FILHAAL

Director: Meghna Gulzar
Music: Anu Malik
Lyrics: Gulzar
Starring: Tabu, Sushmita Sen

Anu Malik is back after many successful albums this year, including Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai, Asoka, and Aks. He's also back this time with famed lyricist, Gulzar. Together, they gave some great numbers in Asoka and Fiza. So how does this album for the Tabu-Sushmita starrer compare to their last ones?

Filhaal:
The title track is handled by Asha Bhosle, who does a good job in this song. She doesn't sound too old as she does at times. The music throughout is nice and pleasant, especially the piano parts. The instrumentation throughout is pretty good with a variety of instruments. However, in a few of the music intervals, the music starts to sound a bit too much like American slow rock. Most of the other music intervals sound nice though. The background chorus is limited to saying "Filhaal" for the piece, but sounds nice saying it.
Rating: 8.5/10

Leh Chale Doliyon:
Roopkumar Rathod is back in the scene again, and he does well in this song. His voice is very pleasant. Alongside him is Chitra, who does a commendable job as well, but she sounds a bit different than she normally does. The piece is semi-fast paced, with some very good music in the background. The music changes throughout and blends in quite well. The beginning of the singing part is a bit reminiscent of Shankar Mahadevan's "Ghul Raha Hai" from "Breathless", but, nevertheless, the tune is nice and soothing. Chitra humming support makes the song pick up a bit. The music intervals are all quite interesting throughout. The ending of the song really picks up pace, with an almost wedding-like beat. The lyrics convey some great, romantic images throughout.
Rating: 8.5/10

Sola Singar:
The obliquetory dance number comes in the form of this wedding-like song. Jaspinder Narula gives the right mount of energy for this number. The male singer, Palash Sen, is a newcomer. His voice sounds like a blend between Roopkumar Rathod and Sukhwinder Singh, which is pretty good for a new singer. The background chorus singers sound good and give enough energy for the song (they end up sounding a bit like a female Taz [of Stereo Nation]). There are random dialogues throughout, which are unnecessary. The song sounds a bit similar to "Jhumka Chandi Da" from Anu Malik's "Ghaath"
Rating: 7.5/10

Kyon Baar Baar:
It seems Chitra, a favorite from the south, has been picking up more Hindi songs as of late. Her voice is great in this song, and though it sounds a bit deep, it's very pleasant to hear. The music is very pleasant and well-composed. The instrumentation works well throughout, using the right instruments to convey the right mood. The tune is nice, though a bit repetitive. The use of the sitar and flute is especially effective. The lyrics work well for a song about a mother talking to her child.
Rating: 9/10

Naya Naya:
Chitra is back for another number, this time joined by "Tadap Tadap" KK. Chitra sounds as good as she did before, and it's a shame we don't get to hear more of her in Bollywood songs. As for KK, he really needs to calm down. He ends up screaming a bit too much in this song, and doesn't sound too pleasant. The background beats are simple, yet effective for the mood of the song. There isn't too much in the way of actual music throughout. The instrumentation is quite good, though not strikingly different than the past numbers.
Rating: 7.5/10

Dil Ka Saamnate:
Another song sung by newcomer Palesh Sen, this time in his own solo number. This sad number is definitely a very heavy one, especially with the beats. Palesh Sen carries his voice well for this type of song. The background beats at evoking sadness. There isn't much in the way of actual music. The actual tune gets a bit repetitive, with less variation than could be used.
Rating: 7.5/10

Waqt Ka Saaya:
Another sadder song, this one has shades of Anu Malik's past compositions. One can get the feel of "Roshni Se" from Asoka, "Chanda Taare" from Yaadein, and various songs from Aks. Sonu Nigam does a great job with the vocals, sounding quite different than his normal self. Jaspinder Narula sounds quite good as well. Like the last song, the background beats are quite heavy, conveying the correct emotions. This song basically ignores most music, and leaves the song up to the vocals of the lead singers. Unfortunately, as was the case with "Roshni Se", the tune gets repetitive quite quickly, because it repeats itself over and over again.
Rating: 8/10

Overall Music and Instrumentation:
The music throughout is well-composed and fits in with the mood of the songs. In some places, the music in the background sounds especially nice. The problem with the music has to do with a lack of complexity in a few songs that could have used them. As for the instrumentation, many of the same instruments are reused, but it sounds good overall.
Rating: 8/10

Overall Singing:
The singing overall is very good. We get to hear a wider array of singers than we normally get to hear. Chitra sounds as good as she always does. Jaspinder Narula does well in her two numbers. Roopkumar Rathods pleasant voice is once again heard on this album. Sonu Nigam does good in his one number, and Asha Bhosle sounds pretty good, though she really needs to take a break from singing. As for newcomer Palash Sen, he sounds quite good for a newcomer. He carries his songs quite well. The disappointment of the album comes in the form of KK, who gets way too loud.
Rating: 8.5/10

Overall Rating:
The album is another good effort from Anu Malik, and is another good-collaboration with Gulzar. The tracks sound nice and should be effective in the film, as well as with the promotions. This album is better than Malik's last album, Asoka., however, not as good as Fiza.


Overall Rating (Not an average): 8/10

REVIEWED BY RISHI J