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Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
Music Review
Synopsis - The film narrates the tale of two families - Sarans and Talwars. While Sarans are headed by Kamaljit Saran (Kiron Kher), mother of Dev (Shahrukh Khan), Talwars have Samarjit Singh Talwar (Amitabh Bachchan) as the eldest with Rishi (Abhishek Bachchan) as his son That's not all as the well-to-do families also have a female member in the form of Rhea (Preity Zinta), Dev's wife and Maya (Rani Mukherjee), Rishi's better half. Each of the young couples comes with their own set of frustrations, desires and expectations. Each of the young couples has their own problems, their own battles to fight. And soon there comes a time when a member from each of the two couples start depending upon each other to comfort themselves!
They are Dev and Maya. Very much married. But now looking upon each other for the best moments of their lives! What was it about the relationships shared by Dev-Rhea and Rishi-Maya that set them apart? And what is it that would get them closer again?
Both Dev and Maya have a handicap that keeps them unhappy about their married lives. An unfortunate incident changes Dev's personality completely. Handicapped, he starts looking at everything with a negative mindset and finds himself unable to enjoy the smallest pleasures given by life. Whether it is his much-successful wife Rhea or the ones who are closest to him, he is just enable to maintain his composure and hates everything that comes in his way, be it his surroundings, his loved ones, his wife and even his life! With a feeling of loneliness and disappointed all around him, sensitive Dev lashes out at any given opportunity. But Maya's entry in his life brings along a calming effect! On the other hand Maya too has a handicap of her own that keeps her aloof from her husband. While on one hand she is unable to have children, on the other hand she is not able to give her husband the kind of love that any husband would deserve. Knowing very well that her feelings for Rishi have much left in them to be desired, she feels guilty about the fact but finds herself helpless in this situation. Doubting the very essence of the relationship they share, the love they feel for each other and the life they want to live from hereon, Maya finds herself on the crossroads when she meets Dev!
Passion ignites, sparks fly and true love beckons Dev and Maya when they meet. And then comes the dilemma of accepting the fact about their respective marriage partners on one hand and choosing a life of their choice on the other. Meanwhile what's the kind of lives Rhea and Rishi want to live?
A confident woman with strong beliefs and resolve about her career having equal, if not more, important as her marital life, Rhea is smart, successful and caring. She may not be the usual housewife that is generally accepted from a woman belonging to her social circle but that is hardly a worrying thought for her as she believes that everything counts in an individual's life, with love and luxuries holding equal importance.
Rishi too loves Maya enormously and it's her and only her who is of utmost importance to him. But a difficult situation comes his way when he realizes about Maya's handicap. Frustrated and depressed, he has his violent fits that further draw Maya away from him. Moreover the stylish persona of his is a complete opposite of the calm and composed nature of Maya! With lives of each of the four protagonists on the crossroads, what roles do the elders have to play? Colorful by nature, Samarjit knows how to have fun and laugh all the way but when it comes to family matters that threaten to turn it all into a messy situation, he knows when, where and whom to give advice. A man who tries everything to get things back on track, he is the one for whom only two people matter most - Rishi and Maya. Same holds true for Kamaljit too who has a righteous attitude towards the state of affairs and doesn't think twice about taking a stand when it comes to supporting the truth. An ideal mix of traditional values and a progressive mindset, she may seem unfazed by the situation at her home but puts her foot down when things go extreme. And this is what that makes her raise her voice in support of Rhea!
So in this complex scenario how much does one compromise on self-gratification for the sake of commitment? Or should one compromise at all?
In last few years, Bollywood lovers have seen Karan
Johar in various 'avatars'. There has been Karan Johar - the producer [Kal
Ho Na Ho, Kaal], Karan Johar the story/screenplay writer [Kal Ho Na Ho],
Karan Johar – the costume designer [Main Hoon Naa, Veer Zaara] and guess
what, even Karan Johar – an actor [Home Delivery]. He has sipped coffee
with the biggest of celebrities [Koffee With Karan] and even hosted numerous
award functions. But the place where he was missed most was at the director's
seat!
Four and half years since the release of his mega blockbuster 'Kabhi Khushi
Kabhi Gham' [2001], he returns to direction with yet another mammoth
extravaganza 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna'! No wonder, expectations are simply
HUGE from the biggest film of the year that stars the who's who of Bollywood in
the form of Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee,
Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal and Kirron Kher. With Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Javed
Akhtar pairing up again for the music of 'Kal Ho Na Ho' that rocked the
charts for weeks at stretch, it is impossible not to expect the best again.
Because anything less than ordinary is simply unpardonable from a team like KANK!
Karan Johar had taken a risk at the very beginning of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'
by showing Shahrukh Khan grieving over Rani Mukherjee's death. While trade
pundits had called it a disastrous approach, the director stuck to his vision
and the results were for everyone to be seen! With KANK, he enters the risky
zone once again as the opening number of the album, the title song 'Kabhi
Alvida Na Kehna', turns out to be a sad number. Breaking the norms of
incorporating a romantic melodious number for the kick start of the album, Karan
Johar, S-E-L, Javed Akhtar, Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik come up with a melodious
theme number. Inspite of a painful feel to it, its strength lies in the opening
note that has a touching effect made possible by few but effective musical
instruments. While a piano with violins in the background form a good prelude to
the number, it is Sonu Nigam's crooning that further impresses due to a distinct
'Kal Ho Na Ho' feel to it. A song where the lead pair(s) of the movie are
shown to be separating from one another but still wish each other good in life
and a promise of remembrance, it is Javed Akhtar saab's lyrics that spin a tale
through simple words that go as:
Tumko Bhi Hai Khabar, Mujhko Bhi Hai Pata; Ho Raha Hai Juda, Dono Ka
Raasta Door Jaake Bhi Mujhse, Tum Meri Yaadon Mein Rehna; Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna,
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna!
The song moves at a slow pace and turns out to be quite pleasant on ears! Yes,
the experiment works as one gets curious about the film's storyline and Karan
Johar's choice of subject!
'Love will find a way' – these are the opening lines in 'Mitwa', a song
that would be loved by one and all who have loved Pakistani brand of music in
last few months, especially the ones that have been heard in Mahesh Bhatt films
['Zeher', 'Kalyug', 'Gangster']! Opening sound of guitar along with
Caralisa's crooning of 'Love will find a way' followed by Shafqat Amanat Ali
[from Pakistani band Fuzon] and Shankar coming behind the mike makes 'Mitwa'
a sure shot chartbuster number. The song has a good rhythm to it and though it
starts off with distinct Pakistani shade, it takes a lot from Indian classical
music as it progresses further. A song that has an introspective edge to it
where the lead is shown searching for something unknown, unheard and unseen, it
is a number that could easily belong to Indi/Paki pop genre. 'Mitwa Revisited'
follows a little later and the remix version turns out to be highly trendy
befitting a discothèque/lounge outing.
After a sad and an introspective number, 'it's the time to disco', once again,
with 'Where's The Party Tonight'! The song begins on a smashing note as
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy get the groove going with funky western musical arrangements.
Shaan and Vasundhara Das turn out to be a highly effective pair as they let
their hair down to come up with a rendition that is a good mix of Indian and
Western style. The song is loud as per the requirement of the song's setting,
and an effective use of chorus in the background along with Shankar and Loy
joining in intermittently, makes it a number that should be popular amongst the
youth in days to come. Yes, 'Where's The Party Tonight' may not be
extraordinary or a kind that would break new grounds, but such is the beauty of
S-E-L compositions that just like A.R. Rehman songs, they too start getting on
you after you have heard them a few times. Call it the unconventional effect!
By this time one starts expecting a bonafide romantic number to come next.
The wait is over with 'Tumhi Dekho Naa' that comes quite late in the day,
just like 'Kuch To Hua Hai' came only towards the latter stages of the 'Kal
Ho Na Ho'. One of the best tracks of the album so far, it comes very close
to the title song in terms of styling but due to a different theme sounds
differently. Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik are highly effective in this poetic
romantic number that has been well worded by Javed saab. Slow paced and highly
effective due to a soothing tune by Shankar Ehsaan Loy who come up with yet
another beautiful love song, it should be one of the highlights of the movie and
promises a mushy choreography. There is certain Indian feel about it that makes
it extra special and a certain winner amongst the music lovers!
It's the time to rock-n-roll along with a dash of hip-hop in 'Rock'n'Roll
Soniye' that seems to be a number picturized on Amitabh Bachchan due to the
way Shankar Mahadevan goes about rendering the track. If there was a 'Shava
Shava' in K3G, it's going to be 'Rock'n'roll Soniye' that also turns a bit
jazzy as it moves on. Young brigade joins Big B in shaking a leg or two as Shaan
is the first to arrive followed by Mahalaxmi Iyer. With lines from the popular
old numbers such as 'Sar Pe Topi Lal Haath Mein Resham Ka Roomal', this
is a celebrations number that promises a lavish picturization with colors all
around.
Much before the official release of the music album of KANK, rumor brigade has
been having a field day in pulling down the album. Well, that's not something
new as with every biggie comes its share of detractors. But on hearing the songs
for yourself, you realize that is it NOTHING, but a rumor! The album is yet
another fine product from the team that delivers the kind of music expected from
it. While the 'title song', 'Mitwa' and 'Tumhi Dekho No' are the
pick of the lot due to strong melodious feel, 'Where's The Party Tonight'
and 'Rock'n'Roll Soniye' too have in them to be popular amongst the
youngsters once their song promos are out on the small screen. One can easily
expect the album to zoom to the top of the charts in the very first week of its
release that should maintain its position as the song promos start coming on
air.
Theme instrumental of the title song comes in the form of 'Farewell Trance'
that befits the theme of 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna'. It is amazing to see
western techno arrangements being created for an Indian melodious number like 'Kabhi
Alvida Na Kehna' with Shweta Pandit giving the 'aalap' and Caralisa
crooning some portions that remind of the style of 'Enigma'. As the
number progresses further, it’s the sound of flute that impresses most as it
takes the instrumental further. A track that should form the part of opening/end
credit rolls and the film’s background score, it brings the album to a lively
closure, in spite of the fact that the original number has a sad feel to it!"
A winning score from a winning team!
3.5 out of 5
After the huge success of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kal Ho Naa Ho, expectations are extremely high with Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna. Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna is definitely one of the most awaited films for this year, and going by its star-cast, it should be a treat to watch on screen. So the main questions everyone is asking Is Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna album a winner? Does it surpass Karan Johar previous albums of KKHH, K3G and KHNH?
Yes, Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna is a winner in terms of music. Although it’s not earth-shattering, its definitely an album that everyone should enjoy as it has a variety of songs, and it will have good music sales in the days to come.
Yes, it’s definitely on par with KKHH and K3G album; however it’s definitely way better than the overrated KHNH. The soundtrack is great, and it does make the anticipation to the 11th of August quite high.
The albums beings with the best song in the album, which is the title track Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna. A slow, yet soothing number that is bound to be loved by everyone. There are several people we must congratulated for coming up with a winning track. First, Javed Akthar lyrics are simply great in this song; he always comes up with very thoughtful lyrics. Second, it has excellent rendition from Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik. I won’t be surprised if Sonu Nigam is nominated for this song, as he dominates this song. The way how Sonu Nigam say Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna is very addictive. Third, it has excellent music arrangements from S-E-L. From the violins, to the piano, it sounds very impressive. Kudos to the entire team for this title track.
Verdict: Excellent song, it should finish as one of the best songs in 2006. An instant chartbuster. 9.5/10
Another Hit track in the making is Mitwa, which is easily the second best song in this album. This song has a Pakistani feel to it; however, it’s definitely a winner. Once again, S-E-L comes with a melodious song that has good rhythm and good musical arrangements. The singer, Shafqat Amanat Ali has done a brilliant job in this song, and the way he says “Mitwa” is great. As always, for songs like this, Javed Akthar always comes up with great lyrics. It sounds like another Hit SRK or Abhishek Bachchan track in the making, however I hope you enjoy it the way I did. There is also a Mitwa Revisited, which is also great as the original song.
Verdict: Definitely a Hit song. Another chartbuster song from Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna album. 9/10
A song that is bound to rock the discos in the coming days is Where’s The Party Night. Going by its song name, I thought it would sound garbage; however, it’s truly a good number. The western musical arrangements are good by S-E-L, especially in the beginning, and the rendition by Shaan and Vasundhara Das is good. This song is definitely way better than their overrated Its Time To Disco from Kal Ho Naa Ho, and this song will definitely be loved by the youth.
Verdict: This is a song that will be loved by youths that should rock the discos in the days to come. 8/10
For romantic lovers, there’s Tumhi Dekho Naa, which is another great song that makes Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna album so far a huge winner. Once again, the Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik pair never disappoints as their rendition is great. Javed Akthar lyrics are well written and deserve special mention. This slow romantic number has a soothing tune by S-E-L, and there’s no denying that this song is one of the highpoints in this album. This is one song that should look great on screen (I think it will be picturized on SRK and Rani Mukherjee). Definitely, a winner for romantic lovers.
Verdict: This song is die-hard romantic lovers. One of the best romantic duets for this year. 9/10
If you like Pretty Woman from Kal Ho Naa Ho, then you will love Rock N Roll Soniye, however if you hate Pretty Woman, like me, then this track may not impress you, and personally, I don’t like this track. This is definitely the worst track in the album, which will have Amitabh Bachchan singing it. While the album was going great so far, this track comes as a huge surprise and turns out to be the biggest liability in this album. Everything from the singing (Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan and Mahalaxmi Iyer), to the musical arrangements, to the lyrics is quite average in this song. The English lyrics tend to sound irritating during the song. However, the plus point in this song is that it should look good on screen, but on audio, it’s quite disappointing from my point of view.
Verdict: Definitely not my cup of tea. The worst song in the album; however it may look good on screen. 5/10
The album ends with the Farewell Theme. Although it starts off slow, its gets better thanks to its arrangements. A good way to end the album. 7.5/10
Well, here you have it, Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna is a winner in terms of music, and we hope it reflects on its music sales. I must compliment Javed Akthar, and S-E-L for coming up with a great album. Another compliment is for Karan Johar, for doing a different film, rather than his regular family films. I’m not sure how this movie will fare at the box-office (I’m sure it will have mixed reactions thanks to its affair theme. Also, we must remember, affair films doesn’t truly do well at the box-office), but there is no doubt the opening will be great going by SRK star-power. However, going by its promos, it seems like a winner to me. Kabhi Alveda Naa Kehna will finish off as one of the top selling albums of 2006 (if not, the best selling album of 2006), however, we have to wait when the other Superstar Khan, Salman Khan comes with the music of Jaanemann. And from what I’m hearing, Jaanemann music is a winner. Aamir Khan has winners with Rang De Basanti and Fanaa in terms of music and its film, which were both highly successful. Let’s hope the other two Khans, Salman and SRK can do their parts this year.
8 out of 10