UTV's Aamir, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta with television's heartthrob, Rajiv Khandelwal in the lead, promises to be a different kind of a film. How different is something that will only be evident once the film releases. But one can safely say that the film's music is definitely hatke. It does not fall into the expected genre of Hindi film songs but seeks instead to push the proverbial envelope. The film's music has been composed by Amit Trivedi and the lyrics have been written by Amitabh. Between the two, they also manage to sing most of the songs of the film as well. The music album of Aamir comes with five songs from the film, along with its climax theme track. Added as a bonus to the album are sufiyana tracks like Allah Hoo, Dilruba, Bandya and Chhap Tilak.
The album opens with a song called 'Ha Raham (Mehfuz)', which is an interesting musical innovation on the quawali. The vocals for the song are provided by Murtuza Qadir, Amitabh and Amit Trivedi. The song opens in a very unquawali like style. The number has been composed very well indeed and has been sung with great assurance and feeling by the vocalists.
'Chakkar Ghumyo' sung by Amit Trivedi is an infusion of rural and folk music. The song prepares you with what is to follow with the prelude music which has a predominance of rural, folk sounds. The song has a catchy rhythm and its words to have that quality of common wisdom. It is definitely a situational song and it will be interesting to see how the song has been picturised in the film.
'Haara' sung by Amit Trivedi is the third song of the album. It is another very interesting song. The music of this number has all the elements of rock music. There is the electric guitar and the drums and Trivedi belting it out with power. The number has been composed and sung well.
Neuman Pinto's 'Phas Gaya (Never Mind) is the fourth song of the film. This song is almost like the theme song of the film as it talks about being trapped. The song has been rendered in a very dramatic fashion as it almost fulfills the function of a chorus in theatre, commenting on the action taking place. That's what this song seems to be doing. Again, a very situational number, whose value would only be enhanced when seen against the action on screen.
Shilpa Rao and Amitabh come together to sing an exquisite number called , 'Ek Lau'. This is definitely the best number in the album, with 'Ha Raham' coming a close second. The lyrics have a poignancy about them which is touching and the music is understated and subtle, allowing the vocalist and the words to dominate. Shilpa gives a soulful performance and the song, which talks of love and the futility of life, is very moving.
The music of Aamir is unconventional to say the least. But along with being different, the music does not invite itself to easy listening. This is the kind of music for which you have to have a certain amount of patience, as well. This is not to say that the album is very good. The numbers are all original, have been well written, and definitely fulfill their purpose in the film. But where accessability is concerned, these are not the kind of numbers which will make for pleasant, quick hearing. But patience will certainly be rewarded. The rest of the album is taken up with the popular sufi numbers like 'Chhap Tilak' and 'Allah Hoo' adding to the value of this album.
