http://ww.smashits.com/news/bollywood/music-review/5086/music-review-of-rang-de-basanti.html
MUSIC REVIEW OF RANG DE BASANTI
By Satyajit - Eye TV India Bureau
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After the debacle of Mangal Pandey, actor Aamir Khan has returned to
his conventional mould of a Bollywood hero with Rang De Basanti.
Ironically, this had also happened to be a come back vehicle for
multitalented music composer A R Rehman. But both the movie as well as
the music album have turned out to be a long, discouraging and tiring
journey for both Rehman and Aamir Khan.
'Rang De Basanti' happens to be Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's second
presentation after the success of 'Aks'. This youth oriented film is
about the awakening of a generation with Aamir Khan playing the lead
role. The film revolves around a foreign filmmaker who wants to make a
documentary on the Indian historical era. Due to lack of production
funds, he hires University students comprising Aamir Khan and others.
It's an experimental thought by the filmmaker to coagulate the past
with the present in an enthralling way. The film revolves around the
experiences and events surrounding the characters played by Aamir
Khan, Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni, Kunal Kapoor and Sharman Joshi. Soha
Ali Khan will be the love interest of Aamir with Waheeda Rehman
playing the pivotal role in the film. The combination of Aamir Khan
and A R Rehman was colossal in films like 'Rangeela' and 'Lagaan' and
this album appears to be hot "n" happening. If 'Bose - the forgotten
hero' forayed Bengali culture and music then 'Rang De Basanti' is
frivolous journey into Punjabi musical flavors. Rehman's enthralling
music brings out the Punjabi flavor of Daler Mehndi's voice along with
inspiring new voices. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi has infused rollicking
and peppy words in the conventional set up of lyrics. Blaze and Nacim
has induced English and Arabic in some soundtracks to make it
spunkier. 'Rang De Basanti' has ten original soundtracks that can be
heard on "Sony BMG".
Side A has five original soundtracks with title track "Rang De
Basanti" and "Paathshala" being the hot shot favorites.
Pure and devotional Sikh prayers are offered with eternal dignity and
pious feel in "Ik Onkaar". The sacred "Japji Sahib" verses have been
sung devotionally by singer Harshdeep Kaur. This one and half minute
prayer creates an ambience of devotion and serenity and this brings
out the auspicious beginning of the album.
Bhangra pop king Daler Mehndi comes out with all foot thumping
passions in the joyous soundtrack "Rang De Basanti" (paint it yellow).
It brings out the sweet smelling touch of home soil with the colorful
ambience surrounding it. The song is highly enriched with patriotism
with Prasoon Joshi lyrics striking gold. The pop singer gains his lost
ground to large extent with Chitra extra soft and shrill voice
coagulating well. Rehman's usage of traditional Punjabi musical
instruments brings out "Punjabi" touch and shows his prowess. It's
revelation to hear fast paced melody in traditional mould in an era
where remix and hip-hop dominates. The soundtrack will definitely lift
singer, composer and film spirits to the highest esteem.
"Lose Control" sounds loud and high with campus culture rules the show
with hot and juicy "Paathshala". New singing talents Naresh Iyer and
Mohammad Islam make enough melodious noise to bring out the "friends
together" feel. The song is about self-teaching in a funky style with
scientific terms, equations and formulas infused with funky lyrics.
Lyricist Prasoon Joshi innovative creative skills works wonders in
creating a fun loving ambience of "cool" campus life. This fun loving
soundtrack comes out in another version "Paathshala - be a rebel".
It's magic or true as we hear Madhushree singing like Asha Bhonsle in
soft and serene soundtrack "Tu Bin Bataye". The tranquility of eternal
love can be felt in free flowing music coupled with westernized
orchestration that seeps through the senses. It reminds of Rehman's
all time hit "Yeh Haseen Waadeiyan" ('Roja') for calm composed nature.
Naresh Iyer voice adds grace to the track with singer deserving all
the praise for singing in tandem with Madhushree. After gap of couple
of years it's pleasant to hear something promising and melodious from
the music maestro. Madhushree has certainly matured into cadre of
reliable playback singer and this number justifies her talent.
This time it's the maestro AR Rehman himself holding the mike and
singing Arabic tunes in "Khalbali". AR Rehman along with Aslam and
Nacim sings this passionate soundtrack that last for six minutes and
half. Nacim renders Arabic lyrics in this high pitched raucous
soundtrack. Rehman synchronized musical arrangement is the highlight
of the soundtrack that reflects the violent spirit of the protagonist.
It's an above average soundtrack that caters to the situational demand
of the film.
Side B has five original soundtracks with "Roobaro" and "Paathshala -
be a rebel" being the highlight. A "rush of blood" in veins of young
blood is thriving with youthful passion in the slow and poetic
soundtrack "Khoon Chala". It's thematically narrative depicting the
zest and ardor the youth possess. Mohit Chauhan ("Silk Route") lifts
the spirits with his slow voice that gels well with Rehman's music. It
reminds of Rehman's latest soundtrack "Azaadi" ('Bose- the forgotten
hero') for its passionate feel. Blaze churns out spicy lyrics for the
rebellious feel and touch soundtrack "Paathshala - be a rebel". The
soundtrack is a collective vocal effort by lyricist Blaze, Aslam and
Naresh Iyer which pumps out youthful zest with an epitome of "campus
culture". It's a yuppie version of the original soundtrack
"Paathshala" and impressive too.
Indian nightingale Lata Mangeshkar emotes out motherly sentiments in
piously rendered soundtrack "Luka Chuppa". It's a game of hide and
seek that mother plays with his son and lyrics are narrative enough to
depict it. AR Rehman sings for son and pairs up with the melody queen
in sheer delight. The soundtrack sounds situational and if it works
well in the film then this soundtrack will be song to remember.
After 'Mangal Pandey,' once again Aamir Khan oils his vocal chord in
rendering soundtrack and the number is "Lalkaar". It's more narrative
than singing with "Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna" being the punch line of the
soundtrack.
The feeling of "fire inside me" makes the trademark of the concluding
soundtrack "Roobaro". AR Rehman along with find of the album Naresh
Iyer renders this track that caters to the audiences who patronize
Indi-Pop music. It's about fire inside, light inside and brightening
horizons with hopes of tomorrow. The song comes out with 'Rangeela'
touch as "Tapoori" song with youthful emotions.
After the huge disappointment of 'Mangal Pandey' music Rehman salvages
pride with this above average album 'Rang De Basanti'. In recent times
it can be termed as his better work if not the best. The youthful
touch with "Bhangra" flavors will make it hot selling among pop genre.
Regards,
Shah Navas
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