Laal Rang Review {2.0/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
You expect a rustic soundtrack from Laal Rang, considering the fact that the film is based out of Haryana. Moreover, since it is an offbeat affair, one doesn't hunt for commercial music that would set the charts ablaze. Vipin Patwa, Mathias Duplessy and Shiraz Uppal compose while Mange Ram Koch, Dushyant Kumar, Shakeel Sohail, Kausar Munir and Vikas Kumar contribute with lyrics.
MUSIC
Vipin Patwa composes and sings Mange Ram Koch written 'Bhaang Ragad Ke' with Vikas Kumar joining in as the vocalist. There is a trance element added to this haunting piece that has a 'desi' beat to it and does catch your attention due to its interesting hook. A Haryanvi number, it has limited appeal though and is mainly for the film's narrative.
The 'desi' flavor continues with Mathias Duplessy composed and Dushyant Kumar written 'Bawli Booch'. The phrase is quite common in Haryana and the manner in which Vikas Kumar sings this one, you are quite sure that the youngster belongs to the region. Yet another situational number which stays entirely in the Haryanvi zone. What works in its favor though is its happy feel.
There is a break of sorts though from Haryana with Shiraz Uppal putting together a romantic number 'Mera Mann'. With a Sufi flavor to it, this Shakeel Sohail written number doesn't break any new grounds and stays in the zone that has been left far behind by Emraan Hashmi almost 3-4 years back. Kashif Ali and Shiraz Uppal sing this one well but one doesn't see this one covering much of a distance.
Haunting sound of a guitar kick-starts the proceedings for Kausar Munir written 'Aye Khuda' that is sung by Mukhtiyar Ali and Sameer Khan. A fusion track, this one is composed by Mathias Duplessy and has sad undertones to it which does try to find an elevation as it progresses, but doesn't do much.
The composer, lyricist, singer team (sans Mukhtiyar Ali) continues to move ahead with 'Laali' which actually turns out to be a better outing. Working well with the core theme of the film (which is about blood racket), it is haunting, though again restricted by its stage and setting.
Vipin Patwa and Vikas Kumar come together again for 'Kharch Karod' which is actually more entertaining than some of the other songs that have been composed for the album. Staying in a fun zone with the Haryanvi element intact, what works for it is the consistency that it demonstrates right from the 'antara' to the 'mukhda'. Though there isn't much to write about the slower version, this one works just fine.
OVERALL
Laal Rang is different, though restricted by its genre, and hence the reach.
OUR PICK(S)
'Kharch Karod', 'Bhaang Ragad Ke'