Peepli [Live] Music Review: Peepli [Live]: Rustic N Rocking Treat !

'Peepli ', directed by debutante Anusha Rizvi and co directed by Mahmood Farooqui, is a film which comes with a lot of expectations, especially as a certain Aamir Khan's name is associated with the project. The music of the movie comes as quite a surprise, as this is a movie which has an off beat theme and does not quite fall into the category of normal Bollywood fare.

But the music of 'Peepli 'seems to be an organic extension of the film itself and is absolutely natural and, yes, also very rustic in sound. The music of the movie has been composed by Ram Sampat, Indian Ocean and Nageen Tanvir. There are a total of six songs on the album, four original and one remix and another number, occurring twice. The lyrics have been penned by Swanand Kirkire, Sanjeev Sharma, Gangaram Sakhet, Noon Meem Rashed and the Bhadwai Village 'Mandali'. It makes for quite an interesting mix and promises to be a rewarding experience.

The album opens with the number 'des mera' which has been composed and performed by Indian Ocean with Sharma and Kirkire teaming up for the lyrics. This is a number which goes well with the film's rustic background and has been sung very well indeed by the band. It has a wonderful, catchy beat, and provides good listening. It occurs twice in the album and is a promising start to the proceedings.

The next number that occurs in the album is the one which has already started creating waves all around. This is the 'mehngai dayain' number which has been composed and written by the Bhadwai Village 'Mandali'. The song has Raghuvir Yadav taking the vocal lead with a superb backup by the 'mandali'.

This number really captures the ethos and the feel of the movie. The lyrics take potshots at the escalation in prices of essential commodities, but the mood of the song is not bitter. In fact, it is extremely genial and catchy as only folk music can be, with its rustic, authentic flavour being its USP.

Yadav, an exceptional actor, proves his versatility as a singer as well. The number occurs in a remixed version as well with Sampat doing the honours. He keeps the flavour alive, taking away nothing from the original track. The remixed version comes with some additional English lyrics which should ensure that the number becomes more accessible.

The mood turns a little somber and philosophical with Rashed's 'zindagi se darte ho', composed and performed by Indian Ocean. A haunting, soft number, this track talks of courage. It should definitely strike a chord not just for its lyrics but also for the manner in which it has been composed and sung. Indian Ocean have composed it in the form of a soft rock track, quite removed from the movie's rustic theme and background.

The fourth and final track on the album is a gem called, 'chola maati ke ram' which has been composed and sung by Nageen, the daughter of noted theatre personality Habib Tanvir. This is authentic folk, unadulterated and not something that one gets to hear often. The number has been sung and composed beautifully by Nageen and written by Sakhet.This is a song of the soil and Nageen's pure vocals do full justice to it.

'Peepli ' has already caught the attention of the masses and its music is bound to be picked up and heard by many. This is a score which has no traces of Bollywood music in it. It is authentic and rises from within the context of the movie. Where popularity is concerned, one is sure that the 'mehngai' number should do the trick while connoisseurs are likely to appreciate 'chola maati ke'. In all, this is a wonderful score, original and great on the ears as well.