James: Mediocre fare

The name is James. Just James. What's this one all about?

It could be about:

Rohit Jugraj: Another Ram Gopal Varma assistant promoted to the director's chair.

Mohit Ahlawat: Another RGV discovery unleashing his silver screen dreams on an unsuspecting audience.

Nisha Kothari: Another Urmila Matondkar clone gyrating in skimpy clothes.

The music helmed by Nitin Raikwar and guest composers Bapi-Tutul and Prasanna Shekhar neither shakes nor stirs.

More on rediff.com! Who was Mangal Pandey? Will Mangal Pandey be a hit? It's raining love in Barsaat

The soundtrack opens with Zindagi Jeene Ka Naam. The heroine gyrates in a micro mini on the dusty streets of Mumbai, philosophising on life and its beauty, a la Rangeela. More Rangeela elements are evident in the beats, which are reminiscent of Kya Karein Kya Na Karein. Imitation is not always the best form of flattery though, as Raikwar may find out in his limp ode to A R Rahman.

Hero opens like the rollicking Khallas. What follows thereafter is, to put it mildly, a damp squib. Unimaginative lyrics and uninspiring music fall short of making this track live up to its title.

Mellow doesn't necessarily mean good. Sometimes it is dreary, indifferent or plain yawn inducing. Sindoori Aasman is a case in point. The uninterested and placid ditty plays monotonously in the background, evoking no response.

It tries to be intense. It tries to ooze attitude. It tries to be aggressive. There is spunk and style in Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal's sensual rendering of Jaan Hai. The love song, however, does not have a single melodious note in its body. Unless you are a buyer of all style and no soul, this one will not figure on your play list.

Remember the dreamy Aasman Kehta Hai Rab Se from RGV's Mast? The Sandeep Chowta number is a clear muse for Suraj Ki Kirno. Sonu Nigam sings both in exactly the same manner. Rehashes are never refreshing and Suraj is no exception.

Truth be told, James is a mediocre soundtrack. It offers nothing new to music buffs. But wait, the album does feature five bonus tracks from Company, Chameli, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and Naach.

Game? Or should we say James?