Direct Ishq Review {2.5/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
You have fair expectations from the music of Direct Ishq, more so since the promos have indicated that this one has a female protagonist as a budding rock-star in the midst of affairs. There
are as many as eight tracks in the soundtrack, hence establishing the film as a musical. A.M. Turaz is the lyricist, Swati Sharma is the singer (for all but one song) and multiple composers divide
the show amongst themselves.
MUSIC
It is a south style start for 'Direct Ishq' with Swati Sharma, Nakash Aziz and Arjun Daga coming together for an item number. Composed by Tanishq, the song gets a good head-start with
the right beats, pace and hook coming together. This one is catchy enough to fetch attention of the front benchers and the manner in which Nakash sings it; one is reminded of Udit Narayan style of
singing.
It is a fusion outing next with Swati Sharma getting a solo song to her name in the form of Tansihq's 'Duwa Mein'. A situational song that involves some good singing, one just feels
though that the arrangements could have been a tad more coherent. Here, they seem to be a little out of place at certain moments, especially during the musical interspersion. That said, the song is
different for sure and has a classy appeal to it.
The difference in sound is felt in the very next song as well, which again takes a fusion approach, courtesy composer Tanishq. Swati Sharma, Nikhil D'souza and Mridula come together for a Sufi-
Western fusion number that is interestingly titled 'Nimboo Sa Ishq'. The beats are just right for a song like this and though it does take a little time to get used to the sound of
this, give it a couple of hearing and you may grab it.
Composer Vivek Kar makes an entry on the scene with the fusion rock track 'Ganga Maiya'. Swati Sharma is in complete form with this song that has her take center-stage right at the
beginning and is a good companion to the music as it reaches its crescendo. Expect this one to be picturised on the 'ghats' of Ganga even as the leading lady Nidhi Subbaiah hold a guitar and go all
ferocious with her performance.
'Toote Tare' is put together by Raeth Band and they too show their faith in Swati Sharma to let their composition do the talking. Pretty much a follow up to 'Duwa Mein' in
terms of mood, this one goes a level up in terms of its overall set up. While it moves at a slow pace, the good thing is that it stays consistent right through and is much better orchestrated. Hear
this one on a loop and you won't mind this at all.
Composer Vivek Kar returns on the scene with yet another concert outing 'Mera Kissa'. Coming with the right kind of punch that is needed for a song belonging to this genre, it is also
notable for A.M. Turaz's lyrics which are different for sure and totally non-Bollywoodish in its appeal. Expect this one to be played around the pre-climax or climax of the film. In fact there is
an 'unplugged version' that comes in as well and is a worthy successor, what with mildness taking over ferocity and Swati Sharma showing a different facet of her singing capability.
If Tanishq started the album with a dance track 'Direct Ishq', composer Shabir Sultaan Khan concludes one too with a 'desi' track 'Aan Baam'. Carrying a folk sound to it, this
one is sung by Ustaad Anwar Khan Manganiyar who is rustic in his approach. Bearing the kind of sound that made the music of Tanu Weds Manu and its sequel popular, it would basically find an
audience if picturized well.
OVERALL
The music of Direct Ishq throws a surprise. Agreed that it is not exceptional, but given the fact that it has as many as five to six tracks with fusion appeal to it, it is quite unique in a
Bollywood musical set up.
OUR PICK(S)
'Direct Ishq', 'Ganga Maiya', 'Toote Tare', 'Mera Kissa'
