Rating: ★ ★ ★ 1/2
A
combination of multi-talented Writer/Director Dibakar Banerjee and the artistic
duo of Vishal-Shekhar (V-S) promise some unconventional, innovative stuff in
the Political thriller 'Shanghai'. Fresh from the success of 'Kahaani',
V-S brings in a complete package with some trademark script interwoven
situational numbers and some melodious tunes. Eight tracks with 2
remixes..Well! Let's check them out!
A
combination of multi-talented Writer/Director Dibakar Banerjee and the artistic
duo of Vishal-Shekhar (V-S) promise some unconventional, innovative stuff in
the Political thriller 'Shanghai'. Fresh from the success of 'Kahaani',
V-S brings in a complete package with some trademark script interwoven
situational numbers and some melodious tunes. Eight tracks with 2
remixes..Well! Let's check them out!
"Bharat
Mata Ki Jai" is
a winner straightaway, courtesy some bold/funny/sarcastic lyrics by Dibakar
Banerjee himself that describes our country (the Good's and Bad's). Some loud
Dhol beats throughout the four minute duration provides the energy. Keerti
Sagathia leads from the front and is brilliant with support from Vishal
Dadlani, Mandar Apte, Chintamani Sohoni, Dibakar Bannerjee and R N Iyer. A
track that will be enjoyed with the Emraan Hashmi presence!
Added Dhol beats combined with whistling
sounds bring together "Bharat
Mata Ki Jai -Remix" which
is not very different from the original and only acts as filler for repeat
hearings.
Today,
a soundtrack is incomplete unless an item number is included to attract eye
balls and lure audiences to the Big Screen.."Imported Kamariya" is a pretty average effort if compared
to V-S previous works- 'Chammak Challo' (Ra.One) and 'Sheila Ki Jawani' (Tees
Maar Khan). Mamta Sharma is a name that is almost certain with item numbers but
this time, Richa Sharma gets behind the mike (and sounds different) with
support/chorus vocals from Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani. The lyrics by
V-S regular Anvita Dutt Guptan are what demands attention and is the only
innovative thing in this track which carries a Dibakar Bannerjee stamp. Hear it
for the lyrics and Richa Sharma!
The
third track "Duaa" instantly touches the soul with
minimal use of orchestra, thus focusing more on vocals, lyrics and melody.
After 'Dil Mera Muft Ka' (Agent Vinod) recently, Nandini Shrikar proves her
versatility and her combination with the young talented Arijit Singh ('Raabta'
from Agent Vinod) proves to be a one deadly affair that is made for repeated
hearings. Notice how emotionally and elegantly Arijit handles the high
notes..One massive talent.. Fantastic! The lyrics by Kumaar are
top-notch to say the least. Shekhar Ravjiani is heard with some alaap in the interlude. The last one
minute gets a bit too classical else it's a- Must Hear!
Up
next is another absorbing, captivating V-S chartbuster "Khudaaya" where Shekhar Ravjiani will leave
you in trance for the whole 2.50 minutes. Sublime subtle orchestra sets the
mood with the short but terrific qawwali part (1.17 to 1.34) with opulent
use of harmonium and Raja Hasan (Reality show contestant) supporting vocals;
seriously he deserves more than the chorus parts. The clapping chant is used
throughout but the way it grows at 2.08 is worth noticing. Neelesh Misra is one
gem of an artist/writer/lyricist and he proves his menace once again with this
number where each and every word is filled with pathos and emotions and makes
one feel the pain. Classic!
For
the remix lovers, DJ Kiran brings on "Khudaaya
Remix" which is very
well organised and well paced without sounding loud and overdone.
The
soundtrack takes a 180 degree U-Turn with "Morcha" which reminds of a certain
Ajay-Atul (Agneepath) forte with all the nagada's and manjeera's at the very onset. Raja Hasan leads the vocals with
support from Vishal Dadlani and is spot on, though his raw, rustic voice
reminds me of Sukhwinder Singh but still..Way to go young man! Clearly it's the
most important number if seen from the film's perspective and a perfect climax
material. Vishal Dadlani hardly disappoints whenever it comes to writing and it
shows in the straightforward lines about promises and protests in the mukhda and antara. One word: ‘Riotous’!!
Last
to arrive is "Mantra
Vishnu Sahasranamam" which
makes the proceedings completely traditional and devotional with sitar at the background. Indeed a brave
attempt to include a devotional Sanskrit
mantra in a Bollywood
soundtrack, would love to see how it's used in the movie.
Shanghai is a complete
package, 'Khudaaya' and 'Duaa' is for those hunting for melody and lyrically
heavy tunes, whereas 'Morcha' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' keeps the theme of the
movie intact. V-S once again takes a different route after 'Kahaani' and
provides the listeners with some quality stuff that is very well written and
composed and not just a re-hash of their previous tunes. Give it a few hearings
folks and let the magic of V-S grow!
