Gulaal Music Review : Love…Power…Revolution…
(This music review is co-authored by Amanda Sodhi & Tushar Shukla)
(DISCLAIMER : The reviewers have attempted to quote the lyrics from the album to the best of their efforts, however there might be errors, and any suggested rectifications are welcome.)
Two things are always guaranteed with Anurag Kashyap’s films—innovation and excellent music. While Dev D’s OST boasted of 18 “baap of music genre” tracks, Gulaal’s OST, consisting of 8 thought-provoking compositions by Piyush Mishra, really lives up to the “O” in OST.
Set to release on March 13, Gulaal, starring Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastav, Piyush Mishra, Raj Singh Chaudhary(Raja Chaudhary), Ayesha Mohan, Abhimanyu Singh, Deepak Dobriyal, Mahi Gill, Pankaj Jha, Jessie Randhawa and Mukesh Bhatt, started in 2001 after Anurag was inspired by Sahir Ludhianvi’s lyrics to “Yeh mehlon, yeh takhton, yeh taajon ki duniya‘” from Pyaasa. The film is dedicated to all poets who had and have a vision for Bharat. Set in Rajasthan against a feudal backdrop, Gulaal’s songs have some of the most depth-filled lyrics we’ve heard in quite some time, tackle ideas of democracy, revolution, violence, murder, power, innocence, the ills of society, anger…and, the songs really do invoke plenty of images.
Actor, screenplay and dialogue writer, theatre director, lyricist and music director Piyush Mishra not only acts in Gulaal but he also pens down some of the most powerful lyrics of recent times and he composes the 8 magnificent tracks. Without wasting any more time, let’s jump right into the sea of Gulaal’s awe-inspiring music!
PRELUDE
While writing for Paanch’s music sometime last year, I had contemplated how Dev D and Gulaal would sound, and I am only glad that the predictions did come true albeit to some astounding levels of surprise and shock.
“I heard that Anurag Kashyap has amassed another blow your mind, hear it to believe it kit in Dev D, and I can’t wait to check it out. Then there is Gulaal, which boasts of unheard in a film before veer-rasa (Heroic poetry) Poetry embedded in the narrative schemes. I think the film uses some of the works of the Chhayavaad era of Jaishankar Prasad, Sumitranandan Pant, Mahadevi Verma & Suryakant Tripathi “Nirala”. Makes me happy. We have had few people talk about the possibilities of us going back to our culture to discover creative inspirations, and I am happy that this discussion started…”
The Songs
AARAMBH
Rahul Ram/Piyush Mishra/Chorus
Aarambh has many elements of both a pooja song and a battlefield-pump-up-your-confidence song—the song makes use of pooja ghanti, sitar in the background, bells ringing, conch shells and the works…the song picks up pace with clever use of the tabalas. We hear trumpets take us by alarm, in this overpowering song which uses lyrics in shuddh Hindi (finally!) and does a fantastic job of alluding to the meshing of religion and politics/war.
The sounds of revolution, starts off with a rich mandir sound, a raajyabhishek happening in some unknown place, a revolution and war slowly begin, unaware of the world. The time-warp-ness very much in place, the self-respecting cheerleaders never shy from the war cries.
This is not the kind of music you will hear everyday. After all a revolution doesn’t come everyday, and it shouldn’t.
Aarambh hai prachand
Bolein mastakon ke jhund
Aaj jung ki ghadi ki tum guhaar do
-bigul-
Repeat war cry
Aan baan shaan
Ya ki jaan ka ho daan
Aaj ek dhanush ke baan pe utaar do
The arrangement is very loud-school, no room for subtlety here. Hit it on the head.
Man kare so pran de
Jo man kare so pran le
Wo wahi to ek sarv shaktimaan hai
Krishn ki pukaar hai ye
Bhaagwat ka saar hai
Ki yuddh hi to veer ka pramaan hai
Kaurawon ki bheed ho
Ya paandavon ka neer(d) ho
Jo lad sakaa hai wohi to mahaan hai
Jeet ki hawas nahi
Kisi pe koi vash nahi
Kya zindagi hai thokaron pe maar do
Maut ant hai nahi
To maut se bhi kyun darein
Ye jaake aasmaano mein dahaad do!
Wo dayaa ka bhaav yaki
Shaurya ka chunaav yaki
Haar ka wo ghaav tum ye soch lo
Yaki bhoore bhaal par
Jalaa rahe vijay ka laal
Laal ye GULAAL tum ye soch lo
Rang kesari ho ya mridang kesari ho
Ya ki kesari ho taal tum ye soch lo
Jis kavi ki kalpana mein
Zindagi ho prem geet
Us kavi ko aaj tum nakaar do
Bheegti maso mein aaj
Phoolti ragon mein aaj
Aag ki lapat ka tum bhaghaar do
A sureshot winner, Aarambh will define a genre.
AISI SAZAA
Shilpa Rao
There are some female singers one always looks forward to listening to—Rekha Bharadwaj, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Shilpa Rao. Lucky us, the next song—Aisi Sazaa (4:52)—is sung by none other than Shilpa. The instruments are very soft, and it is Rao’s deep, powerful and enchanting voice which is the main focus of the composition. The lyrics offer such an intimate approach to tanhaayi. I was just left dumbfounded after listening to lines like, “tanhaayi bhi tanhaa nahin” “neendey bhi ab sone gaye…raato ko bhi parvaah nahin…” “nagmaa koi laa bhi do” “yeh zindaggi aisi hi thi, tum ne kabhi jaanaa nahin,” “ke aanaa vahi hotaa hai…khone ki zidd mei yeh kyon bhoolte ho, ki paanaa bhi hotaa hai…” Rabba! Such kamaal ke thoughts! The sounds of thunder and rain later into the song are so captivating…This song is just one beautiful experience…for real!
A soft female vocal gently whispers the mukhda on a sparse acoustic backing. The music matures, and the mood becomes a little unplugged, with some filmic imagery created with the accompaniment.
Aisi sazaa deti hawaa
Tanhaai bhi tanha nahi
Neendein bhi ab sone gayeen
Raaton ko bhi parwaah nahi
Aise mein baarish ki boondon se apni saanson ko sehla bhi do
Badhti hawaaon ke jhonko se dil ko naghma koi la bhi do
Palkon ki koro pe baithi nami ko
Dheeme se pighla bhi do
Ye zindagi aisi hi thi
Tumne kabhi jaana nahi
Jeevan ki raahon mein aana ya jaana
Bataake nahi hota hai
Jaate kahin hain magar jaante nahi
Ki aana wahin hota hai
Khone ki zid mein ye kyun bhoolte ho
Ki paana bhi hota hai
Wo pal abhi
Waisa hi hai
Chhoda tha jo
Jaisa wahin
Though the words being moving enough, the song does fall a little short in finding its true footing, in terms of a musical mood, it takes a pinching vocals approach, then the accompaniment take you to a high, then the song gets back to the loop. Which is good, the first stanza starts off with a great energy(Aise mein baarish ki boondo se apni saanson ko sehla bhi do, Badhti hawaaon ke jhonko se dil ko naghma koi la bhi do), and some superlative singing there as well, just that it sounds complete by the time the lightening strikes. At this point, the song deviates, revisits the antara pattern, may be the lyrics too fall a little less strong in comparison, it becomes less of gaayaki, and when it tries to pick the strands back(wo pal abhi) it does make matters a little complex. Interesting rendition nonetheless.
BEEDO
Rekha Bharadwaj
Balle Balle! Chakmak Chakmak!! Rekha Bharadwaj is up next in the mast folk number Beedo (5.01)! This is one upbeat number which uses instruments including the sarangi and harmonium, giving it an overall mujraa-type feel. Rekha sounds so amazing—she really knows how to convey the attitude of any song with ease—she conveys pathos in Jiya Na Jalaiyo Re and conveys naughtiness in Beedo. The lyrics, “beedaa duje thaali kaa laagaa bade majedaar” seems to use the word “beedaa” to refer to perhaps something not belonging to you, maybe another person’s woman? It’s interesting you can hear Rekha gasp for breath after “chak mak chak mak chak mak.” The chorus also does a nice job of accompanying her.
Quite an infectious ensemble(not ruling out the allusions to Namak from Omkara), a rustic rhythm, and Rekha’s rooted voice gives it an authenticity which has become quite her trademark off late(Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Omkara). I am glad she is singing such tracks and only wish the mehfil goes on. Though a rasik’s heart also craves for the Rekhaji of Ye kaisi chaap kadmon ki sunaayi de rahi hai. :-)
DUNIYA
Piyush Mishra
Duniya (6:48) has a really brooding feel to it, and offers some really philosophical and thoughtful lyrics. The light harmonium vibration in the background is nice and establishes a sense of seriousness. The song refers to “satrangi” “rangon” “gulaalon”…the image of “angdaayi todde kabootar ki” is really unique and so is the the phrase “karvat le suyi haqeeqat ki.” Towards the end of the song, string instruments come in really loud.
This song encompasses so many emotions, a heart that cries over losing hope, all hope disappeared, as if someone gives up on the world and is asked Why?
So many emotions, revisions of the bygone days, how it could be a perfect world but it is not.
I was reminded of Nida Fazli’s Jeevan kya hai(Is raat ki..). And also of the humble tribute in the mythological tradition of Eklavya, the way Mishra gives a tribute to the greats and yet holds his own is nothing short of masterstroke.
This is a softer rant, of a deeply philosophical dark humor genre of singing, of poetry. We are fortunate to witness such a rare work in our times. Mucho Gracias.
O ri Duniya
Surmayi aankhon ke pyaalon ki duniya
Satrangi rangon gulaalon ki duniya..o duniya
Alsaayi sezon ke phoolon ki duniya
Angdaai tode kabootar ki duniya
Karwat le soyi haqueeqat ki duniya
Deewaani hoti tabeeyat ki duniya
Khwahish mein lipti zaroorat ki duniya
Insaan ke sapno ki neeyat ki duniya..o Duniya
O ri Duniya
ye duniya agar mil bhi jaaye to kya hai…
Mamta ki bikhri kahaani ki duniya
Behno ki siski jawaani ki duniya
Aadam ke Hawwaa se rishte ki duniya
Shaayar ke pheeke lafzon ki duniya
Ghalib ke Momin ke khwaabon ki duniya
Majaazon ke un inqualaabon ki duniya
Faiz Firaaq aur Saahir o Makhdoom
Mir ki Zauk ki Daagh ki duniya
Ye duniya agar…
Pal chhin mein baatein chali jaati hain hain
Pal chhin mein raatein chali jaati hain hain
Reh jaata hai jo savera wo dhoondhey
Jalte makaan mein basera wo dhoondhey
Jaisi bachi hai waisi ki waisi bachaa lo ye duniya
Apna samajhke apno ke jaisi uthaalo ye duniya
Chhut put si baaton mein jalne lagegi sambhaalo ye duniya…
Kat pit ke raaton mein palne lagegi sambhaalo ye duniya..
O ri Duniya…
Wo kahein hain ki duniya ye itni nahi hai
Sitaaron se aage jahaan aur bhi hain
Ye hum hi nahi hain wahaan aur bhi hain
Hamaari har ek baat hoti wahin hai
Hamein aitraaz nahi hai kahin bhi
Wo aalim hain faazil hain honge sahi hi
Magar falsafaa ye bigad jaata hai
Jo wo kehte hain
Aalim ye kehta wahaan Eeshwar hai
Faazil ye kehta wahaan Allah hai
(…………..)
Tumhari hai tum hi sambhalon ye duniya
Ye bujhte huye chand baasi charaaghon ki
Tumhaare ye kaale iraadon ki duniya…
RAAT KE MUSAFIR
Rahul Ram
Raat Ke Musafir (4:27) just leaves you silent…the use of the guitar gives it a dessert type fell…the way the singer sings some words loudly and whispers the subsequent word and repeats this pattern is cool. The use of “kh” sounds is common in the song…“khoon” “khoj,” etc. The song is full of anger—“insaan ke sheher mei insaan khoj le tu…” “dekh teri thokar se raah kaa wo patthar maathe pet ere kas ke lag jaaye naa uchal ke, o raat ke musaafir.” Profound stuff we’ve got here.
A dark room song. Andhkaar.
O raat ke musafir
Tu bhaag na sambhalke
Potli mein teri ho aag na
Sambhalke
Chal to tu pada hai
Faasla bada hai
Jaan le andhere ke sar pe khoon chadha hai
Mukaam khoj le tu
Makaan khoj le tu
Insaan ke sheher mein insaan khoj le tu
Dekh teri thokar se
Raah ka wo patthar
Maathe pe tere kaske lag jaaye na
Ucchalke.
Maana ki jo hua hai
Wo tune bhi kiya hai
Inhone ne bhi kiya hai
Unhone ne bhi kiya hai
Maana ki tune..haan haan
Chahaa nahi tha lekin
Tu jaanta nahi ki ye kaise ho gaya hai
Lekin tu phir bhi sunle
Nahi sunega koi
Tujhe ye saari duniya kha jayegi
Nigal ke.
Often in jam sessions, there occur these moments when you can’t name them. All self-respecting musicians and aspiring rock-stars like to call such moments lull before the storm, the great moment of indecision and ennui before something miraculous strikes them almost like a divine signal. Raat ke musafir built that aura for me. When the session is unexpectedly suspended, the band members drift away. Only two are left. The guitar guy is randomly strumming in frustration. As he had a tune in his mind he wanted to close tonight. The singer who had left for a bottle of rum is back now. He sees the guitarist. And sits next to him, in a consoling air. And from his very daaru mein dooba hua heart, comes out a song. Unplanned. Rant. The guitar strums itself, as a song presents itself in this dark room. In this andhkaar.
O raat ke musafir….
And in that very jam your heart up spirit, the guitar rounds up the composition with a soft humming, both stunned and surprised at what they just created.
RANAJI
Rekha Bharadwaj/Piyush Mishra
Political Mujra! Almost feels like a news anchor was abducted from the sets and made to do Mujraa!
We get to hear Rekha Bharadwaj again in Ranaji (5.49), a song which has already gotten an amazing response! Love the dumaroo-type sounds, the “chhan-chhans” the way Rekha pronounces words with a rustic/folk type accent, the way she stretches the “haaayee!!!” The lyrics are really clever and have references to the 9/11 incident, Uncle Sam, Bisleri water, and so forth. Couldn’t help but smile throughout the song, especially at lines like, “jaise Bisleri ki botal peeke ban gaye inglis man.”
It is nice to have so much variety in one album. While the score has deep philosophical numbers at one hand, on the other the dark mood is eased by numbers like Ranaji & Beedo.
SHEHER
Piyush Mishra/Swanand Kirkire
Sheher (7.33) uses some really vivid imagery in it’s lyrics, and the song is full of tension and a sense of urgency and disgust
Piyush Mishra is one exceptionally gifted lyricist. Amazing thoughts, amazing song, amazing Gulaal OST.
A city sleeps…
Another Indian Ocean sound song, this starts off like someone bought a new guitar(the ‘unplayed’ sound, the nylon feeling, the taut strings) and sat next to a street sapera for a jam up. It talks about the times that were, ominous, apocalyptic feel, the night that changed it all, and it can only be sang and spoke about now. The times won’t come back.
And the very essence and symbolism of GULAAL. Red. Blood. Vipdaa. Khoon.
Quite an unsettling number, and not one you would put on often unless you have a strong reason for it, a new sound nonetheless.
Somewhere down few minutes, the music stops, and it launches into an even more ominous mood,
sannata veeraana khamoshi anjaani….
Zindagi leti hai karvatein toofaani
Ghirte hain saaye ghanere se
Rookhe baalon ko bikhere se
Badhte hain andhere pishaachon se
Kaapein hai jee unke naachon se
Kahin pe wo jooton ki khatkhat hai
Kahin pe alaavon ki chatpat hai
Kahin pe hai jhingoor ki aawaazein
Kahin pe wo nalke ki taptap hai
Kahin pe wo kaali si khidki hai
Kahin wo andheri si chimni hai
Kahin hilte pedon ka jattha hai
Kahin kuch munderon pe rakha hai
Sunsaan gali ke nukkad par jo koi kutta cheeckh cheekh kar rota hai
Jab lamp post ki gandli peeli ghupp roshni mein kuch kuch sa hota hai
Jab koi saaya khud ko thoda bacha bachakar ghum saayon mein khota hai
Jab pul ke khambo ko gaadi ka garam ujaala dheeme dheeme dhota hai
Tab sheher hamaara sota hai….
Lovely vocals, sparse music, and an infectious groove make this one an instant favorite.
YAARA MAULA
Rahul Ram, Aushim/Piyush Mishra
Yaaraa Maulaa (3.08) is yet again another inspiring song. It seems for most of the songs sung by male singers in Gulaal, the focus is more on the lyrics and the style of singing than on the music. Not too many instruments are used. Yaaraa Maulaa picks up tempo and string instruments are introduced later on in the song. The following lines are really moving, “humko lekin kyaa pataa thaa, hum khade jahaan pe ussi kinaare pe geheraa saa andha kuaan thaa…”
Indian Ocean.
The quintessential elements that accompany an Indian Ocean track – smooth transitions from poetry to rock to angst-ridden soulful interludes, unconventional stanzas at times, and a fulfilling feeling at the end. This is the most Indian Ocean track of the album, bole to, closest to their sound, but no compromises on the soul or the poetry, or the heartfelt singing.
Yaadon mein hai ab bhi
Kya sureela wo jahaan tha
Hamaare haathon mein rangeen gubbare they aur dil mein mehekta samaa tha
Wo to khwabon ki thi duniya
Wo kitaabon ki thi duniya
Saans mein they machalte hue zalzale aankh mein wo suhaana nasha tha
Wo zameen thi aasmaan tha
Humko lekin kya pata tha
Hum khade they jahaan par usi ke kinaare par gehra sa andha kuaan tha
Yaara…maula….
Phir wo aayi bheed bankar
Haath mein they unke khanjar
Bole phenko ye kitaabein
Aur sambhalo ye salaakhein
Ye jo gehra sa dhooaan hai
Haan haan andha to nahi hai
Is kooein mein hai khazana
Kal ki duniya to yahin hain
Kood jao le ke khanjar
kaat daalo jo ho andar
Tum hi kal ke ho Shivaji…
Tum hi kal ke ho …SIKANDAR!
Humne wo hi kiya jo unhone ne kahaa
kyunki unki to khwahish yahi thi
Hum nahi jaante ki ye kyun ye kiya
kyun ki unki farmaaish yahi thi
Ab hamaare lagaa jaayka khoon ka
nahi hai koi jo hamein kuch bataaye
Bataao karein to karein kya…
THE END
And humko kyaa pataa thaa ki jis gaane pe abhi abhi hum they, ussi ke baad Gulaal kaa OST khatam honaa thaa :-(
Gulaal’s score stunned me, I mean I did expect something radical, but to be frank, I definitely did not expect it would reign supreme on all departments of a song – what poetry,vocals, arrangement and context!
An essential score for every Black Friday and Indian Ocean fan, and a gentle teaser to those who always missed a touch of the Hindi poetry of independent India in a film score, quite a dream come true!
Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi?!!
Tags: Aditya Shrivastava, Anurag Kashyap, Gulaal, KK, piyush mishra
Anurag Kashyap
Abhay Deol
Dibakar Banerjee
Hansal Mehta
Khalid Mohamed
Kundan Shah
Anish Kuruvilla
Jaideep Verma
Manish Gupta
Navdeep Singh
Bhavani Iyer
D. Santosh
Onir
Ashvin Kumar
Ramu Ramanathan
Sudhir Mishra
Pankaj Advani
Revathy
Saurabh Shukla
Shilpa Shukla
Sujoy Ghosh
Suparn Verma
Santosh Sivan
Shashank Ghosh
Shivajee
Pavan Kaul
Partho Sen-Gupta
Prroshant Naryannan
Sam Langoria
Satish Kasetty
Stuns is the word Tushar, the music indeed is stunning. Its power, its energy, its depth and intensity is stunning. Thanks for the indepth review,this was no less heartfelt!
That is some job guys! Aarambh hai Prachand, Duniya has totally destroyed me, look forward to catch more songs at my own pace!
Nice review..btw it says “beedo duje thaali kaa lage bada masaledar”…not majedar. Literally means eating from someone else’s plate…
AK’s best…Piyush Bhai’s best…
satrangi rangon…..gulaalon ki duniya….o duniyaa…..
break new grounds…..
broken the rules already…
Again,extremely impressive..
Aarambh,sheher,duniya,aisi saza,yaara maula tops my list right now from the first hearing..Energetic and powerful..
Anurag sirjee, keep delivering unconventional movies with unconventional music..
But why piyush mishra hardly gives any music..Want to hear more works from him..
My favorite tracks so far… Raat Ke Musafir, Shehar (this is more like A R Rahman meets Indian Ocean. the composition is in genre of Satrangi Dil Se), Yaar Maula, Duniya and Aarambh.
mujhe nahi pata yeh Anurag kaun hai, main toh yeh movie Mishra ji ke liye dekhoonga,
Thanks Tushar and Amanda.
I was wondering what you would pen in the review and as expected its mostly filled with lyrics.
Thanks for compiling…
Frankly, PM hasn’t left any words to describe.
I can’t believe i have heard ‘Aisi sazaa’ more than Beedo or RaaNaji. Till now if there’s a song by RB in the album then it tops, by default.
Shilpa Rao, wow…
Also, Beedo and RaaNaji are catchy, no doubt, however the heart lies in the other songs..
Raat ke musafir reminds me of SDB’s renditions.
The whole album seems to be a fitting tribute to Sahir. Amazing job by PM, hats off..
I felt Sheher loosely pointing to ‘Jinhe naaz hain hind par’…
‘Aarambh hain prachand’ has replaced EA (rock) on the bench-press :-)
Dev D on my ipod is finally replaced by something which is at a different level altogether.
Too deep, too dark and philosophical.. Gulaal.
All thanks to AK for getting inspired and in turn inspiring PM for this gem… Take a bow ..
Awesome OST!
Really, it is a treat for Indian Ocean’s fans! :-)
In Aarambh hai Prachand, what does this line mean?
Ya paandavon ka neer(d) ho
is it “need”?
Nice article…it is refreshing to see reviewers paying such attention to lyrics…
Lyrics by Piyush Mishra are phenomenal…Duniya is totally devastating…from duniya to aarambh to ranaji….amazing range.
I really like the way lyrics and vocal takes the center stage and music become the supporting cast…just like the way it used to be in some of my fav songs from 60s…
Piyush Mishra, Swanand Kirkire, Sayed Qadri, Niesh Mishra, Prasoon Joshi…new generation of lyricists has arrived…and…they are here to stay.
Great review Tushar and Amanda. How did you manage to keep it so short? (No sarcasm here. I am serious)
Hope that the songs are a huge hit.
Awesome review, folks! Lipsmackingly waiting for this one – both the soundtrack & the movie too!
@Ravi
Yes it is ‘need’ as in home (where you find shelter)
song ‘AARAMBH’ is awesome… sun ke veer-rash kavita ki yaad aa gayi…
“Maut ant hai nahi
To maut se bhi kyun darein
Ye jaake aasmaano mein dahaad do!”
just brilliant…kudos to piyush mishra
@Saurabh: Thanks for the correction!
@Dr. Fu Man Chu: Indeed, the OST really is quite innovative!
@Satya: Thanks! And thanks for sharing your thoughts about the music!
@Vikrant: Thanks you. And, yes, there really are some amazing “new generation” of lyricists.
Neeraja: lol, short by chance
@SL: Thanks!
Awesome stuff.
Thanks Tushar and Amanda for wonderful review.
Loved the whole soundtrack especially Raat ke Musafir,Sheher and Duniya.Very moving and different rendition.
Raat ke musafir left me awestruck.brilliant is the word. Sheher is very unsettling to say in hindi “jhanjod deti hai”. Duniya is yet to sunk in.
The way things are going it seems this is going to be golden year of Indian OST Music too.
Pyaasa revisited!
especially with Duniya and Seher.
Awesome again! and totally different from Dev D… If Anurag is reading this, where is Gulaal releasing in the US? please let me know the cities, have to make necessary arrangements :-)
At long last, a soundtrack based on real poetry. More than the music (in terms of composition), it is the brilliance of the poetry that makes this soundtrack so powerful. When was the last time you could say this for a Hindi film soundtrack? Bravo!
Promos of Gulaal are awesome. Its hard hitting and intense. The above write-up gives a comprehensive analysis of all the songs. But even though it gives a detailed analysis of all the songs, it’s not a review. A reviewer has to be dispassionate while this one is way too involved only in profusely praising. Also, its way too long. Seems more like a thesis. Looking forward to the movie eagerly.
The promos of Gulaal are awesome. The film looks very promising and hard hitting. This write up gives a detailed analysis of all the songs. But it’s not a review. It seems the writer start off with a preset notion that they have to praise each song and make each new song look like the end of the world. It’s way too long, more like a thesis and lacks objectivity. A reviewer has to be dispassionate while assessing any work of art and should listen to an inherent voice of honesty within. It shouldn’t be called ‘Review of Gulaal music’…..it should be called ‘Analysis of Gulaal music’ or ‘ An overview of Gulaal music’…
I have heard and seen a few songs of Gulaal…yes they are good, but they have a niche appeal (unlike dev d which had a universal acceptance in spite of being artistic).
Fuck!!! Simply mind-blowing!!
Thanks Piyush bhai and Anurag for keeping the idea of revolution alive. Even madness needs a rhyme…and Gulaal’s music does provide that.
Awesome!!!! Bravo!!!! One of the Best Soundtrack Ever!!!!
Just leaves you NUMB!!!
Mind blowing lyrics! The music perfectly elevates and enunciates the rocking poetic magic!!!
Just too good! Just can’t remove my headphones!! :D
Awesome music Piyush ji… Anurag kudos to u…
raungte khade kar diye yaaar…
Mind blowing…..
@Faridoon,
I agree songs of Gulaal would have niche appeal.
But i guee that’s what everybody thought of Dev.D music.
@Tushar,
Well detailed post man.
Thanks to Anurag Keep pushing the envelope next time also.
Amazing OST!!!!!!!!
Sorry everyone, I did not read through all the comments and might be asking a repeat question… But is the soundtrack available in the US? Alas, the film doesn’t seem to be programmed here, but at least I wish to hear the music that goes along with the fantastic lyrics. And the trailer looked – and sounded – AMAZING!!!
@Faridoon #20 and #21… Totally Agree… This is not a review.
However cant wait to listen to the songs… Is it on iTunes yet? Has it released in US of A?
Thanks guys, enjoy the music.
hey anurag and UTV.. hope u r reading this…
cant u guys start sellin some DEV_D merchandises..
i wud love to have some tees wid dev-d posters on it.. if something like dat is already there plz tell where to get it from..
Heard the tracks thanks to you Tushy. The review is fab as usual, great collaboration Amanda!
Sorry this comment is not about the post but a general comment on the music and lyrics……after a long time I’ve heard really good poetry (in song format)…….philosophical, satirist, deep, revolutionalry, angst, sadist and what not!!!!……Album ko sun ke bas ek hi khayal aata hai abhi tak Piyush mishraji naam ke praani kaha the……. Album is simply amazin and it fucking exhausted me so much that, my happiness reached another level.
Het PFC guys, it would be great if you could convince him to write a detailed post here about his experiences on writing compositions for Gulaal.
too good ,I was reminded of suryakant nirala when I heard “aarambh hai prachand”
thanks for the kind words, arrfan & ravptor! hope anurag also likes the review :-)
Raat Ke Musafir reminded me of the Mukesh song ‘Chino-Arab Hamara’
Can somebody tell me if Gulal is releasing anywhere in New York?
Anurag would have loved it for sure.
BTW, thanks for the lyrics of duniya again… such deep meaning to it… been on the repeat!
‘jaise bina baat afganistan ka baj gaya bhaiya band’ Ranaji rocks!! so do all the other numbers.. Hats off to Piyush Mishra n AK!!
Just listened ‘Duniya’. Too moved to describe the feeling.
Piyush Mishra: After this you will never be forgotten in Hindi cinema.
Take a bow.
Please guys, dont go overboard with atleast this one.. Lyrics are good but music is pretty average stuff.
Intzaar…
Holi kab hai.. Kab hai Holi..
Is this finally the film which Establishes Piyush in Our cinema as THE best creative mind working in many fields. As I heard many times.. For Delhi theater He is not a man.. He is a Institution. I hope Indian will discover His class before It’s too late.
” Jaise dur desh ki tower mein gush jaye aeroplane “…..just another masterpiece for the new genre……we were just waiting for something to come up with…but the so called business minded indian film industry always tried to suppress this kind of bizzre superb steps…..I write poems …where i love to open up myself as a rebellion to express my own frustration and hope merged up with collage of words. Anurag’s movies just igniting my kinda people to jump with own soul… attack the towers of so called intellectual illusionary buildings build by few powerful fools….we have lot to express…anger and love….” jaise dur desh ki tower mein ghus jaye aeroplane” ;-)
I need to go out there and BUY an original audio of Gulaal.
This is day #4, I simply cant let go of this soundtrack. It refuses to leave me. Thank You Anurag/Piyush.
I already bought the original OST.
The music is just beyond anything I can put in into words. At least not yet ‘coz I’m still absorbing Aarambh and Sheher.
I have a request for everyone who is reading this. If you are on facebook please search for a cause called Gulaal I have created.
The purpose is to create as much awareness about the film as possible as its release date is approaching. Then leave it to people if they want to watch it or not.
So guys please join the cause ‘coz I think this movie will need more than conventional promotion methods.
You can either invite all your friends to join the cause and also spread the word or you can select the people on your friend list who you think would like to join the cause as most important is that the chain becomes longer.
It’d be great if you guys have suggestions about about posting relevant/interesting information on the page.
Volunteers for sharing admin rights also invited.
Guys the movie looks like it needs to find its audience. Lets help the movie do that. We know the journey of this film. Lets spread it further.
Cheers
^^^me too
Thanks for the review! Am really psyched about Gulaal’s music, especially after the Dev.D blow-your-effin-mind OST
the song aarambh remind me of great poet ramdhari singh dinkar’s “rashmi rathi”, is it tribute to him?
One particular tune in “Arambh” reminded me of the bg music in the Prayogshaala part in No Smoking. Think is the same
@anurag
join the club
I was also reminded of Rashmirathi.
Thank you for showing the right finger to Indian Cinema. An industry that i really hate to love. But thank you for pushing its limits. The word compromise is something many Indian filmmakers harbor on. You seem to throw that word into a bin with great sincerity. I can’t thank you enough for that. Soon we will reflect on your efforts and hail you as a genius. But by then you will be walking into your own funeral like a medium or soul that you care less about. i hope in my lifetime i can meet you and produce your movies. Till then i ll make the money and spend unnecessary on that. Take care. See you soon.
Listen to Raat Ke musafir very closely through a earphone. there is a surprise at the end.
too good songs man……
cant wait to watch the movie……
“jaise dur des k tower mein ghus jaye aeroplane…”
taareef k liye shabd hi nahi hain..!!!
The bloody CD is still not available in stores. T Series ki Jai ho! grrr…
The poetic essence in Duniya grips you from the first line and keeps you rooted till the last. “yeh duniya agar mil bhi jae to kya hai’. THe pathos of Guru Dutt’s song has been transferred or rather transformed into a rebel yell. Very well written, the hard work shows.
i am just floded with these lyrics and songs……….it seems after few daceds i have heard such strong lyrics….Anurag/pyush….u guys just beyond my words….in bengali litarature…there were two poets …named NAJROOL ISLAAM nad SUKANTO BHTTACHARYA…..after such long time heared such voice of communism….ARAMBH HAIN PRACHAND!….wow………just wanna hug u guys….such james u have been kept out of us.
please dont stop this war….after realease this movie….please!!!!!! these songs become my anthem.
^ heh.. the spirit of revolution… dada shob jaygay communism khujey pachhen
(translation:- finding communism everywhere 
).. anyways, dont want to get into a political debate, its upto every one’s intrpretation 
Back to the main topic:-
this album has got pure hindi poetry at its best, and dare i say darkest form. I had never encountered Piyush Mishra’s poetry before, and it just blew my mind away. I now rate him along with Swadnand Kirkire and Prasun Joshi as the most thought provocing lyricist in bollywood.
the tracks raat ke musafir, seher, duniya and yaara maula are forever tracks, very deep and very disturbing. if the creators wanted to create an image of a failed state dystopia, they have succeeded hands down.
great..superb..excellant…AK once again proves that he is one of rare species of directors in Indian cinema who has such a great music sense..Paanch,Black friday,No smoking,Devd and now Gulaal..Hope more great stuff like this from Piyush Mishra…
eventhough I love all songs.. right now my favs are Aisi Sazaa and Yaara Maula
Aisi Sazaa-music before these lyrics”Aise mein baarish ki boondon se apni saanson ko sehla bhi do” is brilliant and also piano towards the end
Yaara Maula-Music after these lyrics”Hum khade they jahaan par usi ke kinaare par gehra sa andha kuaan tha” excellant..and really uplifting..
Movie Review
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4249207.cms
The 1st review for Gulaal is out and Indiatimes gives it 3 stars and says “For those who love undiluted dry colours of cinematic drama, indulge in Gulaal this Holi”!
@Anurag: Please let us know the places it is being released in US :(
Duniya, Beedo, Ranaji…… its Piyush Mishra all the way. unlike prasoons, jaideeps and the likes, this underdog of a man dont know how came into being and ripped everyone apart with his soul serching lyrics. Being a lyricist myself, i was wondering where all wordsmiths of this nation gone but then comes this guy and blows thoughprovoking minds into a frenzy. Where were you Piyush? This world needs you and thanks Anurag, for giving something sane to this insane world. I have a feeling, we will work together someday.Amigos. Keep churning out stuff. You are not mad and you are not alone.:)
Amazing soundtrack , the melody , the vocals , the lyrics everything is so fitting to the movie and the scenes where they are played. On the disc those versions of Sarfaroshi ki tamanna and a couple of other songs that Piyush Mishra sings in the movie are not there . In fact if somehow I can get all the dialogues of Piyush Mishra or even if only those songs it would be gr8 …. Anurag bhai u listening somewhere ?
Ufff, Gulaal’s lyrics have this virile, visceral quality that should/will push a writer to think, “You miserable SOB if you don’t have lines like these that make you burn, throb and climax, you might as well call it quits.”
It fills my heart to read everyone’s comments. Piyush wrote like this 15 years back when i came to know him – and sang like this…he taught us theatre and he taught us revolution..he made our hearts sing and bleed at the same time…he was known and loved to by all of us who knew him, yet unknown to anyone outside his small circle in delhi….
i am so glad that today you all love his music and his poetry so much…
@Monolita, thanks for sharing.
I know i’m a bit late here, but I only heard ‘Rana Ji’ yesterday and i’m EXTREMLEY DISSAPOINTED and shocked at how the references to the Twin Towers have been made!
No, it’s not clever.
No, it’s not creative.
And No, it’s not acceptable!
Ofcourse, this is just my opinion, but I find it disturbing to know that lines like that are used so casually.
The album most probably is a good one, but that’s left a very bad taste!
I remember Ayesha Takia’s ‘Sunday’ had the same line too.
Sad. Just sad.
I do enjoy reading ur reviews, Tushar.
And like I said, it’s most probably a good album (i love ‘aisi sazaa’) however that line was…?
To me, it signifies what’s wrong with the world today.
Aaj yeh hain, and tommorow we’ll have lyrics about the London bombings, Madrid bombings and ultimately, the Mumbai attacks!
And, to reiterate, I think there’s something very, very disturbingly wrong if these lines are seen as creative.
Baaki kahaa suna maaf karna Tushar bhai.
:-(
Gulaal OST is pure MAGIC!
Bollywood should learn from it…
I am absolutely hooked on to sher