With 'Kasak' getting ready for release, one can safely say that Bhatts have the machinery in place today to get all out publicity for their movies. And this is because all through the period when 'Nazar' was on floor and subsequently got ready for release, Bhatts had their USP clear in their minds. The USP was Pakistani actress Meera who had done 'bagawat' with one and all to be a part of this supernatural thriller. But one look at Meera in the promos of 'Kasak' and one wonders why film-maker Rajeev Babbar chose to go entirely low profile for his passionate love story that also stars Lucky Ali as a sole hero for the second time after 'Sur'. Music by MM Kreem (riding high on the appreciation for the music of 'Paheli') and lyrics by Sameer are other positives that could have been en-cashed but surprisingly the promotion of music too hasn't been 'on-your-face' kinds. Nevertheless, one picks up the album of 'Kasak' with high hopes due to presence of singer-actor Lucky Ali, composer MM Kreem and off course Meera.
1) Jaana Hai Jaana Hai (3 separate solos by Lucky Ali, Jagjit Singh and Madhushree)
A brilliantly composed philosophical song about life, friends and various twists and turns that destiny takes, Lucky Ali croons 'Jaana Hai' in his inimitable style. He delivers exactly what one had in mind while playing on 'Kasak'. The song has an earthy feel with a classy effect. Sameer's lyrics are a revelation as he makes the most of an opportunity provided to him to write something different. Madhushree, who is slowly but surely creating a space for her does her solo take on the same track and leaves a mark. Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh comes towards the album's end and sings this touching number that has a hint of subtlety. Nevertheless, it is Lucky's solo that has the maximum impact and turns out to be most entertaining inspite of Jagjit Singh's presence !
2) Sansein Madham Hai (Shreya Goshal)
Remember two seductive songs from 'Jism' - 'Chalo Tumko Lekar Chale' and 'Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai'? What happens if tunes of both the tracks are mixed together? 'Sansein Madham Hai' is born, which is an unapologetic rehash of both the tracks. Shreya Ghoshal croons this number that still works inspite of an obvious inspiration from Kareem's own work in the past. The music is slow and smooth and does manage to keep the listener's interest alive.
3) Yeh Zindagi (Lucky Ali, Sunidhi Chauhan)
Not just once, but Kreem looks back at his previous melodies twice, this time in 'Tu Mile Dil Khile' from 'Criminal. Not that 'Yeh Zindagi' is a note by note take on the 90s hit, but the beginning of the number is a clear replica ! Lucky Ali and Sunidhi Chauhan are good as always but one still misses the kind of intensity that Lucky showed in 'Jaana Hai'. Even otherwise 'Yeh Zindagi' doesn't really reach the same heights as some of the other Lucky Ali non-film songs.
4) Todh Diya (MM Kreem)
A sad track, 'Todh Diya' is about the pain, sorrow and anguish of the lead protagonist who is hurt due to his love turning unfaithful. There are obvious attempts at creating a similar feel as 'Tadap Tadap' (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam) but the similarities just end there due to average composition and singing by MM KReem.
5) Bechainiyon Mein Lamha (MM Kreem)
Inspite of Lucky Ali being the lead hero of the project, it is surprising to see him being under-utilized as a singer in 'Kasak'. Instead MM Kreem gets into a singing mood once more with 'Bechainiyon Mein Lamha', a passionate number with nice music, that is good to hear but lasts for just about a couple of minutes.
6) Chandni Hai Khoyi Khoyi (Lucky Ali, Anuradha Paudwal)
Anuradha Paudwal, whose last notable song this year was one of the biggest hits 'Jaa