Kaanchi

Kaanchi -Ismail Darbar, Salim-Sulaiman and Subhash Ghai, Mukta Music, Rating - 2 and a half
For all of Subhash Ghai’s films, the music has been a standout. Here, however, that lure is found somewhat lacking.
Ismail Darbar composes six of the nine songs on the soundtrack. The first, Kaanchi Re Kaanchi introduces you to the title character. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh, its fervent thump and use of brass instruments is not quite unlike a marching song.Next, Tu Sab Kuch Re has a dandiya-like beat loop. Sung by Sonu Nigam, Anweshaa and Ismail Darbar, is reminiscent of the 90s.
READ: Mishti was born to play 'Kaanchi': Subhash Ghai
Kambal Ke Neeche, sung by Neeti Mohan, Aishwarya Majmudar, Sanchita Bhattacharya, pays tribute to the music of Ghai’s oeuvre. Kaisa Hai Dard Mera, begins with Ankit Tiwari’s powerful voice, followed by a percussion and chorus. He echoes the title character’s intent and resolve and bares the pain and anger that underscore her actions. It reminds you of Darbar’s Devdas. Aman Trikha, Sanchita Bhattacharya, Anweshaa and Subhash Ghai take to the mic with Koshampa, an ode to the place being described in an exaggerated manner, telling you that there’s no place like home (in this case, Koshampa).
The Saare Jahaan Se Acha strains, though, seem a little much. Adiye Adiye, sung by Sanchita Bhattacharya and Avril Quadros, is a natkhat song that really doesn’t say much. Salim-Sulaiman have two compositions — Thumka and Hindustan Kahan Hai. Thumka, sung by Sonu Nigam and Suzanne D’Mello, is a contemporary club track with the requisite Hinglish inflections.
Listen to songs of 'Kaanchi' on Gaana.com
It’s relatively fresh in sound, but not as foot-tapping as one would like, though. Hindustan Kahan Hai, sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Mohit Chauhan and Raj Pandit, confuses. Is it trying to be an anthem (with the chant of Jai Hai) or a musical statement on the current state of affairs? In either case, comes off quite preachy. Mushtanda, composed by Subhash Ghai, may be a killer hip-hop song with a cause but the lyrics (also by Ghai) are something of a head-scratcher.
Sung by Mika, Aishwarya and rapper Earl Edgar, it will take several listens to grow on you. Overall, good stuff but only a couple of tracks pass muster.
WATCH: 'Tu Sab Kuch Re' song from 'Kaanchi'