Atrangi Re Music Review

Movie: Atrangi Re

Music: A.R. Rahman

Director: Aanand L. Rai

Cast: Dhanush, Sara Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar

Garda begins on a high note with some energetic beats. Daler Mahendi is the soul of the number and he is in full form. Since this is the intro track of Akshay Kumar, it's gonna trailblaze the charts for a long time. Another song to join the bandwagon of Rahman's instantly-catchy songs. Up next is the already popular Chaka Chak that's gonna become a staple in all the weddings in the upcoming days. This danceable number in the voice of Shreya Ghoshal is the South Indian-ish Param Sundari. An instant winner!

Tere Rang opens with some racy chorus that soon escalates to a mesmerizing Hindustani chorus. Haricharan yields the megaphone with ease. Shreya Ghoshal wears her Banarasiya avatar and croons like a nightingale. The repetitive 'tere rang rang...' is sure to linger in your ears for a long time. Soon, classical dancers would be shaking a leg to this number. First melodious pick of the album! Next up is the peppy Little Little in the voice of Dhanush. The piccolo in the first interlude must probably be the theme of Dhanush's character. With a foot-tapping rhythm, the cuteness in the song is irresistible. Dhanush is aptly supported by chorus and Hiral Viradia whose mellowed rendition is a plus point of the song. A special mention to the fast-paced kuthu outro at the end of the song.

Arijit Singh croons the pathos Tumhein Mohabbat. At first, the guitar strums deceive the listener (one must think that it would be an unplugged lounge song), but then Rahman takes us on a moving Hindustani ride. Interspersed with some haunting lines, the song would take time to grow on you, but it's all worth it in the end. Rait Zara Si is easily the best song of the album. One can listen to Rahman of the 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s in this beautiful track. The song has a breezy aura that turns addictive with every listen. The effervescent folk rhythm gives the song a classical touch. Though the song is owned by Arijit Singh, Shashaa Tirupathi brings in a whiff of fresh air with her two lines. The choral humming 'vaasam veesudhadi...' is haunting.

Rahman ropes in Flamenco gypsy music for the last number Toofan Si Kudi. Right from the chorus in the prelude till the end line, there's no one dull moment in the song. The tune is kinda addictive and it will make you want to listen to the track on repeat. Rashid Ali-ARR combo has already given us some mind-blowing songs like Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, Kahin Toh, Cry Cry, and Nazar Laaye. No wonder this song is another gem from Rashid.

Verdict: A.R. Rahman belts out yet another roaring soundtrack for Aanand L. Rai. Much like Raanjhanaa, this album too has lots of traditional, classical, and folk touches (though it cannot be compared to the unbeatable Raanjhanaa). All the songs have a South Indian-ish touch since Dhanush plays a Tamilian in the movie.

Rating: 4/5

Picks: Rait Zara Si, Tere Rang, Chaka Chak, Toofan Si Kudi

Listen to the album here: