click for larger view

'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local' brings back the fun- filled action paced thriller in a comical mould with new set of acting and directorial talents. The film brings back Abhay Deol in lead role after his dismal debut 'Socha Na Tha' and disastrous flop 'Ahista Ahista'. The actor has improved phenomenally in his last release 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd' and much is expected from him in 'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local'. Hot and seductive Neha Dhupia will be paired opposite him for the first time. The film has a whacky tagline "Dhayi Ghante Mein…Dhayi Crore" and promises to be comical action packed thriller with actors like Snehal Dhabi, Vinay Apte, Deepak Shirke and Ashok Samarth in the supporting cast. Debutante director Sanjay Khandoori will be directing this film and that comes under the banner of "Quartet Films". This low budget entertainer brings out the musical madness from a bunch of musical composers including Sandesh Shandilya, Call -The Band (Pakistani Pop Band), Ankur Tiwari, Tknow Frankcorsi, Aqueel and Sanjiv. The album promises good lively entertainment of a different blend of music in eight original soundtracks. The original soundtracks of 'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local' can be heard on HOM music cassettes and CD's.

Laree Choote: Pakistani Sufi rock music is making big news and this time with 'Call - The Band' taking centre-stage in the highly impressive soundtrack 'Laree Choote'. The song brings the theme of changing fortune in a short span with solid rock base. Sulfi, the lead vocalist proves to be another fine voice of this year as he punches out in typical "rock-star" attire with fine support of enthused guitar strumming and loud drumming. The song has thematically inclined lines rendered by lead actor Abhay Deol that narrates the gist of the film. The song has youthful sense of attraction with funky paced music that collages well with soft and shimmering female vocals in the background. The soundtrack will prove to be a saving grace if the film falters at the box office and positively spotlights pop group "Call -The Band" in the musical fraternity.

DJ Suketu along with Aks takes the show with blistering pace as they mix funky disco beats with thumping echoing impact in "Laree Choote (remix)". It will be counted as one of the finest remix works by DJ Suketu at this time and should be well received by urban listeners.

Ekka Chauka: If you felt anything special about "Baazi Laga" ('Guru') then "Ekka Chauka" will positively impress you for its unusual theme. The song talks about fluctuating fortunes where the life turns upside down in a whisker. Alisha Chinai takes the show by her silken n sensuous voice that narrates the dreams and aspirations with typical jazz and rock music as its musical backdrop. This may not be as impressive as Alisha's last heard "It's rocking" ('Kya Love Story Hai') but titillates senses with its intimidating appeal. Sandesh Shandilya punches westernized tunes that finely blend the appealing lyrics with sensuously flowing Alisha's vocals.

"Ekka Chauka (Title Version)" brings foreign composer Tknow Frankcorsi with indifferent style of musical arrangements in a comparatively more haunting version. It has more meaty musical instrumental work than the original version and reminds of theme tracks of stylish Hollywood action thrillers. It should be well placed in the film to give it an impressive outlook of a deadly thriller.

Bheegi Bheegi Si: The romantic flavors ignite as the mood goes mushy with dash of Indi-pop singing in the soundtrack "Bheegi Bheegi Si". The song brings new musical talent Ankur Tiwari to the front as he sings, writes and composes this slow pitched pop soundtrack. The song is about the anticipation of a lover when he confronts his beloved on a rainy night. This sounds more like an Indi-Pop number and should cater to pop genre who treasures this type of music. The number should have had more gripping in a pop album but still its impressive rendition should find many takers.

Akh: The album has raunchy flavors to deliver and it comes in garish musical rendition of sleazy item song in the sub-standard soundtrack "Akh (film version)". It sounds a lift from the endless pack of sleazy and raunchy item songs that boast loads of skin show with harsh vocals. Upcoming singer Rashmi renders this avoidable track that comes with folksy Punjabi lyrics with the police siren ringing in its background. The song tries to impress with funky musical impact as it returns with "Akh (dance version").

"Akh (dance version)" brings out some impressive western beats and tunes and comes in the voice of Anoushka with similar lyrical set up. It sounds better than "Akh (film version)" but overall it fails to leave any impact with its below average display.

Panga: After indifferent music and sounds, it's time for conventional Bollywood musical stuff with a situational feel in the romantic and lively soundtrack "Panga". The song is about two commuters (boy and girl) who have missed their last local train and are in a dilemma and anticipate a lot of things happening around them. Alisha Chinai returns in this duet track with Sonu Nigam but it sounds less impressive than her last rendered "Ekka Chauka". Music composers -- Aqueel and Sanjiv -- come up with routine musical work while Mehboob's lyrics add formality to this situational soundtrack.

Low profile film albums hardly bring any surprises and 'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local' is simply an average album with couple of average soundtracks. The album's most promising soundtracks happen to be from the Pakistani pop band 'Call - The Band' ("Laree Choote") while "Ekka Chauka" and "Bheegi Bheegi Si" are impressive to attract a small section of listeners. The album will hold its strength as long as its promotion goes well on air but its future prospects will depend on its box office results.