Review: 'Rann' Soundtrack

By: Parimal M. Rohit WP

January 20, 2010

There are certain soundtracks that are best left to be heard in a movie theater and nowhere else. Usually, such soundtracks feature more composed themes, like horror or action movies in Hollywood – think The Rock or The Dark Knight, where the score fits a given scene but has little to no replay value if heard outside the context of the film.

The score of the upcoming Bollywood dramatic thriller Rann is one such soundtrack, where the music is best-suited for on-screen play and has very little entertainment value once audiences step outside the movie theater.

Featuring nine tracks – including seven originals and two remixes – the Rann soundtrack is more patriotic and film-themed than it is easy-listening or party-themed. Then again, considering some of the serious issues touched upon in the movie, perhaps the Rann soundtrack needed to have a less filmy tone to it in order for it to be fairly associated with the upcoming release starring Amitabh Bachchan.

Accordingly, as Rann is not a romance film, a comedy or even an action movie, expect the soundtrack to have quite the intense and profound sound that focuses less on entertaining music-lovers in social settings and instead helps move the robustly dramatic plot forward.

The soundtrack leads off with “Sikkon Ki Bhook – Anthem of Rann.” A patriotic track based upon one of India’s most endeared songs in “Vande Mataram,” the opening number has quite the climactic feel to it that is perfect for placing audiences on the edge of their collective seats during the film. More than any other track on the album, “Sikkon Ki Bhook – Anthem of Rann” is the epitome of songs that play well on screen but does not necessarily translate well to mellower social settings or even a nightclub scene.

Following the opening track is “Remote Ko Bahaar Phek,” which literally means “throw the remote out.” A parody of sorts with a goofy feel, this track is a comedic commentary that makes quite the serious statement on the state of Indian media affairs.

Sukhwinder Singh is the first familiar voice on the Rann soundtrack, with “Kaanch Ke Jaise” the third track on the album. While not as intense as the opening number, this is moderately powerful and, just like the “Anthem of Rann,” ideal for delivering a powerful message on-screen but posing little value in any other setting.

Another patriotic-sounding track is “Rann Hai,” which may well be the tune most associated with the film during its promotions. A moving number with perfectly pitched (and powerful) lyrics delivered by Sanjeer Kohli, this track works as well on-screen as it does off-screen, as the song maintains a high level of emotion that does not need visuals attached to it.

Perhaps the only pop-inspired track is “Gali Gali Mein,” with Jojo and Earl E.D. delivering a fun number with strong traces of rock-and-roll infused with powerful Hindi lyrics. “Gali Gali Mein” may be the one track audiences remember most.

Abhishek Nailwal’s “Besharam” returns the soundtrack back to its seriously dramatic tone, as it is another song perfectly tuned for the film but does not translate off-screen. Still, it has an edge-of-your-seat feel to it that is ideal for any suspense-filled plot.

The last original track is Kunal Ganjawala’s “Mera Bharat Mahaan,” perhaps the most patriotic tune on the soundtrack. What makes this number stand out more than the others is its very Western feel, what with rap-style delivery of lyrics combined with nightclub-style electronica beats and hip-hop bass-lines. With strong nationalism laced throughout the lyrics, this may be the best track of them all, as it balances its ode to India with high entertainment value.

Rann’s soundtrack concludes with two remixes, the first is of the powerful “Besharam.” There is very little difference between the original and remixed versions of “Besharam,” though the addition of a pianist in the middle of the track softens this otherwise ultra-strong tune. Regardless of which version you listen to, the edge-of-your-seat, action-movie feel is prevalent in both tracks.

Fittingly, “Gali Gali Mein” is the final track remixed, with Jojo and Earl E.D. taking their already smash-hit number up several notches. Indeed, this piece will rightfully earn a fair share of spins at popular nightclubs across India, as “Gali Mix” is as energetic and fun as it is true to the soundtrack and film.

Overall, the Rann soundtrack is strong and emotional, with nationalism and patriotism intricately weaved into each number. Yet, aside from perhaps three tracks (including one remix), the Rann soundtrack is best heard on-screen than your at-home sound system.

With the film releasing on January 29th, the Rann soundtrack is currently available in stores and online.

Buzzine Bollywood gives the Rann soundtrack a BuzzScore of 3.0 out of 4.