Agneepath 2012 Music Review

Hrithik Roshan aka Vijay Dinanath Chauhan

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Dharma Productions have a brand value for providing some elegant and class music in their movies, their last venture 'We Are Family' was ordinary in all aspects which also raised questions about their regular musicians Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. This time, for a cult classic remake, Agneepath, they choose National Award winning musical duo of Ajay-Atul, who recently produced a good score in 'Singham' alongside some good tunes in 'My Friend Pinto'. If one looks at the past record of the composer duo, they have not lived upto the expectations in the various cameos before 'Singham' but this time with 'Chikini Chameli' being promoted aggressively (it was released digitally a week prior to the official music release) and Katrina Kaif making her fans go wild and bizarre, immense hype and expectations have been built around the soundtrack, so does the Marathi Jodi delivers? Well, let's check out in the six beautiful compositions which are written by immensely talented Amitabh Bhattacharya (lyricist).

Katrina Kaif aka Chikini Chameli

No surprise, the much hyped item number, "Chikini Chameli" blasts a dynamite as an opening track which will shatter all records soon and if 'Munni' and 'Sheila' stirred the nation, then expect this 'Chikini Chameli' to rule at least the first half of 2012. It's high on Nagada and Dhol beats with Shreya Ghoshal, known for her sugary-sweet vocals, surprising once again after some 'O La La' in 'The Dirty Picture' recently. Take special notice how seductively and at the same time beautifully she renders the line 'Aayi Chikini Chameli, Pahua Chada Ke Aayi'. Although Ajay-Atul has reconstructed their Marathi composition of 2006 into 'Chikini Chameli', it has superhit written all over it with Katrina Kaif doing some electrifying latka's and jhatka's, agreed that the choreography by Ganesh Acharya will receive criticism for some loud steps but it's the beats and the pace that he has made Katrina to dance on, Brilliant Stuff! Apart from this, it's the new age lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya who takes the cake away with some hat-ke cheeky lines that definitely deserves an applaud, especially the mukhda and the first antara, need to say more!

Gehre Paani Ki Machli Hoon Raja, Ghaat Ghaat Dariya Mein Ghoomi Hoon Main,

Teri Nazro Ki Lehro se, Haar Ke Aaj Doobi Hoon Main!

The soundtrack takes a complete U-Turn with "O Saiyyan" with minimum/soft arrangements where Roop Kumar Rathod casts a magical spell on the listeners with his voice alongside some quality Sitar and Tabla Jugalbandi in the interlude. It certainly demands full attention and few hearings to settle down but once it does it will be hard to resist. It defines the state of mind of a girl (Priyanka Chopra) after falling in love and Amitabh Bhattacharya as usual is effervescent with his lyrics. An impactful composition!

"Gun Gun Guna" has a Rahman touch right from the start. Listen carefully how it starts in the first 30 seconds with layers of instruments adding on after each line, real quality stuff from the composers. It's easy on ears with a hummable tune and becomes highly addictive in just few hearings. Sunidhi Chauhan perfectly brings on the fun/positive mood which has an Amitabh Bhattacharya stamp all over it. The conversational lyrics are the highlight of the composition which makes one think and throws light on how to live life to the fullest. Hear some pretentious instrumental from 2.28 to 2.52 with Udit Narayan doing a small cameo at the end which even raises the bar an inch higher. Sing along Gun Gun Guna Ye Gaana Re!

Sukhwinder Singh, Krishna Beura and Anand Raj Anand, three artists known for their high pitched octave notes, brings forward a qawwali, "Shah Ka Rutba" that will surely be the highlight of the movie and will make up for a grand visual extravaganza. It's more on the lines of 'Azeem-O-Shaan-Shehanshah' from 'Jodha Akbar' and the starting arrangements refreshes the memory of the epic composition 'Yaari Hai Imaan Mera' from 'Zanjeer' back in 1973. I loved the way Krishna Beura (voice behind 'Soniyo' from Raaz 2 and 'Main Jaha Rahoon' from Namastey London) vocals are used in tandem with Sukhwinder Singh. Anand Raj Anand enters the scene after three minutes when the song picks up some pace and it’s a musical treat for listeners to hear these three artists together in a single composition. Amitabh Bhattacharya does real well for some Urdu/sufi lyrics that make this number a winner all the way!

Sonu Nigam is still the master and he proves it yet again in "Abhi Mujhe Mein Kahin", a six minute composition where the musical arrangements are more or less same as in ''O Saiyyan'' but the result is even better this time and certainly will strike an instant chord with the music enthusiasts resulting in a high 'repeat' value. The instrumental Jugalbandi of Sitar, Piano and Violin in both the interludes create a peaceful ambiance where vocals and lyrics dominate the proceedings. While one waits to see it rise in popularity in days to come, one can be sure that this is one song that has in it to enjoy a long shelf life. Ajay-Atul: You are Beauty!

With immense expectations, one lands on the last track, "Deva Shree Ganesha", a devotional forte that belongs to the composer duo of Ajay-Atul. It starts with some usual enchants, Nagada sounds and enters Ajay Gogavale (earlier gave backing vocals in 'Saathiya/Badmaash Dil' from Singham) with his graceful voice and the result is an elegant composition which is creative, devotional and may be used for a climax sequence in the movie. The last one minute is opulent and has the power to provide an adrenaline rush with the Aarti enchants. Majestic!

Sanjay Dutt aka Kancha

Ajay-Atul delivers a terrific soundtrack for Dharma productions and will soon join the elite class of musicians in Bollywood. The soundtrack encompass a wide array of themes, ranging from dance, romance, qawwali to  devotional and the extensive use of instruments gives the soundtrack tremendous scale and impact. Amitabh Bhattacharya lyrics are a class apart and elevates an ordinary tune to great levels. The choice of singers, especially in 'Shah Ka Rutba' will be applauded for sure. To conclude, all six tracks are must hear and pure musical masterpieces! Strongly Recommended!

I rate it 4 out of 5

Don 2 Music Review

 Rating: ★ ★ ★

A sequel, that too of a Remake Version develop humongous expectations, be it the soundtrack or the movie, and nothing short of some elegant and stylish stuff will be acceptable by the music buff's. Don 2 comes from the house of 'Farhan Akhtar' (Director and Story Writer) who shot to fame with his debut movie 'Dil Chahta Hai' almost a decade ago, from thereon, it's been a team- Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for the Music Direction and his father Javed Akhtar for penning the lyrics and no wonder the team has produced some smash hits in 'Dil Chahta Hai' (which was an outstanding OST of its time- 2001); 'Lakshya' (2004) and 'Don-The Chase Begins Again (TCBA)'  (2006) and now with Don 2, one expects another thrilling and sizzling outing from S-E-L and the Akhtar's. If one looks back to 2011 and 2010, one will realise that the past two years have not been prolific for S-E-L, "Aarakshan" and "Game" this year proved to be a huge disappointment while 'Patiala House' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' was simply good and had nothing Jaw dropping or monumental for which the composers have been known all these years since they made their debut with 'Dus' in 1997. So, let’s see if the composers put an end to all the criticism they have been facing from past 2 years!

The proceedings starts with "Aa Raha Hu Palat Ke", a 35 sec monologue by Shahrukh Khan (SrK) which marks the return of Don and tries to set the mood for the rest of the songs.

The second track, "Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo" starts with Anusha Mani ('Lazy Lamhe'-'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' fame) knocking at the doors of 'Aaj Ki Raat' from 'Don-TCBA'. The chorus is a bit loud while the musical arrangements maintains the same rhythm and pitch during the whole song but Vishal Dadlani entry after 2 minutes and SrK stylish onscreen presence makes it interesting and brings an evil attitude to the song which is being promoted aggressively and is sure to get up the charts with time. But also there is nothing innovative in the lyrics department, moreover, the 2nd antara disappoints which leads to an average start and much below the standards of S-E-L.

It's innovative, it's fresh and certainly the best of the 3 originals, "Hai Yeh Maya" starts with retro-techno beats and the talented, Usha Uthup behind the mike. It's been 2 decades in the industry when she sang 'Koi Yaha Aaha Nache Nache' in 'Disco Dancer' and recently 'Darling' in '7 Khoon Maaf', and her voice still has the power and exuberance to thrill the listeners. A perfect choice of singer for an enthralling composition like this which will find its place at various junctures in the movie. It refreshes the memories of Asha Bhonsle-R.D.Burman classic 'Jab Andhera Hota Hai' back in 1972 and certainly will grab ears post the movie release if not now.

"Hai Yeh Maya Remix" by DJ Shane Mendonsa is a mix of various arrangements and gives a club feel to the song. Too much experiment, I would prefer the original.

Some more retro, some more techno, that brings on the 4th track "Dushman Mera", which seem to be a perfect climax outing with Priyanka Chopra and SrK. Sunitha Sarathty starts off well (remember 'Khuda Hafiz' from 'Yuva'-2004), joined later by Shankar Mahadevan who sounds different from his usual style (somewhat like Kishore Kumar, anyone?). The composition could have been much better if S-E-L had tried to come out of the 'Don' zone, the lyrics are lame and there is hardly any innovation anywhere, on the flip side though, a terrific visual treat will blast a dynamite onscreen. Wait for the video!

Sunitha Sarathy perfectly brings on the thrill element with her lines-'Har Dil Me Hulchul Hai, Aaya Hai Dekho Kaun' at very start for "The King Is Back (Theme)"and from thereon, electrifying guitar riffs, some pretentious keyboard arrangements will take you for a roller-coaster ride. It takes forward the majestic 'Don Theme and at 2.30 it completely goes in the 'Dushman Mera' zone. A perfect ringtone material.

"Mujhko PehchaanLo", a reprise/reconstructed version of ‘Main Hoon Don' from 'Don-TCBA' minus the chorus. It's animated and dark and will disappoint those listeners who compare it with the original version by Shaan. K.K here brings on the required attitude and arrogance alongside some powerful drum beats and guitar strumming. Instead of going for something new, the director sticks to the old theme and in my opinion  it shouldn't be wasted in the starting credits.

What disappoints is "Mujhko Pehchaan Lo Remix" (is it actually a remix?)which suffers from an infinite loop of 'Don Ko Pakadna Mushkil Hi Nahi, Namumkin Hai' during the whole 5 minutes and Srk's continuous chanting of Don..Don in the first interlude irritates. 3 minutes later, you will rip off your hairs for sure. Skip Skip!

The last track/instrumental is named "The Don Waltz" where Caralisa Monteiro throws in some opera-ish- notes (only for 20 sec though). The violin loops reminds me of some Tom & Jerry series and refreshes the scene from the previous ‘Don’ where SrK was shown taking a bath in his bath tub and watching Tom & Jerry. A good innovative attempt but one wonder how and when the director will use it in the movie (may be for some Ballet Dance sequence or may be something else).

 

Don 2 doesn't lives upto the expectations which were sky high after the huge success of 'Don-TCBA', it's a soundtrack that will work along the movie and will take the story forward, but as an audio alone it doesn't delivers. S-E-L plays safe by continuing from where they left in the previous venture of Don and there is hardly any innovation, Javed Akhtar lyrics are usual and lack the artistic touch, as a result 'Hai Ye Maaya' is the only good thing about Don 2 as of now, rest other will gain popularity post the movie release.

I rate it 3 out of 5!
Edited Version @ Planet-Bollywood