Music Review: Veer (2010)

Artist: Sonu Niigaam, Wajid, Neuman Pinto, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Suzanne D’Mello, Rekha Bhardwaj, Sharib Sabri, Toshi Sabri, Shabaab Sabri, Sukhwinder Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Roop Kumar Rathod, Shreya Ghoshal

Music Director: Sajid-Wajid

Lyricist: Gulzar

Label: Eros Music

Genre: Bollywood

Rating: 2.5/5

When one listens to the Veer album, they know right away that Sajid-Wajid have clearly tried to make music different from their usual kind. Now, how far it will impress audiences is yet to be seen…

The album opens with Taali, sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Rahat Ali Khan, Wajid and Neuman Pinto. A track about warriors and victory, it sounds like an AR Rahman composition. But it suits the film and makes for a good listen. It also has another version; a solo by Sukhwinder that is only a lot more dramatic.

The next track, Surili Akhiyon Waali is one of the most romantic songs one could come across these days. Complete with beautiful lyrics and perfectly sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the song couldn’t have been any better. While it is somewhat tragic, it is nonetheless one of the album’s best songs. It also has a duet version, with Sunidhi Chauhan, which sounds slightly better than the original.

Salaam Aya, the next song, has some good vocals by Roop Kumar Rathod and Shreya Ghoshal. While it is not quite on the same level as the earlier track, it has a place of its own.

Meherbaniyan, a dance number, sung by Sonu Niigaam comes next. It is probably one of those tracks on the album that will attract masses. While it is a misfit for a period film, audiences may still enjoy it.

Then comes Kanha, a Thumri number, by Rekha Bhardwaj and Toshi-Sharib. A nice classical music piece, which will hopefully do some good for the film, Kanha makes sure that it’s not just the classical music lovers who enjoy it.

The closing track of the album is an instrumental track, The Spirit of Veer, which is the theme of the film. It is somewhat average and it leaves one wondering why it isn’t as dramatic as the film’s story goes.

In short, it is a refreshing change to see Sajid-Wajid shift from their usual style of music and try something new. Gulzar’s lyrics also do wonders. The album would probably get noticed a lot more if the film does well. As of now, all we can say is it’s good for a try. But if you’re looking for chartbusters, this might not be your cup of tea.

-Preity Punjabi/ Sampurn Media