Sur   Producer: Fish Eye Network/Pritish Nandy Communications Director: Tanuja Chandra Starring: Lucky Ali, Gauri Karnik, Harsh Vasisht, Divya Dutta, Achint Kaur, Simone Singh and Marijke Desouza Music: M. M. Kreem Lyrics: Nida Fazli Singers: Lucky Ali, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mahalaxmi, and Marijke deSouza Audio On: Universal    Number of Songs: 8 Album Released on: 20 May 2002 Reviewed by: Anish Khanna  - Rating: 10.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Movie Review

A movie with a name like "Sur" and a subtitle "The Melody of Life" better have some pretty great music. Fortunately, it does.

M. M. Kreem, after "Zakhm", proves once again that he is one of the most underrated composers of the generation of Southern invaders to the North. And it is now more than evident that if you give Lucky Ali an above average tune, he makes it sound like sheer magic.

The opening number (and the one that we hear on the teaser) is "Aa Bhi Jaa", which is a real gem. Longing never sounded more painful as in this duet between Lucky Ali and a surprisingly mature-sounding Sunidhi Chauhan, supported by a haunting melody and an equally haunting violin. This is the Sunidhi that we had a glimpse of in the "Yaadein" theme music. She doesn´t fair as well in the playful tune of

"Tu Dil Ki Khushi" with her slightly airy vocals - but Lucky Ali is once again more than pleasant on the ears in this duet.

Sunidhi redeems herself with her solo "Dil Mein Jaagi" which is an uptempo number more in her league but is more vocally challenging in terms of range. She seems to be emerging as a force to reckon with and she definitely has plenty of time to grow.

The other number that will definitely have us pressing the repeat button is "Jaane Kya Dhoondta Hai Yeh Mera Dil" - which is "typical" Lucky in the sense that the song is about a journey. The lyrics by Nida Faazli are simple but impressive - and a listen to the number gives you the cathartic satisfaction that you´ve actually traveled this journey with Lucky.

If his expressive vocal quality is any indication of his acting abilities, then we are guaranteed a real treat with Lucky Ali. Just listen to his two other solo numbers - the dark, brooding spiral downward "Khoya Hai Tune Jo" versus the light-hearted celebration of nature "Aao Tumhe". Lucky breezes through both numbers effortlessly.

Mahalaxmi shows off her vocal gymnastics (and to her credit sounds very much like Chitra) in her solo "Kabhi Sham Dalhe". She also is a member of the underrated club and deserves to sing more such numbers.

A beautiful rendition of "Ave Maria" by relative unknown

Marijke deSouza rounds out the album. Ms. deSouza sounds like an angel here and does credit to its genre.

Overall - like all of Pooja Bhatt´s productions in the past - music is key here. The only difference, though, is that music is actually the spine of this film. As spines go, this is one of the strongest ones we have seen all year. Let´s cross our fingers and hope that the body will live up to it. For now - Lucky can do no wrong.