AWARA PAAGAL DEEWANA (2002)

Producer: Firoz A. Nadiadwala
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Music: Anu Malik
Lyrics: Sameer
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, & Aftab Shivdasani

Akshay Kumar joins forces with Sunil Shetty again, after comedy in 'Hera Pheri' and romance in 'Dhadkan'. This time they bring the hopeless Afatb Shivdasani along for the ride too. What kind of a film will this be? Well, not a good one, that's for sure. I've heard that there is romance, and there is comedy, and there is action, all the ingredients for a Bollywood film. But what we want is good performances, and putting together three has-beens or never-to-be top-rate actors, doesn't necessarily get you a hit. So lets wait till it hits the cinemas to see what kind of an impact it makes, until then enjoy the music… It's pretty good.

The 'Awara Paagal Deewana' track is very addictive, as both Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan sing in a mesmerising tone, making the song sound really genuine. The lyrics are nothing out of the ordinary, but the music is something to write about, indeed! Anu Malik has done a great job, together with the addictive voices of both Shaan and Sunidhi; this song is a real treat. Repeat listening to an average song is not one of my specialities, but this song I did indeed listen to a few times, and I sill want more of it.

Sunidhi Chauhan impresses once again for 'Maine To Khai Kasam', but Abhijeet spoils the song in all form and method. His singing is too out of tune; he is just not suited for these kinds of songs. Music directors are making him the new Kishore Kumar, but here he is absolute zero compared to Kishore Da. Why could we not have this song as a solo track for Sunidhi Chauhan, she would have kept it going on her pace, and we do have that Chorus behind (ideal replacements for Abhijeet in any song).

Anuradha Paudwal is the only obstacle to making 'Yeh Tune Kya Kiya' are better than ordinary song. She is not suited to singing at all. Her voice is dull and dreary, and I always feel like to go to sleep whenever I hear her sing. But, the dauntless Sonu Nigam, and that fascinating music again, make this song above par also. Lyrics are good this time, Sameer never disheartens you, he always comes up trumps on at least on track on a soundtrack, and this is that one track.

If you're looking for a different song, then 'Ya Habibi' is indeed different. It has that Middle Eastern music feel to it, with singer of the moment Adnan Sami performing better than average. If he's singing for Akshay Kumar on screen again, then we will be in store for a treat, rest assured of that. Shaan is there too, but why is he sounding like Shabbir Kumar. I thought I was listening to a song from 'Betaab' or 'Coolie'. This song has that R. D. Burman feel to it, with Adnan sounding more and more like R. D. Burman each day, and Anu Malik trying to show that he is on par with the legend. Sunidhi Chauhan is under used in the song; I would have used her vocal skills a little more. This song is good. My only drawback is that Anu Malik might have used inspiration from elsewhere for this, rather than his unique talents, he has a tendency to do that now and again.

Talking about using inspiration from elsewhere, 'Jise Hasna Rona Hai' sounds like a total duplicate of the 'Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega' title song. The lyrics are basically put together with words from that song, and the music has similar instruments. With six singers, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Shaan, Sarika Kapoor, and Sunidhi Chauhan, you would assume that this song would be really good. But on par with the rest of the album, it's weak, very weak.

The best track on the album is 'More Savariya', as Anu has used good rhythmic music that makes your heart beat a little faster than normal. Sunidhi Chauhan is 100% on target, Anu Malik himself lends his voice and makes the song light up, but Shaan is a little under the weather. He may not have been a suitable selection for this song, could we not have used Adnan Sami here? Lyrics are different, I don't think they came from Sameer's mind though, maybe another pick and take? Hmm. But I like it, and I don't tend to like that many songs.

In the end how shall I sum it up, if you are looking for a value for money soundtrack, then you've got one here. Each song has something different, with each one being nice and pleasant on the ears, it's genuinely a good soundtrack. Its one album you will not get bored off. I can play it all day long and still play it again the following day. Anu Malik has done well with the music, the singing is top notch, but the lyrics could have been better. My day was made, the day I bought this soundtrack, all praise for Anu ji.

RATING: 8/10

REVIEWED BY TONY