Producer: Pritish Nandy Communications
Director: Anant Balani
Starring: Rahul Bose, Perizaad Zorabian, Anusha, Asrani, Saurabh Shukla and Vijay Raaz
Music: Anand Raj Anand and Farhad Wadia
Lyrics: Dev Kohli and Milap Zaveri
Singers: K.K, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Saswati, Kunal Ganjawala, Abbey, Sukhreen, Joe Alvares and Farhad Wadia
Audio On: Times Music
Number of Songs: 8
Released on: July, 2003
Reviewed by: Gaurav Malani
Reviewer's Rating: 7.5 out of 10


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Yet another crossover film about a 34 year old virgin, who accidentally becomes an overnight B grade movie star (supposedly no resemblance to The Guru). The music is as different as the theme of the film.

The album opens with "Loot Gaye", by guest composer Anand Raj Anand (who surprisingly gets a higher billing on the album cover than the debutante main composer, Farhad Wadia, of course for commercially viable reasons). Newcomer singer Saswati effortlessly induces a sensuous touch to this not-so-heavy item number.

The remaining album brings in a big surprise not only through its unheard singers but also for its bold lyrics and unconventional Hollywood kind of tunes. A pleasant surprise though. "Sex Is Good" (did that lift your eyebrows?) is a track about deciding the limit of love-making. Composed as a fast paced rock number it has excellent use of electric guitar, somewhat in the mould of Deep Purple’s Highway Star. KK’s smooth and flawless English rendition makes it all the more exciting.

"Shame" is about the protagonist seized by guilt pangs for his love-making desires (again). A deliberately hoarse sounding Joe Alvares is supported by a sensuous chorus here.

A remix version of Bappi Lahiri’s ´Bumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost´ (from yesteryear’s film Aap Ki Khatir) also makes an appearance. Sung by Abbey and Sukhreen in a Konkani accent, it’s remixed by DJ Narayan to a Goan flavour. The lyrics though, are altered to suit the theme of the film.

"Tu" appears in three versions - main and sad (by Kunal Ganjawala) and an English version (as You by Shaan). A slow love track, it’s good but doesn´t cast a lasting impression.

"Yeh Hai Mumbai" by Sonu Nigam, is the only below average track of this album about life and living in Mumbai.

The innovative, unusual and bold lyrics throughout the album by Milap Zaveri (who also penned the dialogues for Kaante) deserve a special mention.

Mumbai Matinee breaks most music rules of Bollywood and to good effect. Those interested in hatke stuff must surely give this a try. The squeamish should stay away.