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By Joginder Tuteja, November 27, 2006 - 09:38 IST
 What
makes 'Anwar' special? Apart from the fact that it is
the second film of Manish Jha who made a hammer strong
debut with thought provoking 'Matrubhumi' a few years
back, another important aspect is the name of Mithoon
on the credits for the music of the film. Though he
composes only 2 songs in the film, Pankaj Awasthi as
the other composer also makes you look forward to the
album since one can expect a quality outing. Starring
Siddharth Koirala in the title role of 'Anwar', this
social also stars Manisha Koirala, Hiten Tejwani and
Nauheed Cyrusi as other important characters in the
film.
One expects the album to be a new experience
altogether. But in the end expect for a couple of
tracks, 'Anwar' turns out to be completely different
from what one had expected.
Mithoon, Sayeed Quadri and Roop Kumar Rathod. Now this
indeed makes for a thrilling combination since one
expects a soulful melody to be created. That indeed is
the case as Mithoon takes his own time in setting up
the base for 'Maula Mere' by bringing together an
array of instruments in a subtle manner. The chant of
'Maula Mere' followed by Roop Kumar Rathod's crooning
of 'Aankhen Teri Kitni Haseen' makes sure that this
romantic Sufi number would be heard for quite some
time to come. Intoxicating to the core, this song
hooks you in such a way that it is difficult to get
off from it. Not just the 'mukhda' but even the 'antara'
of the song is a unique experience in itself that
makes this easy-on-instruments and high-on-quality as
one of the best romantic numbers heard this year.
For those who want music in Bollywood films to be
different, listen to 'Dilbar Mera' that fuses the
elements of pop to contemporary film music and creates
an impact that is so different from what one hears
from a regular love song. Written by Shyam Ravindran,
this Pankaj Awasthi sung and composed song conveys the
message of pain after one's beloved has left him in
despair. The pace of the song brings to fore the
intensity as required by the theme of the song and
though it is not of the kind that you would find
yourself humming around after a few hears, it is a new
sound nonetheless.
 Mithoon
introduces two new singers Kshitij and Shilpa Rao for
'Tose Naina Lagey' (titled 'Javeda Zindagi') which
turns out to be even a step ahead of 'Maula Mere'.
Another good number that comes with an extremely
haunting appeal, it also works due to the fact that
the two singers sing in a style that is so very
different from contemporary singing. Mithoon fuses the
classical aspects in his music very well to make it
integrate seamlessly with the song and stand out of
the crowd. Yet another beautiful number with some good
lyrics by Hassan Kamaal.
One hopes that Manish Jha knows what he is doing in
his film since he adds on a song titled 'Bangla Khula'
to his narrative. A track that comes from the
heartland of UP-Bihar and belongs to the genre of
numbers that are played to the gallery, it has the
kind of lyrics that would be a critic's delight since
it has all to thrash them left, right and center.
Picture some gem of the words that go as "Le Lo Le Lo
Hawa Mazedar Bangla Khulla Khulla, Na Jharoka Na Koyi
Hai Kiwaad Hai Bangla Khula Khula'. There are more of
such priceless gems in the song but then one may
rather leave it to be heard than be put on print here!
Written by Dharam Sarthi and composed by Ghunghroo
with recreation by Mithoon, it also comes in a remix
version by Vishvjeet that has all the moans, groans
and the works as required by the song of this genre.
From hereon it is Pankaj Awasthi's show all the way
with him being roped in for as many as four more
tracks. First to come is 'Anwar's Dream (A Symphony In
Blue) ' which is an instrumental musical piece. An
amalgamation of different instruments make for a fine
hear but strictly for the narration in the film. In
comparison, instrumental 'Into The Black' which takes
a different route though by taking a western approach
can be heard as a standalone piece, though there would
be a majority that may not really be kicked by Pankaj
Awasthi rooted classical aalap in the latter half.
 Next
to come is 'Jo Maine Aas Lagayi' which could as well
be termed as a follow up to 'Tose Naina Laage Re'. A
track where Pankaj Awasthi pitches in as a singer and
a lyricist as well, 'Jo Maine' is a very short number
about a man who is in pain due to his love not being
around him. Situational! Last of such tracks is 'Mela
(Shadow Of Sunlight) ' but by this time one is somehow
put off by such a genre of music and in fact there is
a sigh of relief when this short track actually gets
over.
The first thought that comes to mind after hearing 'Anwar'
is - "What would have been the album's chances on the
stands if Mithoon wouldn't have been roped in for 'Maula
Mere' and 'Tose Naina Laage'?" Expect for these two
numbers, there is just nothing for a man on the street
whereas even for those with classical tastes, the
album doesn't really offer much. Just play on the
album for the aforementioned two songs and put them in
the repeat mode without thinking about the rest.
Ranking * *
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