Mumbai Matinee   Producer: Pritish Nandy Communications Director: Anant Balani Starring: Rahul Bose, Saurabh Shukla, Vijay Raaz, Kaabir, Asrani and Perizaad Zorabian Music: Anand Raj Anand and Farhad Wadia Lyrics: Dev Kohli and Milap Zaveri Singers: K.K, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Saswati, Kunal Ganjawala, Abbey, Sukhreen, Joe Alvares and Farhad Wadia Audio On: Times Music    Number of Songs: 8 Album Released on: July 2003 Reviewed by: Gaurav Malani  - Rating: 7.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Movie Review

Yet another crossover film about a 34 year old virgin, who accidentally becomes an overnight B grade movie star (supposedly no resemblance to The Guru). The music is as different as the theme of the film.

The album opens with "Loot Gaye", by guest composer Anand Raj Anand (who surprisingly gets a higher billing on the album cover than the debutante main composer, Farhad Wadia, of course for commercially viable reasons). Newcomer singer Saswati

effortlessly induces a sensuous touch to this not-so-heavy item number.

The remaining album brings in a big surprise not only through its unheard singers but also for its bold lyrics and unconventional Hollywood kind of tunes. A pleasant surprise though. "Sex Is Good" (did that lift your eyebrows?) is a track about deciding the limit of love-making. Composed as a fast paced rock number it has excellent use of electric guitar, somewhat in the mould of Deep Purple’s Highway Star. KK’s smooth and flawless English rendition makes it all the more exciting.

"Shame" is about the protagonist seized by guilt pangs for his love-making desires (again). A deliberately hoarse sounding Joe Alvares is supported by a sensuous chorus here.

A remix version of Bappi Lahiri’s ´Bumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost´ (from yesteryear’s film

Aap Ki Khatir) also makes an appearance. Sung by Abbey and Sukhreen in a Konkani accent, it’s remixed by DJ Narayan to a Goan flavour. The lyrics though, are altered to suit the theme of the film.

"Tu" appears in three versions - main and sad (by Kunal Ganjawala) and an English version (as You by Shaan). A slow love track, it’s good but doesn´t cast a lasting impression.

"Yeh Hai Mumbai" by Sonu Nigam, is the only below average track of this album about life and living in Mumbai.

The innovative, unusual and bold lyrics throughout the album by Milap Zaveri (who also penned the dialogues for Kaante) deserve a special mention.

Mumbai Matinee breaks most music rules of Bollywood and to good effect. Those interested in hatke stuff must surely give this a try. The squeamish should stay away.