Guru
Rating
Album of the Month
What's it about?
'Dil Se' is what the trio of Mani Ratnam, Gulzar and A.R.Rahman has come up
with, which can qualify as one of the all time great scores. Needless to say,
'Guru' had to achieve the impossible i.e. surpass 'Dil Se'. The
composer-director duo of A.R.Rahman and Mani Ratnam have always pushed
boundaries coming up with music and sometimes have been unsuccessful - which
has not prevented them from experimenting.
Music ***1/2
To get A.R.Rahman, you need to listen and savour his music; as the
multi-layered notes seep in your psyche gradually. Initial hearing of 'Guru' is
a plethora of sounds that you might be oblivious to and getting past the
seemingly over-produced tracks will reveal intriguing compositions. Of the
soundtracks, 'Tere Bina' is the showstopper, which is also a tribute to Nusrat
Fateh Ali Khan. 'Barso Re' is a pop song set in a village of Gujarat. 'Mayya'
is too complex to appeal to a listener (it's darn boring too). The number that
is bound to haunt you is "Jaage Hain' a lullaby that transforms into a fervent
choir. 'Ek Lo Ek Muft' is a wild composition that is reminiscent of Rahman's
score in 'Daud'. 'Ay Hairathe' is an extension of 'Tere Bina'. The weakest
number of 'Guru's is 'Baazi Laga'.
Lyrics ***
Gulzar is known to depict the mood of the movie by using phrases of the
language, which is the backdrop to the film and in the case of 'Guru', it's
Gujarati, which Gulzar brings out in the whacky 'Ek Lo Ek Muft'. An expression
of anguish, hope and despair in a few words is attained by the lyricist with
'Jaage Hain Der Tak Hamein Kuch Der Sone Do... Ek Baar Phir Neend Mein Woh
Khwaab Bone Do' To employ a phrase that takes you off guard is Gulzar's forte,
for instance, 'Tere Bina' has the verse, 'Tere Bina Beswaadi Ratiyan' (the
night is insipid without you). 'Aye Hairathe' depicts the romantic and impish
side of a twosome. 'Baazi Laga' is entertaining (Chupte Chupte Chaand Sitare
Shankar Rahu Hua) but the run-of-the-mill composition is a let down.
Vocals *
A.R.Rahman is known to surprise the listener by assigning by unlikely
composition to a vocalist, which has most often worked as a pleasant surprise.
'Barso Re', 'Shreya Ghoshal's first Hindi song for Rahman is a convoluted
composition, but the singer seems to make it seem effortless. A.R.Rahman's take
on Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's unique style is laced with a remarkable melody -
moreover, 'Tere Bina' brings forth another remarkable singer's voice, that of
Chinmayee. One more masterstroke in 'Guru' is assigning 'Ek Lo Ek Muft' to
Bappi Lahiri who is phenomenal in his singing - that of a 'wasted' rendition.
Hariharan and Alka Yagnik are in fine form too, singing 'Aye Hairathe'.
Orchestration ***1/2
The orchestration of this Rahman score is a big part of his individualistic
style. The music arrangement of 'Barso Re' does not match nor augment the
composition; mercifully the synth sounds do not jar. Another facet of Rahman's
orchestration that should be curtailed is excessive use of wind instruments.
The flute interlude of 'Mayya' is just the same as 'San Sana Na' from Anu
Malik' Asoka (which was also arranged by Ranjit Barot). The arrangements of
'Baazi Laga' is a yawn - one of the most cliched songs in Rahman's repertoire.
Effective instrumentation that stands out are , 'Aye Hairathe' (harmonium and
tabla) and 'Jaage Hain' (violins, cello and choir).
Recording **
The recording is forward sounding but lacks the detailing in sound. The
separation in the soundtrack is not satisfactory. There is an audible sibilance
in the tracks throughout. The vocals are deficient of its warmth and natural
timbre. The bass lines and rhythm arrangements in 'Guru' are well recorded.
Sum Up
It looking for an easy listening, 'Guru' is not that score. No two ways about
'Guru' being an offbeat score and is unlikely for anyone to instantly like it.
Only the adventurous will appreciate the multifaceted music. Without a doubt
'Dil Se' was better, but 'Guru' is not an appalling experience either.
Tracks to Experience:
Barso Re
Tere Bina
Ek Lo Ek Muft
Aye Hairathe
Jaage hain
Music: A.R.Rahman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Label: Sony BMG
Swapnil Raje
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