'Om Shanti Om' recalls music of an earlier age

Film: "Om Shanti Om"
Music Director: Vishal-Shekhar
Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, Sonu Nigam, K.K., Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Richa Sharma, Sunidhi Chauhan, Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder, Caralisa, Marianne D'Cruz, Nisha Mascarenhas, Rahul Saxena, Abhijeet
Ratings: ***

Farah Khan's second directorial venture is ready to hit the theatres. While the movie is a much-anticipated one, the music is getting mixed reviews from all over. Composed by the contemporary duo Vishal-Shekhar, the soundtrack of "Om Shanti Om" is an amalgamation of songs that belong to an earlier age.

Already doing the rounds of the small screen and making hearts go aflutter is "Ajab si" - doused completely in romance, the song by K.K. has this unconventionally youthful tune attached to it. K.K. is as usual flawless while the lyrics are sweet and innovative.

Taking a complete U-turn is the track titled "Dard-e-disco". Rendered by Sukhwinder and assisted by Caralisa, Marianne D'Cruz and Nisha Mascarenhas, the number is very close to being a disaster.

Shaan renders "Dastaan-e-Om-Shanti-Om", which reminds one so much of the evergreen "Ek hasina thi". The musical ensemble seems elaborate and the track has a 50-50 chance of doing well.

"Deewangi deewangi" boasts of a gang of singers including Shaan, Rahul Saxena, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Udit Narayan, some of the best of the lot. In the song, music from the yesteryears has been fused with contemporary tones.   Javed Akhtar's lyrics add to the journey into the past.

"Dhoom Tana" makes it difficult for one to say whether it will be an out and out success or just fade away. Abhijeet and Shreya do a good job of rendering Javed Akhtar's lyrics, and Vishal-Shekhar's music doesn't disappoint either, yet the overall appeal of the track leaves you wanting.

"Jag soona soona lage" boasts of singers like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma, who with their powerful voices enthral the masses. Javed saab's lyrics contribute to the heart-breaking theme of the song where melody plays a huge role and Rahat Fateh's soulful and passionate voice completes the circle.

Continuing with the theme of creating music belonging to a completely different era, Vishal-Shekhar rope in Sonu Nigam and Shreya for "Main agar kahoon". A mushy and romantic song, it encompasses doses of sweet nothings written by Javed Akhtar. It will find instant fans who may, however, back off after a while.

Fragments of all the tracks in the soundtrack are put together to form "Om Shanti Om", a medley mix. This should be a treat for anyone who has loved each and every song in the album. Who else would download it?

Despite a few problems, "Om Shanti Om" is a sure winner!