Laila Majnu Music Review: Joi Barua, Niladri Kumar Compose One of the Best Albums of the Year For This Imtiaz Ali-Ekta Kapoor Production

I have an issues with the makers of Laila Majnu. Despite having some really good songs, I can't fathom why they are not promoting the ace of their movie. Laila Majnu is the modern reinterpretation of the popular folklore by the same name. Starring newcomers Avinash Tiwari and Tripti Dimri in the lead, the movie is produced by film-maker Imtiaz Ali and Ekta Kapoor. Imtiaz's brother, Sajid Ali is making his directorial debut with Laila Majnu. Imtiaz Alis Laila Majnu: Finding True Love In The Age Of Tinder Is Difficult? Watch The Video To Get Answer!

Even though it is not a film made by him, we have noticed a lot of Imtiaz Ali influences in Laila Majnu. One distinct feature of Imtiaz Ali movies, apart from love and travel, is good music, Nearly every film of his has some really good music, including his last debacle Jab Harry Met Sejal. Thankfully the soundtrack of Laila Majnu, composed by Joi Barua, Niladri Kumar and Alif, doesn't break the Imtiaz Ali record. Irshad Kamil has penned the lyrics. Laila Majnu: Amidst Nepotism Debates in Bollywood, Director Imtiaz Ali Gives Newcomers A Chance!

Here's our review of the soundtrack -

Aahista

What an awesome song to start with! Laila Majnu's first son, Aahista, is slow and beautifully composed by Niladri Kumar. Everything about this song is perfect, and that includes the bewitching way in which Jonita Gandhi and Arijit Singh have sung this track. Brilliant and should have been promoted more!

O Meri Laila

Atif Aslam, who is quite active in Bollywood these days, is here to croon O Meri Laila. More energetic in its composition than Aahista, O Meri Laila benefits from Aslam-Jyotica Tangri's singing, and Joi Barua's use of rabab for instrumentals. A good listen! There is also a Radio Version that is slower and sung by the composer himself that uses more Kashmiri sounds. I love this track more.

Tum

Composer Niladri Kumar retains Atif for Tum, which is slower and more melancholic than Atif's earlier track. It takes a couple of listenings to get adjusted to the mood of the song. However, once it grows on you, Tum is a gem of a song. I love how the composers in this album have disregarded western instruments as much as they could and been using for desi instruments, especially rabab for the songs. There is another version sung by Javed Ali which is also good.

Hafiz Hafiz

Hafiz Hafiz is all about the madness of passionate, eternal love. Mohit Chauhan, who is always a voice we want to hear in any album, sings this track with much gusto. While it is very cheery in its tone, you can feel the simmering pain embedded in Hafiz Hafiz. Special mention must also be given to Irshad Kamil, who has penned some great lines for the soundtrack. A really fantastic track that uses the Kashmiri influences well!

Sarphiri

One of my favourite singers teams up with another singer who is busy with politics these days, but should sing more. Sarphiri is a duet sung by  Shreya Ghoshal with Babul Supriyo joining her later. A slow track that relies on the singing prowess of both the singers to take it to the next level. With the entry of Babul, the song gets faster, only to go back to being slow when Shreya resumes singing. Love how Niladri Kumar plays with the pace when Shreya and Babul take turns to sing.

Gayee Kaam Se

Laila Majnu gets its first qawwali like track with a modern twist in Gayee Kaam Se. Serving as the introductory track for its female protagonist, the song describes how Laila is carefree in life and love. A fun track that is composed by Joi Barua and sung by Dev Negi and Amit Sharma. Meenal Jain joins the boys later to add a softer edge to the song.

Lala Zula Zalio

Lala Zula Zalio is the surprise package of Laila Majnu's soundtrack. Composer Joi Barua interestingly merges pop elements, western music and Kashmiri sounds to concoct a catchy track that changes genre as it goes. While Joi Barua and Sunidhi Chauhan sing the more modern portions, the intriguing voice of Frankie is what holds our attention in the first place.

Katyu Chuko

The last song of the album is the sole composition by Alif for the soundtrack. A very serene number, Katyu Chuko completely relies on Kashmiri influences in both its tune and its lyrics (Mehmood Gaami and Mohammad Muneem). The song feels very soothing on the ears and has the power to transport you right there in Kashmir.

LatestLY's Favourites

Damn, this is difficult but in a very good way! Okay, well, Aahista, Tum, O Meri Laila (both versions), Hafiz Hafiz,  Katyu Chuko

Here's the jukebox of Laila Majnu - 

Final Thoughts

The Imtiaz Ali magic continues to persist! Laila Majnu is definitely one of the best soundtracks I have heard this year, if not the best! More pats on the back for composers Niladri Kumar, Joi Barua and Alif for giving us some beautiful musical gems, that live upto the legendary love of Laila Majnu!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2018 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).