Drona

Article Updated 11 September, 2008 03:48:30 PM IST

Drona

After the association of Amitabh Bachchan and Ramesh Behl, which gave us memorable movies like 'Kasme Vaade' and 'Pukar' that boasted of good audio scores, the next generation too is carrying the tradition forward. Yes, we are obviously referring to Abhishek Bachchan and Goldie Behl, who are back again with 'Drona', after the melodious 'Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai'.

The title song 'Drona' announces itself loud and clear. It is inter-spersed with a whole range of delightful melodies, beats and rhythms. The music is highly futuristic with good use of western instruments like the guitar, synthesizer, woodwinds and drums, along with the superb use of plates and beads. The lyrics in the title song convey the fantasy element and the larger than life character of the lead protagonist Drona, through some superbly crafted words. The mukhda itself is spellbinding and makes one anxious to hear more. "Kahin door sehra ke saaye mein. Machna tha koi toofan. Aur ek maseeha ke aane ka. Likh ke gaya elaan, Drona."

Since Dhruv (the composer and singer) is associated with a club called the Blue Frog in Bombay, which is frequented by foreigners, he has used the experience to gather a wide knowledge of worldwide music. In addition, he used it in an excellent way to the credit of the composition. The song should be used extensively by the makers for the promotional aspect of the film as well as the audio. Dhruv excels as both a composer and singer. This one can be labeled as one of the best title songs heard this year.

'Drona- Redux' by Sunidhi Chauhan is another delightful version of the spellbinding title track. Sunidhi is a class act as she renders the number to perfection.

The queen of item numbers, Sunidhi Chauhan returns once again behind the microphone for the classy, hip shaking dance number, 'Oop Oop Cha', where she is supported by Nandini Srikar. The song is sure to set the clubs, pubs and discos on fire. The song features twice in the album. The second one is just a space filler, but who minds! The start of the song is very interesting and different with lots of metallic sounds and synthesized notes, giving way to a superb rhythmic mukhda, 'Oop Oop Cha'. The composer Ashu sure knows his music well and has created a unique dance track. The superb metallic flute notes in the background, along with nice, hard calypso drumming (Afrikaana sounds) is the high-light of the track. It has been excellently enacted and danced to by Priyanka, who sure looks hot in the promos. What is unique and praise-worthy about the item number is that it is not cheap or based on love like most of the dance tracks are today. In fact, it is inspiring and encouraging and Sunidhi puts lots of feeling and attitude to some hat ke lyrics by Vaibhav Modi (which may act as a dampener for the general public).

Soft sitar and tabla sounds commence one of the most enchanting romantic, love ballads of the year, the petal soft 'Bandagi'. All those die-hard romantics still feasting on 'Teri Ore' ('Singh Is Kinng') get ready for 'Bandagi', as it will definitely liven up the emotions.

The composer has dared to choose Sunidhi (mostly heard in item numbers) and she proves true to the faith that has been entrusted in her with a superb rendition. Roop Kumar Rathod gets to render a number true to his potential and he shows his mettle through some high quality singing. The semi-classical part of the song, as well as the mukhda, is the USP of the track. After a long time (since 'Dholna' from 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa') we have heard an excellent, totally Hindustani composition. The use of Indian musical instruments like flute, sitar, jaltarang, and tabla are a delight to the ears. The track also boasts some superb jugalbandi and background alaaps.

We next run into one of the best 'Loris' in recent times - 'Nanhe Nanhe'. The song is rendered by Sadhna Sargam who is simply awesome, although giving her ample support is Nandini Srikar. Sadhna sounds so much like Lata that in fact, if one does not see the credits, it is difficult to imagine that it is someone else singing. Her control over her vocals is extraordinary, as she effortlessly delivers a very difficult to render track. Picturized on Jaya Bachchan, the number will sure be one of the highlights of the movie. The fusion of Indian raaga and western instruments has been effectively done here. The female background chorus comes up with the signature tune of 'Drona', which blends well with the main song. A loving, caring mother's effort to put her child to sleep is well conveyed through the lyrics. The song concludes with an excellent flute piece.

The album ends with Shaan's 'Khushi'. "Raat aur hum saath mein. Ro liye. Has diye. Aur gunguna ne lage." With these philosophical (and a bit off track!) words, Shaan's sweet, dew fresh vocals commence 'Khushi', which later turns out to be a sweet, romantic number! A host of other chorus singers like Suzanne D'Mello, Francois Castellino, Dean and Sunaina Gupta join in this fun filled number. The song is reminiscent of the late Kishore Da's lovable tracks from the sixties (Chalti Ka Naam Gadi), but it has been flavored in a new manner to cater to the sensibilities of the new age listeners. There are also embedded portions of the 'Lori' melody. The superb use of saxophone, trumpets and drums convey the jazz and in part rock and roll flavor of the track. It will serve as a tension reliever in this high octane drama.

The scriptwriter of Drona, Jaydeep Sarkar promised us that we would hear new sounds in the album and he was on spot. The music is quite revolutionary (musically), the arrangements are of international standards and the resulting album quite hat ke, with fresh tunes and melodies. The title track, 'Bandagi' and 'Nanhe Nanhe' are the standout tracks. This album is definitely worth a buy.

Rating: 7.5/10

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