Raja Natwarlal: Music Review

 Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Starring: Emraan Hashmi & Humaima Malik

The music of Raja Natwarlal has high expectations from the beginning. The Hindi music album not only has Emraan Hashmi's name behind it, but also South Indian music director, Yuvan Shankar Raja's. To raise the bar even higher the film's namesake the critically acclaimed, Mr.Natwarlal, which had a weighty music score with, Pardesia. Raja Natwarlal, starring Emraan Hashmi and Pakistani actress, Humaima Malik, is a romantic comedy, so expect a fusion of fun and passion. 

Raja Natwarlal's soundtrack begins with Bollywood's favorite singer, Arjit Singh, singing Tere Hoke Rehengay. This song starts slowly at first with a slow piano and slowly melts into slow electronic beats. Our music director sticks with the usual Hashmi style of his former K.K songs, with the "Ooo ooo" that we saw in "Zara Sa" from Jannat 2 and "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" from Gangster. This songs toggles between dramatized keyboard, electronic beats, and guitar, and evolves into a Western classical song as the percussion picks up. There is quite a variety of instrumentals in this songs that are brilliantly swirled together with Singh's strong vocals, leaving nothing wanted. A truly unique song. 4.5/5

Yuvan Shankar Raja really brings in the South Indian flavor into Dukki Tikki. This fun dance number is exactly something you would expect to see in a comedy. Expect an interesting video paired with this one. Complete with whistling and horns, this song is one of the more pleasant different sounding songs that Mika Singh has done before. 5/5

The unconventional qawwaliesque number Kabhi Ruhani Kabhi Rumani is by far the best song on the Raja Natwarlal soundtrack. Intricate classical instrumentals pair beautifully Benny Dayal's voice to breathe life into the song. Just like Tere Hoke Rehengay it transforms dramatically, but in a more refined elegance. The slow tabla playing in the back with skillful chimes and piano sets this song apart from the typical qawwali number. 5/5

We have found Raja Natwarlal's item number in Namak Pare. Our music director is again able to offer something new to the table, utilizing popular singers Mamta Sharma and Anupama Amod in a different way. This song fuses Western instrumentals, classical Indian instrumentals, and the classic South Indian song. Anupama's voice works well to complement Mamta Sharma's voice, although he doesn't get much in. From the beginning this song is able to hook the listener. 5/5

The songs of Raja Natwarlal takes an unusual turn with Flip Your Collar Back. It is very catchy, and offers variety like its predecessors, but the hook of the song doesn't seem to work exactly. Perhaps because it gets really gritty and annoying with the "Flip your collar back off to the sides". This song seems like it could potentially turn into a popular dance craze, like Dhinka Chika, but it does not play too lightly on the ears. 2/5

Tere Hoka Rehengay (reprise) is sung by Shweta Pandit. This song tends very acoustic, and the softer beats allow Pandit's voice to shine brighter through. This song is refreshingly a lighter take on the original song, and besides the lyrics is not very similar from the original. As good as, if not better than the original song, this song truly shines as one of the masterpieces of the soundtrack. 5/5

Raja Natwarlal's soundtrack is by far one of the best of this year.The precision of the soundtrack surpasses all of Emraan Hashmi's previous soundtrack With almost every song having the potential to become a hit, this movie should propel further in cinema. Yuvan Shankar Raja does an amazing job of pulling all different types of genres and musical elements together to create a skillfully produced album. 

My Picks:  Kabhi Ruhani Kabhi Rumani, Tere Hoke Rehengay (reprise), Dukki Tikki, Namak Pare, Tere Hoke Rehengay 

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Lekar Hum Deewana Dil: Music Review

Starring: Armaan Jain & Deeksha Seth

Music Composer: A.R Rahman

Expectations have always been set very high for A.R Rahman music. Unfortunately, we have not seen much of Rahman's compositions as of recently. A.R last produced Raanjhanaa in 2013, and earlier this year Highway in Bollywood. After the Slumdog Millionaire success, A.R has diverted his attention away from Hindi and Tamil cinema and onto Hollywood. Just last month he composed the music for Million Dollar Arm, where we see Mad Men's John Hamm's journey to India to recruit India's finest cricket players for baseball. Needless to say, all the movies mentioned here, regardless of cinema, have been all spectacular.

It is not unusual for Rahman to compose for a smaller movie like, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, because these are just the kinds of small ventures Rahman would usually do. In Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, we see newcomer and supposed grandson of Raj Kapoor, Armaan Jain, merge with Bollywood first timer, semi-seasoned Tamil/Telegu actress, Deeksha Seth, in yet another Bollywood film on the joys of young romance. Basically, this is a soundtrack around the likes of Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na. Coincidentally or not, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil's soundtrack, like Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na's has a song as its namesake, this time from Yaadon Ki Baraat.

Deeksha Seth and Armaan Jain "Maloom"

Lekar Hum Deewana Dil begins with Khalifa featuring A.R Rahman, Shweta Pandit, and Suzanne D'Mello. A.R Rahman definitely draws some influence from M.I.A's portions from Oh Saya from Slumdog Millionaire. This song, however, takes a unconventional, but interesting techno/electronica vibe fused with a middle eastern beat. Rahman's portions and music compositions are on point here as usual, but if I had to name one the downfall of this song would be the contribution of the two female vocalists which are utterly unnecessary. 4/5

The second track on the album, Maloom, one of least memorable songs in Lekar Hum Deewana Dil. This song again feature A.R Rahman, but with Hriday Gatani and Jonita Gandhi. This song has a careless feel is enhanced with light instrumentals like guitar and whistling. Lyrically beautiful and musically simple, this song takes a different route from Khalifa. This is exactly what you would expect to see from a movie like Lekar Hum Deewana Dil. The song does take a slightly annoying quality when an over eager female voice, probably Jonita Gandhi, intrudes. Though is one of the most refreshing songs on the album. 4/5

Pakistani vocalist, Shiraz Uppal vocalizes Ala Hada. This song has a light airy feel like Maloom, but manages to uplift more. This is quite reminiscent of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na's muisc, especially with the guitar, but separates itself into a song with more refined taste. We hear smoother instrumentals like violin and chimes throughout this song, to further blend into the soft tones of Uppal . 3.5/5

One could only guess what kind of song Mawali Qawwali is by the name, but even if you did you would be wrong. Yes, Deeksha Seth is the dancer in Mawali Qawwali. This song by Raghav Mathur and Tanvi Shah is one of the most annoying songs I have heard in a long time. If the first couple seconds don't turn you off initially some banjo mixed with annoying voices with grate at your insides and irritate you to no end. Please don't bother with this one. Too much going on. 1/5

Just the average hike through the forest with the essentials

Beqasoor is Lekar Hum Deewana Dil's only slow romantic duet, skillfully crooned by Nakash Aziz and Sheweta Pandit. There is not really much going in terms of piano instrumentals, all the changes of pace in the two vocalists voice. 3.5/5

When you click on a song titled Tu Shining, you already know its going know its not going to be. This song is heavily populated with English words, sung annoyingly by Hriday Ghattani. This song starts ok, but as it picks up the pace it gets inversely irratating. Not as bad a Malwali Qawwali, but still not good. I only wonder what Rahman was thinking for this one. 3/5

In the end, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil's soundtrack does not live up to A.R Rahman's usual hype. Take the few good songs and leave the horrible songs here. Some songs still have the Rahman magic, but the others definitely do not.

My Picks:  Maloom, Ala Hada, Khalifa, Beqasoor 

Read My Other Reviews:

Ek Villain Music Review

Humshakals Music Review

Ek Villain: Music Review

Music Directors: Mithoon and Ankit Tiwari 

Starring: Sidarth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor & Ritesh Deshmukh 

Mithoon has been composing hit after hit for the Bollywood film industry and he returns once again alongside Akit Tiwari for romantic thriller Ek Villain. The last time Mithoon paired with film director, Mohit Suri, was during the extremely successful album, Aashiqui 2. The music of Ek Villain is packed with just the melody and emotion that you would expect from a Suri film.

The album kicks off with the romantic number, Galliyan, sung solely by Ankit Tiwari, vocalist of the popular Sun Raha Hai from Aashiqui 2. Galliyan starts a little harshly with coarse guitar and then simmers down to a softer tone. Flute instrumentals melt magically with violin. Tiwari's vocals are slow and controlled as usual. 4/5

Galliyan (unplugged) takes a more somber tone. It offers none of the grit Tiwari's Galliyan had and takes a route with just soft guitar and violin. The actress now singer Shraddha Kapoor starts the songs off with hauntingly beautiful vocals, and about three quarters of the way, Ankit Tiwari joins in, keeping on same vocal level as Kapoor. However, the unplugged version of Galliyan really hits its peak when the two sing in unison. Unlike most unplugged version songs, this song offers a totally different experience. 4/5

Mohammad Irfan's solo, Banjaara, takes a slow melodious, Sufi-esque journey. This particular song comes closer to your heart the most it listens to you. There is a subtle loveliness in the instrumentals, and Irfan's voice takes the right path. There is beauty in simplicity in this song, 4.5/5

Pakistani rocker, Mustafa Zahid, joins in the the soundtrack of Ek Villain  with Zaroorat. We hear Zahid in his comfort zone, much like the songs he has given us for Heropanti and Ragini MMS, and for his band Roxen. Unlike it's predecessors, Zaroorat instills more pain and anger. Complex guitar amplifies his voice and takes the song to new heights. Mithoon is able to differentiate this song by complimenting Zahid's voice with unique dramatic instrumentals.  4.5/5

Continuing with Ek Villain's Pakistani music trend is Soch The Band's, Awari. The talent is no less than the usual artists coming in the industry. What separates Soch from the other Pakistani bands is its instrumental versatility. Joining Soch is the the female vocalist, Momina Mustesan. This song begins with staggered piano, which slowly mixes with Mustesan's ghostly vocals. The song dynamically transforms from a somber song into something more powerful with both guitar and sitar and Adnan Dhool of Soch's vocals. This is by far the most unique song on the album. 5/5

"Bugs!"

Arjit Singh offers something special in the emotional, Humdard. This song lyrically reaches into the trenches of romantic pain. Just like Galliyan, this song is controlled and slow, but doesn't offer has much complexity as the songs before it, except for the strange xylophone instruments that falls at intervals in between the vocals. Besides the vocal quality, this song too relaxed, and thus becomes almost boring. 3/5

All in all, Ek Villain delivers exactly what you would expect from a Mithoon and Ankit Tiwari soundtrack. With an array instrumentals and skilled talent from India and Pakistan, these composers were able to create an emotional, high quality musical score. We can only hope to see Mithoon and Ankit Tiwari collaborate with Mohit Suri in the future.


My Picks: Awari, Zaroorat, Banjaara, Galliyan, Galliyan (unplugged)

Madras Cafe: Music Review

Music Director: Shantanu Moitra

Starring: John Abraham & Nargis Fakri 

Since Madras Cafe is set in the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War of 1990, we expect the music to be serious in nature, but for it to have no heavy romantic element is shocking. The director, Shoojit Sircar, has some real intentions of making this a hard hitting movie, which is why half of  Madras Cafe' songs are instrumentals..

Papon begins Madras Cafe with the mellow number Sun Le Re. His raw vocals are perfect for the soundtrack and subtle enough for the background instrumentals. This song is highly spiritual in nature, and slightly Sufi-like, as Papon reaches out to god to listen to him.  3/5

Ajnabi is sung by Zeb, of Pakistani's famous woman duo Zeb and Haniya. Like the prior song, this one is fresh with fresh emotions, but a tad more mellow, almost like the unplugged version of a song. The flute like instrumentals are a pleasant surprise, along with Zeb's "Da Da Na Na". This song is very unique, and not like any other song made in recent times. Excellent.  5/5

Papon is featured yet again in Madras Cafe in the song Khud Se. With a steady piano menu, Papon's voice reflects off itself like a mirror, similar to a self-duet. Khud Se keeps with the theme of the other songs, but is a little more rich in melody. He hits high notes, as the melody climbs higher and higher. 3.5/5

Sun Le Re (Reprise) is another take on the previous version. The reprise is not at all as subtle as the first time. The instrumentals are hard rock, complete with drums and guitar, exactly the polar opposite of the original. The soundtrack needed something this gritty to bring it back to life. Better than the first version. 3.5/5

After these four, there comes a string of instrumentals. The first one is Madras Cafe Theme. Its a lingering doom instrumental. The sound of ominous danger creeps through at first, but towards the middle it gets a little faster, bringing in angry flute and violin instrumentals.

Conspiracy features the singer Monali Thakur, but she doesn't really sing. Her voice echoes in the background of this song that sounds similar to the theme before it.

Entry to Jafna follows with theme, staying constant with the stringent tones from Madras Cafe's other instrumentals for its minute duration.

The Title Theme, has the to be the best instrumental  in the soundtrack bearing the worst name. This one has the highest quality instrumentals and is actually listenable. Compared to the hostility the other instrumentals have, this one grows more tense as the song goes on, until the instrumentals sound as if they have been broken.

In the end, Madras Cafe is filled with just a little too many instrumental theme music, and doesn't shine enough light on the vocalists. This soundtrack doesn't boast too much, but its good songs are of the highest quality.

My Picks: Ajnabi, Khud Se, Sun Le Re (Reprise)

What do you think?!

BollywoodBegum

Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobara: Music Review

Music Composer: Pritam

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Sonakshi Sinha

The first Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai had one of the best soundtracks in recent times. Tracks like, Pee Loon and Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein, are hits in recent memory. With Pritam as the composer and a A-List cast   Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara/Again/2 soundtrack has a lot to live up to. For a soundtrack with only four songs, let's hope every song makes an impression.

The soundtrack begins with Yeh Tune Kya Kaha featuring Pakistani singer, Javed Bashir. His classical, mature vocals are perfect for this type of number. This song sounds like a good leftover for the first OUATIM and boasts a lot of rich traditional sounds like the tabla and harmonium. This qawaali starts slows and escalates and transforms with rich instrumentals. 4
/5

Tayyab Ali is another qawaali number in Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobara, this time with Javed Ali. This is a remake of  seventies song Tayyab Ali from Amar Akbar Anthony's which featured Rishi Kapoor. This song recreates it into a very desi, quirky drunken sounding number with some English, like "Tell me why" and "Beautiful Baby Baby". After the minute the song kicks into full gear, but its gets boring quickly. Can't see anything new offering in this qawaali, compared to the original except for the childish spin it takes, and richer beats. They could have deviated from the original song in a better way. 3/5

Tu Hi Toh Khwahish sounds like an item number from the late seventies/early eighties. Its discoesque theme, mixed with the Middle Eastern beats and Sunidhi Chauhan's rough vocals sounds awkward. This song should have been left in the seventies where it belongs. It sounds like Pritam is trying to do something similar to Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai's Parda Parda, but Chauhan's panting and  interludes that sounds like they jumped out a of a crime thriller make the song sound messy. Too much going on here. Not sure what genre to classify this one. 2/5

Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobara ends with another track with Javed Ali, this time singing with Sahir Ali Bagga. Chungliyaan is our Pee Loon like song. Its the only pure romantic number on the soundtrack. This song is pretty, but it doesn't really show us anything drastically new. Shahir Ali Bagga's voice enhances Javed Ali's well. 3.5/5

In the end only two of the four songs really make an impression. Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara/Again, doesn't live up to its legacy. It actually fails horribly in comparison to the original Once Upon in Mumbaai's greatness, due to limited volume of four songs. Pritam could have give us more songs, or at least better quality ones.

My Picks: Yeh Tune Kya Kiya, Chungliyaan

Check Out My Other Reviews:
Bajatey Raho: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/bajatey-raho-music-review.html
Luv U Soniyo: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/luv-u-soniyo-music-review.html
Chennai Express:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/chennai-express-music-review.html
Nasha: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/nasha-music-review.html

Bollywood Begum

D-Day: Music Review

Starring: Arjun Rampal, Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Huma Qureshi, Shruti Hassan

Music Directors: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

The Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio is famous for catchy music that is reflective the overall theme of the movie, and  D-Day's music is no exception. D-Day is a Bollywood film that crosses over the border and into Pakistan, when Irrfan Khan is sent to Karachi on a spy mission. After viewing the trailer, it seems what follows is a chaotic, political thriller entangled with romantic trysts. Here we see many of our favorite singers come forward, such as Javed Ali, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sukhwinder Singh.

Mika Singh opens D-Day with the qawwali Duma Dum. This song is a remake of the popular Lal Meri Pat, that we have heard from popular Pakistani artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, and Junoon. The instrumentals are rich and distinguish this song , however this song doesn't compare with the other others vocally. It would have fared better if another singer was put behind the mike. A good attempt, but nothing really new. 3/5

Alvida features Loy Mendonsa, Sukhwinder Singh, Nikhil D'Souza and Shruti Hassan herself . This mellow song has mostly delicate vocals and light instrumentals. Hassans' vocals are whispery and ghostly, but she is able to add a nice touch to the song. Singh and D'Souza's voice really takes this song to a higher level and really highlights the song. 4/5

"Exactly how much curry did you get under
your fingernails"

D-Day has another qawwali-esque song called Murshid Ke Holi. Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali, and Munawar Masoom voices blend well together with this traditional beats. The instrumentals are also rich here, as they are throughout D-Day. But what really distinguishes this one from any other fantastic qawwali? Nothing really. It runs over seven and a half minutes, and its so repetitive that its difficult to get all the way through. 3.5/5

Rekha Bhardwaj returns in a solo, Ek Khadi. The tabla is very soothing when used in unison with other instruments, but this song isn't really unique in any way. Not much to say about this one. No repeat value. 3/5

D-Day ends with the short track Dhuaan with Siddharth Madhadevan and Rahul Ram's gritty vocals. The orchestra instrumentals give the song a perilous touch of beautiful doom. It almost sounds like a some type of church prayer and chant. There are not many dark Bollywood songs like this, so something like this is very special.  4/5

If you are a die hard Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy or qawwali fan, just take a few of these songs from D-Day and be on your way.

My Picks: Alvida, Dhuaan

Check out My Other Reviews:

Chennai Express:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/chennai-express-music-review.html

Issaq:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/bollywood-music-review-issaq_21.html

Boyss Toh Boyss Hai:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/boyss-toh-boyss-hai-music-review.html 

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