Music Review : Teri Meri Kahaani - Page 2

Teri Meri Kahaani : Music Review

Music Review: TERI MERI KAHAANI

At a time when Bollywood is exploring darker subjects and good ol' Ishq is taken over by twisted Ishaqzaades, Kunal Kohli is revisiting the lavish, colorful, romantic sagas of the 90s.

A product of the DDLJ-KKHH generation, Kohli believes in old-school romance, peppered with music and melodrama. The promos of his ambitious love story, Teri Meri Kahaani have met with a mixed response. Unfortunately for him, the multi-city, episodic nature of his plot, brings back horrifying memories of Mausam and Whats Your Rashee in the fan's minds. At the other end of the spectrum, it is being linked to Imtiaz Ali's blockbuster Love Aaj Kal for its depiction of love across different eras. It's a perception battle that the film can fight, only by serving us with an original, knock-out screenplay.

Kunal Kohli struck gold with the music of his first three films, but the soundtrack of his last two releases Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic and Break Ke Baad, lacked the spark of the association he had with the Chopras.Dabangg duo Sajid-Wajid are in charge of the score for Teri Meri Kahaani, which is probably their first non-Salman big ticket project.

Teri Meri Kahaani opens with an instantly-catchy, theme music that forms the basic tune of Mukhtasar. One can be forgiven for spotting similarities with the hook of LPNY's title song, because, both tunes have similar arrangements. Mukhtasar is otherwise a straight-forward romantic number, that's high on melody and easy to hum. But what pulls the song down by a few notches is Wajid's singing. For reasons best known to him, Wajid's voice and style suffer from a major Kumar Sanu-Babul Supriyo hangover. Not only is that nasal style of singing outdated, one can't help but get the feeling of listening to yet another wannabe Kishore Kumar. A hummable melody such as this definitely deserved a far more original voice.

Wajid gets rid of the Kumar Sanu inspiration in Humse Pyaar Karle Tu. And the difference shows in this qawali where he has Mika, Shreya Ghoshal and Sabri Brothers for company. Humese Pyaar Karle Tu is a winner from the word go. The melody is old-world Bollywood and composition is kept simple. What works for the song is that it has a catchy tune, but the composers never let technique over shadow it. Like Mausam's Saj Dajh Ke, the song has the potential to be a Shahid chartbuster regardless of its placement in the film.

That's All I Really Wanna Do is a routine duet by Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal. The light and fluffy mood is less Sajid-Wajid and more Jatin-Lalit (who had worked on Kunal Kohli's Hum Tum and Fanaa). The singers bring in some energy with their peppy vocals, but the song will need some really good picturisation to make an impact. In the album, it is a lackluster listen when compared to the above two romantic numbers.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Allah Janne is the staple Sufi composition that's a part of every Sajid-Wajid album. It's almost impossible differentiate Rahat's songs these days as they all pretty much sound the same. While no new ground is broken, Allah Jaane delivers what is expected and is soothing as long as it lasts.

Jab Se Mere Dil Ko is a Shammi Kapoor inspired rock-and-roll number likeGustakh Dil from Shahid's Dil Maange More. Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi do full justice to the swinging groove and add the requisite retro ada to their singing. The melody is no great shakes when compared to the above mentioned Gustakh Dil and Gori Gori from Main Hoon Na. But the singers make it work with their zingy vibe. Once again the song will rely on choreography to sail through.

A functional remix for Mukhtasar and Humse Pyaar Karle Tu should take care of the promotional music-video.

Teri Meri Kahaani's music is too predictable and lacks spontaneity. It doesn't take a genius to figure out which song will feature in which segment of the plot, and every song obeys a tried and tested template. The album is melodious enough for a lazy listen, but lacks a blockbuster appeal. However if the movie works, it might be a different story.

NOTE: Teri Meri Kahaani does not have a title song. Wonder if it that's got something to do with Bodyguard's chart-buster number of the same name?

Music Review :: Teri Meri Kahaani

by Shresht Poddar

We bring to you the exclusive music review of Kunal Kohli's Teri Meri Kahaani.

Musical siblings Sajid-Wajid seem to be amongst 2012's most sought-after music composers considering they have some of the biggest Bollywood projects lined up in their kitty. After a dismal soundtrack (read: Rowdy Rathore), they are back with, hopefully, a BANG with Kunal Kohli's highly anticipated Teri Meri Kahaani - *ing Shahid Kapoor & Priyanka Chopra.

Kunal Kohli is a very interesting director. Having directed just 6 movies in the span of a decade (from 2002's Mujhse Dosti Karoge to 2012's Teri Meri Kahaani), the man has left a very impressionable mark amongst Indian moviegoers with his cinematic sensibilities. Teri Meri Kahaani has found its own share of skeptics who have slated it as the byproduct of a mixture containing ample doses of Mausam, Anjaana Anjaani & Dangerous Isshq. Is it really so? Well, that will not be answered till the movie hits the theatres. Till then, let us judge the music.

Whenever I listen to a new song, I form my opinion by judging it on the basis of the following points:

1) Originality quotient of the tune.

2) Singing quality + choice of singer.

3) The arrangements of the song.

4) The lyrics of the song.

The opening track of the album, Mukhtasar satisfies only two of the above checkpoints. I still maintain that it bears a resemblance to Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna's theme as well as Fida's Nazar Nazar. Sung by Wajid Ali, the song is undoubtedly a lyrical beauty.

"Mukhtasar Mulaqat Hai,
Ankahee Koi Baat Hai,
Phir Raat Ki Shaitaniya,
Ya Alag Yeh Jazbaat Hai."

Aiming to be a modern age song, it overflows with hardcore techno beats and sounds. THAT is exactly where, I believe, the song falters. I urge you, dear readers, to carefully listen to the song and imagine an acoustic / unplugged version of the same. Hell! If not that, then just a different set of beats. Yes, my review will find its own share of skeptics but as a listener, I would have liked to hear a softer version of this song. Wajid breezes through it effortlessly and there isn't anything wrong with his voice. Yet someone like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan would've probably suited the song far more.

A remix version by DJ Suketu ensues. I just have one word to describe it - pointless! The original version seems to be a remix in itself - why bother with an official remix then? Though, portions of this version seem to be apt for a fast-paced lounge version.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan makes an appearance with the next song, Allah Jaane.

WOW!

At first, I started to diss the song. Somewhere during the playback of the first verse, I lost myself in the innate beauty of this song. Prasoon Joshi's passionate lyrics coupled with Rahat's intoxicating voice makes for a hardcore love-filled song.

"Mere dil pe fateh lehrane,
Meri rooh ko bhigane,
Ye noor kahan se aaya,
Iss baat ko Allah Jaane"

As a standalone track, it works - and how! As a part of a movie, mark my words, the picturization will screw it up. (I give myself some credibility considering my instinct for such things generally turns out to be true.)

The much touted tribute to the late king of retro, Shammi Kapoor turns out to be the funkyJabse Mere Dil Ko Uff. Sung by Sonu Nigam & Sunidhi Chauhan, the song sweeps you off your feet with its modern day representation of 70s Bollywood music. Overflowing with sounds of the electric bass guitar, saxophones/trumpets and the drums, the song is completely over-the-top, larger-than-life, surreal - and the best part is - IT WORKS! Both the singers infuse a fresh breath of life into the song with their power-packed singing.

In its own way, this one is a befitting tribute to some of Shammi ji's best songs - Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar, Baar Baar Dekho, Suku Suku, Yahoo! Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee.

A variety of notable singers reign the helm of Humse Pyaar Karle Tu - namely Wajid Ali,Mika, Shabir Bro and Shreya Ghoshal.

Wait a minute. Why is Tees Maar Khan's Wallah Re Wallah echoing through my ear simultaneously? That's because the song seems to be a slightly slower version of the same.

Despite the elevated sense of dj vu, the song manages to hold its own. Predominantly a fun, amusing song in a banter-like situation engulfed by a mist of Punjabi air, the singers do full justice to it. A special mention to the addictive clapping sounds prominent throughout the song as well as the excellent arrangements of the various instruments used.

Surprisingly, this song also comes in a fun, well-remixed version. Believe me, it is the first remix song I have enjoyed in a long time.

The album comes to an end with That's All I Really Want To Do. Sigh! That IS the name of the song. Going by the innumerous tweets about it by the team behind the music, it seems to have already become a hit. Sung by Shaan & Shreya Ghoshal, I do not see what the fuss is all about. Yes, it is a nice hear. Yes, the singing is good too. But that is where I draw the line. In fact, the repeated chanting of 'That's All I Really Want To Do' throughout the song made me want to shout out 'SO DO IT'.

Teri Meri Kahaani's music consists of a mixed bag of songs - mostly good, some bad. Yet, the lack of that one powerful song seems to be at the forefront. C'mon - you expect the presence of atleast one song which, in a way, symbolizes the movie. For e.g. the recent soundtrack of Shanghai will be remembered for Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

Eitherway, Teri Meri Kahaani has a pleasant, above-average soundtrack. Devout Sajid-Wajid fans will, undoubtedly, go gaga over the album. I suggest you hear it only for Jabse Mere Dil Ko Uff or for Prasoon Joshi's imaginative lyrics.

SHRESHT'S PICKS: Mukhtasar, Allah Jaane, Jabse Mere Dil Ko Uff.

RATING: *** out of *****.

Electronic Piano sets the mood straightaway and Wajid enters with all the pumping and thumping beats to give us "Mukhtasar", easily one of the best tracks of the album that will grow on you instantly and is for those who prefer romantic tracks attached with a club feel. Although Wajid's voice reminds me of Mohit Chauhan but still, it's one of the better songs he has sung lately. Prasoon Joshi is pretty average with his pen and doesn't write any groundbreaking stuff except for the urdu word 'Mukhtasar'. All in all a theme based track where the piano renditions may be used for all the three era's (obviously on different instruments depending on each era) and yes, a chart-topper for sure! DJ Suketu handles "Mukhtasar-Remix" which is annoying with same singer, same lyrics and same arrangements, except few extra beats here and there. The remix is a waste of time!

Aaahhh..Some classical arrangements at the very onset create a soothing peaceful ambience and then the maestro, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (RFAK) lights up the track with his mesmerising voice…Wow! "Allah Jaane" has everything, from superbly polished arrangements to brilliantly written lyrics to some absorbing vocals. The flute, tabla and harmonium jugalbandi in the interludes touches the soul and gives a feeling of sakoon. Prasoon Joshi fills romance in each and every word, where one can easily relate the feeling of being in love for the very first time, especially both the antara's:

''Dagmagane Laga Hai, Guroor Bhi Sharaabi Ho Gaya,
Mitt Gayi Meri Hasti, Koi Husn Inqalibi Ho Gaya''

The composition is right up there with the best of the lot and can even challenge the maestro's very own ''Rabba'' from Mausam. Simply gorgeous!

As one moves forward to "Jabse Mere Dil Ko Uff" one is straightaway taken back to an era of Shammi Kapoor; 1960's to be more precise. "Shammi is a style icon for a lot of youngsters even today, for the track set in the 60's, Kunal gave me a video compilation of his films and songs to pick up nuances. Through this track, we are paying homage to this Elvis Presley of India"- Shahid Kapoor. To suit this retro genre Sajid-Wajid had to select a singer that could do justice to the legendary voice of Mohd.Rafi. Well there's nobody better than Sonu Nigam, the finest playback singer of our time! Only joining him is Sunidhi Chauhan and the combination results in an electrifying fun, retro peppy dance number with trademark trumpet/piper sounds and lots of electric bass guitar. The video will unleash craziness and is the one to look out for!

Wajid almost does a Babul Supriyo (Playback Singer) for the starting renditions of the "Humse Pyar Kar Le Tu" which is picturised in the 1910 zone. The best thing about the track is the variety of singers- Wajid, Mika, Shabir Bro and Shreya Ghoshal, not to forget the artistic Jugalbandi between the lead pairs, kudos to the conversational, poetic lyrics by Prasoon Joshi- He is one gifted artist without a sheer doubt! Simply loved how the male singers are switched in the antara's and honestly, for the first time loved how Wajid has sung this one. The second antara defines perfectly the qawwali genre, make no mistake, this is one song that has in it to enjoy a certain shelf life with a brilliantly choreographed video. Addictive! For the remix lovers, "Humse Pyar Kar Le Tu Remix" by DJ Suketu leaves aside the qawwali and turns into a western outing. Mika replaces Wajid's renditions (completely) and this certainly brings on some variety if not much.

The last track "Thats All I Really Wanna Do" starts with harmonica loops and English chorus. Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal's sugary vocals bring on the sweetness that a romantic track like this demands. A hummable tune with simple yet effective lyrics and saccharine filled vocals does the trick for this one but it's a tried and tested template mostly associated with Shaan and the English lines become annoying after a while. The 'Mukhtasar' piano loop in the second interlude questions about the picturisation and timing of the song, should make up for an interesting watch on screen.

Overall Sajid-Wajid do a good job composing tracks that moves through ten decades (almost) with Prasoon Joshi making every word count with his artistic skills. Listeners seeking something monumental or groundbreaking stuff (like in an Amit Trivedi venture) will leave empty handed as Sajid-Wajid sticks to their basic approach of catchy, easy on the ear music. "Mukhtasar", "Allah Jaane" and "Humse Pyar Kar Le Tu" will grab instant attention while "Jabse Mere Dil Ko Uff: has in it to be a rage if choreographed well and promoted aggressively. To conclude, a much better effort by Sajid-Wajid!