Shamitabh Music Review: Not The 'Raja' of Yore

Shamitabh has been in the news not only due to its unique name but also for making the fans curious as to what director R. Balki and the legendary Amitabh Bachchan have in store for them this time around after their first two outings gave us two wonderful cinematic experiences in the form of Cheeni Kum and Paa. South Star Dhanush, who wowed the Hindi audiences with his turn as Kundan in Raanjhanaa, co-stars with Big B in this film and Akshara Haasan (younger daughter of Kamal Haasan and Sarika) makes her debut with this film. Balki again goes for maestro Ilaiyaraaja for the music department with the lyrics being provided by Swanand Kirkire and Kausar Munir. With their two earlier musical collaborations still fresh in our memories, will Shamitabh's album too hit the jackpot? Let's tune in to decide.

Ishq e Phillum is Balki's tribute to films and Ilayaraja's bass dominated composition is top-notch with the Synth utilized to full measure. Suraj Jagan's deep-throated singing is awesome and is apt for this number. On the downside though, this Swanand Kirkire written number is not exactly meant for the commercial music lover. At best, this song might have a better visual impact but as a stand-alone track might not find much popularity with the junta.

ShaShaMiMi is a very atypical Ilayaraja number. Right from the basic tune to the choice of singer (Caralisa Monteiro), one gets to see a new Ilaiyaraaja here – cool, modern and funky! Kausar Munir's lyrics are quite average and the composition is not exactly the maestro's usual fare but one can snatch a glimpse of the trademark Raja in the interludes. And just for that, this track is worth a listen!

Ilaiyaraaja gets the Big B himself to sing the cute Piddly. And Senior Bachchan sounds quite charming and sweet behind the mike and that actually turns out to be the biggest plus point in this track, since the maestro's composition though friendly on-the-ears is an oft-repeated tune and is not exactly what one expects from a composer of his caliber.

Tamil film Johnny's Aasaiya Kathula gets a makeover in Shruti Haasan's voice in Stereophonic Sannata and the lady nails it! R.Balki has always made sure that the Maestro's classics from the 80s get a modern makeover in all his films till now – sample, Mandram Vandha and KuzhaloodhumKannanukku in Cheeni Kum and PuthamPudhuKaalai in Paa. Now this track from the 1980's Rajnikanth starrer which incidentally was considered quite westernized in that era gets a perfect makeover, thanks to the evergreen tune and of course, Shruti's mind-blowing vocals – yet another winner from the Maestro.

The legendary composer seems to have taken a cue from the younger lot for the Suraj Jagan-Earl D'Souza number, Thappad. This Rock inspired number has eclectic sounds ranging from some heavy-duty EDM to Rap and might be applauded for its arrangements. But personally, it just did not work for me since this is not the kind of track one expects from the Maestro, whose strong point incidentally has always been melodies.

The final track of this album is also the most whimsical of them all! A take-off on the age-old Lifebuoy ad, this one (incidentally is also called Lifebuoy) is quite quirky and funny. With the EDM sounds again dominating this one, this is again a very uncharacteristic composition from the Maestro. Lifebuoy remains with you more for its hilarious lyrics and its quirky nature rather than for the composition itself.

To sum up, Shamitabh is not exactly the kind of album one expects from Ilaiyaraaja. Except for a couple of songs which give glimpses of the Maestro's trademark touch, Shamitabh is quite a letdown. If you are a fan of 80s Ilaiyaraaja, then please give this one a miss but if you are all for 'Ilaiyaraaja with a twist', then this one is for you.

Our Picks: Piddly and Stereophonic Sannata