Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu Review {2.5/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
One expects a fun score in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. Since the target audience for the film is the one that roots for the likes of I Hate Luv Storys, Break Ke Baad and Anjaana Anjaani, it is expected that the soundtrack would belong to the same zone as well. Moreover, with Amit Trivedi as a composer and Amitabh Bhattacharya (who recently delved into an altogether contrasting territory in Agneepath) as the lyricist, one does look forward to a youthful vibrant score that would keep the youth engaged.
MUSIC
The album begins well with a situational yet entertaining number in the form of the title song 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu'. A fun number about a young man and a woman who have just got drunk and are happy to explore the world on an uninhibited night, this new age track is sung quite well by Benny Dayal and Anushka Manchanda. In fact their vocals indeed suit Imran and Kareena, what with Benny turning on his boyish charm while the sonic effect in Anushka's voice further accentuating the overall appeal. Add to that the additional vocals of Shefali Alvaris (who recently did a superb job in 'Tu Mera Hero' [Desi Boyz]) and a popular number is pretty much on the way. The 'remix version' is a welcome addition too which should keep the upmarket clubs and discotheques happy.
The way 'Gubbare' begins, you are instantly reminded of 'Dhoop Ke Makaan' from Vishal-Shekhar's Break Ke Baad. A song that has a 'country' feel to it, 'Gubbare' is set a poetic track which does sound good but primarily in the context of the film. A kind of number that can't be expected to go beyond the film, 'Gubbare' sees the coming together of Amit Trivedi, Shilpa Rao, Nikhil D'Souza and Amitabh Bhattacharya which basically gives an impression of a jamming session in progress. It may add on to the film's narrative but that's about it.
Presumably the kind of number that was added to the film in order to help its commercial prospects, 'Auntyji' is Imran's homage to the middle aged women who are still attractive enough to catch youngster's attention. The sad part though is that despite repeated listening, this one just doesn't make you hit the dance floor. Ash King tries to recreate the 50s charm by singing in a manner that was once associated for the likes of Biswajeet and Joy Mukherjee half a century back. However, the final results don't quite enthral you.
As the song passes by, you really look forward to something really exciting in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu that would make the album indeed worth paying attention. Well, 'ahatein' does arrive quite softly and makes you listen closely despite the fact that yet again, this one doesn't really take the massy route and stays niche in appeal. The man who comes behind the mike is Karthik who does well in a rendition that is meant to be soft and almost like a whisper, something that suits the mood of yet another poetic number by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Situational, yet reasonably effective, it has Shilpa Rao joining in who is good as always. Later in the album she is joined by Shekhar Ravjiani, who is known for picking and choosing his singing assignments quite sparsely. This 'remix version' thankfully doesn't go too ballistic.
Last to arrive is 'Kar Chalna Shuru Tu' which could well be titled as another title song of the film due to Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu being mentioned in the 'mukhda' itself. This one does bring in a certain tempo to the soundtrack, courtesy Vishal Dadlani's vocals that are high energy. With Shilpa Rao getting her second song in a row, 'Kar Chalna Shuru Tu' does turn out to be a good hear though yet again, it's appeal to a larger audience is ruled out as it is situational and basically meant for a very restricted audience.
OVERALL
All through the promotion of the film, its makers haven't shied away from admitting that as a film Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu brings in a new grammar of cinematic experience. Well, one can pretty much evidence that in the soundtrack as well which is decent but with an eye for niche audience. Not that one was hunting for a 'masala' soundtrack here but even within the genre that the film is exploring here, it would be basically the likes of the title songs ('Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu', 'Kar Chalna Shuru Tu') that would make the most impression.
OUR PICK(S)
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Kar Chalna Shuru Tu
