Laaga Chunari Mein Daag Music Review

Coming together of composer Shantanu Moitra and lyricist Swanand Kirkire always spells quality. Hazaron Khwaishen Aisi, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Eklavya - The Royal Guard are some of the films that immediately come to mind. This is why when credit details for Yash Raj Films' next offering Laaga Chunari Mein Daag indicate coming together of the composer-lyricist; one expects yet another quality score right away.

Music coming from the YRF is taking different routes in last few months. It could either be an out and out crowd puller [Dhoom 2, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom] or grow on you along once heard and seen in the film [Ta Ra Rum Pum, Chak De India]. Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, at the very onset, seems to be belonging to the latter category.

It's the sound of 'morning on a ganga ghat' which begins 'Hum To Aise Hain', a mischievous song with a thorough Indian feel to it. There is no influence whatsoever from anything Western as this track featured on the two sisters [Rani Mukherjee, Konkana Sen] introduces audience to their lives in the town of Banaras.

A sweet sounding song that has just the right amalgamation of melody and rhythm which succeeds in creating a rustic feel of the situation, it is sung with aplomb by Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal who come together in perfect harmony. Supported by Swanand Kirkire and Pranab Biswas who have a small role to play behind the mike, 'Hum To Aise Hain' is expected to be opening song of the film which may introduce the two leading ladies.

A subtle beginning to 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo' creates a European ambience as one senses the protagonists coming together in a party on the house. As the sound of guitar paves way for Babul Supriyo to flex his vocals chords, you realize there and then that 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo' is a romantic melody in the offering. In fact just around 2 minutes into the song and you sense a 70s sound as one recollects number of songs belonging to this genre which had Kishore Kumar rendering for Rishi Kapoor.

There is an old fashioned appeal to the entire sound and orchestra which is only complimented by the voice of Babul Supriyo along with Mahalaxmi Iyer who do exceedingly well here. Swanand Kirkire mixes poetry with simplicity which makes 'Zara Gungunalein Chalo' second quality song after 'Hum To Aise Hain'.

Shantanu Moitra had done some remarkable recreation for the classic tracks in Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi. He does the same for the title song 'Laaga Chunari Mein Daag' which was originally composed by Roshan and written by Sahir Ludhianvi. With additional lyrics by Swanand Kirkire which are spoken by Mita Vashisht, this Shubha Mudgal rendered fusion track should fit in well as a part of background score. While Shubha's rendition goes well with the lounge mood of the track, it is Mita whose deep-n-husky voice succeeds in creating a haunting impact.

Swanand Kirkire borrows from Javed Akhtar school of song writing as he comes up with a song which goes like 'Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si Uff Karari Si Ladki, Mere Dil Mein Dil Mein Ek Bijli Jaise Hai Kadki'. With minimal instruments in the background, this sweet number by KK and Shreya Ghoshal keeps it simple throughout while turning out to be yet another number that belongs to the late 70s. Remember the kind of numbers which used to be composed for Amol Palekar, Farooq Sheikh and their likes? Towards the end of the song, there is a surprise in store as the lyrics 'Hum To Aise Hain Bhaiyya' heard in the beginning are incorporated into the rhythm of 'Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si Ladki'.

After all the fun-n-frolic comes a 'mujra' titled 'Ehi Thaiyaa Motiya'. With all the necessary arrangements that go along with a 'mujra' with 'tabla', 'ghunghroo' et all in place, this is a track that could well be picturised on Hema Malini who has a guest appearance in the film. A hardcore classical number sung well by Hema Malini, it is situational and only for those with a classical bent. Everything from lyrics to the flow of music may well be incomprehensible to 'aam junta' but Rekha Bhardwaj makes sure that she showcases her strong hold on the genre.

'Kachchi Kaliyaan' is a track that seems a little surprising to begin with due to the way it has been composed. While the lyrics are truly rooted, the arrangements are modern to give it an altogether different feel to this Sonu Nigam, KK, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal rendered track. A 'ched-chaad' number about interaction between a young man and woman with number of other people around, it reminds of 'Kaali Teri Choti Hai Paraanda Tera Laal' [Baharon Ki Manzil] which was quite a hit more than 15 years back.

Nevertheless the similarity just ends in the genre of song's setting with an overall theme and styling being entirely different. There is also an interspersion of pop and rap in this fast moving peppy track which has a potential to turn out to be a highlight of the film. This is the one that enters the list of 'watch-out-for' category of most awaited videos.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag has a truly different musical score. Except for expecting a quality score, as a listener one doesn't have any idea about what exactly is in store from this Shantanu-Swanand created soundtrack. What one gets to hear eventually are six numbers which are entirely different not just from each other but also different from what you hear in other albums releasing around him. More than one song being the USP of the album, LCMD is the kind which works as a package in order to bring the essence of the film.