MANGAL PANDEY
Aamir Khan collaborates with AR Rahman for the second time after LAGAAN and that too after a hiatus of 4 years.So the word ’’HYPE ’’ is definitely associated with such a soundtrack.
So does Mangal Pandey deserve all that attention. Absolutely , would be my answer , solely because after a very long time , we hear rahman delivering songs which have a high repeat value.
I promise you that this album will make you sit up and wonder about all the hype regarding the music , the first time you hear it. But rest assured , this album will kill you slowly and definitely. The rahman magic in this album is effectively hidden but once you untie that knot you are in for an heavenly experience
The album kicks off with a pulsating title track MANGAL MANGAL which brings forth the rustic feel.Kailash Kher compliments the tune with the rawness in his voice.The rhythm also brings about a certain earthy feeling.
Main VARI VARI follows and you couldnt have asked for more.The second track is one of the most complicated compositions in the album, and appears to be the simplest.The song is beautifully sung by Kavitha Krishnamurthy and Reena Bharadhwaj.The bass accompanying the rhythm makes the song all the more attractive.
HOLI RE is a chartbuster from the word go. Here Rahman plays with his previously used dhandiya beats and mixes them carefully with folk tunes to lend colour to this song.Udit Narayanan and Madhushree take the podium places for their soulful rendition while Srinivas and Chinmayee also add to the flavour of the song. Aamir Khan also lends his voice to the track and the words have been beautifully synchronised with the beats so as to blend them with the tune.
RASIYA sung by Richa Sharma and Bonnie Chakrabarty is a seducing number which should set the charts on fire.The song is said to be picturised on Sophia Haque and should be one to watch out for.
A beautiful melody accompanied by strings , this definitely is my pick of the album. This track on its own makes Mangal Pandey worth a cd !
Takey Takey proves the brilliance of Javed akhtar.The song talks about the importance of a bazaar and the people involved , philosophically.It is a situational number which should become popular once the movie hits the screens.Sukhwindher Singh and Kailash Kher render the beautifully composed song brilliantly.
AL MADDHATH MAULA croons Murtaza and Kadir with Rahman and Kailash Kher. The song never ceases to amaze with each and every second having its highs.The song picks up tempo and fervour and builds up to a crescendo.Rahman here proves his versatility both as a composer and singer.The devotional song has got some catchy tunes and beautiful orchestration.
During the music release function held recently Aamir Khan was heard saying ’’MANGAL MANGAL is the song of the decade’’ .Maybe that is the reason why we have 3 variations of the song in the album each offering something new.The AATMA and AGNI versions have been brilliantly conceived and composed.
The album has all it takes to be a chartbuster and could even sell more than LAGAAN provided the movie clicks with the masses.The album has more of commercial ingredients to it than you expect in period movie.And overall , I feel Rahman has compromised on the period feel a little and concentrated more on providing catchy tunes with great repeatability.
All said , Mangal Pandey should rise on you with every hearing.
AR Rahman and Javed Akhtar have again created a masterpiece.