MS Dhoni: The Untold Story; T-Series
Music: Amaal Mallik
1. Besabriyaan: Right from the opening lines, the restlessness is apparent, in a melodic way that only the Mallik Bros — Amaal and Armaan — can bring to life. It’s the underdog’s anthem, bubbling just under the surface, with just the right doses of ambition and aspiration and did I mention Rushad Mistry’s bass guitar?
2. Kaun Tujhe: This romantic track wouldn’t be out of place in a 90s album. And for once, I mean it in a good way. Maybe, it’s Palak Muchhal’s lilting vocals that’s sending me that #throwback vibe. Or it could be that large-room sound playing in the background that lets her shine without overwhelming her.
3. Jab Tak: Armaan tackles this one with just the right amount of restraint, propped by a score that has that stadium-filling quality. A pity it ends too soon.
4. Phir Kabhi: The real heroes are the guitars and ukulele. It’s got a lovely country ballad-meets-world music feel. Arijit Singh’s dreamy vocals is just the cherry on the cake. Go find yourself with this one.
5. Parwah Nahin: That high-energy rock track you’re looking to blast while at the gym? This one, belted out by SIddharth Basrur aspires to be that, but falls short. What really wows you is that fantastic electric guitar solo (wonder which of the three credited here is the hero: Jeenti Dutta, Keshav Dhar or Armaan Malik?). And that awesome drumwork by Jai Row Kavi. It works for its own merits, but makes you listen through to get to the good parts.
6. Jab Tak (Redux): The string-heavy version (Rushad Mistry and Ankur Mukherjee on guitars give you all the right feels. This one takes its time washing over you.
7. Padhoge Likhoge: Chillar party anthem or sarcasm (via the 90s again) has Ananya Nanda and Adithyan A Prithviraj listing the pros of a bookish education vis-a-vis a khelna-khudna-inclusive well-rounded education. Has its charms if you are not rich enough to buy a time machine. Avoid.
YO: Love the fact that Amaal’s recorded with live instruments. It gives the soundtrack a fuller, more full-blooded feel. There are a couple of snags, but nothing to stop the album’s winning inning.
