MUSIC REVIEW 'JAI SANTOSHI MAA'

BIGDI BANA DO (SHLOK): The sacred Goddess Santoshi Maa's "Shloks" praising and describing the divine powers comes in the voice of Vijay Prakash making daunting impact as the prelude to the soundtrack "Bigdi Bana Do". This is female oriented sad song sung by Alka Yagnik in an excruciating way depicting the pain and suffering faced by the protagonist. It is slow paced song with haunting chorus of "Om Shanti Om" in the background. The number may not be as promising as the introductory but will work well as situational soundtrack.

BIGDI BANA DO: Indian idol prodigy Karunya, who delighted listeners with "Aane Chaar Aaane" ('Lage Raho Munna Bhai') makes impressive take at this number in classical mode. "Bigdi Bana Do" is rendered with classical Indian music attire and will be a listening delight for class audiences. This version is slower than the first version and reminds of old time soundtracks from devotional films of 50's and 60 where the devotional soundtracks were infused in classical mode.

MAIN TO AARTI UTAROON: Who can forget this religiously dedicated song that fragranced eternal devotion? "Main to Aarti Utharoon", credited as the most popular devotional soundtrack, is recreated with the vocals of Usha Mangeshkar in similar mode of lyrics and music. This Kavi Pradeep's written work is still considered indomitable for its finely nurtured creative work. Even the veteran C. Arjun's musical arrangements are restored to recreate magic. Usha Mangeshkar may not sound as promising as in the original work but delivers it mellifluously. Anu Malik has orchestrated this number with the addition of digitally created music that works in tandem with the old musical set up. The listeners who have treasured this three-decade old number will enjoy this soundtrack.

YAHAAN WAHAAN: Mahendra Kapoor and C. Arjun had created "Yahaan Wahaan" in 1975. The singer's voice in this devotional number still sounds loud at "Jagratras" and devotional programs with the same zest that it created three decades ago. The number makes second promising appearance as the second original number from the original work in the voice of Suresh Wadekar. The fine composition of beautiful rhythms and glowingly devotional lyrics with impressive vocals make it a brilliant soundtrack. The least heard but immensely talented Suresh Wadekar makes scintillating presence in this soundtrack that can be heard during Navaratras. Anu Malik makes less of techno generated beats and carries the devotional spirits with the old musical arrangements. This overly heard needs no introduction for its contents but deserves appreciation for recreating the same mysticism.

AISA VARDAAN: Lata Mangeshkar, the living musical legend, makes silent and impressive presence in the form of prayer in the soundtrack "Aisa Vardaan". The song is about seeking "Vardaan" (God given gift) of Maa Santoshi Maa for being humane and benevolent to fellow beings. The promising number has shades from Lataji's ever popular prayer "Itni Shakti Hamein Dena" ('Ankush') with meaningful lyrics. The devotional work sounds like a school prayer where the devotees offer their heartfelt emotions to their God. It may not be as popular as "Itni Shakti Hamein Dena" but proves to be decent soundtrack rendered by a competent musical team.

LAL CHUDIYAAN: Some years back Lata Magnesia's devotional album "Jagrata" made promising presence at the music shops with fine set of soundtracks. "Lal Chudiyaan" is an inspirational lift from the album that caters mainly to "Jagratas" and will be cherished by Hindi and Punjabi speaking listeners. The lyrics are conceived as typical "Jagratas" number with a strong blend of Punjabi folk music and lyrics. The soundtrack is a devotee's offering like "Lal Chudiyaan" and "Chunri".

NA CHITHI AAYI: Bollywood's traditional melodious musical rendition that has worked wonders for decades is collaged well with the piously rendered vocals of Lata Mangeshkar in the soundtrack "Na Chithi Aaayi". Anu Malik delivers his finest melody where meaningful lyrics, titillating instrumental tunes, harmonious beats and immaculately brilliant vocals make it as his one of the best presentations in recent times. Lataji sings in her contemporary 70's style mode that accounted for innumerable melodies to her credits. Anu Malik effortlessly makes the best use of old fashioned musical version in rendering this beautiful number.

TARO TARO: In the world of devotional music Hari Om Sharan is immortal name for rendering endless bhajans and devotional soundtracks. The singer makes striking presence in "Taro Taro", a song where the singer demands salvation. This devotional number can be presumed to be choreographed in "Mandir" (Temple) where the prayer in the form of "Aarti" is offered to "Santoshi Maa". Anu Malik's music works efficiently with the tempo of the song. The soft and subtle tunes inspired from traditional Indian musical instruments are used with finesse to interact impressively with Swanand Kirkire's penetrative lyrics.

JAI MAA SANTOSHI (MAHA AARTI): The loud drumming and mellifluously delivered Shehnai's instrumental presentation of traditional Navratri folk song makes a promising introduction to the soundtrack "Jai Santoshi Maa". Usha Mangeshkar emotes her heartwarming feeling for the divine Goddess by describing her beautiful visual depiction ("shringaar") and her benevolence ("kripa") to her devotees. Swanand Kirkire describes well by explaining the essentials and importance of "Solah Shukravaar Vrat" in simply written lyrics. Anu Malik makes another promising attempt in imbibing the traits of the Goddess "Santoshi Maa" in finely executed musical work.

MAA SANTOSHI KI AARTI: The rhythmic tunes of "Om Jai Jagdish Hare" are woven well in the soundtrack "Maa Santoshi Ki Aarti" describing the traits of Goddess "Santoshi Maa'. It is a traditional religious lyrical that is worshipped as "Aarti" to "Santoshi Maa" at all Hindu religious places. Shaunak Abhisheki emotes out this religious "aarti" that epitomizes the magnanimous divine powers and blessings of "Jai Santoshi Maa".

SUNO SUNO KAHO: It may sound strange that devotional album ends with romantic duet "Suno Suno Kaho Kaho" with minimum possible impact. Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik sing this ordinary number that comes with sluggish paced music and uninspiring music. It's a disappointment after fine piece of devotional soundtracks.

After 'Jaanemann', Anu Malik makes another promising presence with beautifully rendered devotional album 'Jai Santoshi Maa'. Surprisingly, it's a God decree that all the three devotional film albums ('Hanuman', 'Krishna' and 'Jai Santoshi Maa') have delivered the needful to the listeners. The devotional soundtracks will have major boost from the Hindi speaking belt and segment of audiences who treasure devotional music. If the film proves box office delight then its musical album will be a big surprise in Bollywood's music world.