A movie can't get bigger than this. Producer Keshu and director Raj Kumar
Santoshi have created a casting coup in Khakee by managing to bring the Big A's
- Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai sharing the same
stage. Addition to the company are Tushar Kapoor (who replaced the other A -
Akshaye Khanna) and Jaya Pradha, who makes a sort of comeback (we are ready to
forget Bharat Bhagya Vidhata !!) At last we see a movie promo that has an
experienced director at it's helm - Raj Kumar Santoshi who has an enviable
record of biggies like Ghayal, Damini, Ghatak, Andaz Apna Apna, China Gate,
Pukar, Lajja and The Legend of Bhagat Singh behind him. Expectations are
manifold from this Santoshi flick that has Lara Dutta in a guest appearance,
Sameer as the lyricist and new-find Ram Sampat at the hot seat for composing an
entire album.
Freshness in the first-ever pairing of Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai is already
making the rounds and the track 'Waada Raha' more than helps the cause. A
lingering melody, it starts off as a regulation love song in the first hearing
but registers an impact after played for a couple of times. A fine tune in
totality, what sets is apart are the very good vocals of newcomer Arnab
Chakravorty who impresses with his very first Bollywood number. His smooth and
delicate vocals are a treat to hear to and now-so-popular Shreya Goshal
compliments her well. She suits Ash to the T and lends credibility to the entire
song.
No wonder that the song is repeated as a duet by Udit Narayan and Shreya Goshal
and as a sad solo by Sonu Nigam. In the slow version, one does expect Sonu's
voice to undergo a typical cracking modulation (as he does deliberately in most
of the tracks !!) but surprisingly he refrains himself from doing so this time
around.
'Youn Hi Tum Mujhse Pyaar Karte Raho' follows soon and sustains the tempo that
has been built up by now. Another melody by the pair of Sonu Nigam and Shreya
Goshal that impresses.
'Upar Waale' by Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh and Kunal comes thereafter which is
an intense title song about the respect for one's 'vardi' and duty. A number
about how the passion for duty drives the men in uniform, it should most
probably find its place during the title rollout of the movie. 'Mere Maula' is
another situational slow track about the worship of almighty. Richa Sharma's
vocals are clear whereas Kailash Kher lends adequate support.
From hereon begins the real fun with two rocking numbers in quick succession - 'Aisa
Jadoo' and 'Dil Dooba'. Pure masala tracks all the way, they are the tracks that
deserves the title - 'complete paisa vasool'. 'Aisa Jadoo' is already creating
waves with lovable Lara Dutta wearing the best (and the most innovative) of
costumes and the sets being gigantic to say the least. One can smell the amount
of money that may have gone in getting just this single song in place, what with
lavish sets, flashy costumes, excellent lighting and the works. Especially check
out the 'forest' set with green trees in the background. Simply amazing. Lara
Dutta just sizzles and proves her capabilities in her first ever stage-item
song. Sunidhi Chauhan delivers once again proving her mettle as a front line
singer in the 21st century and Ram Sampat amazes with his capabilities as a
composer - great sounds, orchestra and musical arrangements. A winner all the
way!
'Dil Dooba' is another catchy and a youthful song with a great fusion of Punjabi
'iktara', reggae and rap. Full marks to the composer, Sonu Nigam and Shreya
Goshal for making this interesting composition. An instant hit as soon as the
promos hit the tube. Remixes of both these tracks are superb and designed
especially for the dance floors, with the typical DJ act woven in.
One is amazed to see the immense talent Ram Sampat demonstrates that its
difficult to imagine Khakee is his first attempt. He composes a peppy 'Aisa
Jaadoo' with same gusto as the romantic 'Waada Raha' and catchy 'Dil Dooba'.
Khakee spells variety and delivers without depending on the chacha-chachis and
mama-mamis dancing in the background. It has enough ingredients to sell well on
it's own merits.
