SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH

Director: Tarun Wadhwaa
Music: Jaidev Kumar
Lyrics: Naqsh Layallpuri
Producer: Poonam Jaju, Ved R. Gandhi
Starring: Not Available

With the many Bhagat Singh movies up for release, all the soundtracks have been released around the same time. Sadly, this soundtrack has been looked past by the public in the frenzy for the two forerunners. However, this album, composed by Jaidev Kumar, a composer who regularly composes for Harbhajan Mann's pop albums, is a worthwhile listen.

1. Mujhe Rang De Basanti Chola:
As is customary with the Bhagat Singh soundtracks, this famous composition starts out the album. Out of all the versions of "Basanti Chola", this one is my personal favorite. The song has a great Punjabi flavor, especially with the use of the dhols and the voices. The track is tendered by Roopkumar Rathod, Mohd. Salamat and famed Punjabi pop singer Harbhajan Mann. Most likely, this track is picturized on Bhagat Singh and both his accomplices, Sukhdev and Rajguru. The song is set in an upbeat manner, and sounds great. The tune is well-composed throughout. The two back-up vocalists do a good job, but the real star of this song is Harbhajan Mann, who has a great voice, rarely heard in films. The background beats keep the pace of the song very well, and the instrumentation help keeps the mood of the song. The lyrics are, as expected, quite patriotic and quite good.
Rating: 9/10

2. Chhan Chhan Chhanke:
A typical Punjabi Geet piece sung by Sandhna Sargam. She renders the song quite well as she has a nice voice. The song is sung at a moderately fast pace, and is quite catchy and full of rhythm. The instrumentation works well to bring the Punjabi flavor out. The lyrics are typical. However, the song really doesn't differentiate itself from the multitude of other similar songs.
Rating: 7.5/10

3. Aao Ni Beheno:
This piece is a Heer number, usually sung at weddings upon the leaving of the bride to the groom's house. However, based on the mood and tone of the song, it could very well be used in the film during Bhagat Singh's funeral, or possibly while he's going off to fight. Nevertheless, though the number is situational, it still sounds very nice. It is a very pleasant song to listen to. The peacefulness is further instilled by the singers, Simran and Tripat, who carry the song very well, and sound pleasant. The song sounds very Punjabi, especially with the way the singers render the lyrics.
Rating: 8.5/10

4. Sadhu Sant Fakiron Ki:
Roopkumar Rathod renders this number. The song sounds quite Punjabi-inspired, and a typical song that one would hear out of Punjab. The instrumentation helps to convey this feeling, especially the harmonium. Roopkumar Rathod does his best, but sounds a bit off in a few parts. The song is quite slow-paced, and the tune fails to captivate attention. The lyrics, however, are quite-well written. This really is a song that would appear better in the film itself.
Rating: 6.5/10

5. Pagdi Sambhal Jatta:
The second of the obligatory "Bhagat Singh" numbers. As opposed to the upbeat and racy version in Legend of Bhagat Singh, this version is moderately fast-paced, yet upbeat. The song is rendered by famous Punjabi singer Sardool Sikandar (who sounds quite similar to Hans Raj Hans in this track), and he does a great job. The track is quite catchy, and has a great Bhangra flavor. The lyrics are well-done, and carry the main message of the song well. The instrumentation and beats serve to complement the song, and keep it going.
Rating: 8.5/10

6. Chhup Chhup Ke Zamaane:
A classically-inspired love song sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy. The track has all the elements of a classical track, including the tabla throughout, more classical instruments, a classical voice, and a slow-paced and nice tune. Kavita Krishnamurthy's rendition is quite nice, and she shows her vocal talents throughout. The instrumentation is very good, with some nice tabla music in the background. The tune is nice and soft, without being too slow.
Rating: 8/10

7. Mera Rang De (Sad):
As stated by the title, the sad version of the first track on the album. Basically, the same song, just with a slower and more solemn rhythm. Most probably, the song will be used on the way to the gallows, or possibly after the deaths of Bhagat Singh and his accomplices. The piece still stays great, and sounds just as good in the sad version
Rating: 9/10

8. Sarfaroshi Ka Tamanna:
The third of the required songs for any Bhagat Singh movie. This version of "Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna" is well-done. As opposed to being arranged as a military march, instead, the track is brought out as a solemn and serious song, one that would fit in the correct situation in the film. The song is rendered by Harbhajan Mann, who does a good job with the track, with his unique voice. The tone of the song is brought out well by the effects of the chorus, especially in the latter part of the track, where they add a call-response situation with Harbhajan Mann, giving a good feeling to the track.
Rating: 9/10

Overall Music and Instrumentation:
The music by Jaidev Kumar is well-done overall. The music has a very good Punjabi flavor prevalent throughout. The songs are well-fitted for the region, and though a few tracks may sound a bit too modern, nonetheless, they fit well into the film. The same can be said for the instrumentation, which carries the Punjabi flavor throughout, especially with the use of the Dhols.
Rating: 9/10

Overall Singing:
The singing throughout is very good. The voices have a good Punjabi feel to them, adding to the true Punjabi flavor. Harbhajan Mann does a great job in his three tracks. Sadhna Sargam and Kavita Krishnamurthy as well perform their tasks well enough. Sardool Sikhandar brings out the Punjabi flavor in "Pagdi Sambhal Jatta" very well. The rest of the singers do well in their respective parts.
Rating: 8.5/10

Overall Rating:
Jaidev Kumar has succeeded in composing a well-made album for what will hopefully be a good movie. However, this soundtrack has been pretty much ignored amongst the Indian public. Hopefully it will get good reception later on.
Overall Rating (Not an average): 8.8/10

REVIEWED BY RISHI J