Producer: Kamal Sadanah
Director: Anant Mahadevan
Cast: Jimmy Shergil, Preeti Jhangiani, Sonia Mehra, Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Kamal Sadanah
Music: Viju Shah
Singers: Shaan, Shreya Goshal, Amit Kumar, Udit Narayan, Annika, Dominique, Zubin Garg

Anant Mahadevan’s remake of the namesake 70s classic hit flick ‘Victoria No. 203’ is ready to hit the stands. But the most shocking part is its impromptu arrival. Most surprisingly, the audio was released only a few days before the film’s release and there was severe dearth in its promotional campaign as well. All this events is certain to make the listeners fearful of its musical excellence, which is being arranged by Viju Shah. The soundtrack also includes two songs from the original film. After going through all the tracks, the effect is just zilch as it fails to stir any impression within.

The numero uno track surprises with its entirely western feel rendered by Dominique in a full-throated anglicized accent. Asif Ali Beg pens down this entirely English track, which serves more or less as a theme track in the film and is sure to appear in bits and pieces throughout the film. After listening to this track, the only thought that lingers around is why till date a promotional video hasn’t been featured on it since it had potential enough to earn some rave reviews for the flick. This track also appears in another version rendered by Annika that goes well with the mystifying ambience of the film.

Next comes the rehash track ‘Do Bechare’ which was a superhit in its days. Recomposed by Viju Shah this track is hauled by Amit Kumar and Udit Narayan with back up vocals in conjunction and rap built-in to refresh the track and revive it up to the contemporary standards. But sadly, it doesn’t help. Overall, the track serves out to be just a modest feat.

Chandrashekhar Raajit team up with Viju Shah for the next track ‘Deedani’ which can be very well acclaimed to be one of the mind-numbing track one has ever heard. Though seeped in melody, this is an out and out a languid track rendered by Shaan and Sunidhi. In spite of being a romantic melody, the song makes us cry out not with joy but with utter boredom.

Another rehash from the old flick is ‘Thoda Sa Thehro’ resung by Shreya Ghoshal. A brief prelude before the track with some vintage music flowing out of Viju Shah’s musical mind is impressive. This is a seductive song heavily impregnated with 70s touch but that does not steal way the charm of the track. Indiwar’s beautifully penned lyrics serve only as an icing to the cake.

‘Ya Ali’ guy Zubben Garg renders for the next one titled ‘Zindagi Aa Gayi’ which is encumbered with club feel and energized drum thumps. The prelude of this track is somewhat impressive but as one steps in the main song the interest begins to falter. Chandrashekhar Raajit writes down this indolent track that contains nothing to sway it into the list of good songs.

The music of ‘Victoria No. 203’ has nothing good to boast of. With all its scantily composed songs draining out of Viju Shah’s studio, the album is certain to be an easily forgotten one.