Music is an integral part in Indian cinema. It’s the song and dance sequence which makes our cinema different from rest of the world. We may do it over the top sometimes and some pseudo-intellectuals who’re always in the awe of Hollywood constantly criticize the dance numbers because they break the narrative for those few minutes. Technically, they are right. But for us, Indians, Cinema is an emotion 😛 We go crazy when our stars just randomly break into these trendy song numbers and dance with style and grace. But of late, people are becoming more impatient. I remember people walking out for few songs in even a film like Bahubali and coming back after those few minutes. So, you can understand the current situation.
Thanks to people like A.R. Rahman and directors like Mani Ratnam, Gautham Menon and others, songs are being beautifully placed in the narrative these days without disturbing the flow. In fact, they are helping to take the narrative forward. You can see those examples in Ok Kanmani and recently Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo. On the contrary, we enjoyed songs like “Kala Chashma”, “Pakka local” and all songs from Sairat equally or even more. Music works for different reasons at different times.
So, here are my top 5 soundtracks of 2016. Soundtrack includes individual songs and the background score. It’s the entire music scored for a film.
Sairat
More than Hindi and telugu albums, Sairat is the best album I heard this year. It had everything just like the film – “Yad Lag la”, title track and of course the crazy “Zingaat”.
                                   Hindi
5. Dangal
Though there’re no dance numbers, Dangal’s music was impressive. Good ones – “Dhaakad”, “Hanikarak Bapu” and the title track.
4. Kapoor and Sons
Apart from the chart buster “Kar Gayi Chull”, “Bolna” and “Saathi Re” are magical.
4. Befikre
Keeping the result of the film aside, music of Befikre was full of joy. Good ones – Title track, “Nashe Si..” and “Labon ka karobaar”.
3. Baar Baar Dekho
Overshadowed by “Kala Chashma”, other songs didn’t get their deserved appreciation. But that doesn’t make them any less – Beautiful “Kho gaye”, “Nachde Ne” and “Khair Mangdi”.
2. Dear Zindagi
Beautiful Album by the most underrated Amit Trivedi. All songs are equally good – Title track, “Let’s Breakup”, “Just go to hell” and the recreation of “Ae Zindagi gale laga le”.
2. Fitoor
I can’t believe how I missed this when I first wrote this post. Adding it later. “Pashmina” was one of the most pure melodies I’ve heard in recent times. I think the soundtrack didn’t get the deserved recognition because of the film’s failure. But that doesn’t take away anything from this genius, Amit Trivedi.
1. Â Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
From Channa Mereya to the title track, each song is special. Arijit and Pritam should be given credit equally for this beautiful album.
Special Mention :
Udta Punjab
Good one again from Amit. My favourites – Title track, “Chitta Ve” and “Ikk Kudi” and current favourite – “Da Da Dasse”.
Neerja
“Jeete hai chal” & “Maa” from Neerja which are special which can even bring tears.
Sultan
Well, if baby ko bass pasand hai, hum ko bhi pasand hai 😛
                                   Telugu
5. Gentleman
Just that one theme music deserves huge appreciation. My favourite track – “Chali Gaali”.
4. Pelli Choopulu
I don’t think any song from this album made it to top 20 charts. But when you’re watching the film, you’ll understand how magical the music is. The blend of classical with western sounded beautiful and reminded of Rahman’s music.
4. Dhruva
Recent addition to the list. All four songs are equally good and catchy.
3. Sarrainodu
Blockbuster! Apt to describe this album. Good one from Thaman after a long time.
2. Nannaku Prematho
More than “Follow Follow” and few other songs, it’s the emotional title track and very impressive background score that made Nannaku Prematho soundtrack a special one.
1. Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo
Every few years, it has become a thing for people to say “Oh, A.R has lost his touch! He was good only in 90’s”. Then comes soundtracks like Ye Maaya Chesave, Rockstar, Highway and now SSS. Just that one track, “Vellipomaake” (“Thalli Pogathey”) which was released in January, 2016 kept on rocking even till the end of the year. That’s A.R. Rahman for you! It’s tough to pick one best song from the album. As it happens with every album of his, best song changes every few weeks. My current favourite – “Taanu Nenu”.
Special Mention :
Janatha Garage
Good ones – “Jayaho Janatha”(its perfect placement in the film) and “Pakka local” (Thanks to Kajal 😛 ).
A Aa
One sweet album from Mickey J. Meyer which truly deserves special mention. My favourites – “Yaa Yaa”, “Anasuya” and “Yellipoke Syamala”.
A very special mention to “24” for its brilliant background score by Rahman.
Some songs which worked individually :
Mirzya and Thikka title tracks.
If you have any other favourites, do mention in comments 🙂