Music Review: Waqt – The Race Against Time (2005)

Presentation: Entertainment One and Eros International
Producer: Blockbuster Movies Entertainer
Director: Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra
Music: Anu Malik
Lyrics: Sameer and Aathish Kapadia (guest lyricist)
Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Sudesh Bhonsle, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mahalxmi Iyer, Kailash Kher, Anu Malik and Adnan Sami
Audio: T-Series
Songs: 07

1) Subah Hogi (Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik)
The soundtrack of ‘Waqt – The Race Against Time’ begins with the best track of the album, ‘Subah Hogi’. The finest vocalists of the industry Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik render the lines and as usual allure the listeners. Sameer's creative lyrics, successfully catch the romantic mood. The flute playing together with the sweet chorus in the background add more to the song’s value. Anu Malik’s treatment in the music department shows his involvement and enthusiasm in his work. The visuals, capturing the hot and dazzling pair of Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, portray their brilliantly executed dance sequences on screen. The number is fabulous and deserves to be heard repeatedly.
Rating: 9.5/10

2) Miraksam (Sudesh Bhonsle, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mahalaxmi Iyer)
A rocking number, ‘Miraksam’ comes up next with the talents of Sudesh Bhonsle, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mahalxmi Iyer. Sudesh lends his heavy vocals for Big B keeping in mind the legend’s manly voice and personality. Sonu, Sunidhi and Mahalxmi sounds good too. The background chorus is pleasing to hear. There is a rap piece in the song, which sounds okay (although rap in Bollywood songs are rarely impressive). Mixed with Punjabi and Hindi words, the lyrics hold appeal much and the musical score is exhilarating and helps you dance to the beats.
Rating: 8.5/10

3) Toot Gaya (Kailash Kher)
Kailash Kher appears with a sad solo, ‘Toot Gaya’. Kailash Kher is very much inspired by the the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He always delivers the goods adopting the trademark singing style of the legendary Ustad. Following his inspiration, he sings the words in high-pitched rendition and glides well on the listeners. Sameer pens in some captivating words, which are composed remarkably in catchy rhythm.
Rating: 8/10

4) Taandav – Instrumental
This instrumental, though arranged well with fast-paced beats, sounds very ordinary.
Rating: 2/10

5) Chhup Jaa Chhup Jaa (Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan)
After ‘Subah Hogi’, a pure romantic song ‘Chhup Jaa’ spells magic with the reliable Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan. Both sing with their usual brilliance. Splendidly-knitted lines by Sameer are effective and the squashy composition by Anu Malik is an excellent piece of work. A heart-warming number to enjoy with your loved one.
Rating: 8.5/10

6) Do Me A Favour Lets Play Holi (Anu Malik and Sunidhi Chauhan)
A holi number, ‘Do Me A Favor Lets Play Holi’ takes place next on the album. Anu Malik appears okay with the voice whilst Sunidhi Chauhan sounds ridiculous at places. Poor lyrics and the music push the song to downwards completely. An avoidable track.
Rating: 1/10

7) Apne Jahanke (Adnan Sami and Sonu Nigam)
Adnan Sami and Sonu Nigam try to infuse masti in Aathish Kapadia penned track ‘Apne Jahanke’ but sorry to say they fail utterly and badly in their lazy efforts. If the vocalists could not do anything better at their end, how can a good result be expected from the rest of the team? The song is flat both lyrically and musically.
Rating: 1/10

OVERALL:
Waqt – The Race Against Time is an above average fare with some very hummable and enthralling numbers like ‘Subah Hogi’ and ‘Chhup Jaa’. Music composer Anu Malik has aims to generate catchy tunes, but on the whole, he doesn't quite succeed.
Overall Rating: 6/10

REVIEWED BY GOHER IQBAL PUNN