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It is no mean task composing for an Aditya Chopra film. Rather it is a gargantuan responsibility for the composer-lyricist pair. Irrespective of the hoi polloi and their varying opinions on Chopra’s directorial ventures, their soundtracks – without fail – burst the music charts and eventually made way to the timeless compilations.
Staying true to Chopra’s fixation for music composer duos, the spectacular Vishal-Shekhar gets lucky with the director’s latest Befikre starring Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor. It is to be observed that the pair – despite delivering quality music across a wide musical spectrum – remains largely overlooked. Wait, how many of us even bothered to listen Shabd’s ‘Chahaton Ka Silsila’, Chintakalaya Ravi’s ‘Merupula’, Akira’s stirring ‘Baadal’ and syrupy ‘Kehkahasha’ among umpteen lesser heard gems? Probably, the maverick did and thus the talented composers landed up in a project as significant as Befikre.
As for the lyricist Jaideep Sahni, his exclusivity makes him the caviar amongst his peers. Not often do we hear words and metaphors that we just did in Befikre. Moving to the album, that is produced by Mikey McCleary.
Labon Ka Karobaar (Papon)
“Jebon mein bikhre hain tare, khali hua aasman
Haathon mein dhoop hain mere, barfeela baaki jahaan…”
Jaideep Sahni, are you for real? These are words that make us thank on how the industry surfed past its ‘dil-deewana-pyaar-mohabbat’ phase.
If Vishal-Shekhar’s enchanting base melody isn’t enough to take you on a romantic high, their elaborate instrumentation with some generous accordions and clarinets will make sure you do.
Papon, with his silken vocals, is a case of perfect voice casting in what could be termed the year’s most beautiful love song!
Quite an unlikely compliment for a Bollywood song, ‘Labon Ka Karobaar’ is made for the ballrooms…
P.S.: One question that haunts us is – What is this ultra-mushy number doing in a film advertised as not-a-love-story-but-a-rom-com film?
Rating: 5/5
Nashe Si Chadh Gayi (Arijit Singh, Caralisa Monteiro)
Are you bored of Arijit Singh hogging all important soundtracks? If so, treat yourself to Befikre’s ‘Nashe Si Chadh Gayi’ which he sings with a newcomer’s gusto! The freshness we felt in Aashiqui 2’s iconic numbers and showcases his versatility that is way beyond those template breakup numbers. To be honest, Caralisa Monteiro’s background vocals act as a hindrance to the Singh’s unmatchable liveliness. Vishal-Shekhar’s composition, however, is a breezy concoction of Indian, European and Arabian styles of music.
Rating: 4/5
Ude Dil Befikre (Benny Dayal, Sophie Choudry)
For starters, the signature tune of ‘Ude Dil Befikre’ is unlike anything you have heard so far in 2016. Be a crowd train station or an awkward loo, this PHENOMENALLY orchestrated song with an understated middle eastern touch will make you feel like shaking that two left feet of yours! Take a bow, Vishal-Shekhar.
Jaideep Sahni makes sure use words that are hummable, but with a noteworthy thrust.
“Angaaron mein nikhre…”
“Dagmaga, khankhana, hadbada jaaye saansein”
Being the perfect recipe for pacy club numbers, Benny Dayal doesn’t disappoint. Wonder why Sophie Choudry is hired to utter mere numbers in French. After all that programming, her voice is hardly recognizable. No complains though! *wink wink*
Rating: 4/5
Je T’aime (Vishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan)
In what looks like the film’s most ‘important’ song, Je T’aime as a composition is basic and frill-free. You won’t imagine it in a larger-than-life setting with our stylishly decked lead pair serenading across lavish sets. To credit the team, it is this very simplicity that works in the song’s favour. Brilliantly produced by McCleary, the song’s heartfelt lyrics rendered with lots of heart by Vishal Dadlani and Sunidhi Chauhan makes it an easy one to hum along. Stuff that hints of a deep soul in a seemingly frivolous film.
Rating: 4/5
You and Me (Nikhil D’Souza, Rachel Verghese)
Nikhil D’Souza is back and how. Isn’t it always a pleasure listening his deliciously urban vocals? Matching him step by step is the distinct-sounding Rachel Verghese.
A tune that is quite easy to ears, it is Jaideep Sahni’s quirky lyrics that shine brightest in the situational number. By the way, doesn’t the opening line bear an uncanny resemblance to Suno Aisha (Aisha)?
Rating: 3/5
Khulke Dhulke (Gippy Grewal, Harshdeep Kaur)
Gippy Grewal’s earthy voice welcomes you to what looks like a closing credits number – Khulke Dhulke. As Sahni plays safe with his rhymes, it is the composer duo who carefully adapts the song’s Indianness to be within the soundtrack’s overarching Parisian spirit.
Rating: 3/5
Love Is a Dare (Instrumental)
An uber-cool mashup that’s bound to break all speakers in your upcoming house party! There it goes…
Rating: 4/5
So… with a soundtrack as stunning as this, we truly wish Befikre turns out a memorable film, just so it could do justice to Vishal-Shekhar, Jaideep Sahni, Miket McCleary, the singers, the orchestra and the incredible effort they have put in to create a smashing soundtrack as this. We are all eyes, Aditya Chopra.
And ears, we already are!
Rating: ★★★★
