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MUSIC REVIEW: ‘AGNEEPATH’ SOUNDTRACK

Highly Anticipated Film Comes with a Hot Soundtrack…Without Remixes

January 25, 2012

(Dharma Productions) Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is primed to release its much-ballyhooed remake of Agneepath, which stars Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra reprising the roles made popular by Amitabh Bachchan, Madhavi, and Mithun Chakraborty in the 1990 original (though Mr. Chakraborty’s character will not be in the remake). Of course, no Bollywood film is complete without a soundtrack, and the 2012 remake of Agneepath comes with six fresh tracks for us to review. With Ajay-Atul mastering the soundtrack, the film’s title track, “Chikni Chameli,” has been in constant circulation these past few weeks.

Quite the old-school film soundtrack, the music of Agneepath should take more than a few lovers of Bollywood music down memory lane. Indeed, the soundtrack is an homage to what once was before the nightclubs started dictating the sounds of modern Hindi film music.

Let us take a quick look at the sounds that comprise Agneepath’s score.

1. “Chikni Chameli” by Shreya Ghoshal

Dubbed the Official Track of Agneepath, the new version of “Chikni Chameli” delivers. Not only does Ms. Ghoshal provide awesome vocals, but “Chikni Chameli” has all the elements of a blockbuster track – solid lyrics, strong hook, a catchy beat, and tons of energy. “Chikni Chameli” alone makes the Agneepath soundtrack worth paying attention to.

2. “O Saiyyan” by Roop Kumar Rathod

A quick transition from “Chikni Chameli” is the romantic melody of “O Saiyyan.” Performed by Mr. Rathod, “O Saiyyan” feels very much like an Indian Blues track. There is a hint of romantic solitude throughout “O Saiyyan,” which allows the track to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced both love and loneliness.

3. “Gun Gun Guna” by Sunidhi Chauhan and Udit Narayan

One of the sweeter tracks is “Gun Gun Guna.” Not only is the song catchy, but it is also fun and innocent. “Gun Gun Guna” has a very old-school feel, reminiscent of Bollywood tracks that filled the airways when the original Agneepath released.

4. “Shah Ka Rubta” by Sukhwinder Singh, Anand Raj Anand, and Krishna Beura

The sounds of Sufi music make their presence felt with “Shah Ka Rubta,” which is an ambitious track exploring different sounds, beats, and tempos. Pay close attention to the solid tabla and string performances.

5. “Abhi Mujh Main Kahin” by Sonu Nigam

Having Sonu Nigam on a song already comes with certain weight, and that weight usually translates well for both the soundtrack producer and listener. In “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,” Mr. Nigam does his usual stellar job in delivering a romantic medley that features intense vocals and soft instrumentals. Major kudos are in store for the track’s violinist.

6. “Deva Shree Ganesha” by Ajay Gogavale

There is a little bit of devotion in Agneepath’s soundtrack. The religion-themed “Deva Shree Ganesha” is solid. There is a good aura emanating from the track, and Mr. Gogavale’s vocals are first-rate.

Overall, the new Agneepath soundtrack is solid and definitely worthy of checking out. Odds are the audience for this soundtrack will be a tad older, since the tunes are quite reminiscent of old-school Bollywood, but that is not at all a bad thing.

For Fans of: Yaarana, Silsila

Why We Like It: Old-school vibe, “Chikni Chameli”