'Rang De Basanti' happens to be Rakesh O

'Rang De Basanti' happens to be Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's second presentation after the success of 'Aks'. This youth oriented film is about the awakening of a generation with Aamir Khan playing the lead role. The film revolves around a foreign filmmaker who wants to make a documentary on the Indian historical era. Due to lack of production funds, he hires University students comprising Aamir Khan and others. It's an experimental thought by the filmmaker to coagulate the past with the present in an enthralling way. The film revolves around the experiences and events surrounding the characters played by Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni, Kunal Kapoor and Sharman Joshi. Soha Ali Khan will be the love interest of Aamir with Waheeda Rehman playing the pivotal role in the film. The combination of Aamir Khan and A R Rehman was colossal in films like 'Rangeela' and 'Lagaan' and this album appears to be hot "n" happening. If 'Bose - the forgotten hero' forayed Bengali culture and music then 'Rang De Basanti' is frivolous journey into Punjabi musical flavors. Rehman's enthralling music brings out the Punjabi flavor of Daler Mehndi's voice along with inspiring new voices. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi has infused rollicking and peppy words in the conventional set up of lyrics. Blaze and Nacim has induced English and Arabic in some soundtracks to make it spunkier. 'Rang De Basanti' has ten original soundtracks that can be heard on "Sony BMG".

Side A has five original soundtracks with title track "Rang De Basanti" and "Paathshala" being the hot shot favorites.

Pure and devotional Sikh prayers are offered with eternal dignity and pious feel in "Ik Onkaar". The sacred "Japji Sahib" verses have been sung devotionally by singer Harshdeep Kaur. This one and half minute prayer creates an ambience of devotion and serenity and this brings out the auspicious beginning of the album.

Bhangra pop king Daler Mehndi comes out with all foot thumping passions in the joyous soundtrack "Rang De Basanti" (paint it yellow). It brings out the sweet smelling touch of home soil with the colorful ambience surrounding it. The song is highly enriched with patriotism with Prasoon Joshi lyrics striking gold. The pop singer gains his lost ground to large extent with Chitra extra soft and shrill voice coagulating well. Rehman's usage of traditional Punjabi musical instruments brings out "Punjabi" touch and shows his prowess. It's revelation to hear fast paced melody in traditional mould in an era where remix and hip-hop dominates. The soundtrack will definitely lift singer, composer and film spirits to the highest esteem.

"Lose Control" sounds loud and high with campus culture rules the show with hot and juicy "Paathshala". New singing talents Naresh Iyer and Mohammad Islam make enough melodious noise to bring out the "friends together" feel. The song is about self-teaching in a funky style with scientific terms, equations and formulas infused with funky lyrics. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi innovative creative skills works wonders in creating a fun loving ambience of "cool" campus life. This fun loving soundtrack comes out in another version "Paathshala - be a rebel".

It's magic or true as we hear Madhushree singing like Asha Bhonsle in soft and serene soundtrack "Tu Bin Bataye". The tranquility of eternal love can be felt in free flowing music coupled with westernized orchestration that seeps through the senses. It reminds of Rehman's all time hit "Yeh Haseen Waadeiyan" ('Roja') for calm composed nature. Naresh Iyer voice adds grace to the track with singer deserving all the praise for singing in tandem with Madhushree. After gap of couple of years it's pleasant to hear something promising and melodious from the music maestro. Madhushree has certainly matured into cadre of reliable playback singer and this number justifies her talent.

This time it's the maestro AR Rehman himself holding the mike and singing Arabic tunes in "Khalbali". AR Rehman along with Aslam and Nacim sings this passionate soundtrack that last for six minutes and half. Nacim renders Arabic lyrics in this high pitched raucous soundtrack. Rehman synchronized musical arrangement is the highlight of the soundtrack that reflects the violent spirit of the protagonist. It's an above average soundtrack that caters to the situational demand of the film.

Side B has five original soundtracks with "Roobaro" and "Paathshala - be a rebel" being the highlight. A "rush of blood" in veins of young blood is thriving with youthful passion in the slow and poetic soundtrack "Khoon Chala". It's thematically narrative depicting the zest and ardor the youth possess. Mohit Chauhan ("Silk Route") lifts the spirits with his slow voice that gels well with Rehman's music. It reminds of Rehman's latest soundtrack "Azaadi" ('Bose- the forgotten hero') for its passionate feel. Blaze churns out spicy lyrics for the rebellious feel and touch soundtrack "Paathshala - be a rebel". The soundtrack is a collective vocal effort by lyricist Blaze, Aslam and Naresh Iyer which pumps out youthful zest with an epitome of "campus culture". It's a yuppie version of the original soundtrack "Paathshala" and impressive too.

Indian nightingale Lata Mangeshkar emotes out motherly sentiments in piously rendered soundtrack "Luka Chuppa". It's a game of hide and seek that mother plays with his son and lyrics are narrative enough to depict it. AR Rehman sings for son and pairs up with the melody queen in sheer delight. The soundtrack sounds situational and if it works well in the film then this soundtrack will be song to remember.

After 'Mangal Pandey,' once again Aamir Khan oils his vocal chord in rendering soundtrack and the number is "Lalkaar". It's more narrative than singing with "Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna" being the punch line of the soundtrack.

The feeling of "fire inside me" makes the trademark of the concluding soundtrack "Roobaro". AR Rehman along with find of the album Naresh Iyer renders this track that caters to the audiences who patronize Indi-Pop music. It's about fire inside, light inside and brightening horizons with hopes of tomorrow. The song comes out with 'Rangeela' touch as "Tapoori" song with youthful emotions.

After the huge disappointment of 'Mangal Pandey' music Rehman salvages pride with this above average album 'Rang De Basanti'. In recent times it can be termed as his better work if not the best. The youthful touch with "Bhangra" flavors will make it hot selling among pop genre.