Not often we get a chance to listen to soundtracks that are so close to the native sound of the soil in which the movie is set on. Last year we had M.M.Kreem giving earthy Rajasthani folk songs in “Paheli” and this year we have “Dor” a movie set in Rajasthan. I was really surprised to see Salim-Suliaman on credits as the composers. I never took these duo composers seriously. To me they were good music programmers who overdo their job while scoring background music for movies. But what they have done in this album is completely different from what they have been doing so far and yes of course it is their best.
Paheli had classic classical stuff which didn’t appeal much to the commoners. In this soundtrack, the composers have tried their best to not do that mistake. A right balance is achieved in the songs with classical tunes and instruments and traditional percussions authentic to the place in which the movie is set for connoisseurs and also catchy rhythms and modern arrangements so that it will appeal to the masses as well.
“Allah Hoo” is the best sample from the soundtrack to know how this balance has worked beautifully. It starts with an alaap typical of a usual Islamic devotional song. When I heard it for the first time, I thought it is going to be a devotional song with some clichéd dolaks and Harmoniums in which a chorus will repeat the lines of the lead singer but what unfolded after few seconds into the song really surprised me. The devotional song is set to a foot tapping rhythm with synth layers in the background. Soon I found myself chanting ‘Allah Hoo’ all the time. Similarly the tune and the rhythm of “Piya Ghar Aaya” is straight out of a Rajasthani folk number with thumping beats added to it to pep up the song which otherwise would sound like an outdated situational song.
In recent past I don’t know any theme music of the movie being so effectively blended with other songs as it is done in this soundtrack. It also appears alone in the soundtrack as “Dor” theme. The flute and strings playing emotive notes has a longing feel to it and lingers in our mind for long. Listen for the beautiful usage of this main Dor theme with rustic percussions in “Yeh Honsla” and “Kesriya Bhalam” songs. The flute and Sarangi pieces are so beautifully blended with main melody in classical “Kesariya”. The earthy traditional percussions with haunting classical melody in these songs leave a lasting impact in us. “Dhom tho na dhire na dhire na” with mild guitar riffs in the background instantly sticks to our mind and heart. Another highlight of “Yeh Honsla” is Shafqat’s beautiful singing, another hit for him after “Mitwa” from “KANK”. Look for his beautiful expression and rendition in the sad version of the song.
“Imaan Ka Asar” is what I would call a peppy melody; with guitar riffs and soft e-beats adding a soft zing to the track. The melodious tune and the mellifluous rendition of Sunidhi and Shreya are simply soothing. “Expression of Love” by Trilok Gurtu takes time to grow with its highly classical vocals and unique mix of instruments. But the song becomes brisk and interesting as it reaches the end with a high tempo jam of classical swaras rendered by the vocals with the acoustic drums. Initially the Rabab piece looped in the background may sound redundant but when the song comes back to this same loop after a crescendo at the end, it finds its purpose in the song.
I am happy that Bollywood is producing more of soundtracks than mere music albums in the name of film songs. “Dor” is for sure one of the best soundtracks of 2006.