Four summers ago, when I spoke to Abbas Tyrewala -- the prolific writer of Munnabhai MBBS, Maqbool and Main Hoon Na -- he appeared rather reluctant to direct a movie.
Today, this 'one-man army' is ready with his maiden venture, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na -- a generation Z musical cum love story produced by Aamir Khan.
Besides a story to tell, Tyrewala is also assigned the responsibility of introducing Aamir's nephew, Imraan Khan in the best possible way, as well as showcasing Genelia D'Souza (Tujhe Meri Kasam, Masti). What's more, the man has written the lyrics too, against A R Rahman's zingy score.
Though the soundtrack is undoubtedly fresh and zippy, it would be ridiculous to expect an overwhelming cousin of Jodhaa Akbar or Guru, which is both a welcome change as well as reminiscent (not in tune but spirit) of his compositions for mushy-themed campus capers like Kadhal Desam (also known as Duniya Dilwalon Ki), Boys and Lakeer.
So how good is is Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na? Well, for most part, I'd say 'Encore!'
Here's what it has to offer:
The exuberant fragrance of teenage-hood serenades the air with the infectious beats of the opening track -- Kabhi Kabhi Aditi. Rashid Ali's funky rendition and Rahman's stylish and rhythmic pace makes this a case of love-at-first-sound.
Also, as it often happens with the Carols (Oh Carol by Neil Sedaka) and Alices (Living next door to Alice by Smokie) of the world, there's nothing cuter than having a song that sings your name. And so all the girls who go by the name of Aditi, get ready to have a gala time soaking in the Hey Aditi dedications at a jukebox near you.
Up next, there's the naughty 'n' nutty Pappu can't dance. Indeed, Pappu might be a lousy mover, but the song, overall, is one hot-stepper. Then again, its mocking lyrics, which are allegedly aimed at Aamir's Andaz Apna Apna co-star Salman Khan poke fun at his -- disguised as Pappu -- love for fast cars, designer accessories and rippling muscles. While Sallu fans might be none too pleased, Pappu and his left feet are a rocking entertainer on their own. It's remix by Krishna Chetan is a pleasant add-on!
All of a sudden, the album slips into a grim mode in the restless and uncertain notes of Rahman and romance with Jaane tu mera kya hai. While its female version, in the husky tones of Runa, boasts of an eccentric electronic arrangement and tangent strain, the darker and desolate alternate interpretation by the reliably dramatic Sukhwinder Singh is sufficiently emotional if not necessarily heart-wrenching.
The capricious melody of Nazrein milaana, nazrein churaana reflects the playful, dreamy and perplexed state of young 'uns with warm results. The mercurial tempo of the album continues with a nifty Rahman jazz-up the scene, quite literally and lovingly, if I may add in Tu bole... main boloon. It's a wonderful experiment and introduction in the Bollywood music scene and deserves much applause.
Rashid Ali, accompanied by an exquisite Vasundhara Das, makes a surreal return in the soundtrack with the waltzing glory Kahin to. If you enjoyed Danish boy band Michael Learns To Rock, whose uncanny influence is echoed in Kahin's notes, this is definitely your cup of tea.
Looking for a soulful, uncomplicated, pleasant music? Rahman's frothy tonic of vibrant and breezily-tempered creations in Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na should certainly catch your fancy.
Rediff Rating: