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 Whether SUNDAY has enough to pull the audiences in will remain a mystery. However, names like Shibani Kashyap, Sandeep Chowta, Raghav Sachar, Suroor, and Daler Mehndi on the soundtrack's cover are easily enough to attract music lovers from all corners of the globe. SUNDAY provides one of the more diverse and varied soundtracks you'll come across this year, with regards to the artists associated with it. Speaking on the varied talents involved, the film's director, Rohit Shetty, said, "Different songs require different ingredients and skills, which are best brought together by different people. Every song required something unique, and that's the reason we roped in five music directors." Let's have a look and see if SUNDAY can close the year 2007 out on a musical high...
Sandeep Chowta is a name many are familiar with, yet rarely get to hear on the Hindi Film Music scene. Missing Sunday marks his sole contribution and it's a disappointing one. The hip-hop arrangements are a fresh break from the club beats of Pritam/Himesh; however, they make way for some questionable vocals and a dragged melody. Vocals by Suraj and Mahua Kamath are bland and unable to raise the piece out of monotony. Points go to Chowta for coming out of his regular acoustic bubble and shifting genres, but the experimentation doesn't pay off. The remix version is even worse than the original. Pakistani band Suroor makes a filmi debut with the soothing Pyar To Hona Hi Hai. Following up Missing Sunday isn't exactly the most difficult of tasks, yet Suroor give us a glimpse of what we're all missing with their 12-string guitar riffs flowing below the soft rock rhythm. Icing on the cake is a breezy and soothing melody courtesy vocalists Kamran Bari and Mohammad Ali. Bari's lyrics are romantically spiritual and nicely complete the musical trinity. Quite surprisingly, the Remixed version by Tanav-Gaurav is extremely enjoyable. While adding the usual rapid dance beats, the track still succeeds in harnessing the original beauty and quality. Verdict: An out-and-out winner that deserves a spot high up on your playlist. Daler Mehndi's Loot Liya is a high-flying racy duet that will surely have you shaking a leg or two within a minute of exposure. There is some northern flavor with the dhols serving as the soul of the rhythm. Sunidhi Chauhan and Mehndi's duet is a perfect combo when transposed on top of the harmony. And although the ingredients of this number seem rudimentary and unordinary, the result is surprisingly unique. Lyrics by Mehndi and Farhad-Sajid are nothing to write home about since lyrics are clearly not the main focus here. Verdict: A great situational number that is sure to get your heart pumping and body thumping.
After making a tremendous debut with 2006's Kabul Express, Raghav Sachar is back and in brilliant form with Manzar, arguably the best that SUNDAY has to offer. The piece is just explosive from the very get-go! The intrusion of ambiance and electronic mixing, coupled with vivid instrumentation with the electronic guitar and sax make this composition blossom from all angles. And as much life and flavor has been injected into the musical arrangements, the focus still magically remains with Raghav's addictive vocals which have been electronically altered with a gentle hand. And of course the heart and soul of any track - its melody - is unbelievably addictive. Bravo to Raghav for exploring his grounds to an extent I didn't think possible. Trivia: The item numbers of Kashmaksh and Manzar are estimated to have cost 3.25 crores! So watch out! Also, the label has incorrectly credited Mahua Kamath and Suraj as the singers instead of Raghav. Amar Mohile makes a brief entrance with his Sunday Theme, rendered by Clinton Cerejo and Joy. The track doesn't carry much critical appeal, but it wasn't meant to. Amar Mohile is a veteran background scorer, and that's what Sunday's Theme track is meant to serve as - a background piece. It should be interesting to see this track unfold on the big screen. Yes, SUNDAY does close 2007 out with a musical success. Director Rohit Shetty could not have asked for a more assorted group of compositions. Although Sandeep Chowta, Daler Mehndi, and Shibani Kahyap, with her progressive new-age sounds, are expected to deliver quality, Raghav Sachar and Suroor surprise us with their musical maturity and sense of style. Go grab a copy of SUNDAY's soundtrack, it has a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Aakash Gandhi is Managing Editor and Senior Writer for Planetbollywood.com. He also freelances for the Asian Variety Show at avstv.com.
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It always brings a smile to my face when I see Shibani Kashyap credited next to a track. The woman is so talented, you never know what to expect. To catch a glimpse of some of her best work, dim the lights and listen to Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa (Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II) or Sehlenge Hum (1971). Here, we have a bit more mainstream Kashyap showing up in Kashmaksh. The track may take its time to grown on you, but her unconventional vocals, meddled with the riveting rhythm make for a pleasing experience. Albeit not her best work, Kashmaksh is one of the better item numbers you'll be seeing on the big screen in 2008 - featuring Esha Deol. The remixed reprise by DJ Suketu and Aks (arranger) is not your regular remix. The piece has been altered with thought and although it doesn't add much to the original, it doesn't detract from it either.
