Anil Kapoor is keeping busy. While first half of 2008 saw him appearing in three films as a lead protagonist - Black & White, Race and Tashan - second half of the year is ending with Yuvvraaj. Meanwhile, he is all set to unleash his production Shortkut - The Con Is On which is expected to arrive on 23rd January 2009.

This writer got an exclusive hearing of the songs that have been composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar. There are four songs in the film's soundtrack where the musical team is seen in its elements once again.

Title song 'Shortkut', which is also the opening number in the album, is quite rhythmic and makes for a peppy hearing. A theme song, what makes it special is the sheer energy that Shankar Mahadevan fuses into it in the capacity of a singer.

The number which is expected to get the house on fire though is 'Koi Ye Na Jaane' that has a Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy stamp all over it. A core Indian number with naughty traits to it, the song reminds of the title song of Salaam-E-Ishq. Picturised on Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao with a beach setting to it, the song has fun quotient as its USP.

From fun, it's time to get into a romantic rendezvous with 'Nau Baje' that sees the coming together of Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik.

It is nice to hear Alka Yagnik since she is selective in her choice of songs (her 'Tu Muskura' from Yuvvraaj still lingers on). A soft number with a poetic touch to it, this number which is picturised on Akshaye Khanna and Amrita Rao has a strong R.D. Burman influence to it.

Finally there is 'Mareez-E-Mohabbat' about which buzz has already been created ever since the word spread about Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt making a special appearance for this item song that also features Amrita Rao.

A peppy track, it has the potential to be the next 'Kajra Re' in the making if choreographers Bosco-Caesar have done their job well in getting the right moves on.

Shortkut - The Con Is On is directed by Neeraj Vora and also stars Simi Garewal along with Chunkey Pandey. Anees Bazmee, who has given three back to back hits in the form of Singh Is Kinng, Welcome and No Entry, has written the screenplay of the film. The soundtrack is expected to arrive in the middle of December.

A detailed review would follow soon. Watch this space!