Two movies in one year! Not bad, eh?
Director Mohit Suri, who made his debut Zeher earlier this year, returns with a film about the pornography trade, titled Kalyug. It supposedly introduces Kunal Khemu.
Kunal who? Remember the tiny lad in Mahesh Bhatt's Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke? Yes, the same chap who chuckles, "Lagta hai Mama sudhar gaye" in the Aamir Khan-Juhi Chawla comedy. He's all grown up now and will be seen romancing other newcomers Smiley Suri and Deepal Shaw in Kalyug. Amita Singh and Emraan Hashmi also do their bit.
And, although Anu Malik gets top billing as the music director, it is the work of guest musicians that grabs brownie points.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's soulful rendition of Mann Ki Lagan in Paap caught many music listeners' fancy. He impresses yet again with the soothing, gentle melody, Jiya Dhadak Dhadak Jaye. Leisurely in pace and wealthy in tune, Rohail Hyat and Faisal Rafi's composition with Asim Raza's lyrics makes an impact.
More music to the ears comes in the form of the talented Pakistani group, Jal-The Band. Atif's husky voice zigzags to the peppery, if unconventional, pattern of Aadat. DJ Suketu spruces up the number with a volley of bouncy techno beats. Sure it's catchy and zingy, but still nowhere in the same league as the super-duper-rocking radio star, Woh Lamhe.
Alisha Chinai delicately cavorts in the sensuous Dheere Dheere. There is nothing bad about this Anu Malik creation, but it's not yummy enough for a second helping. Ye Pal is a classic case of all sound, no fury. The tracks' tacky notes coupled with Nazam Sheraz's uninspired singing are a complete washout. Indian Idol runner up Amit Sana teams up with Anuradha Paudwal on the yawn-inducing Thi Meri Dastaan.
Verdict: If you don't mind spending for an entire album to enjoy two genuinely good songs, you do get your money's worth.