MUSIC REVIEW: HULCHUL (2004)

Producer: Venus Production with Manohar Kanungo
Director: Priyadarshan
Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi
Music: Vidyasagar
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Udit Narayan, Sujatha, Shaan, Sadhana Sargam, Gayatri Iyer, Sayonara Philip, Poornima, Raja Laksmi, Alka Yagnik, Hariharan and Kunal Ganjawala
Number of Songs: 06

1) Rafta Rafta (Udit Narayan and Sujatha)
Hulchul opens up with the romantic duet “Rafta Rafta” sung by Udit Narayan and Sujatha. Impressive renditions by both the vocalists create a feel-good atmosphere for the song. The instrumental arrangement glides smoothly on the ears. Sameer pens good lyrics whereas the popular composer of south Vidyasagar scores lovely and enjoyable tunes. The picturisation of this song, featuring Akshaye Khanna and Kareena Kapoor, attracts as well. The number is potentially a chart winner...
Rating: 8/10

2) Hum Dil Ke (Shaan and Sadhana Sargam)
The versatile Shaan pairs up with Sadhana Sargam to sing the next song on the album, “Hum Dil Ke”. The catchy vocals and Sameer’s beautiful lyrics are instantly impressive. Vidyasagar’s poor composition is the one aspect of this song that lowers the standards. Otherwise it is a good song to chill the mood.
Rating: 4.5/10

3) Loot Gaye (Gayatri Iyer, Sayonara Philip, Poornima and Raja Lakshmi)
Follows next is an item number, “Loot Gaye”, which features an ordinary piece of work by the trio of singers - Gayatri Iyer, Sayonara Philip, Poornima and Raja Lakshmi. The track lacks both lyrically and musically, making it a poor effort!
Rating: 1/10

4) Ishq Main (Shaan and Alka Yagnik)
“Ishq Main” tries to rescue the album that is constantly going to decline but unfortunately falls flat due to the vivid ordinary works of the singers, lyricist and the musician respectively. An avoidable number from all aspects.
Rating: 1/10

5) Lee Humne Kasam (Hariharan)
Hariharan brings some life to the album with his fine singing in “Lee Humne Kasam”. With this song, the lyricist and musician seem to be considering their responsibilities by providing heart-hitting works for the entertainment of the listeners who looks bored with the tracks played so far. This number draws some smile on the withered faces.
Rating: 7.5/10

6) Dekho Zara Dekho (Udit Narayan and Kunal Ganjawala)
The soundtrack concludes with “Dekho Zara Dekho” that unites Udit and Kunal, who sing it enthusiastically. The quality of this song is that it makes you sit and listen it till it lasts. Sameer on writing desk and Vidyasagar on music bench raise the spirits. Thanks to the team, they give at least two good songs in the end.
Rating: 7.5/10

Overall:
The soundtrack of Hulchul is below average and fails to offer anything special. Except maybe two or three somewhat appealing songs, the rest of the album is an utter letdown.
Overall Rating: 4.5/10

REVIEWED BY GOHER IQBAL PUNN