Another review
With the movie boasting of blockbuster-sized names like Rahman, Gulzar and Mani Ratnam — virtually the best names each genre can dish out, expectations from Raavan are certainly sky high.
Surely after the success of A R Rahman at the Oscars, we expect him to conjure one of 2010's better albums. Sure and why not, when he is backed with lyricist Gulzar and a maestro director Ratnam.
Does it really live up to them, is a different question altogether.
Beera: With Beera, the albums begins with the best it has to offer.The song perhaps is intended to introduce Ratnam's now favourite Abhishek Bachchan's character Beera.
It sets the rhythm going with its strong accentuated drums, which are quite energetic and trance-like in their own right. It begins with the strong 'Mahube' and African tribal beat influence before Rahman sets the tempo in full flow captivating the listener almost beckoning him to swing to the beat. There's no stopping after that. Sung by Vijay Prakash, Mustafa Kutoane and Keerthi Sagathia, is certainly the best of the lot and fit's the bill as an opener.
Behene De: Behene De, sung by Karthik and Mohammed Irfan is a distinct change of pace. It begins slowly with a prolonged prelude, which seems to stretch a bit too far, before subsequently picking up towards the middle before falling only to rise again towards the end. At best a passable attempt.
Thok Di Killi: Thok Di Killi is a sung by Sukhwinder Singh and newcomer Am'nico. This song features traditional wind instruments giving it a rustic tinge. Towards the middle of the song Thok Di Killi tends to become a bit monotonous before attempting a last ditch effort to save itself with a burst of tempo. A tad too late perhaps.
Ranja Ranja: Ranja Ranja is a rather run-of-the-mill track. Rekha Bhradwaj (who has in the past rendered modern day folk classics in partnership with her music director husband Vishal Bharadwaj) and Javed Ali are handicapped with this rather uninspiring song. Rekha's high-pitched vocals are somehow unharmonious to the ear. The slow pace of the song does not help its cause.
Khilli Re: For a change Khilli Re is melodious song. Its like a breath of fresh air, which can be savoured as each note drifts towards your ears. A love song, it is sung by Reena Bhardwaj.
Kata kata: If Beera was a good way to begin, Kata kata a good way to end! A wedding song, it raises the tempo once again with its festive, heart-thumping beats. Towards the middle there is rather prolonged period of low energy which only helps the tempo build up once again. The sheer energy of the song, can drive it through and to the top of the charts. Sung by Ila Arun, Sapna Awasthi and Kunal Ganjawala, the track is no doubt a great way to finish.
Barring the three songs, Raavan leaves a lot to be desired, especially at a time when Rehman riding is on an Oscar high. Cant say Jai Ho all the way for this one.
-Audio Review by Bhushan in Goa
