Acid Factory

EXPECTATIONS  A wonderful track record over the years has proven that Sanjay Gupta films have traditionally boasted of good music. Whether it is his productions or directorial outings, he has time and again impressed with his music. Soundtrack of most of his films is techno-heavy and one expects nothing different from the music of this Suparn Verma directed film that again sees multiple composers and lyricists coming together to do the job.
 
MUSIC Opening notes of ‘Yeh Jism’ pave the way for a dark outing to follow. Since Acid Factory has a dark and mysterious storyline to it, this Virag Mishra written song too follows the same route. On listening to it carefully, one gets closer to the film’s plot. While first 100 seconds have singer Raaj going ahead with his rendition with minimal instruments in the background, it’s the club mood which develops soon after that takes the song to a different level altogether. Composer Shamir Tandon does well in keeping the sanctity of the song intact while not straying away from the theme. Anchal Datta Bhatia, who had earlier impressed in Dus Kahaniyaan, makes a rather belated appearance in ‘Yeh Jism’ and adds on to the pop flavour of the song which also appears in a bona fide ‘Club Mix’ version. Expect this one to make it to the DJ’s countdown. A number which is set as a cabaret from the 50s/60s with modern day arrangements, ‘Khatti Meethi’ is the next to come. With high overtones of sensuality dripping throughout this song which is composed, sung as well as written (along with Amitabh Bhattacharya) by Manasi Scott, ‘Khatti Meethi’ is a number that takes time to grow. Though the basic rhythm belongs to the era gone by, its modern day treatment enhanced by the generous use of English lyrics which makes it fit into in contemporary times as well. One waits to see how it turns out after picturisation since its prospects will largely depend upon that. Remember the chartbuster number ‘Jab Andhera Hota Hai’ from Rajesh Khanna starrer Raja Rani? The same number is reproduced by Gourov Das Gupta and is presented in a modern day avtar with some slight changes being incorporated, especially during the initial portions. Anchal Datta Bhatia, Saptak Bhattacharya and Shweta Vijay get together for this Shellee written track that moves fast and has been given a sonic touch. However, the final effect isn’t as terrific as one would have expected, especially with modern day gadgetry and equipments available. In the quest of keeping the original feel intact with a shade of modern day feel to it, there is something that one does feel is amiss. Thankfully, there is a ‘remix version’ which does make a better impact.  The song that impresses most after ‘Yeh Jism’ is Vasundhara Das sung ‘Kone Kone Mein’. Yet again, this is one track that sticks to the dark-n-intriguing theme of the film. Bappa Lahiri gets it just right to keep the pacing perfect for this Virag Mishra written number. Moreover, there is a distinct 80s pop feel to ‘Kone Kone Mein’ which is enabled due to some good mix of old and new sound that gives it further edge. The element of mystery is woven throughout the song’s duration, courtesy Virag’s lyrics and one looks forward to see how the song, which later also appears in an good ‘Lounge Kilogram Mix’ version, is incorporated in the film. A techno heavy song comes next in the form of ‘Raftaar’ which appears to be made for the chase sequences in the film. It’s the ‘Yeh Jism’ team of composer Shamir Tandon, lyricist Virag Mishra and singers Anchal Datta Bhatia and Raaj who are entrusted with the responsibility of making ‘Raftaar’. Lyrically this song isn’t as solid as its predecessor but from sheer pace perspective, it should add zing to the narrative. The album ends with ‘Nothing Else Will Do’ which is composed and sung by Ranjit Barot. An English track which comes with a thump and goes well with the image of macho characters that one gets to see in Sanjay Gupta films, ‘Nothing Else Will Do’ should aid the narrative if played in the background with the six leading men in their dare devilry act.

OVERALL Acid Factory is primarily made of theme tracks rather than conventional songs that one gets to hear in core Bollywood films. Don’t expect a number to pop up which you would start humming on your way to office or in the college canteen. These are the kind of songs, especially ‘Yeh Jism’ and ‘Kone Kone Mein’, which start becoming much more meaningful when seen with the film’s storyline.
 
OUR PICK(S) ‘Yeh Jism’, ‘Kone Kone Mein’