Director Priyadarshan and his favourites -- Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal are ready with their new offering, Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
This one's not an all-out comedy though. A remake of the 1993 Malayalam blockbuster, Manichitrathazhu -- also adapted in Tamil and Telugu as Chandramukhi -- Bhool Bhulaiyaa involves supernatural elements as well.
Co-starring Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja and Amisha Patel, the film has Pritam doing the score against Sameer's lyrics.
The album kickstarts on an infectious note with the super-peppy Bhool bhulaiyaa. Pritam takes a simple tune, spruces it up with funky rhythm and accent-heavy chorus, turning the title track into an immensely catchy, potential chartbuster. Bombay Vikings front man, Neeraj Sridhar infuses his brand of zest with a sensational rap delivery. It's bombastic remix by DJ Amyth is as captivating.
KK unveils sublime romance in the sensual euphony and honeyed pace of Labon Ko. What makes this ditty special is KK's straight-from-the-heart performance. The singer sounds refreshing and restrained. Everything about Labon Ko is stunning. Even the surreal remix by DJ Kiran, DJ G & Earl.
The novelty is short-lived. KK is back to swinging to pop music ways in his typically high-pitched style for the fast-paced Sajda. Upbeat in texture, old hat in content, Sajda is ho-hum at best. The usually reliable DJ Suketu's techno-treated version, however, sounds more off-tune than a remix.
Lets Rock Soniye sounds like a distant cousin of Fida's Aaja Ve Mahi lets do balle balle in flavour. The modern-day bhangra is the A to Z of trite when it comes to Sameer's beaten-to-death lyrics (Tujhe kaise main bataon, tujhe kitna main chahoon... Dastak anyone?). The beats, nevertheless, are sufficiently lively and further escalated by Shaan's zippy crooning. Liked it enough for a remix? You got it!
Tulsi Kumar, at her lackluster best, pursues the man of her dreams in Sakhiya. The track has a typically late 1980s feel to it, with its filmi fervour. Still, Sakhiya fails to excite owing to its lack of innovation or imagination.
Pritam turns uncharacteristically classical with Mere Dholna. And he does splendidly. Entrancing in melody and effortlessly free flowing, Dholna rouses the senses with its sheer drama. Awe-inspiring rendition from National award winning singer M G Shreekumar and Shreya Ghosal are especially note-worthy. The alaap towards the climax leaves a lasting impact.
The composer is back to his lilting, breezy, carefree routine with Allah Hafiz. Helmed by KK, the song with its 'Keep moving' philosophy is fun while it lasts.
In a nutshell, the soundtrack of Bhool Bhulaiyaa is truly enjoyable.
Rediff Rating: 
