Music Review: Rockstar

Whenever A. R. Rahman gets in charge of the music, it's only fair to expect a treat for the ears, and music aficionados don't seem to be in the mood to settle for anything mediocre from the award-winning composer. The man may have faltered last year with duds like Enthiran, Komaram Puli, Jhootha Hi Sahi, the saving grace being Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (who can forget the rock ballad Aaromale, or the melodious Omana Penne!), but with Rockstar, he lives up to his Isai Puyal tag, effortlessly proving why he is the rockstar when it comes to music.

Mohit Chauhan, the man behind the delectable Masakali from Delhi-6 has been given the onus of being the musical voice for Ranbir Kapoor, who plays a struggling musician in this film. Not only has he sung almost all the songs in the album, he puts his best foot forward, making use of his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dabble in different genres and come out shining.

The soundtrack gets off to a flying start with Phir Se Ud Chala, a soothing track that is bang on, all the while taking off superbly midway with a techno twist. Jo Bhi Main is nothing short of stunning, a fabulous rock composition on the lines of Aaromale, with Rahman dressing up the number with a delectable chorus and gorgeous guitar strums. Sung beautifully by Harshdeep Kaur, Rahman goes full-on Punjabi folk with Katiya Karoon, a delightful track oozing rustic charm.

Mohit Chauhan joins hands with Rahman and Javed Ali to deliver a spectacular devotional sufi number Kun Fayakun. Evocative of Arziyan (Delhi-6), the eight-minute-long harmonious track makes for a sublime listen, transporting the listener to an altogether whole new world. Sheher Mein is characterised by its innovative choice of arrangements, interspersed with situational dialogues and ably supported by Karthik alongside Chauhan. While Hava Hava, a Spanish styled track, is peppy and entertaining, Chauhan effectively brings out the desolation in Aur Ho.

Naadaan Parindey sees Rahman back once again with Mohit Chauhan to deliver a fast-paced rocker, even as Tum Ko, sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, The Meeting Place (narrated by Ranbir Kapoor) and Tum Ho, recalling to mind Tu Meri Dost Hai and Tu Muskura from Yuvvraaj, both tune and arrangement wise, turn out to be just about adequate, offering little by way of new.

That leaves us with Sadda Haq, an electrifying anthem that exudes a manic energy backed by Orianthi's superlative guitar work, and the two instrumentals: Tango for Taj and The Dichotomy of Fame, which superbly capture the essence of the film, employing piano (former), shehnai and guitar (latter) to fantastic effect. Rockstar is a composition of epic proportions and what a comeback by A. R. Rahman. Imtiaz Ali truly deserves a pat in the back for exacting such a commendable piece from the composer. It's indubitably the best soundtrack released this year!

First published: Oct 1, 2011 (9:28 AM)

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