Hello

Cast : Arbaaz Khan, Isha Koppikar, Sharat Saxena, Gul Panag, Suresh Menon, Dalip Tahil, Sharman Joshi, Sohail Khan, Amrita Arora, Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Katrina Kaif
Directed by : Atul Agnihotri
Producer : Atul Agnihotri
Music Director : Sajid-Wajid
Lyricist : Jalees Sherwani
Release Date : 10 October 2008

HELLO is Atul Agnihotri's second outing as a director, after Mad & Orion's DIL NE JISE APNA KAHA, which had some lovely compositions by Himesh Reshammaiya, who was at that time a favourite with Salman Khan. Then there was an exceptionally beautiful title track by the guest composer, maestro, A.R.Rahman. So, here we are, looking forward to another melodious offering from Atul in form of HELLO. Let's check out what the talented duo, Sajid -Wajid have in store for us after rocking the charts with the superhit PARTNER and a lackluster, GOD TUSSI GREAT HO.

First up is the ''Hello Title Track'' which true to its name commences with a rap that starts with a caller saying ''Hello, hello, Pick up it up, pick it up, pick your phone up!'' And then we have the trademark Sajid-Wajid funky and groovy melody with an equally groovy kind of singing by a host of artists like Wajid, Suzy Q, Ishq Bector, Herchelle, Merlin and Tim. The background music is full of weird musical addendums like the police siren, beep sounds etc, but its Wajid's deep, base singing that takes the cake . The lyrics are humorous and at times strange and out of sync, with references like 'paathshala, jeeja kala'! There is also a mention of 'One Night At The Call Centre', the famous novel by Chetan Bhagat on which the film is based. The background rhythm is similar to the 'antara' from ''Jee Karda'' (SINGH IS KINNG), in fact the female portion of the song is totally inspired (may be unintentionally) from it.

'Hello Party Mix' has been tastefully done and will serve to liven the dance floors of clubs and discos.

Next number, ''Rab Ka Banda'' catches one off guard, after the frivolous sounding title number, as this composition has a lot of substance and emotions attached to it. The haunting melody (reminiscent of Narendra Chanchal's , ''Kabhie Gham se Dil lagaya'') combined with the superb sufyana touch and amalgamated with western musical arrangements in the background makes it a lovely track. Jalees Sherwani deserves praise for the lyrics which encourage and inspire. 'Mera apna falak hai, Mere apne sitarein hain, Mere apne toofan hain, Mere apne kinare hain Main apne rab ka banda hoon.' And to sing this superb sufi track we have exceptional singers like (the rarely heard these days), Sonu Nigam and Zubin and also Sundhi Chauhan, who spin magic with their excellent rendition.

After the philosophical number its time to hit the dance floor again, but this time with 'Bhangra pop' based track ''Karle Baby Dance Wance''. And so we have the King of Bhangra, Daler Mehndi (his ''Bhootni Ke'' is still rocking the charts) in his typical vociferous, boisterous style belting out the number. The composition is quite average though the lead singers put in all their energy and zest to make it a happening track. But the oft heard 'Bhangra rhythm ('Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka') is a let down, especially as it has not been utilized well. One expected more from Sajid Wajid after PARTNER.''Mitwa Re'' starts off as a promising love ballad but loses steam midway and later the song turns out to be a routine romantic composition. Even the lyrics are very filmy, the kinds heard in numerous love number. Again a sense of disappointment creeps in as one expected a lot from talented singers like Shaan and Sadhna Sargam with Wajid chipping in.

Sound of flying chopper and hard rock crunch guitaring commence ''Bang Bang Bang'', a stage performance dance track that has been picturised on Salman Khan, who has an extended guest appearance in his brother-in-law's film. Once again, the main rhythm of the song disappoints, it is very old fashioned, the kind heard in Mithun Chakraborthy's disco dance days. Though the background music arrangements are top class with some effective guitaring and drumming and plate sounds to give the song a concert touch. One just wished that a better melody or rhythm pattern had been chosen by the composers in order to create a chartbuster. The song may hit the charts if Salman's magic works (like mostly!) on screen !

On the whole, the soundtrack of HELLO is an average effort by the composers Sajid - Wajid. Apart from the title track and ''Rab Ka Banda'' and to a lesser extent ''Bang Bang Bang'', there is not a single song that has the capability to enter the charts. However, one must add here that Sajid Wajid had surprised all with PARTNER (critics had written that off too!) and so for the sake of all concerned with the film, here is hoping for a second round of surprise from the talented duo.