Imtiaz Ali’s moving drama Main Vaapas Aaunga, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari, and Naseeruddin Shah, is now playing in cinemas and garnering rave reviews from audiences. This dual-timeline film, set during the Partition in 1947 and in modern-day, tells the story of a boy, a girl, a country divided, a love that never fades, and a home that is never lost.
Imtiaz Ali worked with the maestro AR Rahman to create the music of the lives lived and the stories told in the film, enhancing the color of this world. Adding in Irshad Kamil’s incredible pen, the soundtrack brings you inside the love, the drama, the tale of Main Vaapas Aaunga. The three coming together was a masterstroke. They, along with the outstanding singers and superb musicians, have created a masterpiece of a soundtrack.
It has been a minute since I wrote a music review, but I was so inspired, moved, and awestruck by this set of songs that I wanted to share my thoughts about this incredible composition. Kamaal hai, but more on that in a few lines.
Read on to check out the Main Vaapas Aaunga music review, the one where I probably go on too long with too many adjectives, but the praise is so deserved.
Kya Kamaal Hai begins with a lovely, melodious piano line and a lilting phrase underlayment that sets the stage for something special to come. From the first notes to the last, this is an exceptional composition that hits you in the heart. When Diljit Dosanjh’s soft, oh so pure vocals come in, it actually made me smile. Then the harmony adds extra depth to the notes, and as a flute joins in, you feel the yearning of the soul. The track transposes again, with a wall-of-sound, and it is brilliant. With power and emotion, Diljit’s soaring vocals showcase his range, and it is so, so, so good. You are transported to another level in this section, and the track is so stirringly emotive that you are in awe. Kya kamaal hai! (Had to say it). After a brief but fabulous acoustic set that builds the emotion further… AR Rahman, as only he can, creates another brilliant musical moment with the orchestration he layers in. It is incredible! Then, a harken back to the soft beginning before the song tunes into another layer, and you are hit with the power ballad. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the chorus comes in, and you’re singing Kya Kamaaaaal Hai at the top of your lungs with your arm reaching up to the sky (If you know, you know). Absolutely epic! The only down notes are the choral section near the end, which has too many sounds that sound out of place; I think it should have been taken out. It detracts from the purity of this piece. But that is me being nitpicky. I was completely lost in the musical magic of this track. This song is many emotions, flavors, and all the good notes in one song! It is an absolute masterpiece. Bravo!
Vedang Raina and Nilanjana Ghosh take the mic in the peppy Maskara. The notes, both musically and vocally, dance, seemingly to be flittering or is it flirting on the wind of the song. Rahman always manages to surprise you with a new sound. With a quirky, sprightly flute, this track seems to me to be the very energy and embodiment of Sharvari’s character. She is sassy, and this song brings that to life musically. With her perfect delivery, Nilanjana Ghosh has this vocal styling that emphasizes and enhances the beat. Add in the grounding of the dhol, the guitars’ energy, the syncopation, and the music is fabulous. It makes you dance to the beat whenever you hear it. Or at least it makes me move to the beat while typing this at my computer. It somehow feels old and new, which makes it special. We have a change-up to a piano line, with the flute flying above it, and this is Vedang’s moment to shine, and he is so good. He reminds me of singers of old; his delivery, tonal quality, and inflection are perfect for this song. I love the second perspective he imparts in this tale of falling in love. The video gives you a little glimpse of what happens on screen, and this track is perfect for the feelings of a first love. Love the little laugh at the end, which further sets the character and the moment. Another amazing track!
The plaintive cry of the singer, with the harmonium’s beautiful hum, begins Ishq Mastana. Rahman brings in the percussion and extraordinary sound of the instruments, along with choral vocals, and they carry you to a musical sing-along in a village in Punjab. But then the song completely transforms into a jazz joint, with Mohit Chauhan scatting and singing with a perfect vibe. The section evokes images of dancing in jazz clubs, which is intriguing. It is very good, but unexpected. This one also has a rock break with Mohit Chauhan, which is also surprising, but he hits that, too. The other singers, Nargis and Pooja Tiwari, are excellent. I think this one will play better in the film. The varied time signatures, genres, and the fusion within the song confused me. Still really good, but I think context is needed to bring the disparate sections together and make it make sense. Though I nevertheless danced at my computer!
The beautiful Vo Nahin sung by Adithya RK, Armaan Khan, and Sameer Khan is an absolute treat to the ears. It is, from the first notes, the musical embodiment of “Can love really be lost?”. There is this section of music that is so incredibly orchestrated and played so beautifully that it took me away; it was that good. I don’t want to really describe it; you just have to hear Rahman’s mastery. I was and still am blown away. The vocals are so brilliant, full of whisper softness, and beautiful emotional tones. As the song continues, there is a run of pure classic Indian notes that are impeccably sung and that immerse you in the movie’s setting and story perfectly. This section unfurls into more, adding another layer to an already fantastic song. The two musical lines weave together in the song’s closing notes, and I actually gasped out loud at the beauty and the feeling it gave me. Bravo Bravo Bravo… I have to say it again, Kya Kamaal Hai. To me, this song is the essence of Main Vaapas Aaunga. I am sure that, as with many Hindi film songs, it will be even better set within the film’s story. This is a Rahman track that will stay with me forever.
Another beautiful piano intro begins Dheere Dheere, and once again, the composer presents another stupendous musical moment. It is pure loveliness with this bright essence streaming through the instrumentals. Faheem Abdullah has the perfect delivery, with a rasp and a soft, warm tone that fits so well. You feel the notes and the meaning of the lyrics in his performance. Shilpa Rao is, of course, incredible and in perfect voice, brimming with her tonal magic. The composition backing the entire song, with piano, the guitars, and the entire orchestra, is fantastic. It is a rolling piece that falls and flows, rippling with beauty. It is like waves of music with perfect runs of words, vocals, and oh, the brilliance of that musical composition. I absolutely loved every line, every stanza, every note! This one is an absolute must listen—one of Rahman’s best.
Tere Paas Main (Female Version), sung by Deepali Sahay, is a classic filmi song in flavor but with the distinctive Rahman touch. The track is beautifully simple but also layered with dhol percussive beats, making it more. Her vocals are too good; in fact, her voice is the song. I am eager to see how this plays out in the tale of Main Vaapas Aaunga.
We also have the Tere Paas Main (Male Version) sung by Vipin Aneja. This one begins with a movie soundtrack orchestration that is so rich. Vipin Anja’s raspy, slightly shaky vocals are full of feeling that truly rise above and at the same time ground this version. The music of this track is at another level. More expansive but still has that classic filmi underlayment. Mr. Rahman, wah! Again, I cannot wait for this to come to life on screen. I know I will love it more.
Dariya is full of soulful Punjabi essence. With the poignant yearning in the vocals and lyrics, and the dhol and flute providing grounding, this piece is further proof of Rahman’s brilliance. ‘Dariya’ is, at its core, an old tale expressed through the emotion of song. This track is one you will sit and listen to with your eyes closed! You are transported into the movie as the song plays on. Armaan Khan and Romy are outstanding, bringing the song, the emotion, the power to life. Another highlight on an album full of excellence. Once again, I think this will mean all the more once it is within the scenes of the film. One of my favorite AR Rahman compositions ever, among the many.
The entire musical landscape of the Main Vaapas Aaunga soundtrack is outstanding. Each song stands on its own and will be even more powerful when it plays within the film’s world. I highly recommend you give this a spin! Speaking of that, I would love to hear this on vinyl! Kya Kamaal Hai… I just had to one more time.
