‘Yarriyaan’, Divya Khosla Kumar’s first film that was produced by husband Bhushan Kumar (T-Series), was a good album. Most of the songs went on to become popular and are played on music channels even now, two years after the film’s release. Given the fact that Sanam Re has been produced by a music company and the film is touted to be an intense romantic drama, one has good expectations from the soundtrack.
Mithoon writes and composes “Sanam Re”, the title track which has romance written all over it. Even though it is the first month of the year, it would not be premature to say that by the time the year comes to an end, this would be counted as one of the best tracks that one heard this year. Mithoon is known for opting for minimal arrangements but this time, he uses a plethora of Western and Indian instruments that go well with the song. Arijit Singh sings the song passionately and adds a very credible song to his discography.
“Gazab Ka Hai Yeh Din” is not remotely similar to the similarly titled evergreen number from ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’. Though Arijit Singh is the man behind the mic again, it is Amaal Mallik who is at the helm of composing the song. Unlike the title track, which had dramatic undertones to it, this romantic number has a lighter tone to it and portrays the fun that the lead pair have while they are out on a bright day. The song has a country flavour to it wonderfully accentuated by guitars, piano, drums and keyboard. The music and the lyrics (Manoj Muntashir) cheer you up in no time.
Honestly, the way “Hua Hain Aaj Pehli Baar” starts, one is reminded of the kind of sound Nikhil-Vinay had created for several T-Series productions back in the day. Amaal Mallik creates a good mix of traditional and contemporary sounds in this Armaan Malik-Palak Mucchal sung number. The song has an infectious old world charm to it and it would be interesting to see the way it has been picturised. Though Armaan sings well, one feels a more mature voice would have been more apt for the track. Palak, on her part, does well.
After three romantic numbers, arrives “Humne Pee Rakhi Hai”, a party song. Now, some variety is always welcome but this dance number composed by Epic Bhangra does not make you jump with joy. Even though the track is mildly catchy, it does not offer you anything that you have not heard recently in any Hindi EDM track. Neha Kakkar has sung many such songs and yes, alcohol has been discussed several times too. A fresh tune and some creative lines would have helped.
“Kya Tujhe Ab Ye Dil Bataye”, Amaal Mallik’s third track in the album is not as exciting as the other two. The melancholic number engages in parts but does not make much of an impression as a coherent unit. To add to the woes, Falak Shabir’s rendition is so dull that you do not feel the urge to listen to the track multiple times. The song has a similar feel to Amaal’s “O Khuda” (‘Hero’) but is not half as good as that song.
Mithoon and Ankit Tiwari, who have shared credits as composers on several films, come together for a single song with “Tere Liye”. Ankit Tiwari lends his voice for this Mithoon composed number. The song sounds a little familiar but there are some interesting and unpredictable notes which come and keep you hooked to the track. The lyrics, (also by Mithoon) could have been much better.
Composer Jeet Gannguli and lyricist Kausar Munir pay a tribute to the title track of “Tum Bin”, composed by Nikhil-Vinay and written by Faiz Anwar. Barring a few notes here and there and the words of the main phrase, nothing is similar to the original. Though the original track was superior to this one, it is far from being disappointing. The pensive emotions come across effectively in this melodious number sung by Shreya Ghoshal.
“Chhote Chhote Tamashe”, composed by Jeet Gannguli, seems to be straight out of a film from the 60s. Though Shaan mispronounces ‘chutkula’ as ‘chhutkula’, he sings this nursery rhyme-like track gaily bringing out the joyful feel of the song. Manoj Muntashir’s lyrics are fine. As an audio track, “Chhote Chhote Tamashe” does not warrant repeated hearings but could turn out to be an interesting song to watch on the screen.
‘Sanam Re’ has a good soundtrack with a terrific title song which is going to remain etched in the listeners’ mind for a long time. While most of the songs are engaging, there is a disparity as far the quality is concerned. There are as many as eight originals and the two month long promotion window will ensure that at least half of the songs make an impression before the film hits the theatres.
Rating: 3/5
