'Zanjeer' music average, could have been better (IANS Music Review)

Film: "Zanjeer"; Composer: Chirantan Bhatt; Singers: Mika Singh, Talia Bentson, Mamta Sharma, Meet Bros Anjjan, Wajhi, Palak Muchhal, Sukhwinder Singh, Shabab Sabri, Shweta Pandit, and Shreya Ghoshal; Ratings: ***

Director Apoorva Lakhia's movie "Zanjeer", a remake of the 1973 movie of the same name, has seven tracks. While retaining the original flavour of the plot, composer Chirantan Bhatt has given it a contemporary twist.

The album begins with stylish Mika Singh number "Mumabi ke hero". This can become the anthem of Mumbai Police as it portrays them in a most heroic way. Amitabh Bachchan's dialogues from the original add nostalgia. Singer Talia Bentson kicks in with a rap and a British accent but does not really impress. It can be summed up as a cool track.

When will singer Mamta Sharma stop singing item numbers? This is the first thought that comes to mind when the song "Pinky" starts, but nonetheless, it is a full entertainer like all her other numbers. The song with a Marathi flavour scores well in the genre.

Wajhi sings "Lamha tera mera". He is joined by Palak Muchchal, whose voice is beautiful. It gradually slows down but the moment you start enjoying it, the beats become faster. It's an excellent track gone awry.

The qawali has its own charm and "Kochey pathan" reveals that perfectly. Singer Sukhwinder Singh's voice is apt for the song. It reminds you of an authentic qawali session. The singers' voice easily reflect the passion of friends. It might not be on a par with "Yaari hai imaan" from the original, but it entertains.

The next track, "Kaatilana", is interesting. Shweta Pandits's voice is sensuous and beautiful. Surprisingly, this is a melodious and energetic number.

"Shakila banoo" is a character-driven track. Shreya Goshal croons the song, but there is nothing to write home about.

The soundtrack of "Zanjeer" is okay, but it could have been grand. "Kochey pathan" stands out.

(Yashika Mathur can be contacted at yashika.m@ians.in