Shanghai: Music Review

Music Director: Vishal Dadlani & Shekhar Ravjiani
Lyricist: Dibakar Banerjee, Vishal Dadlani, Anvita Dutt Guptan, Neelesh Misra and Kumaar.
Singers: Shekhar Ravjiani, Raja Hasan, Kirti Sagathia, Richa Sharma, Nandini Srikar
Rating: ***

Emraan Hashmi has some luck when it comes to music. Most of his film songs have been chartbusters and his upcoming release 'Shanghai' doesn't fare bad either. Vishal and Shekhar's music is versatile, creative and edgy.

Shanghai's theme track 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' is almost a parody on the country's way of functioning and has written by the director himself: Dibakar Banerjee. This is perhaps the best track in the album and is instantly catchy. 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' has also been well received with Keerti Sagathia and Vishal Dadlani on the vocals. Bhupesh and Dibakar join Vishal and Kirti to add that extra punch to the song and bring out the quirkiness of the lyrics. The remix version is equally good and works well where other remix versions of songs have failed.

'Imported Kamariya' as the title suggests is far from an item number. Written by Anvita Dutt, it's almost as if the satire on our country runs through the lyrics of the album. Richa Sharma leads the vocals with Vishal and Shekhar chipping in their bit. 'Imported Kamariya ' is a desi track that is just about average, failing to re-create the magic of a 'Sheila Ki Jawaani'.

Next up is 'Duaa' an intensely poignant song that manages to wrench out the emotions from listeners. It's a subtle, sad song that has been well written by Kumaar. Nandini Srikar's strong voice modulations match well with Arijit Singh and Shekhar's who join Nandini as additional vocalists. 'Duaa' is a certain pleaser with an Indian classical feel to it.

Neelesh Misra's lyrics do wonders for 'Khudaaya' which follows up next on the album. With Raja Hasan on the vocals, Shekhar Ravjiani lends his voice too to this soft, sad, strangely romantic number. It's not an instant hit but grows on eventually after a few listens. Sadly, the remix version of this song is nothing like that of ''Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and should be easily ignored.

'Morcha' written by Vishal Dadlani is more of a preachy song that's not exactly entertaining but manages to score above average with Raja Hasan on the vocals who is accompanied by Vishal himself.

'Mantra Vishnu Sahasranamam' finishes last on the album. Sung by Srivatsa Krishna, this song is a devotional chant that calls out to Lord Vishnu in his many avatars. It's long, traditional yet one that manages to lure listeners and leave them with a soothing effect.

Overall, Vishal and Shekhar have done a good job with the music of Shanghai though it may not be a sensational hit like some of their earlier albums. But it has surely worked its way through listeners and is gaining popularity. 'Duaa' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai ' are absolute favourites. Thumbs Up to the duo.