Dev Anand has been known for coming up with socially relevant subjects since the 50s. Even 5 decades later his jest for presenting the topics close to his heart hasn't died down. One of such subjects is his take on current politics for which he comes up with a satire called 'Mr. Prime Minister' in which he also plays the title role. Written, produced and directed by Dev Anand, Mr. Prime Minister releases later this year and has music composed by Bappi Lahiri, who is slowly but steadily getting back to the Bollywood music scene. Last few movies from 'Navketan' haven't really boasted of any great music. Let's hear the album to know if 'Mr. Prime Minister' is the one that may break the jinx.
1) Title song - Mr. Prime Minister (English and Hindi version) [Singer: Dev Anand, lyrics: Dev Anand]
Much has been written about Dev Anand rapping for the title song that comes in English followed by a Hindi version. After hearing the track you realize that it is nothing more than a gimmick, at least audio wise. The track is more of a narration rather than a rap with the rendition getting (obviously) tired at places. The number gives glimpses of current political situation and at maximum may be able to work well when the movie is running. But don't expect today's rap lover youngsters to freak out on this experiment.
2) Ye Sama [Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan, lyrics: Kuku Prabhas)
A philosophical number about life given a disco touch by Bappi Lahiri, 'Ye Sama' is a well sung song by Sunidhi Chauhan who tries her best to lift the song on her own. Though there is a definite feel of 'Ye Sama' to be a situational track, one feels that it may as well be utilized as an item number in the movie. Still, it is not a number that would make folks go gaga over the music album of Mr. Prime Minister.
3) Main Khoya [Singer: Babul Supriyo, lyrics: Imran Ahmad Khan]
Some retribution comes in the form of 'Main Khoya' that is undoubtedly the best song in the album. Sung by Babul Supriyo who doesn't let Kishore Kumar [his inspiration for the number] down, it has a true vintage value. One can relive the memories of the 70s in this sad song, which is about the lead protagonist who is reflecting on his lonely surroundings. A sad track, it makes for a good hearing as everything from singing to music to lyrics gels well to result in a nice composition.
4) Chuimui Si Zindagi [Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan, music and lyrics: Darshan Dave]
A number that blends the 60s, 70s and the contemporary style with different flavor of music coming throughout the song, 'Chuimui Si Zindagi' by Sunidhi Chauhan is a good experiment. What works though most in this Darshan Dave written and composed song is the opening and then ending that makes one remember the cabaret and the night club songs from the 50s/60s movies. In fact one senses the musical style from Dev Anand's own 'CID' and 'Baazi' when this song is played.
So coming back to the question raised in the beginning - "Will Mr. Prime Minister break the jinx for lack of good musical score for a Navketan film?" After listening to the tracks and going by the publicity of the movie, it seems highly unlikely. With an exception of a song or two, there isn't much to look forward in this music album.
Rating: **