Music Review: Chak De! India

Film: Chak De! India


Director: Shimit Amin


Producer: Aditya Chopra


Music Director: Salim-Sulaiman


Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni


Cast: Shah Rukh Khan


Rating: 3.5/5


One can’t help but listen to Chak De! India’s spunky music, thanks to its over the top promotions. The music is unheard of and the lyrics stand no competition. Though Salim-Sulaiman, known for their unconventional style of music have not been able to create the needed spark with Bhoot, Hum Tum and Kaal, this one is sure to give them their due recognition.


The title track Chak De! India is on the lines of Lakshya’s lead song with notes of motivation. But the former has the typical Punjabi touch to it. The unusual lyrics with the drum beats will surely set you grooving. Sukhwinder Singh’s high pitch voice takes the song on another level. Though not easily comprehensive, one needs to listen to this song carefully to grasp its meaning. This one sets a new trend of patriotic music. 


After years, we hear Hema Sardesai’s sonorous voice doing another woman oriented track, surprisingly no resemblance to her previous songs ‘Aawara bhawre.’ And you can’t afford to miss the crazy tones of the trumpet playing in the background, they might push you on the dance floor to test your jiving skills. Though it doesn’t make great lyrical sense, but Hema’s high pitch vocals will make you avoid them.


If you have been waiting for something to jostle you up and send a chill down your spine, ‘Ek Hockey Doongi Main Rakh Ke’ fits the bill. And for all you Shah Rukh fans, his narrative is sure to leave you floored. The song is a description of all the players with a brilliant rhyme scheme given for each girl. The chorus has a forceful impact and lifts the music, which in itself is gripping. The drums play a dominant role in shaping up the music, especially the initial sound of clashing hockey sticks. This song stands out for its mind blowing approach and brings out the distinctive personalities. 


Anushka Manchanda’s husky tones have become a must on one’s playist. With songs like Golmaal and Cash’s Naughty Naughty to her credit, Manchanda gives another sensational track, Bad Bad Girls. The music has been twisted well to suit her sultry vocals. The chorus does wonders here too. This track is synonymous with girl power and is sync with their theme. The variations in Manchanda’s vocals are something to watch out for. This will certainly help you increase your speed on the treadmill!


After the rollercoaster ride with these peppy tracks, the duo give us ‘Maula Mere Lele Meri Jaan,’ a situational sad song, soothing to ones ears. Jaideep Sahni’s lyrics create magic with Salim Merchant’s unconventional vocals. On the other hand, Krishna’s voice enhances the low key beats with his unfolding tone. Though it has a traditional plot revolving around separation and dilemma, the music and vocals have managed to give it a fresh look.


If you liked ‘Ek Hocky doongi main rakh ke’ you are sure to like its remixed version as well. It’s been digitized and is even more spirited. But the problem lies in its short length. Barring that, it’s worth your attention.


Last on the list is Sattar Minute, a small speech by Shah Rukh Khan to his students. Minus music and lyrics, it’s doubtful if anyone would want to hear Shah Rukh, who almost sounds like Amitabh Bachchan of KBC.


Post Dor, Chak De! India seems to be a turning point for the Salim-Sulaiman duo. This album is unconventional and worth the bucks.

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Riya V Anandwala

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