BBC Review
A rough diamond, but ultimately another gem from the music director duo.
Having created hit soundtracks for all three of Siddharth Anand’s previous films (Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Bachna Ae Haseeno), composers Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani could have quite easily knocked out another popular but auto-piloted collection of songs for the young director. But not one for repeat performances, Anand’s brief to his favourite composers for his new release, Anjaana Anjaani, was to make music which he wouldn’t understand on first listening.
Just why Anand would go against his instinct of choosing songs that instantly appeal to him is not clear. Perhaps it had something to do with the picture’s dark subject matter, dealing with two young Indians contemplating suicide. Whatever the reason, Anand got what he asked for: music that grows and stays with you.
Evoking a range of moods, from the mellow to the manic, Anjaana Anjaani doesn’t stand out on first listen. But give it a few replays and you soon see the attraction. A blend of commercial Bollywood music as well as Western contemporary forms such as rock and pop, it’s the diversity of the seven originals on offer that is appealing.
The album kicks off with Anjaana Anjaani Ki Kahani, a club track aimed squarely at the dancefloor. A bouncy tune emphasised by a catchy chorus, it soon sticks in the mind for the right reasons, spunky vocals by newcomers Nikhil D'Souza and Monali Thakur saving it from being one of those annoying songs you can’t get out of your head. Giving off a more defiant tone is Hairat sung by Lucky Ali, who at over 50 years of age does an amazing job of sounding youthful and energetic.
Just as likeable is Aas Paas Khuda, a beautiful song voiced by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. There’s no one more perfect to breathe life into the spiritually uplifting lyrics penned by Vishal and Shekhar than this soulful Sufi singer. The unplugged version is equally marvellous. Romance gets a look in on the simple but delightful Tumse Hi Tumse, while I Feel Good is a suitably mood-improving number. A melancholic vibe emanates from Tujhe Bhula Diya, on which Shruti Pathak’s folksy tones pierce the heart like an arrow.
Like a rough diamond that needs a good polish before it sparkles, with Anjaana Anjaani Vishal and Shekhar have produced another gem.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you choose to use this review on your site please link back to this page.
