MUSIC REVIEW: 'RA. ONE' SOUNDTRACK

First-Rate Album is a Worthy Listen for Indian and Western Audiences Alike

By: Parimal M. Rohit

October 26, 2011

The long-awaited release of Anubhav Sinha’s RA. One (Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal) is finally here this Diwali weekend, but before Buzzine Bollywood reveals some perspective on the film, we'll chat about the movie’s music. Produced by the Hindi music masterminds of Vishal-Shekhar, notable songwriters -- such as Panchi Jalonvi, Nirangen Iyengar, Vishal, and Kumaar -- stringed together some pretty solid lyrics. Performing the soundtrack’s 15 songs (including remixes) are some of the best vocalists hailing from both sides of the world, including the likes of Akon, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Sukwinder Singh, Clinton Cerejo, Shruti Pathak, and Hamsika Iyer.

How well the film will be received remains to be seen, but at least one thing is for sure: the RA. One soundtrack is awfully entertaining!

Chammak Challo

The music of RA. One introduced itself to the world via “Chammak Challo.” Make no mistake, having “Chammak Challo” serve as the soundtrack’s ambassador was no mistake. Perfectly intertwining three genres of music (contemporary Western, Middle Eastern, and Indian), “Chammak Challo” is as addicting as it is mesmerizing and memorable. It also helps to have international singing sensation Akon lend his vocals to the track.

Dildara (Stand By Me)

Nowadays, no Bollywood soundtrack is complete without a track combining old and new. “Dildara” is no different, as it forges yet another union between the electronic tunes of contemporary music and classical Indian. The beats are solid, but what makes “Dildara” stand out is its heartfelt vocals. Oh, and for all you Westerners out there, you will certainly recognize how the tune intertwines a great American classic.

Criminal

The RA. One soundtrack continues on its upbeat, peppy pace with “Criminal,” though the second track featuring Akon just does not have enough oomph to make it memorable. To be sure, the track does have a few moments, such as the Punjabi feel and above-average vocals, yet “Criminal” is a little lacking on identity and rhythm. The remixes are not any better.

Bhare Naina

The music of RA. One takes a turn for the serious with “Bhare Naina.” With the potential to be one of the soundtrack’s most powerful tunes, “Bhara Naina” kind of creeps up on you early with its innocent moments. By tune’s end, the compositional mastery has fully sucked you in; what with an egregiously compelling ballad, you almost forget you are listening to what is perhaps the most serious tune on the soundtrack.

Right By Your Side

In stark contrast, “Right By Your Side” takes on a lighter, feel-good note, and is actually the perfect melody for kids and families. There is a certain positive energy emanating from this track, which allows the listener to connect with his or her most youthful, sandbox inhibitions.

Raftaarein

The one tune that is closest in feel and style to the superhero storylines of RA. One is “Raftaarein,” which is quite the badass track. A melody that is as futuristic as it is epic, “Raftaarein” is a number written for the big screen, but it is as supremely mind-blowing just about anywhere else outside the theater. If there is any future for sci-fi superhero music in Bollywood (or all of Indian cinema, for that matter), “Raftaarein” will be the gold standard of how to compose the most iconic of film scores.

Jiya Mora Ghabraye (The Chase)

What good is a sci-fi superhero film if it does not have at least one action-adventure tune on its playlist? Well, “Jiya Mora Ghabraye” – or, more colloquially, "The Chase" – is that very track that not only perfectly complements “Raftaarein” but also gives RA. One an edge both on and off screen. By comparison, Vishal-Shekhar and Sukwinder Singh make this track as essential to RA. One as Daft Punk made his many tunes the iconic spirit of Tron: Legacy.

Comes the Light

The first of three themes, “Comes the Light” is a tune that will amp up audiences when watching it play out on screens in the theaters and multiplexes. Even more, the film score, which features the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, is so perfectly epic, it is only a matter of time before the score is heard in symphony halls across Europe and the United States.

I’m On

Similarly tuned to “Comes the Light” is “I’m On.” Just as epic, “I’m On” is the positively victorious tune that balances the nervously tense score of “Comes the Light.”

Song of the End

Reminiscent of Edward Scissorhands or The Nightmare Before Christmas, or even Batman, “Song of the End” brilliantly combines the emotions of the previous two theme tracks. It is as dark and cold as it is warm and reassuring. Goosebumps are sure to result each time this track is played.

With a perfect balance of culture, peppiness, soul, and class, RA. One’s soundtrack is first-rate.