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Mohenjo Daro is easily one of the most highly anticipated films of 2016. With the combination of Ashutosh Gowariker, A.R. Rahman, and Hrithik Roshan returning to the big screen after years, this film promises to be an excellent entertainer. The official soundtrack for Mohenjo Daro has finally been unveiled, with music composed by none other than maestro A.R. Rahman and lyrics by the prolific Javed Akhtar.
Sung by A.R. Rahman, Arijit Singh, Bela Shende, and Sanah Moidutty, “Mohenjo Mohenjo” introduces the album with a bang. Typically, films have a hero or heroine entry song. “Mohenjo Mohenjo” is a location entry number, introducing listeners to the magical world of Mohenjo Daro. Rahman uses raw and rustic elements of instrumentation, perfectly mixed with powerful chorus vocals.
We were introduced to the beginning of “Sindhu Ma” in the film’s trailer. Musically and lyrically, this number has a very tribal feel, describing the value of Mother Nature and all that she has to give. The placement of lyrics in certain places is very interesting and strays from the rhythm ever so slightly. “Sindhu Ma” features A.R. Rahman and Sanah Moidutty on vocals.
One of the most dynamic songs in the entire album, “Sarsariya” interweaves a variety of percussion elements and numerous scale changes every time it returns to the chorus line. The fact that the beginning of this song is in a different language is fascinating and reflects the ancient society of Mohenjo Daro. Rendered by the melodious Shashwat Singh and the talented Shashaa Tirupati, this melody is supremely addictive and definitely my favorite so far!
“Tu Hai” was premiered a few days ago, featuring the lead pair Hrithik Roshan and Pooja Hegde in the video’s gorgeous cinematography. Sung by A.R. Rahman and Sanah Moidutty, the melody of this track is nothing super unique. Au contraire, it sounds like a combination of various Rahman melodies from other films, such as Guru’s “Tere Bina”, Lingaa’s “En Mannava”, and Rang De Basanti’s “Tu Bin Bataye.” Despite the ordinary melody, this track concludes with intensity in orchestration.
“Whispers of the Mind” and “Whispers of the Heart” are background music tracks featuring Arjun Chandy on vocals with minimal orchestration. Both numbers have a mysterious, enticing feel, drawing listeners into the exploration of Mohenjo Daro.
“Whispers of the Heart” builds on “Whispers of the Mind” by adding a rhythmic element backing the vocals.
“The Shimmer of Sindhu” featuring Keba Jeremiah and Kareem Kamalakar and “Lakh Lakh Thora” featuring Tapas Roy and Pmk Naveen Kumar are instrumental versions of “Tu Hai” and “Sarsariya”, respectively.
“Lakh Lakh Thora” is an excellent mandolin rendition of “Sarsariya”, interweaving Middle-Eastern elements throughout the track.
Final Verdict: As expected, Mohenjo Daro is a phenomenal album showcasing the talent of A.R. Rahman and all the musicians involved in any of his musical projects. “Sarsariya” and “Mohenjo Mohenjo” can be heralded as the high-octane energetic numbers, with “Sindhu Ma” and “Tu Hai” being more mellow and subtle. We are excited to see these songs on the big screen when the film releases!
Mohenjo Daro is an upcoming Ashutosh Gowariker directorial starring Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, and Kabir Bedi in leading roles. Produced by UTV Motion Pictures and AGPPL, the film releases in theaters on August 12, 2016.
