Rok Sako To Rok Lo   Producer: Planman Life Director: Arindam Chaudhari Starring: Sunny Deol, Namrata Shirodkar, Yash Pandit, Manjari Phadnis, Caran Kapur, Aparna Kumar. Music: Jatin - Lalit Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi Singers: Abhijeet, Alka Yagnik, Babul Supriyo, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Lalit Pandit and Ishaan Audio On: Sa Re Ga Ma    Number of Songs: 7 Album Released on: October 2004 Reviewed by: Shahid Khan  - Rating: 8.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review

"Rok Sako To Rok Lo" is one of those films that does not have many big names so it is relying heavily on promotion. And for promotion to work, a good film soundtrack is often necessary. Thankfully, this album has plenty of hummable tunes that should prove to be very popular. The movie is a college tale and fresh-faced teenagers are playing the students. More established faces such as Sunny Deol and Namrata Shirodkar pitch in with extended special appearances.

While I was not a big fan of the "Hum Tum" soundtrack, I was glad that it did well for

Jatin-Lalit´s sake. They must have been very encouraged by this success and so "Rok Sako To Rok Lo" has them on even better musical form.

The title song, "Rok Sako To Rok Lo" does remind you of "Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar" ("Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar"). That song was also composed by J-L and has the same theme. So, maybe comparisons between the two numbers are going to be inevitable. I prefer the latter but the title song of "RSTRL" is very hummable. As a theme song, it is catchy and full of joie de vivre. Shaan, Babul Supriyo, Shreya Ghoshal, Lalit Pandit and

Ishaan contribute with bouncy renditions.

Absolutely loveable is "Nazron Ka Yaarana". Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan really get into the youthful mood of college campus love. Their enthusiastic renditions evoke mirth and masti. This is one of those tunes that rely on the chantings of "rabba haye rabba" to end the main verse. Don´t be alarmed though as this is not another meaningless bhangra track. "Rabba" might be an over-used word in Hindi film songs but this number still manages to sound fresh. Actually, the "rabba haye rabba" bit is a welcome part of the tune as it really pumps the tempo up.

Elaborating on the theme song is "Yaaron Sun Lo". Abhijeet makes the song sound magical with his warm and tender voice. "Yaaron Sun Lo" is another jewel to add to the growing list of Abhijeet-JL gems after their songs in "Haasil" and "Chalte Chalte". This is an extension of the title song but it is a more romantic version and the tune has been modified. The humming of "rok sako to rok lo" by the chorus is pleasing to listen to. The whole song has a dreamy feel to it and the chorus add a grand aspect to it. It sounds like it comes at an important moment in the movie.

"Haan Mujhe Thaam Le" is pleasant enough and will be liked by those looking for a melodious love duet.

Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo take to the microphones for this one. The composition is trademark Jatin-Lalit style and does show a little influence by their idol, R.D. Burman. The instrumentation is good but I feel that J-L could have toned it down a little. In parts of the song, when Alka and Babul hum the main verse, violins play loudly in the background, which create for a slightly jarring effect. This is only a minor quibble though as it is still a likeable love duet.

An even better love duet is "Jaane Kise". Queen of love duets, Alka Yagnik appears again, this time with Shaan in tow. Speaking of love... I´ve fallen in love with this song! Alka and Shaan draw you into their charming world of romance with their alluring and mellifluous voices. Prasoon Joshi has written good lyrics for all the songs but here he perfectly captures the wonderment of waiting for true love to happen. The instrumentation here is much better than in the previous track as the composition flows along effortlessly and blissfully.

After all the cheerful and effervescent romance songs, it is time to cry a little bit. "Tera Gham" is the only weak one on the album. Oh, it is not terrible or anything like that. Maybe because it is placed next to such good songs that the weaknesses of the track stand out a bit more.

Sonu Nigam (who lends his voice to this one with Alka) seems to have become the permanent choice for sad songs. "Tera Gham" is not memorable but as a gap-filler on the album, it is just alright.

The soundtrack rounds off with the sad version of "Yaaron Sun Lo". Abhijeet is on his own without the chorus for company (but the chorus do come for a special "aaah" at the end). His rendition is suitably moving.

You may have avoided this soundtrack because the film lacks star value. But give it a try; most of the songs are definitely worth a listen!