Taxi No. 9211   Producer: Ramesh Sippy Director: Milan Luthria Starring: Nana Patekar, John Abraham, Sameera Reddy, Sonali Kulkarni, Shivaji Satam, Ritesh Deshmukh, Kurush Deboo Music: Vishal and Shekhar Lyrics: Dev Kohli Singers: Bappi Lahri, Adnan Sami, Kunal Ganjawalla, Shaan, K.K., Shekhar Ravjiani, Sunidhi Chauhan, Harshdeep and Vishal Dadlani Audio On: SaReGaMa    Number of Songs: 8 Album Released on: 27 January 2006 Reviewed by: Aakash Gandhi  - Rating: 8.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Movie Review

Promotional music videos seem to be the biggest thing with films lately. Most recently, Bluffmaster’s Right Here Right Now was used to promote the film and it was a major success! Furthermore, “Chuckmaster” Rohan Sippy and Vishal-Shekhar join hands once again for yet another promotional music video in the Milan Luthria directed Taxi No. 9211, starring Nana Patekar, John Abraham and Sameera Reddy in lead roles.

Rohan Sippy has roped in the trend-setting duo of Vishal-Shekhar to compose all the songs this time. It’s safe to say that V-S are finally back on track with their last full-fledged soundtrack, Home Delivery, their Right Here Right Now, in Bluffmaster, and their three compositions in Zinda. These guys have reached a high for a reason: Charismatic composition with a twist! That’s right; these guys can take any kind of music and put their own special twist on it to bring you something you probably haven’t heard before. Taxi No. 9211 is no different, as it showcases their innovative skill of versatility yet again. The lyrics are written by Dev Kohli and Vishal Dadlani himself.

Let’s waste no time and get straight to the number that has got the media turning heads and as of February 8th, will have all of India in frenzy! Meter Down, rendered by Adnan Sami is the piece that will be featured in the music video that is scheduled for airing on Feb. 8. The video actually has Nana Patekar, as a taxi driver, dancing alongside some vivacious lasses. How’s that for a twist! Nonetheless, V-S have created a wonderful composition that has Adnan singing like he’s never sung before! If you think you’ve heard all of Adnan Sami in his romantic pop albums, then you’re in for a very pleasant surprise! And the music is as pleasing as the vocals. Vishal writes for a non-romantic piece this time and succeeds once again. This track also appears later on in the form of a Rock n Roll Mix by Guru Sharma. Even if you don’t want to listen to this track it’s going to be all over the T.V. So get to liking it!

Next up we have one of my favorite pieces, Aazmaale Aazmaale. Ever since I heard Chaha (Supari) I loved Shekhar Ravjiani’s voice. It’s a shame we don’t get to hear more of him. Fortunately, he’s featured in his own composition with this track and does a fantastic rendition. The sweet melody combined with the heavy composition make for a beautiful track. I love the inclusion of the guitar, as it makes for an even sweeter listen. Dev Kohli impresses with his lyrics on acceptance, as he refrains from following any clichés. A simply marvelous piece!

Bappi Lahri makes a rare feature appearance in Boombai Nagariya. This one took a few listens to grow on me, but after a few exposures, the song is quite entertaining. Although Lahri’s rendition isn’t really anything to talk about, the Nana Patekar dialogues and Vishal’s lyrics are. Vishal also makes a limited appearance with his reggaeish vocals. Give this one a chance; it will eventually earn a place on your play list. This appears as a Club Mix by Guru Sharma as well.

Next up we have the light ballad by Shaan in Bekhudi. Shaan picks up right where he left off in his superb pop album Tishnagi. For lovers of soft ballad numbers, this one is a sure winner. When Shaan is present, vocal prowess is a given. But V-S’s composition is also quite impressive in its simplicity. They don’t flood the piece at all and only allow the powerful play of the electric guitar when appropriate. Dev Kohli writes on the uncertainty of tomorrow. Bekhudi is a lovely piece, and deserves attention from one and all.

Udne Do is the one track the pales in comparison to the rest of the songs. Vishal-Shekhar have earned the nickname “Techno Wizards,” but this isn’t one of the reasons why. Although it’s not bad, it doesn’t look that good when placed next to the likes of some other songs in Taxi No. 9211. Kunal Ganjawala sounds normal. Harshdeep (last heard with Vishal-Shekhar in Karame) is the best part of the song with her Punjabi interludes. I guess the reason this song fails is because V-S don’t provide much variability in the music. This causes the piece to drag. Kohli’s lyrics don’t help the piece much either. This track may make a few limited appearances at clubs for a short period of time.

I’ve saved the best for last with Ek Nazar Mein Bhi. This is simply a phenomenal track and by far the best of this very young 2006. It draws a parallel to V-S’s earlier tune in Dus, Saamne Aati Ho Tum, but has its own fantastic qualities. I could go on and on about the composition, but it does no justice to Vishal and Shekhar if I simply list the qualities of their music. Go listen to it! K.K. sounds so phenomenal that I didn’t even recognize it was him during my first exposure. Sunidhi Chauhan is excellent in her limited role. Songs don’t get much fresher than this! Vishal carries the trend of quality into the lyrical department, as he re-writes romance with a great twist. Final Verdict: A sparkling number that does nothing but dazzle!

Taxi No. 9211 is the best soundtrack of the year so far. The filmi music scene seems to be conquered currently by some of the youngest sensations: Vishal-Shekhar, Pritam, Shantanu Moitra, and Salim-Suleiman. If the music is any indication, then Taxi No. 9211 should be one hell of an entertaining film. Enjoy!