Music Review - Raavan – an addictive evil apetiser.

For a while I have realized that listening to A R Rehman’s music albums before watching the films is like reading a novel before seeing its interpretation on screen. For his music creates images in your mind. Powerful images that you take with you to the cinemas. So tough luck, Mr Ratnam, for you have your task cut out with this album. Be it the pompous Beera or the bubbly Ranjha or the naughty Kata Kata, this album is a visual treat, if that makes sense.

The album starts with Beera Beera, aptly used as a teaser to its music launch. One hearing and you know it’s full of promise. The only problem is its too short. 3 minute something – o come on, we need of more that ‘dhama-dham-dham-dham’! Filled with tribal chanting (gibberish?), sound effects and percussions like in Azeemoshan shehnshah, the album sure starts a high note.

Then comes the subtly written Behne de – its sacrificial lyrics and soulful vocals give the album a mature depth. Next up is Thok de Killi. What's with dilli being the muse in cinema? Speaking of which the song is very reminiscent of Kala Bandar from Delhi 6 in the beginning. (I so hope the films better, though). Comparisons in feel to Mani Ratnams previous number – like dhakkalaga buka from yuva or Gurubhai is unavoidable.

And then comes my favorite number – Ranjha Ranjha – fun, chirpy and well sung. There’s something about Rekha Bhardwajs crooning that gives even ordinary songs a facelift (It was only her voice that made Genda Phool such a rage). Then again, this one aint a simple song – lovely prelude and sugary, mushy lyrics. Love this line – ‘ankh ke dosh mein dil bewajah pakada gaya yaaron’.

Khili re is a semiclassical number and for once, the vocals are above the music in this album. And Reema Bhardwaj (Remember the gal who sang yeh rishta kya kehlata hai?) does a brilliant job of it. It’s one of those Rehman songs that can engulf you and take to a dream land - Close your eyes and take walk in the clouds.

The finale of the album, Kata Kata, is a riot of a number. It’s like hearing a more orchestrated (may be slightly over orchestrated?) Rukmani Rukmani. Tongue in cheek lyrics flavoured with rustic vocals of Ila Arun , Sapna Awasthi and a peppy chorus, make this a palpable bachelors party kind of a number.

It was a mammoth task to live up to – to follow Roja, Dil Se, Yuva and Guru . The Rehman-Ratnam duo always manage to go into a reinvention and come up with something brilliant. While is both pointless and unavoidable to equate this with previous Rehman albums, I feel this album has enough to stand on its own merit and needs no comparison. It is a complete album – and will surely top charts!

Rehman has surely delivered a knock out punch. Mr Ratnam, the ball is now in your court!

Reviewed by Kartik K J