For all the film and music lovers, Lakshya is a long awaited movie and album. Several movie magazines have called it the most awaited event in Bollywood for 2004. I will restrict my comments to the Music. As usual, I would like to start with some general musings on the album as a whole.
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (SEL)’s music is undoubtedly different.
Almost everyone attests to the distinctiveness of their style. They have used several different instruments to create an ambience far from the usual, and worth listening. However, what I notice about their music is that in many places, it does not flow well. Their style imparts pace, but it seems almost like you are driving through the heavy traffic in a city. You speed up, then apply brakes hard when you see the traffic lights turn red. This process goes on and on. Another thing I noticed is that there is an unquestionable ’’South’’ flavor while rendering Hindi https://lyrics.
To represent what I am talking about, readers are directed to the following songs: Nayak-Chidiya Tu Hoti To; Kabhi Na Kabhi: Tu Hi Tu. This is not necessarily bad, but lyrics ought to flow in their own context. Look for this situation in the song Kitni Baatein, in the anupallavi (second paragraph). A place for improvement thats all. Shankar Mahadevan has been extensively trained in South Indian classical music, and I can see how that influences his style.
Second, ’’inspired’’ tunes are numerous in this album. I am surprised Farhaan havent opposed this. Some of the tunes, like ’’Main Aisa Kyoon’’ is directly taken from an english song, I cannot locate it however I try to remember that one. When I find it I will edit this review and add. Tunes have also (in my opinion) have been taken from Ali Haider’s Sandesha-Album (Side B, Song: Zara Sa Pyar). The keyboard notes at the start of ’’Separation’’ has also been taken, I tried to locate the theme specifically, could not, but I do remember the musical notes exactly(My guess is one of Yanni’s numbers). The tune in the end, is a direct take on the lines ’’Koi Nahin Paas..’’ in Ali Haider’s Zara sa Pyaar. I apologize for becoming a spoil sport, but thats the harsh reality.
The first track, ’’Agar Main Kahoon’’ is different. I could appreciate two styles of music besides the Indian tune: Country & Irish. I think the tune is fresh, and well blended with the percussion, and background instruments. If you hear the background carefully, the percussion consists of a light electronic drumming and generous use of acoustic guitar. Look for some wonderful guitar playing at the second music interlude. As for the singers, I cant help but look at Udit Narayan’s singing and wonder about his amazing voice. Alka Yagnik is also good.
The second track ’’Kandhon Se Milte’’ has been tuned as an inspirational track and I think it does justice to that purpose. Several singers have come together. Melody returns to the song approximately halfway, with Hariharan, Sonu Nigam & Shankar Mahadevan singing in their characteristic styles. Nothing special in the song, other than it serves the director’s purpose and some good music arrangements.
’’Kitni Batein’’ starts with a slow high-bass (but soft) rhythm, and this reminds me of some ARR songs & background scores. But it seems rhythms, for the most part are programmed and comes built into several of the modern music instruments, and hence lets not worry about it. The song is slow, but again, look for the musical interlude after the first two lines (in the reprise version). The interlude bears resemblance to the ’’Ludlows’’ piece in ’’Legends of the Fall’’, composed by James Horner. But, maybe its not intentional. As mentioned in the beginning of this review, southern tunes does contradict a bit with hindi lyrics, sometimes. Hariharan & Sadhna Sargam sings the number really well. Somehow I felt Hariharan sang it better.
The track ’’Lakshya’’, probably intended as the title song starts with the roar of helicopters. In my view, this is the pick of the album. The percussion and electric guitar forms a deadly combination. I liked the starting, with intermittent, echoing guitar slides interspersed with some good acoustic effects. Specifically I am talking about just after the first line ’’Ha Eh Rasta Hai, Tera...’’ and after the second one. Hear closely to see how SEL has invoked the feeling of patriotism and thumping energy to go forward. This song, I am sure will get you goose-pimples when you actually watch the movie!
The track ’’Main Aisa Kyon’’ is definitely inspired, if not lifted.
As I said before, I am not able to locate the original song. Maybe I should leave it and start listening. I have to admit that the first time I heard Shaan’s voice was a couple of years ago when my friend played ’’Tanha Dil’’ in his car, I was impressed by his pop-star like style. He definitely does justice to the song. I can imagine how Farhan is going to take this song and transform it into an instant hit with his indomitable song picturisation style (like in the song Dil Chahta Hai). I liked the innovative style in which the song ends (with the sounds and noises of a record player).
’’Separation’’ starts with a keyboard piece that is also inspired heavily(I guess from one of Yanni’s numbers). But on the whole does invoke the feeling of sadness and romance. After some notes on the guitar, SEL takes a plunge into the loud orchestra. If you listen carefully, you can see that when the strings (synthetic, of course) start its journey, keyboards fade away, and then slowly regains its voice towards the end. I would say, smart orchestration, and a theme (separation) well imbibed.
To summarize, I guess I liked the album moderately. For readers who liked the ’’Separation’’ theme music, I encourage you to hear theme music CDs of the following Hollywood movies: Jurassic Park By John Williams; A Beautiful Mind by James Horner; SpyGame (the track ’’My Name is Tom’’) by Harry Gregson Williams & Songs from a Secret Garden. I think Lakshya is for someone who does not mind some seriously different music. It will take time to sink in, but it will sink in allright. This one is not even close to what I would say ’’exceptional’’. It is ok, and I hope people will enjoy it more after watching the movie.