In Daanav the composers Vishal Shekhar follow the period music template to the tee, the grandiose orchestration with heavy percussion and the like. Shankar Mahadevan and Vishal Dadlani are perfect for the high energy high pitch singing. Surprise element of the song is the Malayalam lyrics in the second interlude. Karam Ki Talwar is again high on percussion, but in this the composers adopt the sound they had employed brilliantly in Tashan, with equally brilliant effect. Lovely use of that oud-like instrument. And Sukhwinder Singh in top form on vocals, this is an instant winner. The beats in Manva evoke slight memories of O Re Kaanchi from Asoka, but the similarity ends there. The composers get an interesting lineup of singers here – Swanand Kirkire, Piyush Mishra, Raja Hasan and Shreya Ghoshal, and they don’t disappoint.
Another song to feature an interesting high profile set of singers is Kabhi Na Dekhe Hastinapur Mein – the lineup being Shubha Mudgal, Ila Arun, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan. The song probably wouldn’t live upto the expectations that the eminence of the lineup would raise, but the flippant singing by the singers makes for a fun listen. Former Saregamapa Li’l Champs winner Hemant Brijwasi makes a confident debut as he rules the melancholic Samay with his soulful singihg. The boy’s voice is indicative that he will excel in both folk and classical renditions, and the song makes use of both the qualities quite nicely. Finally there is Khandav, another percussion-dominated folksy track. While Kirti Sagathia is in his zone rendering this and completely owns the soaring improv portions, the chorus provides perfect support in imparting that anthemic feel.
This year Vishal-Shekhar look to be on a mission to reinvent themselves, and they strike gold for the third time with Arjun: The Warrior Prince. Not sure whether it will be worth the effort this time though.
Music Aloud Rating: 8/10
Top Recos: Karam Ki Talwar, Samay, Manva
Kabhi Na Dikhe Hastinapu mei is an awesome track .
Thank you for the wonderful review of one of the surprise album of the year. The movie itself had been a treat: the level of research that has gone in the making of such a path breaking film deserved such a off-beat music composition. The rustic and folk elements compliment the fresh Indian look of the film and gives it a complete desi tadka.
I am surprised at the lack of awareness among the media regarding its music. Though few have acclaimed the visual treat, they have side-passed its gripping composition.
Thank you musicaloud.com for this rare review of this soon-to-be forgotten gem.
Keep up the great work!
Wishing you and your entire team my best wishes.