, which is definitely a compliment.

What was Sameer thinking with the next track, "Main Ladki Pom Pom Pom" ? The lyrics here are not just inane, they’re positively cringe-worthy! Anu stoops to stealing tunes from the ‘50’s (particularly, "Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu" and "Eena Meena Deeka") to create a mild rock ‘n’ roll number. Kavita Krishnamurthy does her best Geeta Dutt impression while Abhijeet travels down the ‘Kishore Kumar’ path. Unfortunately, this path leads the listener straight to the fast-forward button!

Abhijeet, Hariharan and Vinod Rathod team up for two tracks. The first is "Denewala" in which the trio sing for joy because it’s ‘raining money’ (I sense that’s supposed to be a metaphor). The second track once again displays Sameer’s talent for ‘inventing’ new languages and carries the hideous title, "Humba Leela". Exercise those nimble fingers ladies and gentlemen and hit those fast-forward buttons as hard and fast as you can!

Lalit Sen and Bally Sagoo then treat us to two versions of "Tun Tunak Tun". Both versions are rhythmic and layered with various percussion instruments creating striking arrangements. Sadly, the singing by Richa Sharma is very mediocre; all the more disappointing as Richa was most impressive in "Ni Main Samajh Gayi" from TAAL.

I hope Priyadarshan’s film has a mind-blowing story because the music is not going to be it’s strong point. Priyadarshan has come up with some memorable films in the past such as GARDISH and VIRASAT, but based on the music I doubt HERA PHERI will be as powerful.