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Time and again there are talks of films being made that are different. They could be termed crossover, new age, experimental and what not, but seldom are there any films being made that truly turn out to be different. Let alone being different, not many such subjects even get a chance to star mainstream actors and get a good release. In this regard, one truly looks forward to 'Kabul Express' since it not just stars actors like John Abraham and Arshad Warsi, it even enjoys the backing of India's biggest film making company - Yash Raj Films.

Hence while they have a popcorn entertainer like 'Dhoom 2' releasing this Friday that promises an adrenaline push, some more high on energy drama is keenly anticipated in 'Kabul Express' too. Even though the film doesn't have any scope of songs and dances, the film comes with an OST original sound track that doesn't appear in the film but does help in the film's promotional campaign.

In this endeavor of this, YRF give an opportunity to young Raghav Sachar who is the sole composer for the OST and Aditya Dhar who does the lyrics. For starters young composer/singer Raghav is a multi-talented personality with an ability to play as many as 24 instruments hence creating a world sound. Even in 'Kabul Express', he plays instruments ranging from saxophone to saxonet, flute, piccolo, aulos, guitar and various percussions. And doesn't he simply deliver in a big way?

The album begins on a lively note with 'Kabul Fiza' that begins on expected Middle-East arrangements but soon becomes a true blue Indi-pop outing as soon as Raghav croons for his own composition. Though the opening minute of the track does give a sense of déjà vu, the pace picks up amazingly soon after with the arrival of the words 'Kabul Fiza'. A high on arrangements track with a racy feel to it hence being completely in synch with the film's theme, it has a surprise in store as mid-way it converts into a 'qawalli' and presents a different flavor altogether. The last part of the song is a good fusion of the western and qawalli arrangements hence bringing the song to an all time high.

A shake-your-neck-with-a-vigor force is brought to fore with the remix version of the song that comes towards the end of the album. The tempo remains consistent throughout hence making 'Kabul Fiza' a good theme song to hear and probably even dance to! There is also a short instrumental of the same, parts of which may form the background score during the narration of the film. This piece maintains the Middle-East flavor of the situation throughout with Raghav showing his prowess around playing varied musical instruments.

A high-on-western-style 'Banjar' comes next which is extremely foot tapping and entertaining in spite of the fact that the song deals with the barren state of the once-beautiful land of Afghanistan. Yet another song conveying everything from land to life to moments to sand to dreams being barren all the way, this number written by Swartmika Mishra and Vijay Kumar along with Aditya Dhar is one of the best theme tracks heard this year and one must credit Raghav Sachar mainly for the effect created. Yes, the song does stand out due to Shubha Mudgal crooning the number in her characteristic manner, but if not for Raghav going all out on his arrangements, it may not have managed to create even half the impact it finally succeeds in creating.

Lounge version of 'Banjar' comes next which goes slightly light on the arrangements even as Sunidhi Chauhan makes quite an impact with an adequate thumping rendition. After a full on force 'Banjar' in the original version, this follow-up by Sunidhi only consolidates the song's presence in the album and makes it sound even better than the opening track 'Kabul Fiza'. Reading KK's name on the credits is always a heartening sight for any music lover and when his name appears for a track like 'Banjar', one can only expect a high-on-energy rendition. That's exactly the case as he brings in all his experience to go all out in his take on this thought provoking yet entertaining number.

Sound of soothing strings of a guitar promise to take you through a journey of soft music and the thought is only consolidated with the arrival of a flute. It indeed is the case as 'Keh Raha Hai Dil' rendered by Raghav himself turns out to be the most feel-good song in the album. And no, don't go by the song's title to believe that it is actually a love song. It is not and is instead a song about listening to your heart! A song that could well be a campus favorite due to its smile-on-the-lips-and-sing-from-the-heart approach, 'Keh Raha Hai Dil' maintains its Indian feel throughout with Aditya Dhar's lyrics being different from the kinds that are heard in movies releasing every Friday. The sound of 'tabla' and 'dholki' enhance the song by great means to give this sweet number a melodious touch and help it turn into instantly catchy. Beautiful!

Another beautiful piece of work in the form of an instrumental titled 'Kabul Express Theme' that has vocals by Julius Packiam. Sound of Afghanistan is fused exceedingly well with the western instruments to make it one of its kind theme pieces to hear. The music has a certain poignant touch to it as it indicates a journey along a barren terrain destroyed by the evils of a war. What is most impressive is the fact that Raghav Sachar shows his grip over the medium and doesn't go overboard even once while creating a sound that is truly international by all means. Julius' voice in the background adds on to the mystic feel of the musical piece hence making it a track that deserves a close hearing. Overall 'Kabul Express Theme' deserves to be a part of the background score of the film and is sure to create a great impact when heard on the big screen.

If you are fond of Indi-pop music then you are sure to lap up to 'Yeh Main Aaya Kahaan Hoon' which follows the genre to the T. Raghav Sachar is again quite good, both as a composer and singer, while Aditya's lyrics are different from the routine. While keeping the Indian melody intact, the arrangements are western with number of instruments used to accompany the song, though in a subtle manner. A pensive number about looking at God and asking for a better time ahead, 'Yeh Main... ' is a situational track which is just right for a film like 'Kabul Express'.

Soundtrack of 'Kabul Express' could be termed as the most experimental ever for a Yash Raj Film. Even though the film making house has made films and music belonging to different genres, especially in the last 2 years, this is for the first time ever when they have gone all out in coming up with something truly different. Their decision to rope in an artist like Raghav Sachar works ace for them since he has come up with some exceptional tunes enhanced by zingy arrangements to make the album stand out amidst dozens of film and non-film albums arriving every month.

Rating: ***1/2