Haddi/ Hindi film OST

 

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Haddi/ film soundtrack

Music: Rohan-Rohan

Label: Zee Music Company

Rating: *** 1/2

Much as I raved over actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's portrayal of a transgender, the rest of Akshat Ajay Sharma's film Haddi left me unimpressed. It was the same old revenge drama, with even more gore than one could imagine. 

The only other thing that kept me sort of engaged was the music - both through the songs and the background score. It may not be the most outstanding soundtrack from the recent past, but the songs go well with the situations, and cater to different tastes. There's a good amalgam of contemporary and retro styles, with some cutting-edge arrangements.

The music is composed by Rohan-Rohan, consisting of the duo of Rohan Pradhan and Rohan Gokhale. They've done a few Marathi films, besides Sanju and Thackeray in Hindi. What's impressive is that they seem to know the pulse of the masses, and can yet come out with intense music if the need arises.

A few songs are worth mentioning. The pick is the Sufiana-inspired 'Beparda', where Rekha Bhardwaj sings, "Beparda beparda, bairaagi rooh ne rutba paaya re, beparda beparda, ab jaake maine khud ko paaya re".  Rohan Pradhan's Sufi vocals start and end the track, which is embellished by sitar passages and a melodious guitar. With its synth-laced layers, the reprise version by Rekha is soulful.

Ankita Joshi sings 'Shooter Saiyyan', which begins in thumri fashion before going into folk-pop territory. There's a certain depth in the voice which blends with the sitar. Then there is the retro-dance number 'Mastani Shama', which seems straight out of the Bappi Lahiri stylesheet. Here, Priyanka Shukre sings, "Main mastani shama, main parwani yahaan, choolega mujhe toh jal jaayega".

'Kaun Hai Tu', sung by Devarshi Manohar, goes perfectly with the narrative, with the line, "Kaun hai tu, kaun hai tu, yeh bataa kis naqaab ke peeche hai tu". The vibrant rhythm and guitars give it a lilt. Rohan Pradhan's 'Zaalim Ne Maar Daala' has a nautanki flavour and goes with the violent scenes.

There are some low points too. Wrisha Dutta's jazz-influenced 'Bas Aaj Ki Raat' and Varun Likhate's rock-inflected 'Alibaba' get unnecessarily raucous. But the compensation comes from the four soundtrack pieces that conclude the album. Very upbeat and smooth. Sadly, they should have got a better storyline to go with.