Of the four songs by Niladri Kumar, Aahista is a sprawling song that starts slow and peacefully and builds itself up brilliantly. Niladri Kumar adds the music layer by layer, very creatively, while Arijit and Jonita hold forth with their vocals impressively. In Tum, it’s Atif all the way, amidst Niladri’s serene music that is encompassing in a mellow punch. The Kashmiri percussion sounds add to the song’s charm. In the song’s other version, Javed Ali’s semi-classical’ish rendition makes Atif’s seem decidedly more pop’ish. Hafiz Hafiz sees Niladri break the slow, sedate sound and move into a highly harmonious and rhythmic sound that is so-very Kashmiri! The children’s chorus that opens the song paves way for Mohit Chauhan’s splendid lead, and it moves steadily into a rousing climax! Shreya Ghoshal is mesmerizing in Sarphiri, breathing life into Niladri’s enchanting melody (where he joins in with sitar too) with splendid orchestration led by the keyboard. Babul Supriyo’s part in the middle offers a nice contrast along with the booming percussion.
Joi’s first song, among his three, O Meri Laila, has a catchy, Celtic-sounding hook. Atif Aslam, starting tentatively, gets better as the repetitive hook arrives. The song’s sparse Radio Version, sung by Joi, is a nice contrast. Gayee Kaam Se offers a compelling and superbly orchestrated qawali. The singing, by Dev Negi and Amit Sharma, is top notch. Meenal Jain joins mid-way, through a tantalizing break in the flow. Lala Zula Zalio is the soundtrack’s funkiest song! Joi’s recreation of the 80s disco-pop sound is delightful, as is the singing, by Frankie, Joi and Sunidhi. Alif’s lone track, Katyu Chuko, sung by Mohammad Muneem, is a short, evocative and ambient piece. The retelling of iconic doomed love-story brings together the highly promising Niladri Kumar and Joi Barua in a captivating soundtrack!
Keywords: Laila Majnu, Niladri Kumar, Joi Barua, Alif, #300, 300
Listen to the songs on YouTube:
