Director: Shaad Ali
Music: A. R. Rahman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Producer: Yash Raj Films, Mani Ratnam
Starring: Rani Mukherjee and Vivek Oberoi

Yash Chopra's Saathiya, directed by Shaad Ali( the son of Muzaffar Ali) is a remake of Tamil film Alai Payuthey, which was directed by ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam. Released recently by Saregama/HMV, the Saathiya sound track, makes for great listening. Those familiar with the music of Alaipayuthey (like this reviewer) will definitely compare the two. Even though a remake hardly ever lives up to the success of the original, Saathiya comes close to pulling off that feat.

Saathiya pleases overall, and Gulzar has done well with the lyrics. There are nine tracks in the album, sung by some of the best in the business. The title track Saathiya by Sonu Nigam is a sure fire winner from early reports and the air time it is getting back home. The tune is catchy and this track is beautifully composed, especially with the flute solos at the music intervals. Chalka Chalka Re is a festive wedding number with a very distinct South Indian flavor, sung by Richa Sharma, Mahalaxmi, Vaishali, and Shoma. The instrumentation with dholaks and Shehnais gives it a traditional flavor and adds to the feeling of the track.

Ay udi udi by Adnan Sami is a fresh of breath air. Catchy during the main refrains this track has a more jazzy feel to it, with strong beats. This reviewer, not a very big fan of Adnan’s was surprised by this flawless rendering.

Sadhana Sargam is undoubtedly one of the finest (though underrated) singers in Indian Films today. Chupke se (Snehithane in Alaipayuthey) is one of Rahman’s best compositions. A very catchy number with two opposing melodies that combine perfectly to form a very memorable song. The background sets a mystical mood to the song. Murtaza and Quadir sing with Sadhana.

O humdum, the next song is a very westernized track, remade from "Endrendrum". It is catchy with some effective phrases and good digital effects. Sung with great gusto by Shaan, KK, Pravin Mani and Kunal it will surely be a hit with most Rehman fans. Mangalyam is a shorter sadder version of the same song sung by Shaan, KK ,Kunal and Sreenivas.

Mera yaar mila de is vintage Rahman where one can catch strains of some Dil se tunes, with a sufiana feel. Rahman sings the song in his usual inimitable style. Rahman’s uneasiness with Hindi/Urdu pronunciations is evident howeeer - and that significantly affects the quality of the song.Naina milake , the next track is in Bhojpuri, sung by Sadhana Sargam and Madhushree, the song has classical overtones.

Asha Bhosle and Karthik sing the last track on the album, Chori pe chori, a peppy fast paced song with some rap music thrown in. The original, September Maadam from Alaipayuthey was a chart buster and one gets a sneaking suspicion that this one will break some records too.

Those who haven’t heard the original songs from Alaipayuthey will enjoy this album more, Rahman pulls some great surprises throughout the album.

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