It's always a challenge to make a movie that has a title same as a yesteryear's
classic. But director Vipul Amrutlal Shah takes up this challenge second time in
a row after Aankhen and now Waqt . The modern day ' Waqt ' stars Amitabh
Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Shefali Chhaya. First battle seems
to have been won with the starcast itself as everyone from Big B, Akshay Kumar
to Priyanka Chopra are enjoying a good time at the box office. Second battle
that should be won is the movie's theme that should be patronized by the family
audience. With a recent sleaze fest in abundance, ' Waqt - The Race Against Time
' should be a welcome relief. An entertainment One and Eros International
presentation, ' Waqt ' has music by Anu Malik and lyrics by Sameer.
'Waqt' begins with a love duet ' Subah Hogi ' by the regular pairing of Udit
Narayan and Alka Yagnik. A fine number, though it doesn't break any new grounds
or promises to be a runaway blockbuster, it makes for a decent hearing. It
doesn't stay with you forever but doesn't disappoint either during its 5 minutes
duration. In nutshell, a love song with eye candy visuals and star presence to
keep the viewers engaged.
An attempt to woo the North belt audience is made with ' Miraksam ', a Punjabi
song'n'dance track set in an upper class household, what with friends, family
and celebrations galore. Sudesh Bhonsle lends his voice for Big B while Sonu
Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mahalaxmi sing for the rest of the starcast. There is
a bit of rap'n'reggae thrown in as well that results in a strong feeling of deja
vu.
After some ' pyaar mohabbat ' and ' naach gaana ' comes the other side of life –
pain, separation and anguish - in the shape of ' Toot Gaya '. A situational
track that should make a part of the background score, it reminds of ' Jeena Kya
Jeevan Se Haar Ke ' from ' Om Jai Jagadish ' in terms of treatment. A slow'n'sad
song, it is sung in trademark high pitch by Kailash Kher.
There is a music piece ' Taandav ' towards the middle of the album that is a
fusion of Indian and Western classic. By the look of things, it should be a
highlight of the movie due to it's fast pace and combination of variety of
musical instruments.
Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan sing the best track of the album so far - ' Chhup
Jaa Chhup Jaa '. A beautifully composed subtle love song, it has great orchestra
throughout and excellent singing by the lead pair that suits the on-screen
personality of Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. The number is sweetly paced and
Sameer's lyrics stand out as well. This number makes for an ideal candle light
setting!!
If one thought that celebrations were through with ' Miraksam ', then there is
more to follow with a holi number! Starting off in a style similar to ' Dhol
Baaje ' from ' Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam ' with a folksy chorus, the track takes a
sudden twist with Anu Malik coming to the scene along with Sunidhi Chauhan who
sings in a sensual accent. Lyrics go like ' Do Me A Favour Lets Play Holi ' and
the overall number is definitely different from a routine holi number. The song
has been westernized to a good extent while choreography, colors and the overall
treatment of the number make it an enjoyable affair. This track would catch on
with each passing day.
Aatish Kapadia written ' Apne Jahanke ' is a club dance number picturized on Big
B and Akshay Kumar that rocks from the word GO. Add to it the vocals of Adnan
Sami and Sonu Nigam who sound mature and yuppie respectively for the on-screen '
baap-beta jodi ' in the movie, and you have a hummable foot tapping number in
store. This number promises to be picturized extravagantly and should turn out
to be likeable by the audiences of all age groups. A sure-shot HIT, this is of
the kind that should be held on till a week before the movie's release and then
unleashed to skyrocket the craze for the movie.
The opening tracks of ' Waqt ' are good, but subsequent songs, starting from '
Chhup Gaya ' get you all excited about the music. The holi number and the club
track are the pick of the lot while ' Miraksam ' would also stay on for a few
weeks at least. A satisfying experience overall.
