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| Director :
| Kunal Kohli
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| Music :
| Sajid-Wajid
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| Lyrics :
| Prasoon Joshi
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| Starring :
| Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Prachi Desai
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June 4, 2012 06:42:23 PM IST
updated June 11, 2012 01:24:43 PM IST
By Abid, Glamsham Editorial
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Critic-turned-director-turned-producer, and not to forget his prowess as the first television trade expert, Kunal Kohli, made a successful transition from the idiot box to the Hindi cinema, with the help of India's premier production house, Yash Raj Films (despite a dismal start with MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE), through hit films FANAA, and a very successful, HUM TUM.
However, his decision to start his own production house has not been very wise (up till now!) as both his ventures, THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC (which he co-produced with Yash Raj) and BREAK KE BAAD (directed by Danish Aslam) tanked at the ticket window.
The music of his films, especially for those under the Yash Raj Films banner (read HUM TUM and FANAA), have been exceptional and memorable as well. Who can forget 'Chand Sifarish' (FANAA) which remains a favourite of countless hard core romantics. But after HUM TUM AND FANAA, none of his films could boast of chartbusting music.
CHECK OUT: Shahid, Priyanka to promote TERI MERI KAHAANI at IIFA
However all that is about to change with his Shahid-Priyanka starrer, TERI MERI KAHAANI, a love story co-produced by Eros International Media Ltd., super hit duo Sajid-Wajid helming the music of the film with the help of noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who has penned songs for quite a few Kunal Kohli films. And since the film is a love story spanning three eras, there is ample scope for some beautiful situations and good music. So let us take a ride down the music lane and hear for ourselves if the soundtrack is for keeps!
The first track of the album is 'Mukhtasar' (meaning brief or short in Urdu), however there is nothing 'mukhtasar' about the track as it does make a lasting impression and reason for that is the overall excellent packaging that makes for a superb track first up. The USP of the song is some excellent singing by the composer himself, Wajid. No doubt Wajid has rendered many songs before this but 'Mukhtasar' establishes him as an accomplished singer. Since the focus is more on his crystal clear base vocals with just the keyboard tune relegated to the background, Wajid's uninhibited rendition is a delight to savour. In fact at times Wajid's singing reminds one of Atif Aslam's style. Background female chorals and western musical arrangements are in keeping with the out and out romantic theme of the song. Prasoon's lyrics convey the feelings of the lead protagonist quite aptly, though at times they are routine and filmy, however the use of easy Urdu and simple Hindi makes this a youth pleasing number which is the target audience here.
The 'Mukhtasar' remix by DJ Suketu is as delightful as the original because despite added rhythm and background echoing chorus, the easy free flowing melody has not been tempered with and vocals too have been reworked upon to provide that better effect.
All out eclectic Hindustani musical arrangements greet 'Allah Jaane' as some soothing 'santoor' notes, followed by soulful harmonium and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's delightful 'alaaps' transport the listeners to the golden era where melody reigned supreme. Without doubt Sajid - Wajid are turning out to be the best in the business especially where melodious 'desi' music (read DABANGG, ROWDY RATHORE) is concerned and 'Allah Jaane' just proves that beyond doubt. The highlight of track is as always par excellence rendition by Rahat, the prince of 'sufi' romantic tracks. The way he blends his vocals to the harmonium piece in the background at the commencement of the track reminds of the famous Sabri brothers and keeps one hooked to the number throughout with his soulful rendition. One can assume that song is set in the 1910 era where Shahid essays the role of a Muslim poet.
CHECK OUT: Shahid-Priyanka chemistry had to be developed
From 1910 it's the swinging sixties where rockstar Shammi Kapoor rocked Bollywood and made a permanent place in the hearts of his innumerable fans, with his drop dead good looks and his characteristic dance and chartbusting songs that are still dear to all who follow Bollywood of yore. All out rock and roll with trumpets, saxophone, drums and retro arrangements, a throwback to the Shammi Kapoor era commence 'Jab Se Mere Dil Ko Uff'. And who better than Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan to recreate the Mohd Rafi and Asha Bhonsle magic with their expressive and full on attitude singing. The twist gets a makeover here with Sajid Wajid using modern contemporary musical arrangements to bring out the best in that era. Definitely the song would have its patrons especially after watching the Shahid-Priyanka chemistry in the song promo.
The next number, 'Humse Pyaar Karle Tu' belongs to the highly popular traditional 'qawwali' of yesteryears where the male and female 'qawwals' engaged in light 'nok-jhonk' and 'chhed chhad', the 'ishq vs husn' kind of 'qawwali'. The start is highly entertaining with both sides throwing up an open challenge and so is the 'antara', but the 'mukhda' that follows 'humse pyar karle tu' disappoints as Sajid-Wajid just recreate their own chartbusting track from DABANGG 'Humka Peeni Hai', one expected something out of the box from the duo rather than going back on a number that is still so very fresh in the minds of the audience. Wajid's singing is once again exceptional and is aided in a big way by 'surili' Shreya and not to forget Mika. But one just wonders why Mika Singh (who sounds a bit out of place) was the choice here. Though the inimitable Mika is ruling the roost with one chartbuster after another, but he is not suited for these type of songs (a Shaan or Sonu would have been just great). Prasoon Joshi''s lyrics need a mention as his words help in bringing out the best of the traditional 'qawwali' because the light banter is established further through some right words.
The remix version of 'Humse Pyaar Karle Tu' by DJ Suketu is a space filler where Mika holds fort and heightened pace and added rhythm spoils the song totally and one can just skip this number .
The album ends on a modern, contemporary note with the all-out western style composition, 'That's All I Really Wanna Do', as is evident from the female English backing vocals and chorals. Lovely harmonica, nice guitar strums, bead sounds and light on the ears and catchy melody are the highlights of this out and out romantic track, though at times (read 'mukhda') it sounds more like a nursery rhyme and the romantic effect pales. The 'Mukhtasar' signature tune is heard midway in the song as well. Shaan, the prince of modern youthful romantic numbers is just the right choice and Shreya compliments him to the hilt. Prasoon's lyrics aptly cater to the gen next whose lingo is a mix of simple Hindi and English.
In a nutshell, the music album of TERI MERI KAHAANI is in keeping with the script of the movie which spans three eras- 1910, 1960 and 2012, and Sajid-Wajid have come up with relevant compositions which are just not situational but entertaining as well. However all said and done that one particular chartbuster that is so very essential in getting the audience into cinemas is missing, quite like Shahid's very own MAUSAM, where all the compositions were very good (melody wise) but there was no chart topper. And if we keep in mind director Kunal Kohli's excellent sense of music (especially in the films directed by him) then the bar is raised that much higher! However 'Mukhtasar' and 'Allah Jaane' have the potential to climb up the charts, and with aggressive promotion one is sure that the music album will surely make a mark, especially the two mentioned tracks.
Rating - 3/5
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