Music: Illairaaja

Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire

Label: T-Series

Rating: 3/5 

One thing that is really exciting about Paa's music is it's simplicity with melody, words and arrangements. Second, keeping in mind the unique subject of the film, it's even more exciting to see where these pieces of music will be used. The music suggests that the film is going to be drama, with some comic elements to it. But well, wait till you watch. As far as the number of songs goes, the album contains seven tracks. The vocals are rendered by the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Shilpa Rao, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shaan. Lyricist Swanand Kirkire, who has been delivering really great stuff of late (latest, 3 Idiots) pushes you to listen to the songs closely, but the wordplay is hook oriented.

The first track Muddi muddhi ittefaq se is a jazz influenced piece with a very easy groove to it. Be it Shilpa Rao's voice, the fab guitar solo, distinct bass lines or the simple melody, the track is largely radio friendly. To add, Shilpa Rao sounds very racy - quite different to what we have heard from her. Rao sings this same song with a little twist in the words - so, from Muddi Muddi - it becomes Uddi uddi ittefaq se (and that gives you a new version!). However, the first version sounds much better. But of all versions,  Shaan's reprise version (Gali muddi ittefaq se) of the same song strikes a chord at a deeper level.  

It's common knowledge that A R Rahman is largely influenced by Illayaraja. In the next track Gumm Summ Gumm, one realizes where Rahman gets his inspirations from. The arrangements, not just musical, but also choral are very identical. This song has a very pacifying melody and is most likely meant for kids. Sung by Bhavatharani, Shravan & Chorus, the song will also throw you back in time when the music of 'Roja' was quite popular 

The next track Hichki Hichki has a typical south Indian flavor to it. Sunidhi Chauhan sings this expressive song quite well. But after a few listens, one gets a feeling this is a kind of melody which Asha Bhosle is known to pull off! The song is probably the second best on the album. The best of all is (undoubtedly) Muddi Muddi and Shaan's version of the same song 

Short on time line, but of great musical value, Halke se bole has interesting  chorus pieces. One wonders this could have very well be developed in full blown song. Sadly, it stops when it just starts building up! 

Big B comes next to sing Mere Paa - but you won't hear him sing in the rich baritone voice he's known for. Senior Bachchan has probably gone into the character and sung it like a kid. Mere Paa sounds like a conversational song between a father and son. The song is laced with all the senseless lyrics you can ever imagine a child could make up!

Last word

Paa is largely situational… there is little doubt that Ilairaaja is one of the best when it comes to composing music of challenging story lines like that of Paa. (the ace composer had also composed for Sadma (1983))Besides Ilairaaja fans, the album will also find a connection with Rahmaniacs, given the obvious similarities        

Our Pick

Muddi muddi ittefaq se – Shilpa Rao

Gali muddi ittefaq se – Shaan

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