<i>Chingaari</i>'s music lacks spark

The trials and tribulations of women in Indian society have always been the focal point of director Kalpana Lajmi's films.

In her ready for release Chingaari too, she portrays the impact of illiteracy, religious double standards and consequently the exploitation of women through the character of Basanti, a prostitute, played by Sushmita Sen [Images]. The cast also includes Mithun Chakraborty and Anuj Sawhney.

Interestingly, Chingaari is based on a short story by noted Assamese singer-turned-politician Bhupen Hazarika, The Postman and the Prostitute.

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Hazarika has also scored the music for all of Lajmi's ventures. But since he sought a break from music-making, Lajmi opted for Aadesh Shrivastava's services for this film.

The soundtrack album of Chingaari kickstarts with Sunidhi Chauhan's [Images] wild, flirty moaning about the bittersweet pain of youth in Dank mare. The song -- thanks to Sameer's provocative lyrics -- could easily pass off as another 'item number' with an ethnic flavour. And it does.

You may remember her as Kumar Gaurav's love interest in Love Story, but Vijayata Pandit also happens to be Chingaari's music director's better half. You may find her singing an odd song or two in hubby's compositions, as seen in Dev and Deewaar - Let's Bring Our Heroes Home.

Coming back to Chingaari, her off-key and dull rendition of Dulhan dulhan is best skipped.

Pandit delivers better in the hauntingly poignant and carefully structured Kitni sardi kitni garmi. It is easily one of the better songs of this soundtrack. So much so that even Shrivastava is compelled to take on the microphone to render his version of the same. And he impresses.

Sunidhi Chauhan hollers her lungs out, and in all probability strains her vocal chords, in the hard-hitting Maha Kali. The same track is later repeated in the album. This time too, Shrivastava does the honours. Luckily he doesn't go overboard with the screeching bit. High voltage, high pitch, highly dramatic. A fanatical chanting of Jai Kali makes up the Taandav theme.

Himani Kapoor's emotionless tone blends seamlessly with the tabla and the harmonium in Jab jab saiyyan. This mujra number tries very hard to be old world in its charm. Doesn't quite succeed.

The bottom line: Chingaari's relevance and strength is limited to its story line. There is nothing persuasive or profound about its soundtrack.