Phata Poster Nikhla Hero Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 
Last time Director Rajkumar Santoshi and Melody King Pritam Chakraborty joined hands, result was a melodious soundtrack of 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' - 2009 that boasted of some chartbusters which are still fresh amongst the listeners. Moreover, the projects under the banner of Ramesh S Taurani always nurture some good numbers rich in melody..as a result "Phata Poster Nikla Hero"  starring Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz brings on high expectations where talented artists like Irshad Kamil and Amitabh Bhattacharya have been assigned to pen the lyrics. With six originals and few trademark reprise versions, let's get started!

Heavily promoted and innovatively written by Irshad Kamil, "Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai" sung by Mika Singh perfectly suits the genre of the movie (comedy) and is funny to the core where the protagonist is trying to woo the lady love of his life. Honestly, the composition is enjoyable but one needs quite a few hearings to adjust to the unusual feel of the song and especially the barking dog! The accordion is a treat to hear always and same is the case here where it's been used in the background pretty well. The composition would work well along the narration of the movie and starts off the soundtrack on a good note. Enjoyable!

The 'Titli' (Chennai Express-2013) girl Chinmayi Sripaada and the exuberant Atif Aslam brings forth the best track of the soundtrack...”Main Rang Sharbaton Ka" which has Pritam written all over it, from the chorus to the melody to arrangements. Atif is at his usual best although I don't understand why his voice has been auto tuned; Chinmayi's voice is so delicate that it melts one's heart right away. Notice how various layers of instruments keeps on adding in the Mukhda at the very start. The lyrics to say the least are delicious, here is an extract:

'Main Rang Sharbaton Ka, Tu Meethe Ghaat Ka Paani,

 Mujhe Khud Me Ghol De To, Mere Yaar Baat Ban Jaani'

When the music is by Pritam, one always expects a reprise version or two.."Main Rang Sharbaton Ka Reprise Version" is a solo version sung by the 'Aashiqui' man (he is known by this name nowadays, although he was launched long back in 'Players'-2012 by Pritam). If the two versions would be compared, then Atif's voice certainly rules over Arijit but as a Reprise version it does pretty well where Arijit Singh brings his own sweetness, style and charm to the composition and that is really commendable. It takes a few listens till this version settles down when one hears both versions back to back; as Atif's one has some high pitched notes whereas Arijit's version is a bit on the softer side, although what I loved most is change in the lyrics of the second paragraph which always provide a much needed variety to a Reprise Version. Terrific, both version, keep them on Repeat Mode!

Pritam and Dance numbers are synonymous to each other.."Hey Mr.Dj" is one that will be a hit in clubs and parties with Benny Dayal aptly doing the male vocals along with auto tuned (as usual) Shefali Alvares (first paragraph) and an impressive Shalmili Kholgade (the Banana's part). The songs is such that will grow with repeated hearings as it just falls short to be in the category of 'Instant Chartbuster', however it’s very impressive to hear how innovatively accordion has been used in a party dance number like this.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has churned out some magical numbers with Pritam previously and it's been a long time since Pritam used him.."Mere Bina Tu Duet Version" is for a heartbreak scenario which goes almost unplugged for the whole four minutes with guitar strums and piano. RFAK is eccentric with the high and low notes that marks his trademark style; whilst the composition takes a bit of time to grow, it's Harshdeep Kaur in the latter part of the song who shines and makes the listeners feel the pain of love with her husky voice. Although nothing new or groundbreaking stuff from Pritam but still a good number that deserves to be heard and will get popular post the movie release. What seems unnecessary and acts as mere filler is "Mere Bina Tu- Solo" where RFAK does a solo outing with almost the same arrangements albeit some change in the lyrics (2nd paragraph). A change in the singer with a Mohit Chauhan or a Nikhil D'Souza would have been an icing on a cake!

Up next is an item number "Dhating Naach" that is lavishly shot and wonderfully choreographed with Shahid Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri. Neha Kakkar (‘Second Hand Jawani'- Cocktail) and Nakash Aziz (Pungi'-Agent Vinod) tries to re-create the magical aura of 'Dekha Jo Tujhe Yaar' (Apna Sapna Money Money) and succeeds only to a certain extent. High energetic beats makes your feet go tapping and would work well for the promotions. This one is to be enjoyed with the visuals!

Save the best for the last...”Janam Janam" is one such number that is bound to bring in tears where the protagonist brings forth the relationship of a son and mother. Atif Aslam sings this one with so much passion and love that raises the emotional quotient an inch higher. This one is not to be missed friends; a core situational number that will be placed at a crucial juncture in the movie...Surprise follows with "Janam Janam Reprise Version" where Sunidhi Chauhan strikes gold with her magical renditions that surpass the original version of Atif by many miles. The arrangements are different with the pace being kept rather slow although no change in the lyrics. Notice how magically the Violin notes makes an entry at 0.34 and 0.40 and then softly plays in the background for the whole 3 minutes, also the first interlude with some magnificent piano and violin jugalbandi..Pure Magic! ..Don't Dare Miss This Masterpiece! Another short version follows "Janam Janam Sad Version" which is kept for a certain obvious occasion as we hear Atif's broken voice towards the end.

Overall, "Phata Poster Nikla Hero" offers a variety of genre's and that is what one expects from the stable of Pritam Chakraborty, a melodious romantic number, a heartbreak number, few dance numbers and finally one masterpiece "Janam Janam" which has an extraordinary feel attached to it, Kudos to Pritam for this one. Although the soundtrack is not by far (2013) the best work by him and unable to surpass the standards and benchmark created by 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'. However, it's a must hear ost where some of the songs will enjoy a certain shelf life.