It has taken quite
a struggle for the small-budget, internationally-acclaimed film Josh to finally
make it to Pakistani theatres alongside big releases like Main Hoon Shahid
Afridi, Zinda Bhaag and Ishq-e-Khuda this Eid.
From the film’s
soundtrack, the only video track that has been released is probably not getting
as much air time on music channels as other pop songs due to Ramazan and its
‘different’ sound. However, the remaining three songs from Josh’s soundtrack
are rather simple and basic, with only a few striking moments. Shahi Hasan and
his studio Indus World Music have produced three songs for the film while the
remaining one has only been mixed by him. After a disappointing season of
Cornetto Music Icons, where none of the songs succeeded in making a great
impact despite having big names in the line-up, Shahi applies his age-old
approach to music in Josh. While the music does sound catchy at some instances,
it appears to be repetitive and overdone. Having said that, the overall mood of
the music does manage to create a raw appeal, which is needed for an
independent film like Josh. However, the real impact will only be felt once
it’s played in the cinemas
Tu Nach
This one is a
typical Punjabi techno number with a catchy tune that is bound to make you shake
a leg! The song is produced by Manesh Judge, Noor Lodhi and Michael Anand and
is written by Barinder Judge.
The sound mixing
has been done by Shahi Hasan. Tu Nach is by far the most captivating song in
the film. However, it isn’t really an extraordinary composition – you are
likely to find hundreds of Punjabi tracks with a similar melody. Nevertheless,
it’s the groovy, engaging beat of the tabla that makes this song so powerful.
The rap does not appear out of place within the song, but it does seem slightly
exaggerated at places.
Mohabbat Ka Junoon
One of the major
issues with composing Allama Iqbal’s poetry is that it has been done so
fashionably by the band Junoon that anything different feels like abuse,
whereas anything similar seems to be a complete rip-off. Mohabbat Ka Junoon, a
poem by Allama Iqbal, is featured as the thematic soundtrack for the film and
has been composed by Noor Lodhi and Asim Khan. The vocals are by Noor Lodhi,
music is given by Shahi Hasan, Manesh Judge & Noor Lodhi, whereas the song
has been produced by Shahi Hasan. The clichéd use of guitars and the tabla
makes the sound appear weary. While Iqbal’s lyrics hold a deep, philosophical
and interesting meaning to them, an avid music listener will hardly be able to
contain a yawn. Innovation is what’s lacking here and not content.
The Time Has Come/Yeh Dil Kyun Mera
The third song of
the film has two versions to it and is the original soundtrack (OST) for the
movie. Both versions of the song have been composed by Shahi Hasan and Zoe
Viccaji, who has also given the vocals.
It’s a slow and mellow number with a soft and somewhat grey feel to it.
The sound of the guitar sets an ideal background for the film, which highlights
stories inspired by Indo-Pak partition. The melody is powerful and flows
smoothly, at least in the English version of the song called The Time Has Come.
However, in the Urdu version, one can notice Zoe trying to make an extra effort
that does not suit her vocal texture.
Published in The
Express Tribune, July 18th, 2013.
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