Film: “Paa”; Music Director: Ilayaraja; Lyricist: Swanand Kirkire; Singers: Shilpa Rao, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan and Amitabh Bachchan; Lyricist; Rating: ***
“Paa” is a film with an unusual story and music maestro Ilayaraja has composed tunes that gel well with the movie’s subject. Director R. Balakrishnan’s film stars Amitabh Bachchan as Abhishek’s son Auro, who suffers from progeria that causes premature ageing. It also stars Vidya Balan.
The album begins with “Mudhi mudhi ittefaq se”. Crooned by Shilpa Rao, it has an instant connect. It is melodious but not very long. The song is currently doing the rounds on television channels and has become a hit.
“Mudhi mudhi ittefaq se” has two more versions – “Udhi udhi”, an extension of the original and “Gali mudhi” that has vocals by Shaan. It is slower in pace but equally nice.
Next is “Halke se bol”. It is a children’s song and has a chorus behind the mike. It starts without background music and later musical arrangements are introduced. This too is short in length and is an average number.
Up next is “Hichki hichki”, more of a situational number that doesn’t impress too much. The fast-paced track has been sung by Sunidhi Chauhan.
It is followed by the title track “Mere paa” by Amitabh Bachchan himself. It’s more of a narration in the voice of a child than a proper song. The theme song is very endearing.
Finally there is “Gumm summ gumm” sung by the composer’s daughter Bavatharini with ample support from the chorus. The song has influences of jazz and is a good hear.
On the whole, the album of “Paa” is not conventional and will appeal to music buffs. But most songs will get an edge with the visuals.
rounak