MUMBAI: The first half of 2009 was a musical surprise for the Hindi film industry in spite of the prolonged multiplex strike. While some film music did extremely well, others just managed an average play.

Although many of the films turned out to be box office disasters, the music made an exceptional note.  The year started with Chandni Chowk to China with composers like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Kailash-Paresh-Naresh, Bappi Lahiri-Bappa Lahiri and Bohemia coming on board. With a mixed bag of composers, the music got a mixed response.

The movie bombed badly but atleast the music managed to garner some attention.

Tracks from movies like Kal Kisne Dekha, Jai Veeru, Jashn enjoyed repeated plays on radio and television channels but didn't garner much money for the makers.

After a successful musical year in 2008 with hits like Jaane Tu, Ya Jaane Na..., Jodha Akbar..., Yuvvraaj..., Slumdog Millionaire... and Ghajini..., Rahman's compositions for Dilli 6 were adored by the audiences. With a welcoming entry, Rahmaniacs can look forward to the music of Blue and Ravana releasing in the later half this year.

Anu Malek disappointed with his music for cricket flick Victory but managed to grab ears for his music in Kambath Ishq. It was one of the few movies released this year whose music was already a hit before the release of the movie.

The first half was dominated by Pritam if we look at the number of films he composed for. But if the compositions were hit, is still questionable. Pritam enjoyed his share of controversies with allegations of plagiarism for his compositions. Billu Barber had ordinary songs and hardly impressed the music lovers. Inspite of SRK gorging the screen space, the music failed at the charts.  Pritam failed to create magic with his music in Aa Dekhe Zara but managed to gather points in his latest offering New York. With success, New York brought accusations of lifting tunes but the music was appreciated.

Lastly, from Pritam's baggage came Love Aaj Kal which had soulful melodies and potrayed that the composer is restraining himself from getting inspired from existing tracks. Pritam who has been trying the same tired formula for all his compositions needs to reinvent and bring some fresh sounds.

Shankar Ehsaan Loy couldn't make a mark this year with their music for Luck by chance, 13 B and compilations in Sikander and Chandni Chowk to China. Although the trio was in limelight last year for bringing rock genre into mainstream Bollywood, they prove fail to captivate the music lovers in the first half. The trio didn't have any big banner movie in the first half and had to resort to smaller projects.

However, SEL lovers can pin their hopes as they have Shahrukh Khan starrer �My name is Khan' releasing in the second half.

Music seemed to be the USP in Anurag Kashyap's two releases this year- Dev D and Gulaal. Amit Trivedi created waves with his brilliant music in Dev D and managed to draw crowds to cinema halls. Another Anurag Kashyap movie Gulaal won accolades for experimental music by Piyush Mishra.

Towards the beginning of second half, Vishal Bharadwaj entertained the music lovers with fresh and innovative sound tracks.  The USP of the album is that it is certainly not a run of the mill album. New comers Sachin and Jigar managed to make a fantastic impression in their very first outing  with Teree Sang!

The second half looks interesting with big banner films like My name is Khan, What's your rashee, Blue, Dulha Mil Gaya, 3 idiots, Alladin, Qurbaan, Kajraare,  Kites lined up.