Victory   Producer: Manmohan Shetty, Ajitpal Mangat Director: Ajitpal Mangat Starring: Harman Baweja, Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover, Dilip Tahil, Brett Lee Music: Anu Malik Lyrics: Syed Gulrez, Amitabh Varma Singers: Anushka Manchandani, Krishna, Sukhwinder Singh, Daler Mehndi, K.K, Kailash Kher, Shaan, Dibyendu Mukherji, Sonu Nigam, Suresh Wadkar, Sudesh Bhosle, Altaf Raja, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Sumitra Iyer Audio On: T-Series    Number of Songs: 7 Album Released on: 26 December 2008 Reviewed by: Gianysh Toolsee  - Rating: 5.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Movie Review

If the veteran composer did hit the right notes with Love Story 2050 and unfortunately went completely unnoticed due to this rapidly changing taste of listeners and new sounds emerging out of every upcoming composer’s studios, he returns to his traditional style in Victory. To be realistic, do not expect numbers which will rock! Victory is a small film and Harman Baweja is yet to prove himself as a star. The composer did not waste any mind-blowing tunes in this venture.

Never doubt the capacity of K.K as the singer! Aisa Toh Socha Na Tha is the perfect song for the accomplished singer to show his diverse range in singing; expressing profound emotions at places and rendering accurately with the pace of the music, which is soothing. Anu Malik seriously neglects the tune here – providing listeners with rotten pieces of his old ‘stanzas’. Even the reprise of K.K in the ‘antara’ is utterly predictable. Amitabh Varma’s lyrics are passable. With a poor tune, an average orchestration and good singing, the song does not deliver at all. The same team which delivered the ever-green title song of Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai is off the mark here. What is needed to bring the magic back? An answer is needed. Anyone?

While it’s not easy to create a song displaying patriotism and the team spirit in one track, the composer tries hard with Balla Utha Chhakka Laga. Sukhwinder Singh and Daler Mehndi inject the Punjabi flavour and that’s it. Yes, beyond the catchy two lines ‘Balla Utha’ and ‘Chhakka Laga’ which are repeated in an endless mode, it does not offer much. Both singers are wasted among the repetitive lines and beats. Sukhwinder Singh’s alaaps are not convenient and Daler Mehndi’s high pitched renderings are going nowhere. Because cricket is the theme, a chorus is heard in the background, replicating the fun in a crowded stadium. Only the amazing picturization can save this song from drowning.

‘Maaza’ at last arrives in the form of Maaza Aa Gaya – a complete Anu Malik entertainer from start to finish. Sonu Nigam, Suresh Wadkar, Sudesh Bhosle, Altaf Raja, Mahalakshmi Iyer and Sumitra Iyer rock! Let’s get this straight – ‘Maaza Aa Gaya’ is a song to be enjoyed. Yes, it does bring some memories of old Anu Malik’s songs but once the flute is played in the middle, it changes the whole perception of the track. Sudesh Wadkar’s soft voice is such a delight to listen. Sonu Nigam and Altaf Raja just add more ‘masti’ to the track – which is fast-paced with music from the harmonium and a highly involved orchestra. Amit Kumar is greatly missed in this number. Silly as it may sound at first listen, this Syed Gulrez’s written number is catchy! Play it again!

Nothing can save Money Money except for a sizzling item number in a club and some fresh flesh! Anu Malik can sometimes be a naughty taxi driver who takes wrong routes to reach his destination. Anushka Manchandani’s club-ready voice is engaging to the point that it is the only factor keeping this song alive. The techno beats are programmed to supposedly accompany the voices but ultimately turn out to be disastrous in every sense. If Krishna wanted to scream so much, he should not be paid to do this in this soundtrack. One only wishes that a little more effort was put to make this song a money spinner.

Syed Gulrez and Anu Malik finally make a good song! Alright it has a nostalgic feel to it of the tunesmith's hits, but Tu Ne Re is an honest song with Shaan at his best romantic mood. Though short, the track requires repeated listening to catch one’s attention. With the guitar and the piano as the main instruments, Anu Malik manages to create a right balance with the orchestration and singing.

The title song is no victory for the team behind the venture as it is simply pale. The rock influence is present and Dibyendu Mukherji has outdone himself here. An amazing performance! Unfortunately, the thin structure of Victory spoils the fun as it turns out to be situational.

Kailash Kher joins the chorus in this familiar number about cricket and the love for the game in India, rightly titled We Love Kriket. The track follows a routine flow with nothing spectacular. The singer is strictly average in his performance.

Surprisingly, the soundtrack has no remixes! Good as remixes would worsen the situation.

Victory does not carry any expectations. It is disappointing as the second venture of Harman Baweja needed some chartbusting music, or at least one electrifying song. ‘Maaza Aa Gaya’ is easily the best song of the soundtrack due to the chemistry of the singers in one song. Since the song will not be easily accepted all over, ‘Tu Ne Re’ is sweeter and more mass-oriented. Anu Malik shows that he still uses his old secret formula while composing and like it nor not, fans still adore it. While the composer is always criticized for all the wrong reasons, credit should go to him for bringing talented singers like Suresh Wadkar, Sonu Nigam and Altaf Raja in one song. However, while all the singers contributing to the soundtrack are of high caliber, most of the time, he has been unable to match their standards with his new tunes. It’s also common to hear old ‘stanzas’ of his past hits. The musical team of Victory lacks direction and it shows!