Lyricist: Dibakar Banerjee, Vishal Dadlani, Anvita Dutt, Neelesh Misra and Kumaar.
Composer: Vishal-Shekhar
Singers: Nandini Sirkar, Richa Sharma, Shekhar Ravjian, Vishal Dadlani, Raja Hassan, Srivatsa Krishna, Kirti Sagathia, Arun Ingle
Label : T-series
After delivering a creative and edgy soundtrack of Kaahani, Vishal-Shekar is back with the music of Dibakar Banerjee’s political thriller ‘Shanghai’. The theatrical potboiler delivers a typical Mumbaiya flavour with surprise additions of musical overtones. Enlisting six tracks with three remixes, the album encompasses fiery beats, romantic notes and cool grooves.
Mocking the incompetent political system of our country, the album commence with a riot track ‘Bharat Mata Ki’. The street-band number has been cranked up with the enthused beats of dhol, trumpet, traffic sounds and energetic loud chorus. The vocals of Vishal Dadlani, Bhupesh and Keerti Sagathia blend well with bombastic track and do justice to the witty lyrics penned by Dibakar Banerjee. The festive track, which delivers a keen ‘Mumbaiya-tapori’ feel has also been rehashed in a remixed version. The new version is an overall musical outing which accelerates the beats to higher tempo with enthralling rhythmical beats.
Following the outrageous dance track is a typical situational item-number ‘Imported Kamariya’, crooned by Richa Sharma and written by Anvita Dutt. The deep-throated folksy tone of the singer compliments the roguish and raunchy UP flavour of the songs, which elevate the humorous mood for a garnished dance number. But, the number fails to recreate the magic of the singer’s famed song ‘Sheila Ki Jawaani.’
Duaa, penned by Kumaar and rendered by Nandini Sirkar of ‘Bhare Naina’ fame, is a subtle religious track which introduces the desired emotional depth and pathos in the album. The singer’s strong melodic voice is later joined by Arijit Singh and Shekhar Ravijiani vocals which unify the Indian and Western sounds offering grit and strength to the song. The pleaser composition highlights the urbane musical work bringing distinctive live-concert experience to the number.
The album introduces subtly toned Sufi track ‘Khudaaya’, admirably written by Neelesh Misra. The theme song rendered by Shekhar Ravjiani along with Raja Hassan, edges the poignant vigor of the number with the blend of soft-rock, Indian classical and soft Qawwali tones. The refurbished version of the track infuses the fine amalgamation of club-disco fillers.
Once again stressing on the social issues of the country, the rebellious track ‘Morcha’, noted by Vishal Dadlani, reinstates the fuelled patriotism and youthful enthusiasm. The preachy number sung by Raja Hassan directs the vision of modeling a better India with improved services and amenities for its people. The track is based on typical Marathi folksy tunes comprising of dhols, manjeeras and nagadas. The profound music in a dramatically themed number fails to merge with the compelling vocal of the singer.
The album concludes with a devotional song ‘Mantra Vishnu Sahasranamam’ which offers one thousand names of Lord Vishnu in customary sacred chants. Delivered in refined vocals of Srivatsa Krishna, the chants epitomizes the century old trait, power, strength and might of Lord Vishnu. The innovative track depicts the classic devotional musical work with the accurate assistance of untainted instrumental tones.
Overall, the album has encashed on diverse sounds as Vishal-Shekar has offered the devotional, Sufi, romantic and an item number, but commercially it fails to entice listeners as the soundtracks are situational and cater to niche audiences. Numbers like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Duaa and Mantra Vishnu Sahasranamam stand out to be the winners of the album.
