Mohenjo Daro Music Review

Ashutosh Gowariker's Mohenjo Daro, one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year, is slated to release on the 12th of August, 2016.  A period romance set in the ancient city of Mohenjo Daro of the Indus Valley Civilization, the film stars Hrithik Roshan and Pooja Hegde in lead roles. Hegde makes her Bollywood debut with this film.

The trailer of the film was released recently, and while the trailer itself was panned by most critics, one aspect was almost unanimously appreciated - A.R. Rahman's music. Mohenjo Daro marks the latest collaboration between Gowariker, Rahman and lyricist Javed Akhtar - eight years after the huge musical success of Jodhaa Akbar (2008). Rahman's compositions have been integral to the success of Gowariker's most acclaimed works. Expectations were, therefore, sky-high from this particular album!

One would be hard pressed to find one word to describe this album. It lacks the inventiveness of Lagaan, but it is also experimental and vivid in places. It lacks the grounded-ness of Swades, as it is broader in its scope and appeal. Most of the songs are rich in their music and beats and particularly the use of the flute, but there is also a meditative and reflective quality to the album. It is both quiet and stirring. 

The album opens with the title track, "Mohenjo Mohenjo". Arijit Singh takes the lead vocals and lends a soulful and composed voice to an otherwise rapid and energetic composition. There is a lot going on in the song - from the elements of ground music spread throughout the song, to the percussion beats, to the voices of Rahman and Bela Shende that add to the rousing chorus, to Sanah Moidutty's voice at the end - this one might not be the most original of songs, but it is definitely well-orchestrated.

"Sindhu Ma" is suddenly quieter, more soulful, but just as well composed. The song starts with an instrumental and solo parts by Sanah Moidutty and Rahman, and then takes up the tune of "Tu Hai". The vocals are interspersed with the music of the flute. However, it almost seems like it is lacking something, but we suspect that this is one song that needs visuals to really finish it up.

Shashaa Tirupathi's voice opens "Sarsariya". Shashwat Singh, who made his Bollywood debut with "Wat Wat" from Tamasha (2015), accompanies Tirupathi. The song is unfortunately a bit of a let down. The singing is decent, but the melody is strictly average. Perhaps we feel particularly let down because we have high expectations from Rahman, but this one fails to really get anywhere.

"Tu Hai", though, is utterly, gorgeously beautiful! A.R. Rahman and Sanah Moidutty lend their voices to this melodious piece. Unlike most of the other songs in the album, this one lets the vocals take center stage - and to a composition that is exquisitely crafted. "Tu Hai" is definitely one of the highlights of this album.

"Whispers of the Mind" and "Whispers of the Heart" are both somewhat meditative and reflective pieces backed by the quiet, deep vocals of Arjun Chandy and chants in the background. Hauntingly beautiful, both songs have a lasting, peaceful quality to them.

In "The Shimmer of Sindhu", Rahman lets Keba Jeremiah and Kareem Kamalakar weave magic with the help of the guitar and the flute. There is something hauntingly beautiful, exquisite and serene about this rendition that seems to go beyond even the scope of vocals. Rahman and Moidutty are both wonderful in "Sindhu Ma" and "Tu Hai", but it is this instrumental version of the song that touches you the most. If you get the chance to listen to just one song from this album, make sure it is this one! 

The album closes with "Lakh Lakh Thora". Tapas Roy plays the mandolin in this instrumental version of  "Sarsariya", while Naveen Kumar plays the flute. The melody stands out a lot more in this piece than it does in "Sarsariya". The album certainly ends on a high with this rendition of the song. 

Writer: Tanisha N.

Editor: Gunia K.

Graphics: Nadia N.