Music Review : Bad Luck Govind

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Director : Music : Lyrics : Starring : Varun Khanna Abu Malik Madan Pal Gaurav Kapoor, Hrishita Bhatt, Govind Namdeo, Vrajesh Hirjee, Zakir Hussain and Parmeet Sethi By Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network Director Varun Khanna and composer Abu Malik share a very special relationship, having worked together for all their three films. Incidentally, Varun Khanna made his debut with AMERICAN BLEND, a cross over bilingual film (starring Anupam Kher) that saw Abu Malik too making his debut as a music director. Abu is the younger brother of famous composer Anu Malik and son of veteran composer, the late Sardar Malik. Abu impressed in AMERICAN BLEND with some really good music which was a beautiful blend of Jazz, Pop, Rock and Indian classical, all in keeping with the demand of the film. He handled veteran and professional singers like Daler Mehni, Sonu Nigam and Richa Sharma with ease. So, once again music lovers are in for a special treat as Varun and Abu come together again for BAD LUCK GOVIND and this time its pure Hindi film, a film (in the director's own words) that would find resonance with - our people, our culture, our beliefs, and our spirituality. Before going on to review the music we must know the concept of the film as the music is totally connected to the script and hence the film. So, let’s indulge ourselves to music which is pure bliss. The concept of BAD LUCK GOVIND, to a certain extent, is influenced by the Daishonin Nichiren's Buddhist chant Nam -Myoho Renge Kyoh - which put simply is waking up to the true nature of life and realizing that all things are connected, and through the close relationship between us and our surroundings, we have the ability to change ourselves and the world we live in. So, the track "Nam Myoho Renge Kyoh" can also be classified as the theme or the title (even though the title is missing!) track. Abu Malik's genius as a composer is brought to fore here in this outstanding track. As the composer himself says, "Music is an alignment of notes and beats in a proper manner, otherwise it would be noise." and one must commend him for making this alignment of soothing notes and ethereal beats a heavenly listening experience for all. He has done a difficult task of connecting the chants to music in a very interesting manner, a task which would be difficult to achieve even by the most experienced composers. Sunidhi shows her class as she effortlessly renders this simple but superbly melodious track. The lyrics by Madan Pal are inspirational and beautiful. The message conveyed is divine and anyone hearing the song will definitely come out a much better person, so inspiring are the thoughts. Sample this, "Dekho sunlo kahta hai kya bahti nadi ka paani, Kaisa bhi ho samay ka rasta, Jeevan ek ravani, Manzil milne se pehle hi raah mein ruk na jaana, Geeton ko sur mein gaana, Duniya ko swarg banana." What profound thoughts indeed! The second version is a duet by Sunidhi and Abu and one is quite surprised with Abu's singing capabilities. His voice is sweet sounding and with Sunidhi he strikes just the right chords. Next up is the boisterously crazy "Duniya Hai Gol Gol", a number that is entirely situational and is sung by Mika Singh in his deep sonorous voice. The "Mauja Mauja' singer puts in all his zest and energy in rendering the number that is based on Marathi folk dance, Lavni. Vigorous 'dholak' thumps and rhythmic synchronized electronic beats form the backbone of a number that is highly enjoyable. A group 'mobster' number, (if one may say!) that is full of 'dhamal' and 'masti' and its lyrics by veteran lyricist Madan Pal, also convey a message that its the money that makes the world go round but its our actions (Karm) that determines our destiny.

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Kunal Ganjawala's dew fresh vocals take total command in this hip hop, super rhythmic song, "Kismat Bole Toh", a composition that is once again situational and there are two versions of this track. The lyrics are in keeping with the demand of the script and the relevance of good luck is highlighted through some suitable words penned in a very apt way. The wishful thinking of the lead protagonist is hilariously written. Abu showed his command over jazz and rock in his earlier album, and here in this track he yet again uses this form of music to superb effect. The use of saxophone, trumpet, electronic guitar is absolutely wonderful and the chorus singing an absolute delight. In fact, this is one number that even his more illustrious brother would be proud of as Abu has managed in a way to upstage his style reminiscent of the MARD and JEETE HAIN SHAAN SE days. A word for Kunal who changes his vocals from soft and smooth to deep and gets into an absolutely rocking form in the rockish parts.

The second version is sung by the composer himself and without any offence to Kunal (who was excellent); Abu is great, in fact better than even Kunal. Of course, he being the music director certainly knows the finer nuances and puts in all the right emotions.

The album comes to a close with the super fast dance track, " Gorakh Dhanda" (in fact there are three versions of the number) that could have been better titled "Oye Sonya, Oye Makhna", as this rhythmic chorus is repeated throughout the song and can be called the highlight of the track also. The reigning number one of hip hop Punjabi 'bhangra' Laab Junjwa is in full form in a number that takes inspiration from Sanjay Gupta's item songs and one must commend Abu for putting in his own style, although one wished that he had gone in for a fresher tune. The song appears to give a thriller element to the album as can be gauged from its musical arrangements. But the lead singers and the absolutely kicking musical arrangements that has its base in keyboards, drums, plates and other percussion instruments are fresh. The lyricist too needs a pat on the back for fusing a message in an item number.

"Gorakh Dhanda Dhol Mix" is the remixed version of the dance track and true to its title it’s full of thumping 'dhol' beats that makes it more 'bhangra' oriented and a number that could well be used in club and discotheques.

"Gorakh Dhanda Duet" has Punjabi singer, Harshdeep sharing centre-stage (but only in the credits) in a number that is once again Labh Jhunjwa dominated and there is not much change from the original.

All in all the audio album of BAD LUCK GOVIND could not have been more apt, keeping in mind the genre and basic storyline of the film. Even otherwise, there are some good numbers, especially the wonderful "Nam Myoho Renge Kyoh", the boisterous "Duniya Hai Gol Gol" and not to forget "Kismat Bole To". The album has the potential to become popular after the 'different in the real sense' BAD LUCK GOVIND hits the screen!

Rating - 3/5