Music Review Jazbaa

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Sanjay Gupta films are known for their music. In fact he is one of the rare filmmakers who has a knack of bringing in chartbuster foot tapping songs even in his action thrillers. From Kaante to Musafir to Shootout At Wadala and more, his films have always boasted of at least a couple of smash hit songs each. Hence, one expects the same deal in Jazbaa as well that has a bunch of composers, lyricists and singers collaborating of music.

MUSIC

For last few years, Amjad-Nadeem have been delivering music for Bollywood flicks. With Jazbaa, they get one of their biggest breaks; what with Sanjay Gupta roping them in for the opening number 'Bandeyaa'. In fact he also joins hands with them to write lyrics for this song that has a pensive mood to it and lends an uncharacteristic mood to the album right at the beginning. In fact the stage is set right for what would eventually follow as it is apparent that Sanjay Gupta wanted a new sound for Jazbaa, what with a 'jazbaati' number kick-starting the proceedings.

No wonder, the song is sung first (quite well) by Jubin Nautiyal and later a 'reprise' version is heard too in the vocals of Asees Kaur who does well again after delivering a couple of good numbers earlier this year – 'Mohabbat Yeh' [Ishqedarriyaan] and 'Na Jaane' [Kuch Kuch Locha Hai].

Arko gets to compose and write two songs soon after and it is 'Kahaaniya' that arrives first. Nilofer Wani makes her debut as a Bollywood singer for the song which appears to be an introduction number for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's character in the film. A situational number, it is easy on ears (courtesy Nilofer's unique voice) though one does wonder how it would be placed in the film which is expected to be a fast paced thriller with edge of the seat moments.

No wonder, the song that arrives next turns out to be a perfect fit in the soundtrack as it has the kind of pace, mood, stage, setting and vibe to it that goes totally with the milieu that is expected to be created by Sanjay Gupta in Jazbaa. A chartbuster all the way with Badshah showing once again that he is enjoying the time of his life in the studios as well as in front of the camera, 'Aaj Raat Ka Scene' is also made special due to Shraddha Pandit's naughty and enticing voice that is entirely in synch with the song's genre. Now a couple of more such songs in Jazbaa and it could just have been one terrific commercial album.

The mood changes all over again though with Arko's 'Jaane Tere Shehar', a 'ghazal' that has been rendered by Vipin Anneja. The singer had earlier left a mark in a boisterous 'Saheb Bada Hatila' [Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster] which was a superb situational track. With 'Jaane Tere Shehar' though, he changes track and goes sober for a romantic setting that befits Irrfan' subtle love for Aishwarya in Jazbaa. Again, one waits to see the song's placement in the film to know how it all fits into the narrative.

OVERALL

Soundtrack of Jazbaa is completely opposite to what one had expected in a Sanjay Gupta film. Instead of something thrilling and fast paced, the mood here is sober and quiet. It is clear that the filmmaker wanted to experiment with the music here and though one waits to see the kind of recollection that the soundtrack enjoys over the years, they do sound different indeed from what is being served in the current musical scene.

OUR PICK(S)

'Aaj Raat Ka Scene', 'Bandeyaa', 'Jaane Tere Shehar'

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more