The real life couple of Bipasha 'Ajnabee' Basu and Dino 'Pyaar Mein Kabhie
Kabhie' Morea make an appearance on the big screen as the reel life couple in 'Raaz'.
It is a psychological thriller that talks about paranormal stuff. A few months
back, one such attempt on the similar theme of paranormalism was made. It was
made on a mega budget and had the superstar of the millennium starring in it.
Big B is the star we are talking about and the movie's name was AKS. Thought the
presentation of this bold theme wasn't digested too easily by an average
cinegoer because of its classy presentation, expectations are that 'Raaz' would
be presented in a much understandable manner. Vikram Bhatt of 'Ghulam' and 'Kasoor'
fame directs 'Raaz'. Like Ramgopal Varma, Vikram Bhatt too deals with different
subjects in each of his movies. If 'Ghulam' was a common man's fight against 'goondaism'
and 'Kasoor' was a murder mystery, 'Raaz' belongs to an altogether different
genre. Good goings Vikram !!!
''Tum Agar Saamne' is definitely the best among the lot. As are the other songs
in the album, this too is a love song. It is about a couple who are about to get
married and the dreams they share. Abhijeet sings a potential hit number after a
long break. Nadeem Shravan's favorite Alka Yagnik provides the female support.
Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik sing three duets - 'Jo Bhi Kasmein', 'Kitna Pyaara
Hain' and 'Itna Main Chahoon Tujhe'. All the three numbers are romantic. 'Jo Bhi
Kasmein' impresses the most out of these three. 'Kitna Pyaara Hai' is just about
passable whereas 'Itna Main Chahoon Tujhe' is a dull, sad number. It drags and
one searches for a forward button. The lyrics are such that after listening to
the first line, one need not be a genius to predict the next one. Skip this
one!!
Although one can sniff 'Dil Deewaana Dhoondta Hai' (Ek Rishta) in 'Mujhe Tere
Jaisi Ladki', one thing is sure that the number will be popular. It is a fast
pacy number that will appeal to the youth. It is sung by Sarika Kapoor who
recently had 'Jab se Dil' from 'Yeh Dil Aashiqana' to her credit. She has a
kiddish voice and has a good future if she continues getting good breaks like
this. Udit Narayan gives her company in this duet and is good as usual. The
music for 'Aapke Pyaar Mein' by Alka Yagnik is same as 'Pyaar Se Pyaar' by
Abhijeet but the lyrics are different. Both are again just about average but the
one by Abhijeet holds a slight edge.
'Yeh Shaher' is in the appreciation of a particular city which is supposedly a
great and a peaceful place to be in !!! The chants of 'Shanti Shanti' go
alongside which reminds one of 'Om Shanti Om' from Karz. (Although the
similarities end just at these words!!!). It is the only 'item number' in this
album which otherwise emphasizes more on melody. Unusual combination of Suzzan,
Jolly Mukherjee and Bali Brahmabhatt are the singers who are roped in for this
track. As with all the item numbers, this one too will also be able to make an
impact provided all the necessary ingredients like choreography, picturisation
and the locations are mixed in well !!
Something that is noticeable in their last release 'Yeh Dil Aashiqana' and 'Raaz'
is that Nadeem Shravan have made a very good attempt to recreate their earlier
style which got them in the top bracket in the first half of the 90's. Here too
the emphasis is very much on the melody which was their prime forte once.
Remember Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin, Saajan and Phool Aur Kaante!!! On
the album cover it is mentioned that the 'Raaz' has a 'MAGICAL SCORE'. Nothing
'magical' about 'Raaz', but still it has a good decent score overall. There is
absolutely nothing new to offer in the Sameer's lyrics which are although good
but still very much predictable. The feel of the songs is very much similar to
the ones we heard earlier this year in 'Kasoor' and 'Ek Rishtaa'. Though 'Kasoor'
was the best among these, but still the above average music score of 'Raaz'
won't go unnoticed. Latest idea of TIPS music company to sell their film albums
at a lower price than their contemporaries is another welcome sign!!
