Shukriya   Producer: Vibha - Ragini Director: Anupham Sinha Starring: Aftab Shivdasani, Shreya Saran, Anupum Kher Music: Vishal-Shekhar, Himesh Reshammiya, Raju Rao and De Lyrics: Sameer Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Paudwal, Kumar Sanu Audio On: T-Series    Number of Songs: 9 Album Released on: August 2004 Reviewed by: Rakesh Budhu  - Rating: 5.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Movie Review

It is no wonder T-Series is labeling itself the no.1 music company in India—they are releasing all of the soundtracks! In the tradition of smaller films comes Anupham Sinha’s “Shukriya” featuring Aftaab Shivdasani in another solo attempt with newcomer Shreya Saran. T-Series has opted for its mellifluous bouquet of composers to compose the usual jhankaar stuff here in this, another thriller. A film like this, despite being launched with great fanfare, could either go the “Murder” way and spring a surprise hit, or flop faster than it was filmed. But, as always, and particular if it intends to walk the way of the former Bhatt hit, music is imperative. And, like all T-Series soundtracks, experimentalism is not the operative word to describe Shukriya’s tunes. With four composers, only Himesh Reshammiya’s really stand out.

“Tumhara Tumhara”, the opener is ideal, but alas, typical of Himesh Reshammiya and Sameer. Taking the pair of Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, whom he knows how to utilize well in this thematic romantic tune, the song is catchy without going anywhere beyond our imaginations. For those loving these types of songs, once more, “Tumhara Tumhara” is certainly going to be a pleasurable listen.

Where experiment may be lacking, Vishal Shekhar come into the soundtrack to change the trend. The duo is well known more for their attempts at different tunes and “Maine Pooche Kudrat Se” is follows that trend minimally. Here they compose a track which keeps the thematic T-Series styled tune in mind but at the very least attempt to throw in a difference that is noticeable but not surmountable to the typical feel that exudes itself from the long song. Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal team up for a rare combination together and compliment each other well, particularly towards the latter part of the song where they both sing together. Though a bit lengthy, The lyrics for this song also stand out as a little different in comparison to your average love song, making the song just a little more than a filler. Kumar Sanu re-appears later for the slower, solemn version of the song titled “Dil Ai Dil”. That one is strictly filler.

Things get boring in Sonu Nigam’s solo “Tumhe Jitne Bhulate Hain” a rehash of many former songs by Himesh Reshammiya. The song is meant to emote strong feelings but all I could help thinking was, haven’t I heard this prior? Forget enjoyable this song really hits the listener with the same beat repetitiously.

Newcomer composer to Bollywood Devendra Yogendra tries to change the pace with “Ni Sohniye" the obligatory, to say the least, Punjab number on the album. This song too, paints an almost translucent picture of the album, is typical. It is hard to decipher how Yogendra expects to distinguish himself with such a typical, been there heard that composition, but the song has its moments and seems to be appearing at a grand moment in the film. It combines a variety of musical compilations for its interludes and Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan, aside from Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal, are nice to listen to.

“Aankhon Aankhon Mein” is the only song that sounds like any effort was placed into making it different and thus, it stands out as such. The song changes pace completely and is creative as well as dramatic. Sunidhi Chauhan and K.K. are perhaps the best things about the song—they are perfect choices for vocalists and have been utilized appropriately. The song is a bit dark and seems more film theme oriented than anything else on the album. Lyrically Sameer is effective but he can not escape the pyaar, even in this one. The synthetic intervals are irresistible and it is clear that good music comes from being creative, not redundant. A definite for the repeat button, and particularly for those that are into well composed dramatic songs.

Following is another Vishal-Shekhar composition, which expectedly, is less dramatic. “Kya Haal Is Mera Dil Ka”. This album surely takes the cake for longer song titles, but perhaps that was intended to make the songs sound a bit less familiar. Vishal-Shekhar are once again creative and stray from the typical composition here, though the regular feel of such a regular romantic song can almost not be escaped. Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik are decent in the tolerable tune. With this song, it is quite clear that Vishal Shekhar have made this soundtrack more of what has given it a listenable label. Reshammiya’s tunes are good but Vishal-Shekhar’s songs are both creative and good, certainly the better choice.

Surprisingly Sonu Nigam has another solo in the album that is not a sad version of a former track on the album. Devendra Yogendra composes "Leti Hai Yeh Zindagi". This is another emotional tune and Nigam is in form here. The song is laced with good orchestration capturing the right moods at the right times, even including a folksy interlude which adds to the feel that the song portrays.

Finishing off the nine song soundtrack is a theme track which is Raju Rao’s sole composition. Clearly a composer in training to compose film songs rather than instrumentals, his short contribution to the soundtrack is welcome. The breezy and light music almost makes it seem complete.

Despite having four composers, the music for Shukriya is regular barring Vishal Shekhar’s contribution. They are truly what makes this one soundtrack different from any other T-Series release. That is not to say ‘Shukriya’ is bad, for like many T-Series releases as of late, the soundtrack can be purchased and listened to more than once which is nice to encounter once in a while. The album is a bit more neatly knit than other T-Series soundtracks because of the little more variety in it which makes it worthy of a listener’s attention more than others.