Chak De India

Article Updated 11 August, 2007 12:59:28 AM IST

Chak De India

The wait is finally over for the lovers of some 'hat ke' (different) music, especially as 'Chak De India' is a very 'hat ke' movie, in the literal sense! Ever since the first promo (with 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom') was screened, SRK's rap and the unique, aggressive style title track, made an impact on a section of the audience. For all those, who were fed up with the same old rehashed, commercial music dished out by our top music directors of today, this latest offering from the Yash Raj stable will definitely be an experience to savour. More so, because the very talented Salim-Suleiman are at the helm of affairs.

The album commences on the right note with the mind-blowing, inspirational composition 'Kuch Kariye', rendered to perfection by the king of inspirational numbers, Sukhwinder Singh. This situational title track has been used to lift up the spirit of the hockey team. It conveys the 'fight or perish' ("Nowhere to run, Nowhere to hide, Its the time to do or die") attitude of the players perfectly. Jaideep Sahni's (who is also the scriptwriter) lyrics are just exceptional - "Goonjon mein galiyon mein, Rashan ki phaliyon mein, Belon mein beejon mein, Eidon mein teejon mein, Raiton ke daanon mein....Honkara aaj bhar de, Nas nas mein aag bhar de."

Jaideep is a welcome addition to the likes of Prasoon Joshi. They are the real intellectuals and are also well read. Together they will be the future Gulzars and Javed Akhtars of Bollywood. The superb musical arrangements, which alternate between slow and fast tempo, as per the emphasis on the lyrics (along with exceptional lyrics and singing), makes this number vie for honours with the best inspirational tracks, is the attraction of this number.

Guitar strumming and a lively chorus commences 'Baadal Pe Paon Hain'. The 'Awara Bhavre' girl, Hema Sardesai, is back after a long hiatus and she gets to deliver the same style of composition, which she renders with élan. Some cute lyrics sum up the hopes and enthusiasm of the girls, as they set forth from their homes to achieve their aim. "Baadal pe paon hai, Chhoota ab gaon hai, Ab to hai chal padi, Apni ye naon hai."

Well, on to the track that is fast becoming an anthem for the school/college going girls, 'Ek Hockey Doongi Rakh Ke'. The track commences with Shah Rukh Khan's rap (We saw shades of his rap singing and loved it in the promotional video of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 3'). "This is the story of a team, And they are playing for their one and only dream, To win the world cup, So you better back up, B'coz they are coming on now, And they are coming on how, Get out of their way, As they are screaming Chakde!"

The song (if we may call it that!) concludes with SRK singing in a very slow pace but 'in tune' ('sur mein') "Chak De, Chak De, Chak De India", almost as if he is coaxing his players to 'just go and do it'. Just amazing. Kudos to Salim–Suleiman for this superlative composition that seems to be tailor made for the movie and of course to Jaideep Sahni for the so very appropriate, humorous and highly entertaining rap portions, through which the players from various states of India introduce themselves. There is never a dull moment. The intermittent "Chal zara zara sa, Dara dara sa hatke, Chal zara zara sa dara dara sa bachke, Ek hockey doongi main rakhke", is the highlight of the track and hammers in the aggressive, confident almost mean style of the female protagonists.

Synthesized and digitally arranged Shah Rukh voice commences 'Hockey Remix'. Medival Punditz (Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj), who earlier did a fabulous job in SRK's, 'Don-The chase begins' ('Don Revisited') excel. The remix is of top international quality, in terms of musical arrangements and singing.

We move on to 'Bad Bad Girls', a situational, characterization composition. Its quite reminiscent of Michael Jackson's 'I am bad'. The lyrics etch out the rebellious character of (especially) Bindiya Nayak, the real mean, bad girl of the team. Anushka Manchanda does a fine job and sings the rap portions with feelings.

Next up, is the very unique 'Sufi' style, devotional composition 'Maula Mere Le Le Meri Jaan'. As the lyrics suggest, this a very morose, sentimental, situational track, which may not find universal appreciation because of its slow pace and sad theme. What should be noted here is that the style of rendition is as unique as it is a beautiful mix/fusion of the 'qeerat' (holy 'Quran' recitation style) and bhajan singing. Salute to Salim-Suleiman for this very unique idea, which no other music director has attempted before (Ghazal maestro tried it once). Krishna, who up till now had been relegated to the background, singing 'alaaps' etc, gets to show his potential as a classical singer, along with Salim Merchant. The only drawback is the 'antara', which is highly inspired by S.D. Burman's , 'Mere Saajan Hain Us Paar' from Ashok Kumar and Nutan's evergreen classic, 'Bandini'. One can almost say it with surety that this track must be picturised on 'Kabir Khan' the 'fallen hero' portions of 'Chakde! India'.

Last but not least, is King Khan himself in 'Sattar Minute', which obviously refers to the duration of the hockey match that lasts seventy minutes (apart from the break). Here is coach SRK, in a very business like manner (devoid of emotions and histrionics) urging his players to just go and do their best in the seventy minutes. His base, almost gruff tenor advising the girls that they can be a hero or a zero, and it all depends on how well they play and apply themselves to pressure situations. It is extremely inspiring. The beauty of 'Sattar Minute' is that Shah Rukh Khan (the talented and experienced actor that he is), conveys the mood, the theme of the movie through this piece without it ever sounding like he is giving a sermon or a lecture.

All in all, the audio album can easily be termed as almost a perfect musical version of the movie and could not have been done any better. The late delivery of the 'Chakde! India' audio may not have helped its cause, but the sales have started trickling in and with the movie releasing and Independence Day around the corner, expect a big pick up, and very soon.

Rating: 8/10

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