Aarakshan Review {2.0/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
Despite the fact that Prakash Jha's last film Raajneeti had boasted of some memorable music, there is still wee bit apprehension about what really would be in store for Aarakshan. Yes there is a romantic pairing of Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone but then given the serious/topical nature of the film, it must indeed have been a challenge for composer trip Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyricist Prasoon Joshi to get the kind of soundtrack in place that carries enough potential to make an impression outside the theatrical run as well.
MUSIC
Thankfully it is a good beginning for Aarakshan with 'Achha Lagta Hai' turning out to be a catchy melodious outing. The kind of track that manages to make an instant impression due to the intrinsic simplicity that it carries, 'Achha Lagta Hai' also boasts of good lyrics by Prasoon Joshi who amalgamates poetry for Saif's character while making Deepika's portions more jovial and straight-to-the-point, as is also suggested as a part of the song. While Mohit Chauhan is good as always, it is Shreya Ghoshal who seems to be having maximum fun while rendering this number that also reminds one of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's 'Agar Tum Kaho' from Lakshya that had a similar mood and theme.
A celebration number about rising to greater heights as and when opportunity comes calling, 'Mauka' is a hardcore situational track. Surprisingly though the song doesn't quite rise above mediocrity and just manages to pass muster without making one bothering to give it a second listening. However the makers seem to be quite confident of
'Mauka' as they have actually included it's 'remix version' as well. From a 'desi' feel, the song which is co-composed by Prasoon Noshi moves into a Western mode but despite coming together of a horde of singers, namely Mahalakshmi Iyer, Raman Mahadevan, Tarun Sagar, Gaurav Gupta and Rehan, there isn't much that one finds appealing about
'Mauka'.
A song with a strong classical base is heard next in the form of 'Kaun Si Dor' which has Pandit Chhannulal Mishra and Shreya Ghoshal coming together to create a rather sombre outing. It is difficult to imagine the situation in the film where this song would appear since in isolation it just doesn't have much in it to appeal to a wider segment of audience. Eventually the song (which appears again as 'Saans Albeli' as a solo by Pandit Chhannulal Mishra) boils down to merely being a part of the narrative though one strongly suspects that it may end up slowing down the proceedings in a dramatic fare like Aarakshan.
Situational mood of the album continues with 'Roshanee' which has a revolutionary touch to it and is expected to play during the portion of the film when things are heating up as good takes over evil. Shankar Mahadevan leads from the front here in this song which is a decent hear but then again the problem lies in the fact there isn't any shelf life
for the song beyond the film's run in theatres.
OVERALL
Aarakshan doesn't boast of the kind of score that has in it to make waves commercially since almost all songs mainly have a situational appeal to them. Yes, at least 'Achha Lagta Hai' is good that prevents Aarakshan from becoming totally forgettable. However despite low expectations from the soundtrack here, the end result is far more being
satisfactory.
OUR PICK(S)
Achha Lagta Hai
