Reviewed by Akhlaq Hussain
akhlaq@indolink.com

The Uncle-Nephew duo of Dilip Sen and Sameer Sen gave some of their best musical compositions in Naresh Malhotra's last film YEH DILLAGI way back in 1994, now in 1998 they are back but sadly cannot re-create the same kind of magic for this Govinda-starrer but do a decent job.

Side A begins with "Jaane Jaana" which is on all the satellite channel countdown shows and may probably be the best number on the soundtrack. Sung by Abhijeet and Alka Yagnik, the fast-paced song has a typical "Govinda" style to it and has Abhijeet singing quite well, with Alka equally as well. This is perhaps the "gimmick" song which MUST be present in all GOVINDA starrers for the film to do well.

The next track is also an Abhijeet number but this time it is a Punjabi folk tune "Ek Soni Kudi Dila De." We have our hero comparing his dream-girl to various BOLLYWOOD heroines (what else is new!) and an interlude by Alka Yagnik in the second verse.

The third number "Dil Leke Gaya Chor" is again by Abhijeet with comedian JOHNNY LEVER lending his hand in "pataoing" the heroine MANISHA KOIRALA. The song will be a hit with road-side romeos who love to tease eligible young women.

The next song "Duniya Bhula Do" is a love duet by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik. It comes as a nice relief from the fast-paced Abhijeet numbers and is quite hummable in tune.

Beginning on Side B we have the title track "Achanak" played to the tune of suspenseful music and a chorus repeatedly singing "Achanak."

Next we have a repeat of "Dil Leke Gaya Chor" this time with added beats.

The third track on Side B is perhaps one of the best sad love songs to come in a while. "Oonchi Oonchi Deewaron Pe" has vocals by Alka Yagnik and Hariharan who sings for Govinda for the first time. The song is such a change from the numbers on Side A you wonder if you are listening to the same soundtrack.

The last number on the soundtrack "Jhoom Le" is a nice dance song sung by Abhijeet (yes one last time) with Kavita Krishnamurthy and chorus. Although the lyrics are altered in the film (to suit the situation) on the soundtrack we have a good song which incidentally is picturized on Govinda and Manisha with ChiChi dressed in "Mask" get-up ala Jim Carey.

All in all ACHANAK is a commendable effort by Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen whose last few films like MARD, HITLER and SALAAKHEN left much to be desired. Hope they can improve upon Achanak and not give us any more like the previous 3 mentioned above.

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