Music Review: Raavan

When the credits boast of composer A.R. Rahman, Gulzar and Mani Ratnam, expectations are bound to be high. In Raavan, the trio has brought out a lethal combination presenting a soundtrack that is fresh.

Film: Raavan
Music Director: A.R. Rahman
Lyricist: Gulzar
Singers: Kirti Sagathia, Vijay Prakash, Karthik, Sukhwinder Singh, Rekha Bhardwaj, Javed Ali, Reena Bhardwaj, Ila Arun, Sapna Awasthi and Kunal Ganjawala
Rating:****

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When the credits boast of composer A.R. Rahman, lyricist Gulzar and director Mani Ratnam, expectations are bound to be high. In Raavan, the trio has brought out a lethal combination presenting a soundtrack that is fresh, high on energy and in tune with the soul of the movie.

Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, Raavan has six songs but no remixes.

The album starts with Beera that describes Abhishek's character in the film. With strong orchestration, congo beats and foot-tapping rhythm, the song instantly connects with the listener and is highly intriguing. Sung by Vijay Prakash, Mustafa Kutoane and Keerthi Sagathia, Beera is truly enthralling.

Next is Behene de. Wonderfully crooned by Karthik and Mohammed Irfan, it is the best song of the album. Even though it has a 50-second-long and haunting prelude, the listener doesn't lose interest. In fact, the prelude creates more curiosity about what is in store. The track has a punch and holds the attention of the listener till the end.

Changing the mood of the album is the next song called Thok de killi. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh, the fast-paced track is loud, rustic and yet impressive. The increased pace and rise in the tempo towards the end gives an adrenalin rush.

Then there is Ranjha ranjha, which is an average track belted out by Rekha Bhradwaj and Javed Ali. The other songs of the album are so captivating that this one fails to create a mark.

Up next is Khilli re, a slow, soft love song that brings out the longing of a woman for her lover. Sung by Reena Bhardwaj in her sweet melodious voice, it has a balmy effect and the melody strikes a chord with the listener.

Finally, there is a wedding song Kata kata. The thumping beats and strong orchestration can make it chartbuster. Sung by Ila Arun, Sapna Awasthi and Kunal Ganjawala, the track has a celebratory tune and a Rajasthani folk touch.

On the whole, the album is a musical treat and impresses thoroughly. Away from the usual psychedelic beats and run-of-the-mill compositions, the music of "Raavan" shows that Rahman is truly a maestro and when he teams up with Gulzar and Mani Ratnam, the result is pure magic.