Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lyrics: Gulzar
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Vishal Bhardwaj has once again come up with unusual title Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola and an interesting starcast added to it. The great combo of Vishal and Gulzar have done wonders in Maachis, Omkara. Here is the countdown of their latest offering.
Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh & Ranjit Barot
The album opens with the title song Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. However unusual the title may seem the song is certainly fun to listen too. Sukhwinder Singh strong and remarkable voice blends with the music and accompanied by Ranjit Barot they make a superb combination. The song is energetic having the folk feel.
An interesting collage of instruments accompanied by Sukhwinder Singh's is extremely remarkable and strong vocals turns out to be a perfect blend that is a treat for listeners - all of this makes the title track Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola special. Sukhwinder is well accompanied by Ranjit Barot, together they bring one of the catchiest numbers of the year. It has African touch to it with the humming of the guitar in the background and the bass effect it makes one of the most energetic songs to listen to.
Khamakha
Singer:Vishal Bhardwaj & Prem Dehati
Next comes Khamakha rendered by Vishal himself. A soft breezy number accompanied by a chorus. Prem Dehati's unusual poetic narration leaves quite a mark. It's a soulful number which is pure musical delight to hear and most well picturised number by Vishal.
Oye Boy Charlie
Singer: Rekha Bhardwaj, Shankar Mahadevan & Mohit Chauhan
The album moves ahead with Oye Boy Charlie sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, Shankar Mahadevan and Mohit Chauhan. The song has a 70's feel to it and is a Qawali' number in the making however as the song forges ahead it turns into a retro qawalli. It is accompanied by the harmonium and tabla blended with the other musical arrangements. It's a fun number and Rekha's voices dominates the song completely. A must listen if you are a huge Rekha Bhardwaj fan.
Lootnewale
Singer: Sukhwinder Singh & Master Saleem
Lootnewala begins with a lot of drum beats and has a very rustic feel to it. Sung by Sukhwinder and Master Salaeem. Ity is a very energetic song that brings forth the injustice that the farmers face today. It speaks about oppression and Sukhwinder's voice brings for the anger and oppression out very forcefully. Gulzar's lyrics will definitely create a stir with the audience.
The track has a `reprise version' of a relatively shorter duration but does not seek much attention.
Shara-Rara-Ra
Singer: Prem Dehati
This song begins with beats of the brass band and has a very folkish touch to it. It's an experiment by Vishal and enjoyable as the music is loud and Prem Dehati has done full justice to it. The lyrics also give it a very rustic feel. An enjoyable number.
Badal Uthiya
Singer: Rekha Bhardwaj
Badal Uthiya a solo track by Rekha Bhardwaj. This one is a melodious Haryanvi with a lot of sitar strums and accompanied with other instruments. It's an old popular folk number from Haryana which has been blended well by Vishal Bhardwaj. It grows on you. It also has a reprise version by Prem Dehati. But Rekha's voice literally touches your heart.
Chaar Dina Ki
Singer: Pankaj Kapur, Imran Khan & Prem Dehati
Pankaj Kapur and Imran Khan come together in a very short Haryanvi track Chaar Dina Ki which again has Prem Dehati chipping in. This one is a hit and miss number. A short track that hardly registers on your mind.
Chor Police
Again a short track with a lot of energetic beats and may be enjoyable visually. Vishal has played the song in a lyrical form. It's a fun number.
Nomvula
Rounding of the album is Nomvula, with a lot of African beats. A complete Zulu number, in Umoja's voice. It has a peppy dance feel to it. Reminds you of the sun kissed beaches of Africa accompanied by kegs of beer a complete fun and entertainment number.
Overall
An impressive album. Just as the film the album too has a lot of desi feel to it and Vishal has done complete justice. There are a few setbacks but it remains to be seen how Vishal Bhardwaj has handled them visually. Most of the tracks are in tandem with the film's setting and will be enjoyed by the listeners. If you enjoy folk this one is a must to your collection.