A.R.Rahman (Fan Club) - Page 28

Sukanya Verma | December 12, 2005 18:38 IST

A favourite clich associated with A R Rahman's music is that it takes time to grow on its listener. Perhaps in this day and age of 'fast-food' music, that's too much to ask for. But why not look at it a little more optimistically? That at least one composer stills wants you to soak his tunes in, rather than just twiddle your toes to it. So, let me warn you upfront, if you are looking for elevator music to dance to, you're barking up the wrong tree. While most of his contemporaries are interested in nailing the charttopper slot or remixing their own fare, Rahman makes more music and less sound. It is hardly surprising, then, that when a producer nabs him for a project, he makes the most of it.

In UTV's Rang De Basanti , the composer helms ten songs penned imaginatively by Prasoon Joshi. Directed by Rakeysh Ompraskash Mehra ( Aks ), the movie features Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Atul Kulkarni, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor and Siddharth. Though not really a jingoistic affair, Rang De Basanti, as the graffiti on the CD cover suggests, is about today's generation and its responsibilities. In Mangal Pandey fashion, the soundtrack begins on a devotional note with the Gurubani prayer, Ek onkar rendered stirringly by Harshdeep Kaur. Spiritual makes way for effervescence in the booming, adrenalin charged, Rang de basanti . You can count on the Punjabi Pop King Daler Mehendi to scoop catchy Tunak tunaks and Ta ra ras from nowhere. Here, his Dingading is as infectious as it gets. Co-singer Chitra is a shrill match to the bhangra star's thrilling vivacity. This potential chartbuster is a Daler show all the way. Welcome to fun school! Paathshala is a rock 'n' roll take on academics, or the lack of it. Rahman's arrangement here is somewhat reminiscent of Lakeer' s Shehzade and Yuva's Dol dol , only less melodic and more bombastic. The Be a rebel version of the same by Blaaze is incomprehensible in the lyrics department. Stimulating in essence and subtly haunting, Tu bin bataye has Madhurshree and Naresh Iyer delicately coo to the eccentric yet enchanting strains. A tad U2ish in flavour but essentially a desi Arabic cocktail, Rahman and company -- Aslam and Nacim (he has also written the Arabic lyrics) -- gyrate nimbly to the exotic beats of Khalbali . Why are most songs with a middle-eastern flavour so stereotypical in nature? Like the quintessential Goan bloke and his accordion?

Khoon chala brews in blazing poetry and quiet drama. A controlled, powerful composition, expounded beautifully in Silk Route frontman Mohit Chauhan's commanding intensity. Tired of hearing Lata Mangeshkar playback for 16-somethings? The legend and her innumerable fans get a much-needed break in Luka chuppi . Oozing maternal instinct and worry as in the nature of a true blue mommy, Mangeshkar plays her part well. Okay, so there are times when she struggles to find ground. But, on such occasions, Rahman also co-starring on the track cleverly underplays her jarring high pitch by shifting the focus to the exhilarating orchestra. Revolutionary Ramprasad Bismil's patriotic verse, which has found its voice in many aspiring nationalists, comes to the forefront once again after the Bhagat Singh movies. This time as Lalkaar in Aamir Khan's ardent and inspiring delivery. Finally, the verve in Rahman and Iyer's voices, coupled with the jingling mood and bouncy guitar play, give Roobaroo the feel of a picnic. What's the soundtrack of Rang De Basanti like? Flawed, but sonorous. Challenging, but genuine. Point is, it works. Correction. It grows.

God Father - Master class
IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 24, 2006]

No other music director creates such an expectation in the market as Rehman does. In many ways, it is unfair. Like we expect Tendulkar to score a century every time, we want a winner from Rehman every time. The thing he never fails us mostly.

In Godfather too, he has not let us down. Giving a mix of his much-famed orchestration and some new beats, Rehman shows that class is permanent. It may not be his best effort. But at any rate, it betters anything that the competition offers.

Kamma Karaiyal Umma Kodu

The beat and haunting humming set you up for an intriguing mix. This is mass song but with a unique, and different, flavor. It doesn't go over the top. The rendition --- Naresh and Sowmya --- is well controlled. But there is a new feel to the tune and humming. Only the inane lyrics give the game away. Rehman's splendid rhythms again stand out.

Ilamai Vidukathai

The start reminds you of many Rehman songs of ore. The beats too are typical. So is it deja vu time? Certainly not. The song quickly gets into the groove and mood perks up as the singers go in for a spirited rendition. Suresh Peter and Blaze (the rap part) may both mince the words but they sure have a yen for songs that is full of zest and zeal. One for you all those jiving on the dance floor.

Ilamai Vidukathai (remix)

Interestingly this remix provides a better experience than the original. There is more life and gusto. Naresh, Tanvi and Mahathi give their own interpretation and add a piquant spice to overall feeling. Naresh will certainly be a talked about singer after this.

Katril Oru Varthai

Sadhana Sargam starts as beguilingly as only she can. But the tune gets down to some 80s Hindi tabla-dholak tune. Before you wonder what it is, Sadhana reverts to style and simplicity. It is an elegant melody interspersed with some interesting touches the interludes have unmistakable Laxmikant-Pyarelal flavor . SPB adds his own brand of magic to it. So does Reena. All in all, a good potpourri.

Inninisai Azhai (in three variants)

This seems to be the anthem of the album as it is featured thrice. In whichever way you hear it, it is splendid. The remix version in fact is better with Srinivas' inimitable vocal chords. Srinivas is a special talent and he needs to be given more opportunities by our music directors. Naresh's vocals too strike a chord. In some places, it simply holds on to you like a friend. The jathis are energetic. Mahathi's voice contours the essential Hindolam ragam flavor beautifully. Te chorus version grows on you as most Rehman's melodies do. Certainly one for the records.

Dhinam Dhinam Deepavali

Rehman never resorts to musical cliches. He always experiments with the form and flavor. This one is a quaint one. It has a Goanese feel. But he has made it sound more attractive. The interludes are certainly new one, never heard before. There is a slew of singers ---Kalpana, Sonu, Leon, Peer, Renjith. All of them sound alike in the chorus. But it is all fun and unmistakably Rehman!

Theeyil Vizhundh Theenai

Rehman's muse is Sufism. Get that feel as goes hauntingly for the high pitch and then come down to lisp the lyrics. In one word, amazing. Like a cool breeze during sand-paper heat, Rehman's vocals and tunes offer present balm. The rhythms and orchestration are understated. But perfectly in sync with the number.

All in all, another winner from Rehman.