Film: Saawariya

Director: Sanjay Leela Bansali

Music Director: Monty Sharma

Lyrics: Sameer

Producer: Sanjay Leela Bansali Films / Sony Pictures

Cast: Salman Khan, Rani , Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor,

Rating: 3.5/5

Saawariya carries the rich tradition of Bansali Films’ music. But like his other films, this one lacks the touch of Ismail Darbar’s divine music. This much touted film has compositions from Monty Sharma who debuts as a music director with this film. The music is grandiose and offers variety in terms of treatment. Though it doesn’t sound monotonous, most of the songs are restricted to soft and soothing.

Saawwariya’s title track will surely bowl over music lovers. It’s got the élan which is very less evident in the music these days. And moreover it’s melodious in its own way. The guitar tunes cannot go unnoticed and the variations in the music are well managed too. Shail Hada’s impressive voice does create magic and the chorus flows with music. The singer sounds excellent in high notes. Lyrics penned by Sameer are good but not extra ordinary. The music plays a major role so the rest falls in place. This one is sure to hit the chord!

‘Jab se tere naina’ in Shaan’s voice has a distinct similarity with Rishi Kapoor’s Qawali tracks. But Monty’s music fuses a range of instruments which makes the song go beyond the limits drawn and flows in another sequence. Shaan’s singing seems effortless. The lyrical sense makes the song sound even better. It’s a nice dreamy track for young lovers.

Crooned by Kunal Ganjawala, ‘Masha Allah’ is rich in music and lyrics. The zing in Kunal’s voice adds life to the song. The piece describes the girl in her various shades and the lyrics are unheard of. The voice overpowers the music and moves in a beautiful flow. The shehnai tones are placed well and reminisces the music of Devdas after listening to this one.

If it was only the lyrics which had to be graded then this one would score high marks. ‘Thode Badmash’ sung by Shreya Ghoshal is a sweet and naughty track. It’s very meaningful and sung beautifully. The song has been composed by Sanjay Leela Bansali himself and written by Nusrat Badr.

Penned by Sandeep Nath, ‘Yoon Shabnami’ has been weaved very well. The new singer on the block Parthiv Gohil certainly lives up to standard of Bansali music by hitting it high on different notes. His splendid voice suits the waves of the music. The lyrics are well thought off and the drum beats take the music on another level. One is sure to enjoy this one because it has both beauty and pain.

Richa Sharma’s voice needs no introduction. She is known for her high note pitching. But with Daras Bine Nahin Chain she opens a new chapter. Listeners are sure to get Goosebumps after listening to her grave voice. The classical bit in this track is spellbinding. If you are in the mood, you are sure to love this one.

Sawar Gayi’s initial 4 seconds sound like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The song is too slow and draggy. Only if you have the patience to enjoy a two minute long sad tuning, then this is the song for you. Shreya Ghoshal’s voice sounds sweet but the song in itself doesn’t appeal much.

‘Jaan-e-jaan’ seems to be track in a ballroom setting. Kunal’s voice does total justice to the unique music given to this song. The pain in this song is evident from the music streamed in. The lyrics are beautiful, but no one can beat Kunal’s singing tricks. His vocals sound mesmerizing and Shreya too compliments his voice.

Though the music doesn’t offer much in terms of variety, ‘Pari’ survives purely because of Kunal’s fantabulous vocalization. He manages to sound different with every song he croons. The music in bits and pieces sounds pleasing.

It’s fast paced, naughty and spicy! ‘Chabela,’ sung by Alka yagnik certainly marks a difference. It’s sweet and has a conventional touch. It breaks the soft and soothing image of this album and enjoyable.

Like the original, the reprise is fantastic too! Shail’s voicing techniques sound fantastic and very promising. This unplugged version has its own charm and will play on many play lists.

The music is pleasing and creates an environment of love. Though it may not appeal to the jhatka-matka lovers, the melodious touch of this album will knock out many… and others need to worry