Music of Sarkar Raj

Saam. Daam. Dand. Bhed. According to scriptures, the four statutes for success, by means of which one can influence others. Ominously, by means of a pulsating chorus, they loom and loop intensely in the background to add to the dark and tense soundtrack of "Sarkar Raj", one that's constantly on the edge.

Flowerily-named Bapi-Tutul are a unique choice for a soundtrack that demands intensity, especially considering they have albums like "Khosla ka Ghosla" and "Paisa Vasool" to their credit. They do live up to the unique requirements that SR has, bearing in mind that RGV's influence on the music is audibly substantial.

While all the songs are well-crafted, they have all been composed with an ability to blend into the background (and into each other), without stealing any limelight from the clearly powerful characterisation and the Bachchans. The tense Chaah Bhanvar Trishna and its low piano notes, is near prayer-like in its layout. Gears switch to Jalte Rawan, a "Parikrama"-ish rock number. Tension mounts and sustains with two Kailash Kher tracks - Jalwa Re Jalwa and Saam Daam, both almost blending into each other, being supported by traditional Marathi folk beats.

Jhini Jhini may be passable, but it is suitably revived by its milder doppelganger Subah (sung by Pamela Jain). Subah is the standout relief track of the album (what Aankhon Mein Raho was to Company), and the only track that creates an identity of its own, unblended with the Sarkar-ness of it all.

If you thought you were safe after Subah, remember that with SR, you can run but you cannot hide from the "Govinda" mantra. RGV then hits you with four strikes of Govinda (The Chant, The Theme, The Groove and The Trance), featuring AB-baby's trademark dialogues about defiance against the ‘system'.

Balance sheet? After listening to the album, one understands why RGV waited so long to launch the music of the film. (The album came out just a week before the film's release.) The learning is - if you loved the film, you'll love the music. If you didn't, or haven't seen it, it will just seem like an angry cluster of tense people unnecessarily fussing and making much ado about Govinda.

With low repeat listening and shelf value, this album makes sense only as long as the movie's aura still lingers, and is history, the minute it fades. And if after this album you haven't had your fill of Saams, Daams and Govindas, there's a whole separate soundtrack album, which helps you sink your teeth into the mood of Sarkar Raj.

Is that even necessary - the main soundtrack already sounds like the background score? Ramu, you seriously need a chill pill and some much needed comic relief. How about a Govinda movie?