Directed by Imtiaz Ali, who made an impressive debut with Abhay Deol-Ayesha Takia starrer Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met is about two people who hitchhike through half of India's map before realising they've been hit by love shove.
Even as this love story-on-wheels is slated for an October 26 release, Pritam gets at the helm of the film's soundtrack whereas lyricist Irshad Kamit whips off engaging poetry.
After the super success of Ganpat (Shootout in Lokhandwala), Mika Singh gets back to his Punjabi roots for the buoyant Mauja mauja. Undeniably catchy, the singer with a notably colourful persona adds his brand of mirth and verve to this already bouncy opener. So slip into your dancing shoes for Bunty Rajput's not-bad-at-all remixed version.
Silk Route frontman Mohit Chauhan takes charge of the listener's senses with Tum se hi. While Rang De Basanti had him stirring up a storm with Khoon chala, here he leaves an indelible mark. Considering the flawless nature of the original, DJ Sunil doesn't tamper too much in the rehash. Some techno embellishments in tempo and beats, and it's done. The instrumental theme of Tum se hi tells a story of its own. Considering the film is an on-the-road romance, the piece takes a silvery-toned route filled with ecstasy and imagery that resonates the emotional graph of Jab We Met.
The usually sweetness personified Shreya Ghosal switches into a mischievous, saucy mode with Yeh ishq hai. The piquant ditty, laced with Middle-Eastern influences, is easy going on the ears and possesses a playful, winsome charm. DJ Amyth's remix, of the same, takes a life of its own with a sexy and racy twist.
Sonu Nigam and Javed Ali pump up the volume for the adrenalin-powered Nagada nagada. As much as we appreciate the dynamism of the singers and the vivacity of Pritam's rhythm, this animated bhangra is a bit too exuberant for its own good. As a dance track, however, it's bound to fare better what with both Bebo and Shahid falling in fabulous dancers category. What's truly neat about the music of Jab We Met is how Pritam translates the on-screen backdrop onto his tunes. The minty fresh breeze, embracing view of valley and picturesque greenery of Himachal Pradesh is imaginatively reflected in the enchanted notes of Aao milo chalo. Shaan's honey-glazed rendition, accompanied by Ustad Sultan Khan's sublime alaap has a soothing effect on traffic-afflicted nerves.
Guest composer Sandesh Shandilya ropes in Ustad Rashid Khan to perform the gently-paced, wistful Aaoge jab tum. His fluid delivery coupled with a dreamy score about love and anticipation is simply put -- delectable.
Jab We Met starts out like a run-of-the-mill fun album. But along the way, it springs quite a few mellifluous surprises. Let's hope the movie will have the same quality.
Rediff Rating:
