Despite being a film that we have not heard about too much, Lahore remains to be a film that is gaining interests of audiences by the minute. Having won several prestigious awards at film festival across the globe in categories such has Best Actor and Best Feature Film, it now comes home to India and is ready for release this March. The film perhaps couldn’t have come at a better time as it’s said to be based on the theme of politics, social issues and its influences on sports. Lahore is being distributed by the Warner Bros Pictures and boasts of predominantly fresh talent but also has some established names such as the Late Nirmal Pandey, Kelly Dorjee, Sushanth Singh and Ashish Vidhyarthi to name a few.
Music has been composed by the highly acclaimed M M Kreem aka M M Keeravani who’s given us the classic ‘Jaddoo Hai Nasha Hai’ (Jism) and shines predominantly down South. One exclusive track has been composed by Hollywood composer Wayne Sharpe. Read on to find if this very ‘hatke’ combination of names manage to create as impressive music as the film is claimed to be.
Ab Yeh Kaafila is the first track to get the ball rolling, and what a wise choice it was to open the album with this track. Karthik, K.K and MM Kreem come together to create an uplifting number with vocals that mix together in perfect harmony, creating pure magic! MM Kreem delivers a track that is youthful and vibrant without the need to turn it into a club number which is perhaps what these days people think ‘youthful’ and ‘vibrant’ mean. This one is an exciting and unpredictable journey with every verse bringing in a new flavour and perhaps that is why the choice to bring in not one but three singers was a genius thought! Karthik brings in the sweetness with his soothing vocals whilst Kay Kay’s vibrant voice add the richness bringing in the uplifting feel. All this is enveloped at the end with MM Kreem vocals that adds in the maturity. Junaid Wasi’s lyrics are deep and thought provoking, complimenting the melody and mood of the track.
The next track, Musafir (I), brings to you Daler Mehndi in a brand new avatar. The legendry singer, known for his out and out Punjabi masala numbers, tunes it down a notch and goes for a soft and soothing track that instantly touches your heart. Daler’s voice, that stands out from a mile, is complemented beautifully by the magical female background vocals that make the chorus the highlight of the track. Musically, it’s a mixture of classical Indian and classical Western with traditional pianos and violins that are balanced out with Indian tablas, sitars and flutes. Panchi Jalohnvi’s lyrics are perhaps the most essential ingredients in making all the magic happen. This number will stay with you much after the album concludes. For those looking for a different feel to the track, check out MM Kreem’s version of the same track. Kreem and Daler’s voice are worlds apart giving listeners variety despite the composition being exactly the same. So take your pick!
Shankar Mahadevan comes in next with a festive number, Rang De, that is Punjabi at the core! Of course we all know there are two things that a great Punjabi track needs, that is vocals that can live up to the genre and dhols that simply makes you want to break out into the Bhagra – ‘Rang De’ has no shortage of both of these things. Junaid Wasi brings out the best in his Punjabi lyrics and reminds everyone that putting in ‘Soniye’ and ‘Mahiya’ is not Punjabi at its best! Shilpa Rao enters later on in the track matching up to Shankar’s loudness perfectly. For all those planning a playlist for an out and out Punjabi festival, this one is must add!
After the festivity of ‘Rang De’ the emotions come riding in with MM Kreem’s vocals and composition titled Saaware. The situational number is no easy track to pull off and perhaps that is why Kreem took on the challenge himself. Junaid Wasi pens the lyrics again that will reach their full potential when heard with the movie. Highlight of this one has to be without a doubt Kreem’s voice as well the ultra light classical Indian instruments that ultimately create the entire mood.
A classic qawali is what we’re treated to by Rahet Fateh Ali Khan and Shilpa Rao who aren’t modest and show off what they are made off yet again, not that we need any reassurance. O Re Bande is highly situational and will be enhanced much more in the film in context of the situations and performances. Having said that, fans of the genre will fall in love with this one instantly. All those missing a good ol’ qawali, be sure to check this one out.
Avatar singer Lisbeth Scott ends the album with the Lahore Theme composed by Wayne Sharpe. Lisbeth’s voice soars to heights that are unimaginable to you and I and you can almost sense the emotions that will be on screen when this track is played without having even seen it yet. No doubt you’ll be disappointed to hear that the track ends in just about 2 minutes.
If you’re one looking for a break from the usual Bollywood masala soundtracks, then give Lahore a listen because it has everything to offer to those serious music lovers. M M Kreem keeps to his tradition of delivering music that was unimaginable to us until we listen to it. If only we could snatch him away from the Southern film fraternity who know all too well that they indeed have a gem amongst them. Despite being highly situational fan of the genre, one will find a special place for this album on the iPod and playlist. Don’t give this one a miss!
