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Music Review: ‘Ek Villain’

After the super success of ‘Aashiqui 2’ (2013) and ‘Murder 2’ (2011) the amazing combination of director Mohit Suri and music director Mithoon are back with ‘Ek Villain’ starring Shraddha Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra in the lead roles. One thing the Mahesh Bhatt camp never fails on delivering is romantic songs. And since Mohit Suri + Mithoon formula has delivered on all music awards last year, the music of ‘Ek Villain’ sure will have something to look forward to. Ankit Tiwari is a fine addition to the line-up as well since his work on ‘Aashiqui 2’ delivered really well.

'Ek Villain'
'Ek Villain'

Opening with Galliyan which is yet another gorgeous romantic song that Mohit Suri can take pride in. Sung and composed by Ankit Tiwari, the song is well arranged in the typical style the Mahesh Bhatt camp is famous for. Although it is a perfectly beautiful song well sung and well composed, it feels like one is listening to the ‘Aashiqui 2’ album as the song struggles to be unique. Ankit delivers great vocals and perfect harmonies with the flute and violin bridges. Lyrics by Manoj Muntashir are the best feature of the song with strong and deeply��romantic poetry. A good listen!

Banjaara sung by Mohammad Irfan is yet another soulful slow composition by Mithoon who has also written the song typical to his style. With a touch of classical to it with good harmonium solos and a soft tone to the background music with acoustic guitar, it sets the mood perfectly for a romantic date. Lyrics are the highlight of the song as Irfan’s vocals in no way over power or take the focus of the content of the song, yet beautifully delivered. Must listen!

Mithoon delivers another number in the same category called Zaroorat sung by Mustafa Zahid with his deep voice. With a slightly more upbeat feel to the song with a rock touch supported with electric guitars works rightly with Zahid’s voice. The lyrics are quite depressing and beat down but apt for a sad broken heart desperate to get back to their lover. If this genre works for you then it do listen to it but it is not for the happy souls!

Awari is written, composed and sung by Pakistani band Soch who bring something new to the table with new-age mash up music that bridges nicely from the soulful tracks earlier in the album. Although this is yet another heart break song with a depressing rock vibe, there is something unique about it with warm female vocals by Momina Mustehsan.

Humdard is perhaps the best song on the album in the voice of Arijit Singh. What goes well for this song is its simplicity. Romantic Classic in its appeal, the song is effortless and rides on the beautiful lyrics by Mithoon. He keeps the music simple in a slow ball dance arrangement and Singh keeps fancy vocal styles at bay to let the focus be on the lyrics. This song will surely see a number of newly married couples doing their first dance to this forthcoming wedding season across the UK.

'Ek Villain' starring Sidharth-Shraddha
'Ek Villain' starring Sidharth-Shraddha

Multitalented Shraddha Kapoor gives her voice to deliver an unplugged version of Galliyan with accurate precision and perfect notes. She has the voice of a professional background singer and proves her brilliance behind the microphone once again. With Ankit Tiwari doing a verse as well, the song works better than the original opening song if you consider overall listening pleasure. Simple instrumentation with piano and guitars makes this version a treat to listen to.

FINAL WORD
As expected Mohit Suri yet again delivers a powerful soundtrack for a turbulent love story which he specialises in. The film seems to be well represented in its music with a sad and sometimes romantically happy songs. Overall flow of the album is slow and at times depressing but it is very clear who the soundtrack appeals to and consistent. What seems missing in the combined effort of Mithoon, Amit Tiwari and band Soch is something extraordinary and brilliant. Nonetheless songs Humdard, Galliyan and Banjaara are good songs to listen to. The album will have success but limited by its lack of variety and wow factor.

BizAsia Showbiz Rating – 7/10