KAANTE

Director: Kunal Kohli
Music: Rahul Sharma
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Producer: Yash Chopra
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor & Rani Mukherjee

Perhaps one of the most awaited films of the year, Sanjay Gupta's Kaante aims to be an entirely different experience for Bollywood audiences. Rumored to be based on the Hollywood film "Reservoir Dogs", Kaante is a film supposedly aiming towards a fresher audience. Filmed entirely in America, it most definitely looks to be new and fresh for Bollywood. With such a film, different music is required. Does the soundtrack deliver on this count?

1. Ishq Samunder
Starting off the album is this Arabic/American-style number, sung by Anand Raj Anand and Sunidhi Chauhan. The track is full of heavy beats and instrumentation throughout, which really adds to the mood of the song. Sunidhi Chauhan does a good job, but it's really Anand Raj Anand's unique voice that sets this track aside. The instrumentation is quite varied and effective. The tune, as previously mentioned, seems Arabic-influenced, and is quite catchy, especially around the refrains and the lines building up to it.
Rating: 8.5/10

2. Maahi Ve
Sung by the "Ni Mein Samajh Gaye" duo of Sukhwinder Singh and Richa Sharma (Taal), this "Punjabi" number joins the album. The song has the feel of an Arabic track mixed with Punjabi music, remixed. The Punjabi lyrics work well for the track, and bring out the proper flavor. Richa Sharma, as she was in "Ni Mein Samajh Gaye", sounds quite unique and has a good Punjabi voice. Sukhwinder Singh complements her quite well with his intoxicating voice. The beats are very heavy, as is the instrumentation, and both work well for the track. The tune isn't too catchy, but it manages to build up on the listener.
Rating: 8/10

3. Rama Re
As is expected from any film like this, here comes the obligatory gangster number. Starting out with an American-esque intro, then some "singing" by Sunjay Dutt, this song is comparable to other tracks like "Goli Maar" from Satya or "Ganda Hai" from Company in terms of lyrics, mood, and tone. Sunjay Dutt's intro is well-done, as Mr. Dutt has a good, deep voice for such lines. The main refrains of "Jaane Kya Hoga Rama Re" are very catchy, especially with the voice modulations used. It's nice to hear Zubin after hearing him a long time ago in "Mere Watan" from Fiza. Anand Raaj Anand is surprisingly versatile in this, as the difference between his voice in this track and Ishq Samundar is quite great. The other singers do a good job of complementing the main tune. As with most of the songs on this track, the beats are quite heavy, as is the instrumentation, both of which work effectively. With the right audio equipment, this track sounds absolutely amazing.
Rating: 9/10

4. Yaar Mangiyasi
A slow Punjabi number, sung by Sonu Nigam. In many ways, this piece resembles quite a few by pop artist Johnny Zee (now Stereo Nation) in terms of the music. The song is well-sung. The mood of the song is a bit depressing, and the music and instrumentation really help bring out that mood. The tune isn't too catchy, but works well for the track.
Rating: 8.5/10

5. Kabhi Acha Lagta Hai
Though one may have expected Sanjay Gupta's film to be entirely experimental, news has reached that he has backed off his dream a bit, and added typical filmi elements; news which is quite evident in this song. Most of the other tracks on the album are quite suited for the film; however, this track comes off as a bit too typical. In fact, the love track sounds like a remixed version of songs we've heard often before. The tune is average and nothing different. Kavita Krishnamurthy and Kumar Sanu do a good job on this track, but sound a bit mismatched as a duo. The music intervals are well-done, as is the instrumentation in those parts, with the use of various instruments, such as the guitar. The beats sound a bit mismatched in this song, though it may make more sense upon seeing the actual film.
Rating: 6.5/10

6. Chhod Na Re
A number most probably picturized around the planning stages of the film. Composed by Vishal and Shekhar, this number is quite catchy, and quite situational. Sudesh Bhosle continues with his Amitabh Bachchan impression, and is successful in pulling it off, though one wonders why Amitabh Bachchan himself couldn't sing in this number, seeing as Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar themselves are. The whole number is fast-paced and a typical celebration number. The tune is catchy, but nothing too different. Sunjay Dutt sounds the best singing with his unique voice. Udit Narayan is good in his part, and Mahesh Majrekar is just noticeable. The piece isn't as well composed as the rest on the album.
Rating: 7/10

7. Maut
A number composed, written, and sung by Lucky Ali joins the soundtrack now. This track is quite unique, and sounds like an American soft metal song, combined with an Arabic flavor. The end result is well-done. Lucky Ali's vocals, though ordinarily weak, come out well in this song as he emotes the feeling well. The music is fast-paced and attention-grabbing. The lyrics are quite disturbing, bringing out the proper mood of the song. The instrumentation throughout is quite good, and the guitar in the background is used to good effect.
Rating: 8.5/10

8. Socha Nahin Tha
This track is best described as a sad version of "Rama Re". Sung by Shaan and Zubin, the track and tune are rearranged to bring about a solemn mood. The beats move a bit slower in order to complement this change in mood. The lyrics, as well, change to match the mood, especially the main refrains of "Yeh Kya Ho Gaya Rama Re". Both the singers render this track quite well, especially Zubin. The instrumentation is well-done and complements the mood further. Based on the situation of the song, this track will most likely be used after Sanjay Dutt's death (an unconfirmed guess). The lyrics work well to complement those of "Rama Re".
Rating: 9/10

9. Baby Baby
Yet another potential item number, though this track probably won't even make it to the film. Sunidhi Chauhan renders this track with ease, and sounds a bit substandard. The song only ends up being irritating because of the mood of the song. The track sounds like many pieces that have previously been done. The lyrics leave a lot to be desired for, as does the lackluster tune and typical music.
Rating: 6/10

10. Dil Kya Kare
Simply the same as the original, simply without Kumar Sanu. A track that could easily be done without.
Rating: 6.5/10

11. Rama Re (Thums Up Remix)
As suggested by the title, a remix of one of the best tracks on the album, remixed by Sulaiman Merchant. As if the original wasn't loud enough, this remix adds more beats and effects to the song. Though the original is preferable, this version isn't too bad, and will suit those remix fans out there.
Rating: 8.5/10

12. Chhod Na Re (Bagpiper Remix)
A remix of the original, done by Vishal J. (presumably the original composer). This version is a bit more than just a plain remix; added are a few new lines of dialogues. In addition, some interesting effects are used on the voices, including doubling some of the voices. The beats are well-done, especially at the beginning. Overall, this remix actually turns out a bit better than the original.
Rating: 7.5/10

Overall Music and Instrumentation:
The music throughout is full of experimentation, and fresh, new, and stylish sounds. The standard of music and style seems fit for such a film, and really an effort that should be applauded. One cannot describe the music in any way other than "cool". However, a few pieces really lack that mood, such as "Dil Kya Kare" and "Baby Baby".
Rating: 9/10

Overall Singing:
Present on the soundtrack is a multitude of singers ranging from standards like Sonu Nigam, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan, to music directors like Anand Raaj Anand and Lucky Ali, to the actors themselves like Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar (and Lucky Ali, as well). This uniqueness and variety really brings a great flavor to the soundtrack, and, for the most part, the singers are well-suited to the song. Zubin deserves special mention only because he's a singer rarely used and sounds great.
Rating: 9/10

Overall:
Anand Raaj Anand is improving by the day. After delivering many substandard soundtracks, he delivered a well-composed Shaheed, and now Kaante is another feather in his cap. He works well with the experimental tunes, and manages to bring a high level of uniqueness to most of this songs. The guest composers do well, especially Lucky Ali in "Maut". However, one wonders how many of these tracks will fit into the film. "Ishq Samundar" and "Maahi Ve" will most likely be item numbers, while "Dil Kya Kare" and "Baby Baby" won't find a good place to fit in the film. Has Sanjay Gupta strayed from his vision of an entirely experimental film?
Overall Rating (Not an average): 8.6/10

REVIEWED BY RISHI J