Film: Jodhaa Akbar

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala and Ashutosh Gowariker

Music Director: A R Rahman

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Rating: 4/5

They are the same instruments every musician experiments with, but when A R Rahman lays his fingers on them, he creates pure magic! His music is not only incomparable and magnetic, but also brings situations to life.

Guru won innumerable accolades for its romantic and saltation mix. The ace musician has crossed all levels of being tested; he now dishes out work, which pushes him to another level. His set benchmark is difficult for any musician to equal. With Jodhaa Akbar, he redefines music and how!

Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah is a song describing King Akbar and his Excellency. The music is strong and also rhythmic. Javed Aktar’s lyrics bring out a true picture of King Akbar and his love for India. Where music is played with only instruments, this song has music coming from vocals. Mohammed Aslam Bony Chakravarthy and the chorus have commoved the feel of the music. It has a tinge of the epic Mughal- E-Azam.

If romance had to be given another name, it would be Rahman’s Jashn–e-Bahara. Undoubtedly the music weaves the lyrics and vocals, but in intervals the latter overpowers the soulful music. Akhtar’s words are from heaven. Only he can think of poetry so unusual and sorcerous. Javed Ali’s voice sounds neat and rhythmical. It seems like a recitation from someone who is deeply and madly in love. The second verse makes you fall in love with the creation all over again. With the light fine-tuned music floating alongside, this is the best song in the album without a second thought.

The combination of Rahman on the keyboard and singing in his unconventional style gets better with every composition. Khwaja Mere Khwaja, a devotional track in the literary sense is crooned by the man himself. This song will take some time to grow on Rahman lovers. His voice blends with the emotional touch of the song. ‘Dil mein samaja, Behason ki takdeer, tune hai Sawaari… Khwaja mere khwaja’ these words take you to another world of music.

The meaning is the same and so are the lyrics. What is different about ‘Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein’ is its presentation and music. Sonu Nigam makes it an effortless sequence. Madhushree’s voice gels well with the pleasant music and Nigam’s soothing vocals.

This one is not sure to be a hit with music buffs. ‘Man Mohana’ is a gloomy song sung by Jodhaa and is a form of story telling. Bela Shenda does a brilliant job in keeping the track emotional and not messing up with the high pitched notes.

Jashn-e-bahaaraa’s instrumental is a must! One wonders about the beauty of the flute and how it creates a magical environment. This track is irresistible. Another comforting instrumental is that of Khwaja mere khwaja, which is played on the Oboe.

Rahman loyalists will love the music and so will the others. Its larger than life image will overpower every release this season. It has the evergreen flavour, which comes only with Rahman music!