Bajrangi Bhaijaan Music Review: Commercial And Entertaining

The hit actor-director pair of Ek Tha Tiger – Superstar Salman Khan and Director Kabir Khan, join hands yet again for a cross-border emotional drama, aptly titled Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Co-starring Kareena Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this film is expected to be a celebration of life. Naturally, expectations are quite high on the musical front for two obvious reasons. Firstly, it is a Kabir Khan film and the director has proven time and again that he has a great ear for music. And secondly, it is a Salman Khan film and that essentially means, a commercial and a massy score is a given. And when composer Pritam is added to the mix, it only adds to the already gargantuan expectations from the film and its music. With Mayur Puri, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kausar Munir, Shabbir Ahmed and Nilesh Mishra joining the party as lyricists, one only hopes that the team does not let the listener down and comes off with flying colors.

First in line is Selfie Le Le Re which one suspects is essentially a clever strategy to woo the selfie-crazy youth population. Mayur Puri’s lyrics combine devotion with the selfie rage leading to mixed results but one cannot ignore the fact that the composition is foot-tapping and therefore, might actually make one overlook the written word in this case. Also, the singers (Vishal Dadlani, Nakash Aziz, Pritam Chakraborty, Url, Aditya Pushkarna) have such fun behind the mike that the energy and the positive vibe is infectious and that makes it hard for one to ignore this number. Even if this one does not become another Jumme Ki Raat, it is safe to say that Selfie Le Le Re will surely have its share of fans!

Pritam brings in Atif Aslam for Tu Chahiye, a soothing romantic ballad which is light and easy on the ears. Though Aslam's voice sounds a little too young for Salman Khan, it is still likeable mainly because Pritam has managed to provide a groovy feel to this soft number with the help of some danceable beats and a lively arrangement, thus earning this song quite a few repeat hearing!

Next is a Qawalli offering from the composer and singer Adnan Sami is the chosen man for this semi-devotional number. Bhar Do Joli Mere has a surprisingly average tune and therefore is not really memorable. Though Kausar Munir's lyrics are earnest, the singing is not up to the mark with Sami coming across as trying too hard. At best, the track is strictly situational and should hopefully have a better impact on screen.

Its party time folks with Aaj Ki Party which has been sung exuberantly by Mika Singh. Pritam keeps the basic tune simple but it is the dhol and tabla beats combined with the background whistling which give this track a fun and energetic feel. Shabbir Ahmed's lyrics suit the mood of the song and Mika is in top form behind the mike. But this track again does not really have a lasting quality and with any luck, should enjoy middling popularity during the film's run in theatres.

Chicken Song is fun while it lasts but that's about it. The composition is nothing to write about and even Mohit Chauhan seems a little out of place singing this children’s number. Mayur Puri's lyrics are absurd but suit the mood and nature of the song. The composer also gets behind the mike with Chauhan to deliver this track but it seems to be a case of too little, too late.

Zindagi is a fitting finale to this album with Jubin Nautiyal's vocals managing to pull at your heartstrings. The composition has a slow pace but a lovely tune which is soulful and beautiful. Pritam keeps the arrangement simple and lets the melody do the talking. Nilesh Mishra's lyrics are poignant and touching and makes Zindagi a worthwhile listen.

To sum up, the music of Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a mixed bag with some soulful melodies juxtaposed with some massy compositions. While a Selfie Le Le Re and an Aaj Ki Party will keep the Salman fans happy, the melody lovers will find Tu Chahiye and Zindagi fulfilling. Composer Pritam seems to have struck a fine balance to satisfy a wide variety of music lovers and the results are quite satisfactory. And that should be quite enough for Salman fans!

Our Picks: Tu Chahiye and Zindagi