Mani Ratnam. AR Rahman. Gulzar. This movie stars Abhishek Bachan, Aishwarya Rai and many others. Right from the day this movie was announced, I have been eagerly awaiting for the music. You dont get this combination so often, do you? Guru is yet another reason, why you should have a good music system at home. Once again, I was the first person to get a copy of the Audio CD from Landmark, probably the first in bangalore too. Before we get into the review, the audio CD is bit different from the other CD’s. For the first time, there is Mani Ratnam’s image inside the CD cover. And a dedication from AR Rahman

The song “Tere Bina” is dedicated to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Saab - fondly remembering his association with me through this decade - AR Rahman

Barso Re: Shrey Ghosal, Uday Mazumdar.
Shreya starts with her humming ‘Na re Na re’ and within few second Naveen joins her with his flute. Both of them kind of tease you for the first 30 seconds to gather your attention, and just when you start paying close attention the drum beat starts. First time I listened I literally blurted out ‘Poadu(Hindi equivalent sabaash). A foot tapping song, but not very fast too. 3 things make this song very good. Shreya’s voice, flute and the drum beats. Actually, the drum beats are very prominent but no where they intrude in the song. Its in the background and soothing when shreya is singing, and when she isnt singing the beats are in the foreground. And when Shreya sings ‘Bhailon ki ghanti baji, Aur taal lage barne’ you can hear the claps. As if someone is clapping at a distance. And the song reaches a feverish pitch at the fague end. From the pictures, looks like this song is picturised when Aishwarya is on a bullock cart.


Tere Bina - AR Rahman, Chinmayee Additional voices - Murtaza, Qadir, Dialect Coach - Raqeeb Alam
Irrespective of the number of songs of Rahman that were a hit, the songs sung by Rahman will hold a special place in the heart of any Rahman fan. Am really glad that, Rahman is singing a song in every movie of his nowadays. The song opens with the male voices singing ‘Dum dara dum dara’. A very pleasant feeling, when these guys go ‘Dum dara dum dara’. And when Rahman starts off with ‘Tere Bina’ I get this feeling. Imagine you humming ‘Dum dara dum dara’closing your eyes, and Rahman comes near you, placing a hand on your shoulder and sings ‘Tere bina beswaadi’. Super! And is it Chinmayee? Wow. She has really worked hard for this song, and the effort shows. I sincerely feel this is a concert song, that will feature in his future concerts. Imagine the whole crowd going ‘Dum dara dum dara’ and Rahman singing the song. Oh Rahman. Bin tere music kya jeena?

Ek lo Muft - Bappi Lahiri, Chitra Additional voices - Tanvi, Saloni, Boney, Jaidev
This is a funky folk song. Picture shows Abhishek clad in traditional attire, dancing with a glass on his head. From the song, looks like Abhishek is picturised high on spirits ;) Bappi Lahiri’s voice suits Abhishek perfectly. And its funny when the women sing, joyyen joyyen joyyen. I think this song will be more appealing, once we watch it on screen.

Mayya - Maryem Toller, Chinmayee, Keerthi Dialect Coach - Devika
A very stylish song, which I feel is kind of fusion. As in Maryem Toller’s voice sounds very prominent, where as Chinmayees voice is like a whisper. And dont miss the flute bit, after the first few lines. Best way to appreciate this song is to listen on headphones, or on speakers that are spread wide apart. Its like music traverses from left to right and back to left. Especially when Maryem goes mayya mayya and eheh eheh. And listen to Maryam giggle in the end, when the chorus goes ‘Mayya Mayya’. Item number, to be picturised on Mallika Sherawat. No wonder :)

Ay Hairathe - Hariharan, Alka Yagnik Additional Voices -AR Rahman, Aslam Mohammed
I love Tabla. This song has a similar beginning to that of Tere Bina. Except that, Rahman sings ‘Dum dara dum dara’. I really am not sure of the instrument. It sounds like that ‘bulbuldhara(?)’. And its heavenly. Am sure, this will be the favorite song of many. I love the way Hariharan sings ‘Ay hairathe aashiqui jagaa math’ and gives a break for the tabla to continue. Too good. And this is a misleading song. You kind of set into a romantic melody mode, by the first end of first stanza and the tune catches you by surprise. The pace increases, when you least expect it. And again back to the melody mode. Alka Yagnik’s voice just melts on you. You just cant stop humming along with this song.

Baazi Laga - Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Swetha, Bhargavee Additional Programming - Pravin Mani
The tune is just like that of a 70’s song. Imagine Abhishek running around and singing this song in full josh. One more song that will be good with the visuals. Very fast beats, and should be good for dance parties I feel. Another song that must be heard on a good music system to actually appreciate it. Ends with a nice flourish.

Jaage Hain - Chitra, AR Rahman, Madras Chorale Group
This is a motivational song. Very few lines of lyrics and more of instruments. The Madras chorale group has done an amazing job. Should go very well with the theme of the movie. I somehow feel, this theme will be frequently used in the movie in parts. You actually forget that Rahman is also singing this song. He slowly comes in a very low voice. Like singing so low, that the voice doesnt disturb others. Like a lullaby, and after few seconds at his typical high pitch. Really a motivational song. Listen to this, when you are really low on spirits. You will definitely feel better.

Finally, it was really worth the wait. Different sounds, but the same Rahman magic. This is not a funky album, which will be repeatedly played in pubs and other places. Its a classy album. If alone these songs had been for a different director, I would have been really worried. But these are under the safe hands of Mani Ratnam, who never fails to do justice to Rahman’s songs. Add to it, Rajeev Menon is the cinematographer. I just have one fear. In every Mani movie, one song will not be picturised completely. ‘Ajnabee’ from ‘Dil Se’, ‘Nenjamellam/Badal’ from Ayutha Ezuthu(Yuva) etc. I wish he doesnt chop off any of the songs. In this album, importance is given to the human voice and lyrics. It will take some time to grow on you, but you wont regret your decision of having bought the CD.

Go get it! Dum dara dum dara dum dara!