Bhaag Johny Music Review

RATING  ★ ★ 1/2
One is not sure what to expect from the music of "Bhaag Johnny" where as many as four composers have been roped with the likes of Mithoon, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Arko Mukherjee and Devi Sri Prasad. Suddenly there is an anxiety level as these names are always associated with some good chartbuster tunes.

Devi Sir Prasad (DSP) who’s 'Dhinka Chika' from Ready is still a rage, recreates his own Telugu Hit for "Daddy Mummy” with the lyrics being lifted from the Tamil Version. MM Mansi vocals are energetic and remind of Mamta Sharma at places due to the heavy texture, DSP aptly supports her with the rap portions in between, though what makes this number catchy and foot tapping is the pulsating techno arrangements that stays with the listeners for long. Overall this one may enjoy a short stint amongst the party lovers.

Arko Mukherjee last ost 'Jism 2' is one of my favourites, the song 'Abhi Abhi' has the power to melt hearts even after three years, now when he re-creates Sajid-Wajid's and Sonu Nigam's 'Deewana' iconic number "Iss Qadar Pyar Hai", one expects something gorgeous and innovative. The melody and hook line is kept the same with a welcome change in the lyrics by Faaiz Anwar, Ankit Tiwari croons this one with all heart albeit the auto tuned effect which somewhat limits the vocal talent and emotional connect, also it ends absurdly and quickly after the second Antara. A re-hash version that could have touched new heights only results as a good number and nothing extraordinary.

Yo Yo Honey Singh's "Aankhon Aankhon" suffers from the same old pulsating music (minus the rap) throughout which lands in the same old familiar territory that we have heard in the past so many times, 'Angreji Beat' (Cocktail) to be very specific. The hindi-punjabi lyrics though are quite catchy and the hook line becomes addictive after a while, luckily the song doesn't go ear-defying over the top in the arrangements and maintains a decent rhythm. Although the composition lacks innovation and offers nothing fresh but who cares this is going to be loved by Honey Singh fan club and is to be played in discotheque's for some time to come.

Remember the magical 'Maula Mera Maula' from 'Anwar' that swept the listeners off their feet..that was Mithoon about a decade ago, now most of his compositions are somewhere weaved around his chartbuster 'Phir Mohabbat' from 'Murder 2' or carry the same 'safe zone' template and refrain from innovative imagination..That’s where "Kinna Sona" wins you over with the same magical charm. Sunil Kamath textured vocals carries the Sufi-pop flavour brilliantly and that too with a classical touch, watch out for his high notes which reminds of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Sahab. The lyrics by Amitabh Verma oozes love and emotions with every word, his work flows like a soothing poetry alongside the fabulous tabla beats and mesmerize the listeners, make no mistake, this one has is here to stay and has in it to enjoy a long shelf life. Keep this one on loop and enjoy the peaceful romantic ambience that it creates!

Mithoon brings the immensely talented Rahul Vaidya for the last track "Meri Zindagi" and to much surprise he seems to put in a lot of effort in his renditions which makes him sound unusual. This one is a sad situational number that misses the chord on the emotional level and ends the soundtrack on an average note.

All in All, Bhaag Johnny has some decent numbers with a magnificent 'Kinna Sona' that is a delight for the music lovers. Overall: Enjoyable!

The writer is a Music Critic @ www.kiagia.com, find the edited version here

Phantom Music Review

RATING  ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Director Kabir Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan shattered many records and won accolades and hearts everywhere, Pritam composed some nice situational numbers which had grown post movie release, "Phantom" on the other hand is a thriller where the focus shifts to background music rather than the soundtrack, as a result he offers six tracks with 3 originals and 3 reprise versions, let’s check them out!

"Afghan Jalebi (Ya Baba)" is one of those massy numbers that catches attention instantly, a folksy tune with an Arabic touch add to that some pulsating music crafted around some crazy insane writing by Amitabh Bhattacharya, result: Chartbuster! The arrangements and the overall fun element is where one gets a sense of déjàvu and lands in a territory where Pritam's very own 'Saree Ke Fall Sa' (R..Rajkumar) meets 'Pungi' (Agent Vinod). Debutant Syed Asrar Shah energy is impressive; the chorus part 'Khawaja Ji Ke Paas Teri' is certainly the highlight of the composition. The other version "Afghan Jalebi (Film Version)" is the same as the original one and one can't find any slightest of difference between both of them, wonder why it has been credited to another singer Akhtar Channal Zahri.

Akhtar Channal Zahri sings the "Afghan Jalebi (Dumbek Version)" and certainly this one is the best of all the four versions. Akhtar's renditions are raw, and are more inclined towards the Sufi genre, notice the elegant dictions when he sings 'Afghan Jelabi..Mashooq Ferabi' (the 'e' here is intentional, hear it to know why). The use of Dumbek and tabla makes this version completely different and yes the use of string instruments in between is not to be missed. Keep this one on Repeat Mode! 

And then we have Pritam's favourite Nakash Aziz (Saree Ke Fall Sa) for "Ya Baba (Fitna Farebi)" which goes same as the original with some less energetic albeit more filmy renditions by Nakash except for the last one minute where we some welcome change in the lyrics but nothing much special here from Pritam this time.

"Saware" is a soothing melodious number which rides smoothly on Arijit Singh vocals. The whole composition has a story flowing with it where the second paragraph is very well written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, the chorus part has a trance feeling to it and its where Kabir Khan makes his presence felt, expect this one to be heard at various junctures in the movie. This is one song that should grow immensely post movie release.

"Nachda" is the surprise element of the soundtrack where Shahid Mallya takes centre stage with his intense renditions beautifully weaved around some sensational lyrics by Kausar Munir which has a lot of depth and meaning to it, giving the word 'Nachda' an altogether different meaning..Superb. As for the arrangements, we get to hear some electric guitar riffs are the start and then the string instruments takes hold of the proceedings and the overall result is an eccentric amalgamation of rock flavour and Arabic elements. Both the interludes are heavily arranged and its one of those compositions where everything from the lyrics to the vocals to the arrangements are top notch. Pritam at his very best!

"Phantom" is one of those soundtracks from Pritam where one was not sure what's in store for them and that's where the soundtrack strikes gold. Kabir Khan has a knack of using the songs beautifully alongside the narrative, take for instance 'Zindagi' and 'Tu Jo Mila' in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' recently. 'Nachda' and 'Saware' to grow post movie release where 'Afghan Jalebi' satiates the masses where Dumbek Version stands out among the four!

Drishyam- My View Point!

Bollywood is on a roll, first Bajrangi Bhaijaan and now Drishyam, which discovers the forte of intelligent cinema that is long lost in the league of Item Numbers and masala pot boilers. What makes this movie more interesting is the plot and screenplay, one knows little about the story and its the sheer joy of discovering what next? Now what?

The character build up of Ajay Devgan is very strong, a common man who loves watching movies on his small television in his office every night, who eats at an ordinary restaurant and couldnt clear his fourth class in school. It is this very modesty that makes one connect with him instantly and relate with the proceedings. When a situation arrives due to an unfortunate circumstance then we see how a common man can go to any extent to save his family drawing a thin line between wrong and right. We get a sense of his practical knowledge that he has gained from watching cinema at the very start and his entire strategy is plotted around ideas he has gathered from the movies.

Its an experience where one feels sympathetic for both the main characters- Ajay Devgan and the terrific Tabu. The movie keeps one hooked at the edge of their seats with the ongoing tension and makes one applaud for the intelligentsia that Ajay Devgan unfolds.

It was a great feeling when the audience applauded the terrific climax scene, the suspense element, which makes a point that India Cinema and viewers are not hungry of senseless Item number and Rom-Com's. At a duration of 2 hours and 43 minutes, it keeps you on your toes and thinking.

A masterpiece that is not be missed! 

Bajrangi Bhaijaan - My view Point

How often in Bollywood we come across a movie that carries an emotional vibe throughout and brings tears every now and then! Bajrangi Bhaijaan is not over the top usual SALMAN EID SPECIAL he has been known for years, it’s rather very simple and has its heart at the right place. The character build up of Pawan/Salman is commendable as an innocent soft/pure hearted person and it’s that strong build up of his character that makes the upcoming proceeding real and convincing.

Seven year old Debutant Harshaali Malhotra melts your heart with her innocent smile and one can feel her pain through her expressive eyes. The movie is all about Humanity, it’s about being a good human being keeping aside all religions/nationality and how beautifully it depicts that at each point in life we meet such people who are ready to offer help and restore people's faith in Humanity.

Another highlight is the character played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, another innocent good for nothing reporter who is kind hearted and helps the girl without a second thought, it also shows the importance of media and social network in today's era if used in a right thoughtful way. Nawazuddin is a natural artist and fits into every character in an effortless way that is spectacular, notice how innocently he asks about Mahabharata..'Mahabharata...Picture Hai?' then a 10 second pause and then 'Nayi Picture Hai'? 

My favourite moment was in the climax when Salman while crossing the border enacts like Shahida/Munni by nodding his head and waving his one hand on seeing Kareena on the other side while she screams his name, a very strong impactful scene which portrays the impact the little girl had on him, the kind of strong bond that they shared, the kind of high emotional relationship they shared, that one small gesture says it all..WoW!

Last time I was so emotionally involved and moved by a movie throughout was Taare Zameen Par. Bajrangi Bhaijaan is by far the best Salman Khan movie in recent years; it has the power to squeeze a lump out of your throat and not only tears when it comes to the climax. 

Life is all about Humanity; it’s all about helping others...Lesson learnt!

Hamari Adhuri Kahani Music Review

RATING  ★ ★ ★ ★
Expectations..Expectations and more Expectations..This is how one looks forward to the music of "Hamari Adhuri Kahaani" and why not, after all its a Mohit Suri venture who brings out the best from the stable of musicians like Mithoon, Ankit Tiwari and Jeet Gannguli to name a few, its him who made Arijit Singh and Ankit Tiwari a household name with 'Aashiqui 2' and 'Ek Villain' , with whom one associates some soulful, excruciating music since the Director inception in Bollywood with 'Zeher' in 2005, and since then he had swayed and stormed the music lovers with some chartbuster soundtracks regardless of how his movies fared on the box office. All said, the stakes are very high where Jeet Gannguli, Mithoon and Ami Mishra are at the helm of affairs, with 4 originals and 2 reprise versions, let’s dwell inside the dream world of these artists!

"Music is the soul of the movie, the songs are an integral part and I don't think there is a better way to describe the film than the title song"

-Mohit Suri.

  

Jeet Gannguli starts of the proceedings with the title track "Hamari Adhuri Kahaani” with soothing piano and acoustic guitar notes in tandem with a haunting violin (played by Suresh Valvani) and some beautifully arranged interludes, the flute piece at the end deserves a special mention. THE Arijit Singh instils his soul in the composition and makes one feel the pain where Rashmi Singh and Virag Mishra brings forth some agonising work with the pen. The composition with duration of 6:38 never has a dull moment and the best part comes in form of the high pitched renditions and the arrangements. It forms the crux of the films narrative and should be heard at several crucial junctures in the movie. It is one of those compositions that will grow immensely post the movie release. Surprisingly Jeet Gannguli comes behind the mike for "Hamari Adhuri Kahani (Encore)" when everyone was cheering for Mohammad Irfan. This one is no different from the original one by Arijit from the music to the lyrics to the arrangements, everything remains the same. Jeet does a good job as a singer with his soft and easy on ears vocals but to be honest his voice falters and sounds a bit odd in the high pitched notes, may be some other established singer would have evoked more emotions out of this intense composition.

Mithoon's "Humnava" lands in the familiar territory of his previous compositions with his trademark unplugged style and can challenge the composers very own 'Banjaara' (Ek Villain) being the overall situational feel of this one quite similar to it. The composition flows like a soothing poetry with the textured vocals of Papon beautifully interwoven around Sayeed Quadri deep rooted lyrics that strikes a chord instantly. A special mention to the singer Papon who has a classical touch in his renditions (consider the alaap portions here in the first interlude) and at the same time has a fresh and youthful charm which makes me wonder why he is not used often in Bollywood since he made his debut with 'Jiyein Kyu' (Dum Maaro Dum-2011) followed by the super gorgeous 'Kyon' (Barfi!) and more recently the sublime 'Moh Moh Ke Dhaage' (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) to name a few. Neverthless, it’s the highlight of the soundtrack and is here to rule the charts for months to come keep this one on loop and feel the love!

'You meet someone special, fall in love and before you know it, they become your world'. Lyricist Kunaal Vermaa describes this beautiful feeling of being in love with "Hasi" (use of the word 'Hasi' works pretty well) and the end result is intoxicating. Composed and sung by debutant Ami Mishra, this melodious outing has a soft-rock vibe (very similar to Pakistani rock bands) attached to it courtesy the drum beats and the extended climax which offers electric guitar riffs for the last one minute. Close to four minutes, the song keeps one wanting for more and 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.

An unplugged reprise version "Hasi (Female)" spellbound the listeners where Shreya Ghoshal's sugar coated renditions oozes love and romance with each and every word and transports the listeners in a dream world of pure love. The best thing about this version is the complete change of lyrics from the original one which is always a welcome change, also one can’t resist the magical flute part in the only interlude which leaves the listener in trance and stand still mode..Speechless! 

"Ye Kaisi Jagah" composed by Jeet Gannguli is a situational composition that has a nice simple melody flowing with it. Rashmi Singh and Virag Mishra bring forth the emotions and feelings of a married woman who has fallen for someone else and is in a state of dilemma; certainly the lyrics are the highlight of this composition. Debutant Deepali Sathe creates a soothing ambience with her renditions and Jeet Gannguli can be heard for some great classical alaap portions in between that generate a 'wow' factor. A good number that would look great alongside the narration.

To sum up, "Hamari Adhuri Kahani" is by far the best soundtrack of 2015 that portrays intense love and touches the soul. Each song has a story flowing with it and is an integral part of the film's narrative. Although this one is not at par with 'Ek Villain' and 'Aashiqui 2' but with almost a month for the movie to hit the big screen, one can be sure that the compositions will be loved by the masses especially those who like their music to be soft, simple and full of romance. Whilst the title track will become a rage post the movie release, 'Humnava' and 'Hasi' will catch instant attention.

The writer is a music critic at www.kiagia.com

Dil Dhadakne Do Music Review

RATING ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Zoya Akhtar stormed bollywood with Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara (2011) after her critically acclaimed Luck By Chance back in 2007. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy last work Kill Dill produced some good numbers but failed to impress the listeners. Dil Dhadakne Do boasts of ensemble cast of Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah which alone sky shoots the expectations of the listeners. The soundtrack promises to take one on a sparkling entertaining ride that caters to the youth, with five originals and Javed Akhtar at the helm of lyricist, stakes are very high from all perspectives!

The title track "Dil Dhadakne Do” is something which one doesn’t associates with the musical team of SEL. The pulsating synth rock tune with some gorgeous guitar riffs works well where Priyanka Chopra adds a certain seductive element with her voice. Farhan Akhtar does well but his voice sounds a bit strange/odd in the high notes. The lyrics are carefree and suit the situation well, the video is well shot and while Anil Kapoor dances to the voice of Farhan Akhtar, one wonders if different singers should have been chosen for each different character! Neverthless, the composition will grow with time and starts off the soundtrack on a good note.

Some vibrant bass guitar riffs sets the mood for a classic rock number.."Pehli Baar" is a trademark S-E-L stuff and straightaway the arrangement takes you to 'Sooraj Ki Baahon Mein' from 'ZNMD'. The extended Mukhda and the interludes with some zingy electric guitar riffs unleashes a magical aura where Siddharth Mahadevan does really well especially for the high pitched vociferous renditions in the hook line and Sukriti Kakkar evokes the right emotions with her soothing stylish vocals. The song has a story flowing with it and is more than just a romantic number which tells you to follow your heart (DIL). Keep this one on Repeat mode..Rocking!

Shankar Ehsaan Loy are in their elements with "Gallan Goodiyan", an addictive Desi celebration number with a Punjabi flavour that is insanely catchy, there is so much happening for the whole five minutes, notice the Punjabi arrangements in the second interlude from 2:32 to 3:25..zestful. Sukhwinder Singh is at his usual best, Yashita Sharma does well, Manish Kumar Tipu does the funny 'Hello Hello' part and makes one smile, Shankar Mahadevan and Farhan Akhtar also joins in with their short parts. It’s a fun dance number that is going to be a rage in coming days.

"Girls Like To Swing", picturised on Anushka Sharma, seems to come straight out of Amit Trivedi stable, more precisely his recent jazzy Bombay Velvett. The trumpet and drums at the very onset makes one brace for a outrageous jazzy number where Sunidhi Chauhan carves magic with her dazzling renditions backed up stylishly by the chorus and some lively lyrics by Javed Akhtar. The composition is high on arrangements and despite being a Jazz forte, this one caters to the masses and makes up for a high spirited foot tapping number that is here to rule the charts. One word: Splendiferous..Go Swing with S-E-L this season.

The only slow situational number in the soundtrack "Phir Bhi Yeh Zindagi" has as many as five singers and the hook line has a hangover of S-E-L previous compositions. Divya Kumar starts off well and excels with his raw voice joined by 'Uff Teri Adaa' (Karthik Calling Karthik) girl Alyssa Mendonsa alongside Sapna Pathak, Farhan Akhtar and Vishal Dadlani. The lyrics are ordinary and could have been more inspiring given the genre the the song belongs to, neverthless the soft-rock number is a pre climax material that will take some to settle down and would grow post the movie release.

Overall, Dil Dhadakne Do is an impressive youthful soundtrack that is full of energetic dance numbers which are high on arrangements and fun to watch. Pehli Baar and Gallan Goodiyan are chartbusters in the making and will enjoy few weeks in the top 10 segment. Worth your time and money, grab this one right now!