Bangistan Review {2.0/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
One isn't really sure of what to expect from the music of Bangistan. Since this one is not a quintessential comic affair in the offering, and has very minimal dose of romance, composer Ram Sampath and lyricist Puneet Krishna have a task in hand to come up with something truly exciting. They try doing so with half a dozen songs. However, the end result isn't enthralling.
MUSIC
Sona Mohapatra and Abhishek Nailwal come together for 'Ishq Karenge', a fusion qawalli with liberal Western influences to it, and try to pick up pace right from the start. Shadaab Faridi too is roped in for added measure to give the song a Sufi touch. However, the song appears dated by 4-5 years and while it tries to pick up ropes from a Farah Khan or Sajid Khan directed affair in terms of its overall flavor and presentation, the end result doesn't quite make you hit the dance floors. Though the makers have that intention for sure by bringing on an 'EDM version' as well, even a repeat hearing doesn't help.
The song that follows, 'Hogi Kranti', is aimed at being a spoof where a youngster wants to make terrorism as his profession. Based on the theme of 'Hum Honge Kaamyaab', this Hinglish number tries to be all funny and jolly but, at least musically, it doesn't come across as one. Ram Sampath and Abhishek Nailwal come together for this rather boring number that simply misses the kind of energy that could have just helped it sail through.
As is the need of the hour is for every soundtrack that releases today, even Bangistan has a party song in it. Titled 'Saturday Night', the song is inspired by Russian folk and while there is a local artist (Janusz Krucinski) in there as well to bring in the authenticity, the end result is just about decent. Yet again, what one misses is the energy quotient here and despite the presence of Aditi Singh Sharma, Benny Dayal and Neeraj Shridhar, the song doesn't really go the extra mile. Still, it is better than the ones heard before this.
Thankfully, there is something exciting that actually comes your way with Rituraj Mohanty and Ram Sampath sung 'Maula'. Puneet Krishna writes a meaningful song here and composer Sampath brings in the right sensitivity to the composition by ensuring that it doesn't get into a frivolous zone. A soothing number that questions the essence of religion and how there needs to be tolerance amongst the fanatics, 'Maula' should come at a crucial juncture in the film's narrative.
On the same lines arrives 'Meri Zidd' which is about a terrorist realizing that true heaven is on this earth and for that one needs to live, and not aspire to die. Siddharth Basrur and Ram Sampath come together for this rock track which at times also reminds one of Sampath's 'Bhaag Dk Bose' (Delhi Belly) in terms of its pace and arrangement. Though the song is more of a campus rock play, one waits to see how it finds an inclusion in the film's narrative.
Suraj Jagan and Abhishek Nailwal take the album to its conclusion with 'Is Duniya Se Ladna Hai' and don't really manage to lend the soundtrack a fitting finale. A rock track again, this one is strictly situational, despite its pace and rhythmic feel.
OVERALL
As a film, Bangistan is not quite a musical and though there are a good six-seven numbers thrown in, eventually it would all boil down to how the music is integrated into the film.
OUR PICK(S)
'Maula', 'Saturday Night'
