KHAKEE (2003)

Producer: Keshu
Director: Raj Kumar Santoshi
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, Aishwariya Rai, Jaya Pradha and Lara Dutta (in a special appearance)
Music: Ram Sampat
Lyrics: Sameer
Singers: Arnab Chakarvorty, Shreya Ghosal, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh, Richa Sharma, Kunal and Kailash Kher
Audio: T-Series

Bollywood director Raj Kumar Santoshi makes his welcome return to the big screen with the police flick Khakee. The big-budget movie stars some of Bollywood's biggest stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, Aishwarya Rai and Lara Dutta (who gives a special appearance in the movie). The soundtrack features the lyrics by hugely popular Sameer whilst the debutante musician Ram Sampat composes the album. A big panel of vocalists appears on this soundtrack. The late Gulshan Kumar's renowned music company, T-Series releases the album, featuring ten songs in total.

1) Waada Raha (Arnab Chakarvorty and Shreya Ghosal)
A soft romantic and melodious duet by newcomer Arnab Chakarvorty and Shreya Ghosal opens the soundtrack. Arnab's perfectly managed proves he has the potential of becoming a big singer in future. Shreya Ghosal compliments him with her sweet voice. Amongst the instruments, the flute and drumming sound pleasant on ears. Today's hot lyricist Sameer excellently pens pure romantic lyrics. Ram Sampat, who makes his debut with this movie, arranges a composition that easily grows on the listeners. The song is currently airing on television and features Akshay Kumar and beauty queen Aishwarya Rai. The direction and the choreography excel whereas the song has potential to become a chat topper.
Rating: 8.5/10

2) Aisa Jadoo (Sunidhi Chauhan)
Aisa Jadoo” appears next as an item song featuring the vocalist Sunidhi Chauhan. The singer manages this fast paced song wonderfully well. The background chorus is good to hear too. The drumming, amongst other instruments, stick out the most. This catchy number has well penned lyrics by Sameer together with the energetic music by Ram Sampat. The song has been airing on all usual music channels featuring Lara Dutta dancing beautifully as per the fast tunes. This number too could take its better position on the charts.
Rating: 7/10

3) Youn Hi Hum Tum Se (Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal)
Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal team up to render a melodious romantic duet, Youn Hi Hum Tum Se. The song starts with a soft piece of music then all of a sudden there emerges the vocals of Sonu Nigam. Providing ample support to Sonu, Shreya Ghosal seems sweet as usual. As for the musical instruments' arrangement, the dholak and flute sounds nice, whereas the other instruments also make their mark. Sameer pens classy lyrics, which live up to the standards of the song accurately. Ram Sampat knowing his job well scores brilliant music. No doubt the composition has positive hearing effects. Overall the romantic song makes pleasurable hearing.
Rating: 7.5/10

4) Dil Dooba (Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal)
The pleasant-sounding pair of Sonu Nigam and Shreya re-appears to deliver the duet “Dil Dooba”. The song opens with the energetic vocals of Sonu Nigam (the versatile singer has a brilliant class - pretty much obvious from his all renditions). Whilst Shreya Ghosal sounds good as well. The chorus in the background is nice. Sameer lets the song down by penning average lyrics, whereas Ram Sampat does a better job by arranging somewhat audible tunes. Overall the song has limited appeal.
Rating: 5/10

5) Waada Raha…Sad Version (Sonu Nigam)
Sonu Nigam bags this sad version (Waada Raha) and his voice seems well managed, fitting the mood of the song perfectly. The lyrics by Sameer are excellent and Ram Sampat produces a sweet composition.
Rating: 8/10

6) Dil Dooba…Remix Version (Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal)
The soundtrack also features a remix version of “Dil Dooba”. Rendered by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal, the song does not live up to the expectations of the listeners. Sonu Nigam attracts whereas Shreya Ghosal too catches the rhythm but the badly sung rap pieces spoil the song. The lyrics by Sameer seem ordinary. And Ram Sampat's job does not create an impact. Consequently the song has no quality to impress the listeners.
Rating: 3.5/10

7) Mere Maula (Richa Sharma and Kailash Kher)
A beautiful slow song appears next featuring the duo of Richa Sharma and Kailash Kher. Richa sings her part excellently and shows her creative skills. She is a singer who really deserves high ratings and applauds because she has a remarkable grip over her vocal cords. The background chorus is decent. In the midst, some raags take place delivered by Kailash Kher. Though Kailash's delivery is appealing to an extent, his attempts at copying the legendary musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan are not successful. Kailash has the potential to become a good classical singer but he must have a style of his own in order to survive in this big and tough industry. Amongst the instruments, the dafli sounds soothing. Sameer does brilliantly well with the lyrics. His meaningful lyrics portray the theme of the song appropriately. Ram Sampat's catchy tunes add spices to the song. The orchestration also provides joys.
Rating: 7/10

8) Waada Raha…Third Version (Udit Narayan and Shreya Ghosal)
In this third version of “Waada Raha”, Udit Narayan and Shreya Ghosal breeze through the song with their silken renditions. What to say about Udit? He's a singer of a rich experience and expertise that does not need any introduction at all. Whereas the fellow vocalist Shreya Ghosal can be called “the cuckoo of singing” as well. Sameer's job of the lyricist fulfills its promise well whilst Ram Sampat portrays the fact that he will stand amongst the biggies of the music world soon. Overall the song is attractive.
Rating: 8/10

9) Aisa Jadoo…Remix Version (Sunidhi Chauhan)
A remix version of this song is also featured on the album with much oomph. The song has all the ingredients to impress the listeners. Singer, lyricist and the musician do their respective jobs creatively.
Rating: 7/10

10) Uppar Wale (Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh and Kunal)
The trio of Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh and Kunal deliver a theme song, Uppar Wale. The vocalists sharpen their skills wonderfully well and the lyrics by Sameer are well written. Ram Sampat creates magic with tunes. Overall the song makes pleasant hearing.
Rating: 7/10

The melodious soundtrack carries quality stuff and would prove its mettle being a joyful experience for the listeners. Newcomer Ram Sampat happens to be the life of the album and deserves full credit for composing such an impeccable soundtrack.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY GOHER IQBAL PUNN