Radio Sargam Music Review: The Rising

Producers: Bobby Bedi
Director: Ketan Mehta
Cast: Amir Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Amisha Patel
Music: A R Rahman
Lyrics: Javed Akthar
Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sukhvinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Madhu Shree, Richa Sharma,Reena Bhardwaj, Bonnie Chakraborthy,Srinivas, Chinmayee Murtaza Khan, Kadir Khan,Karthik Das Baul, A R Rahman, Amir Khan
Audio: Yash Raj Music
Songs: 8

1) Mangal Mangal (Kailash Kher)
The opening track Mangal Mangal is nothing short of classic. With Rahman's brillant composition, Kailash's energetic vocals and Javed Saab’s lyrical gem the album begins with an impressive and auspicious way. The use of instruments like tablas, dholak gives it an earthy and rustic sound.
Rating: 9/10

2) Main Vari Vari ( Kavita Krishnamurthy, Reena Bhardwaj)
Main Vari Vari is a Mujra song with a high dose of qawwali thrown in. The use of tablas is praiseworthy and the bass sound makes them catchy and modern. The vivacious voices of Kavita Krishnamurthy, who has sung after a long time and also Reena Bhardwaj enhances the song. Some good promotion will ensure the success of this song.
Rating: 8/10

3) Holi Re (Amir Khan, Udit Narayan, Srinivas, Madhushree, Chinmayee)
Listening to the first two songs one might think; another masterpiece from Rahman but suddenly all your expectations are crushed by Holi Re. It is one of the weakest songs composed on festival Holi. The uneven arrangements of the beats make it worse. Amir does not get any scope to sing and Udit and Madhushree are passable. Srinivas and Chinamyee cannot be heard in the song. It is indeed an average effort from the world famous composer.
Rating: 4/10

4) Rasiya Re (Richa Sharma, Bonnie Chakraborthy)
Rasiya Re has loads of Arabic flavor to it. An erotic tune with great vocals from Richa Sharma. The use of Bass sounds and Percussions does not justify to the era for which the song is composed. Nevertheless a nice seductive, temptive and attractive song which should work well.
Rating: 7/10

5) Mangal Mangal-Agni (Kailash Kher)
The Agni version talks about awakening and fighting against British. This version is better than the former and the use of nagada, dholak is scintillating. Kailash once again emerges victorious. Hats off to Javed Saab for penning such an energetic inspirational track. This song will create a great impact on screen. So watch out!
Rating: 9.5/10

6) Takey Takey (Sukhvinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Karthik Das Baul)
Takey Takey shows us the brilliance of Javed Saab. He proves again and again he can deliver different ideas without any repetition. This song is a sure winner with peppy and catchy tune and wonderful rendition by sukvinder and co. The use of shenai and other instruments reminds of the composers earlier works but nonetheless is fully entertaining.
Rating: 7/10

7) Al Maddath Maula (A R Rahman, Murtaza, Kadir, Kailash)
This is a situational song where Mangal Pandey and group are on some mission, it will look good on screen with some intense, thrilling moments. A simple but effective devotional tune, well rendered by the singers.
Rating: 6/10

8) Mangal Mangla-Atma (Kailash Kher)
The album ends with the third version of the title track, but this version has a slow tempo, registering the death scene of mangal pandey. This song is an emotional number and is sure to move the audience. Kailash excels once again and Javed Saab has penned down the apt words.
Rating: 7/10

OVERALL:
Mangal Pandey - The Rising songs are mostly situational and they will look magnificent when viewed on big screen. It is a difficult job to compose and write lyrics for these kinds of films and it cannot be denied that Rahman and Javed Saab have succeeded in giving a classy stuff. The album will slowly but surely get noticed. For those who want Dus bahane to just chill, will find it hard to digest.
Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Written by Sainath