PadMan Music Review: Balances It All Pretty Well

Ever since the melodic track Aaj Se Teri was unveiled, expectations have been quite good from the music of PadMan. Though it is also understandable that a film like this won't necessairly be having a slew of romantic numbers. Still, with the kind of music that composer Amit Trivedi and lyricist Kausar Munir have put together for the opening track, one is reasonably assured that the remaining songs would be interesting as well.

This is the reason why you are pretty much entertained on hearing the full version of Aaj Se Teri that has Arijit Singh coming behind the mike and actually sounding quite different from his usual self. There is a bit of 'unplugged' feel that one gets in this song and it is a good thing actually because the instruments are kept at the minimal, hence allowing the lyrics and the vocals to take center-stage. Rest assured, it is also pretty worth it as the song immediately finds its way into one's playlist.

On the other hand it is all about rhythm and peppy flavor once Mika Singh takes over the mantle The Pad Man Song. A smile-through number that has additional vocals by Pragati Joshi, Deepti Rege & Mayuri Kudalkar, The PadMan Song has a good beginning to it, an impressive 'mukhda' to boast of and then good follow up in terms of 'antara' which ensures that as a package this one delivers well in establishing the characterization of PadMan. This one should feature well as a part of the film.

Amit Trivedi brings himself on board for singing Hu Ba Hu which is about two people being similar in their quest for excellence. One wonders whether the song is picturized on Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor since in the film both of them unite in their mission to manufacture and market low cost sanitary napkins across the length and the breadth of the country. Nonetheless, while none of that is explicitly talked about in the song, as a song it truly works and that is due to the perfect combination of lyrics, music and vocals that come together quite well.

Next to arrive is Mohit Chauhan and if not for the inspiration filled lyrics (that go well with the theme of the film), the core tune could well have been used for a romantic number instead. Call it the effect that Mohit Chauhan's voice has on the listeners but you find yourselves traversed to the mountains when this one plays. A sweet and simple tune that gets etched in your mind, Saale Sapne is yet another good track.

Last to arrive is Sayaani, a celebration song which has all the women coming together to congratulate a girl who is now on the cusp of turning into a young woman (and hence the lyrics). Yashita Sharma, Jonita Gandhi, Yashika Sikka & Rani Kaur come together for this situational piece that should arrive at an important juncture of the film. A feel good song, this one is as 'desi' as it gets and is set in the interiors of the country with a typical Amit Trivedi sound complimenting the overall feel.

What PadMan does quite well is balancing out the situational appeal as well as the commercial ingredients required for a Bollywood score quite well. This is where its biggest win lies.

Our picks: Aaj Se Teri, The PadMan Song, Hu Ba Hu, Saale Sapne