Ram-Leela | There But Not Quite | Music Review

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, director turned composer is back with his new album after 3 years, and yet he has stretched to give 10 tunes. Yesss, you read it write, the album is too long and hence bear with me if the review grows lengthy too. Anyways, while reviewing Guzzarish in same forum, I said, SLB’s music lacks variation and this album has once again stamped my belief.

The movie aims to be an epic love story set in Gujarat and the music also has the traditional folk touch to it. The album opens with the title track, ‘Ram chahe leela’ with a bang !! A kick-start to the album, and the gossip of Piggy chops dancing to its tune as an item girl is definitely going to keep it in chartbuster race. The contemporary lyrics blend with folk music, add to the spice. Indian Idol gal, Bhoomika Trivedi does her debut with this song, and is pretty confident, wishing her all the best.

Next in queue is ‘Lahu munh lag gaya’, Sahil Hada is just OK, trying little too hard. The Gujarati folk music is good and instrumental arrangement is well synched. Followed by ‘Ang laga de’, the sensuous number. It opens with Aditi Paul’s perfectly balanced voice and seductive notes, and at once promises to be one of the best in album. The song duration is approx. 6 mins and though it sounds pretty decent, it remains to be seen whether it’s visually appealing too!

Sahi Hada appears again, this time with ‘Poore Chaand’. I need to admit here that at first, I considered it least promising in the album. But, its one of those which grow on you. Considering SLB’s fixation for moon, this can be expected to produce some great chemistry between Deepika & Ranveer. With all this we are back to, HDDCS ‘Dholi Taro’. Yes, the song, ‘Nagada sang dhol’ seems to be a sequel. In this dandiya season, its definitely going to set some dance floors on fire. The disturbing factor, is the lyrics, ‘dhaiyan dhaiyan dhum’, c’mon everyone knows how a dhol sounds.

Here comes my personal favorite in album, ‘Laal Ishq’. Arjit Singh, Aashiqui2 & YJHD fame, is making it a habit to get the best tunes. The subtle and effortless singing, with the tinkle of temple bells gives it a soothing feel. The track is well grounded in classical music and though it treads over six minutes, this one is sheer beauty! This is for ones in love.

‘Ishqyaun Dhishkyaun’ the fun element in the album in the voice of Aditya Narayan. The lyrics are too juvenile and totally different from album’s mood. But SLB proves himself again, the music still remains the same and does not go along with happy go lucky lyrics. The only duet in the album, ‘Mor Bani’, is a traditional Gujarati song. Next in line is, ‘Dhoops se’, with Shreya Ghoshal to bring it to life. She once again proves why she can be compared to music veterans of the industry. An emotional and passionate song.

Album ends with, ‘Tattad tattad’, being used for film’s promotion. This one has nothing much to offer other than Ranveer’s  body show.

Verdict – SLB has improved but lacks variety to its hard core, and really can’t warranty the kind of commercial elements that could have ensured a chartbuster status. But still we appreciate this attempt at the traditional folk melodies, in the world of ‘Chikni Chameli’ or ‘Anarkali disco’. Rating – 3/5

Written By: Neha Jain