| Shantanu Moitra seems to be a permanent fixture in Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions after the melodious success of 'Parineeta'. His latest offering 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' is a worthy successor to Anu Malik powered 'Munnabhai MBBS'. But like 'MBBS', the musical score of 'Lage Raho….' will depend on the visuals (once the film is released) for the song-n-dance to register convincingly. For the entertaining audio experience one needs to listen to the tracks at least a few times for the whacky lyrics by Swanand Kirkire to make sense of the madness. The best outcome of this album is the birth of a star singer in Indian Idol finalist Karunya whose as-fresh-as-mint-voice in 'Aane Chaar Aane' is a pleasant surprise. 'Samjho Ho Hi Gaya' and 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' are situation numbers that appeal for its tapori-intelligence-n-language. 'Bande Mein Tha Dum' on the other hand shall give you a reason to turn it up on high volume this Independence Day. And, as for the question if the Music CD is worth it! Then I would say…Yes it is. But do have patience while listening to it. This is not your usual music. It takes time to grow….And when it does….You wouldn't think of anything else. Munnabhai is back to whistle his way back into your hearts-n-minds with 'Lage Raho Munnabhai'. The reclusive Vinod Rathod is back to his bhai-giri belting out Swanand Kirkire's Mumbaiya bhasha with aplomb. It's a fun filled number but it will depend on the visuals to become big. Female chorus line in the middle and a roadside street orchestra flavour gives it a feel of the real thing. Trumpets, brass and marching rhythm loop keeps the joy quotient on the higher note. Vinod is replaced by Shaan in the remixed version by Jatin Sharma. This fun-filled Masti-fiesta is more catchy and hummable. For, there's a chorus line that repeats monotonously but it sounds cute nevertheless. The moderately fast paced rhythm and a little kid's fascination with Munnabhai at the end ensures that the title track matches the expectations. 'Samjho Ho Hi Gaya' is a parody on the lines of Broadway Musical Ballad. Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi indulge in drunken repartee discussing Munnabhai's date with 'bhabhi'. A 70s bass line coupled with trumpets adds to the aural experience. A clicking of the fingers later the drums roll on passionately. The theme of the song is such that it has to be listened to be believed as the innovative lyrics in a story telling format is worth-many-a-chuckle. Sanju and Arshad are in great form while Vinod Rathod impersonates Sanjay's voice perfectly. The best part is when a bewildered Warsi asks Sanju: "Bhai Sher Ko Bhi Mamu Bol Daala". This short three and a half minute song shall surely make inroads into your memory space once the movie is released as the visuals will tell a better picture. 'Aane Chaar Aane Bache Hain Chaar Aane Sun Le Waste Na Kar Yaar …Bara Aana Zindagi Yuhin Waste Hui….' Swanand Kirkire and Vinod Chopra's lyrics are an absolute pleasure. Indian Idolist finalist Karunya debuts with a bang. Of all the wannabe singers emerging out of these over hyped competitions, I think he is by far the best. And, that too by a long margin! He does have shades of Shaan but he has a lot of Himself in his voice and that sets him apart. Shantanu Moitra comes up trumps in this sparkling-with-enthusiasm number. He once again relies on brass punches both at the beginning as well in the middle. The neatly produced strings section, trumpet fillers, classical scatting, piano fillers and easy-on-ears beats makes 'Aane Chaar Aane' the best track of the album. 'All the pretty faces….Put your hands up….Aane Chaar Aane Bache Hain….' Remixed version by Jatin Sharma is a rocking riot on the dance floor. The club mix features an extended-energy-propelled-rap-section and then the samba rhythm is mixed with a fast paced rhythm-machine-beauty. Trumpet fillers give the perfect cues to mint-fresh vocals of Karunya. This one Rocks! 'Pal Pal….Pal Pal' begins on a mandolin note in a la Yash Chopra style. Waltz follows on the edge of an acoustic guitar serenaded by pop-classical-strings. The moment Shreya Ghoshal's morning-breeze-voice whiffs past you like a breath of fresh cream, you are reminded of Cliff Richards. Why? The hook line is a blatant lift of Cliff Richards classic 'Theme For a Dream'. The production values are impeccable and Sonu Nigam-Shreya jodi do full justice to the romantic idea behind the song. But one is left wondering as to why such a talented composer as Shantanu Moitra resorted to getting into the Anu Malik territory of getting 'inspired' when he could weave such a fabulous melody as 'Aane Char Aane'. It's a good number nevertheless and has a personality of its own. But then we've heard a 'Theme For a Dream' in Preity Zinta'a 'Kya Kehna' as well. 'Bande Mein Tha Dum….Vande Mataram' is a strong number with varied shades of patriotism. Rhythm programming is done on a multi-dimensional level and Moitra clearly seems impressed with Rahman's programming style. In this ode to Gandhi ji, the alaap at the beginning by Pranab Biswas is taken from Rabindra Sangeet. Then, Sonu Nigam starts off with the classic number from 'Jagriti', 'Aao Bachchon Tumhe Dikhaen Jhanki Hindusthan Ki' with acoustic guitar rhythm strumming for company. Shreya joins in with 'Vande Matram' on the unconventional dhapli beats, mellifluous flute and tacit notes of harmonium make for brilliant music arrangements. A heavy duty chorus of 'Vande Matram' gains momentum. The song ends on a high goose-p***le-evoking patriotic note. I am sure the visuals will add a lot of value to this song. In the instrumental version, Moitra seems even more impressed with Rahman's high end rhythm arrangements. The flute meshing with strings, harmonium and the dhapli loop has only the chorus line of 'Vande Matram' for company. Tabla gelling with electric guitars and classical vocal scatting is a treat. A good number for this year's Independence Day Celebrations. https://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/musicreview/8700.ht ml | 
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