Remaking Don was one thing, but tinkering with Sholay [Images] is another. This is not just another blockbuster. It's a movie legend.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is obviously up for the challenge.

His decision to pay a contemporary tribute to Ramesh Sippy's timeless classic has invited a lot of scepticism and controversy. But whether the gamble, ridiculously titled Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, pays off, only time will tell.

Starring Amitabh Bachchan [Images], Mohanlal, Ajay Devgan, Sushmita Sen [Images], Nisha Kothari and debutant Prashant Raj [Images], RGV Ki Aag assigns four music directors -- Ganesh Hegde, Amar Mohile, Prasanna Sekhar and Nitin Raikwar -- to helm the soundtrack.

Hit or miss? Let's find out.

The much-publicised Mehbooba is nothing like its hotly shot video showcasing Urmila Matondkar (in a special appearance) at her raunchy best. Ganesh Hegde's adaptation essentially relies on the sexy punch lines of RD's original and is quite content being a mediocre 'item' ditty.

Following Don's Yeh Mera Dil, Sunidhi Chauhan [Images] yet again steps into Asha Bhosle's [Images] inimitable shoes, to dish out the disappointing Mehbooba. This time as well, the husky singer tries too hard and in the process, mars her spontaneity.

Big B [Images] is in his element mouthing lines like, 'Kabhi kabhi mere bhi dil mein khayal aata hai, ke tujhe mein doob jaon, darr sirf itna hai ke tera kya hoga mehbooba.' He's got the million-dollar voice for sure. But when compared to his late pal and colleague, Amjad 'Gabbar Singh' Khan, it is not nearly as menacing.

For those of you interested in an encore, there's a pumped up remix of the same by DJ Amyth

Amar Mohile trades the lively banter of Sholay's utterly lovable track, Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati Hai to concoct the tacky tapori cocktail, Ruk Ja. Vinod Rathod and Sunidhi Chauhan's piercing rendition only adds to the overall nuisance value. Also, why is the chorus doing a hostile 'Ho ho ho' in what is supposed to be a teasing romantic number? Sajid-Farhad's lyrics are rather mangy to pass off as playful.

Rathod returns with his trademark baritone to be pitted against the wispy tones of Shweta Pandit's chords in Cha Raha. It's fast-paced, all right, but not exciting enough to hit the rewind button.

An extensive line-up of singers -- Ravindra Upadhyaye, Shweta Pandit, Farhad Bhiwandiwala, Shreya Ghosal and Sudesh Bhosle -- gather around to celebrate the festival of colours. Keeping the wild festive spirit alive, this one's all about making merry and letting one's hair down. It's blithe rhythm and insouciant charm makes this Holi worth playing.

Hai Aag Yeh largely builds itself around the ominous albeit unforgettable Gabbar theme. But Mohile's goes overboard with the haunting percussion. The final product, no thanks to Sunidhi's pointlessly theatrical incantation, ends up sounding like a full-fledged horror score. To add more shiver to your spine, the soundtrack features an instrumental version of the track.

This one's no Yeh Dosti. But Jee Le, too, centres on the two best friends -- Raj and Heero and their flirtatious ambitions. Composer Prasanna Shekhar takes clear inspiration from Moby's James Bond [Images] theme and Slash's thrilling guitar-play.

Topsy-turvy beats coupled with a jumbled chorus and an overtly dramatic Rathod try to palm off cacophony for attitude in the irksome and dreary, Dum. Do not be deceived, contrary to what the title claims, this one has anything but that.

RGV Ki Aag employs four music directors to compile nine tracks. Yet, not one is fit enough to make history. Let's hope the film achieves that and not for the wrong reasons.

Rediff Rating: