Music Review: 'London Dreams'

By Mufsin Mahbub

"London Dreams" has created quite a buzz, especially when it comes to its soundtrack. After all, it’s a film with a musical backdrop. Composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy has created the music together with Prasoon Joshi, known for his poetic lyrics. And let's not forget the man behind the camera, Vipul Shah, whose past films have become blockbusters and songs instant hits. One can only hope that the same destiny awaits "London Dreams."

What We Think:
The soundtrack contains eight songs and three remixes. You might have heard "Barson Yaaron" in the promos; it’s a rock song with a stage setting to it. This track, sung by Vishal Dadlani and Roop Kumar Rathod, ends in a special rock version of "Hanuman Chalisa," something to look forward to in the film. Roop Kumar Rathod gets his chance to shine in the dramatic solo number "Yaari Bina" that sends a message about friendship. Shankar Mahadevan lends his voice to two tracks; "Man Ko Ati Bhavey," which has a village music feel to it - and if you want urban flavor there is a remix version that is equally enjoyable – and "Khwab Jo," a duet with Qawwali maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, which brings back the fusion of Indian classical music and soft rock that the trio is known for. "Tapkey Mast" is a bhangra masala track that sticks to its Punjabi roots with a slight rock background (in the remix as well), performed by newcomer Feroz Khan. The rock number "Khanabadosh" is quite a challenge to listen to and it may take some time to get used to, but the remix sorts out any confusion. The two solo numbers "Jashn Hai Jeet Ka" and "Shola Shola" remind us a lot of the 70s with a contemporary touch for today's youth.

Best Tracks:
"Barson Yaaron," "Khanabadosh," and "Man Ko Ati Bhavey"

Final Verdict:
Let me just say that "London Dreams" requires time before the songs start to grow on you. At first, the music seems to be all over the place because most of the tunes are unusual and unfamiliar in mainstream Bollywood. But after listening to the soundtracks a few times, you actually start warming up to some of the tracks and you will want to hear them again. Once you get it, you soon realize that "London Dreams" does carry some good stuff and will make heads turn. The songs will get a rocky start, but they will soon catch up to the charts, if the film does well at the box office.