Utthaan - Music Review

By: Joginder Tuteja, IndiaFM

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

In continuation with the trend of celebrities trying their hands at doing different things in the world of cinema, it's time for one time numero uno singer Kumar Sanu to make an attempt at film production. Utthaan, starring Neha Dhupia and Priyanshu Chatterjee in the lead, is his first film under the banner of 'Kumar Sanu Communication Pvt. Ltd' and is directed by Ujjwal Chatterjee who has earlier made Escape From Taliban. Since Kumar Sanu also holds the baton of a composer with Sudhakar Sharma contributing as a lyricist, one looks forward to the music.

When an accomplished singer makes a movie, expectations are that the songs would be of good quality. Sadly, the music in the case of Utthaan just doesn't strike a chord and turns out to be one of the most disappointing scores this year.

Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik were a formidable 'jodi' till about a few years back and they attempt to recreate the same magic with 'Ab Neend Kise', a fast paced rhythmic love song. Somehow one feels that this is not exactly an ideal beginning for Utthaan, especially in a time like today when the entire concept of film and music making has gone through a big change. The song seems to have been caught in a time wrap with the music reminding of the mid-90s. The song is not a bad hear but for today's audience, this routine 'pyaar-mohabbat' song doesn't really present much. There is an attempt to reach out this audience with the help of a remix version but even this doesn't really help the cause.

Next comes 'Abhi Tum Ho Kamsin', which is yet another love song after 'Ab Neend Kise'. The difference here is that it follows the melodious approach rather than being rhythmic. Sapna Mukesh joins him in the proceedings for this song that may not make it to one of the best hears of the season but nevertheless comes easy on the ears. Overall a song that has a limited audience and shelf life.

Reading the name of Asha Bhonsle on the credits gives one hopes of a decent number to follow. Title song 'Yeh Kaisa Utthaan Hai' is the one that comes next in the album. A philosophical take at looking at success but the cost at which it comes, it is (expectedly) the best of the enterprise, though again not a chartbuster material but restricted mainly for the situation. Special mention to Sudhakar Sharma's lyrics that carry a message while Kumar Sanu too does a good job as a composer. But all said and done it is the veteran singer's rendition that makes it a cut above the rest. Kumar Sanu also ropes in Sonu Nigam to do a male version of the same song but one would still go back to Ashaji's version any time.

'Thok Dalega'! One look at lyrics like this and one has no intention of even giving the song a single hearing. Ok, so it may be an item number for the situation but still there is nothing inviting about a song like this. Hema Sardesai, who is anyways not heard much in the playback singing arena, could have given another thought before singing a drag track like this that follows a 70s/80s style. A boring track, it is difficult to even listen it till the end.

Utthaan has limited to negligible chances of really reaching out to the listeners. First and foremost a title like this is hardly exciting for people to actually go and pick up the album. Secondly even those who may actually hear it may not really be much interested since there is not a single track belonging to chartbuster material. A disappointing soundtrack from the man who has made a big name for himself in the world of playback singing!