No One Killed Jessica   Producer: Ronnie Screwvala Director: Rajkumar Gupta Starring: Rani Mukherjee, Vidya Balan Music: Amit Trivedi Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Mame Khan, Robert Omulo, Shilpa Rao, Tochi Raina, Biswasjit Chakraborty, Shriram Iyer, Raja Hassan, Anushka Manchanda, Sonu Kakar, Aditi Singh Sharma, Sonika Sharma, Meenal Jain, Joi Barua, Raman Mahadevan, Amitabh Bhattacharya Audio On: Saregama Music    Number of Songs: 6 Album Released on: 06 December 2010 Reviewed by: Atta Khan  - Rating: 7.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Movie Review

Da-Da Da-Da Da-Da Dilli-Dilli Dilli-Dilliiiii…Dil Dil Dil Dil…DILLI !!!!!!!! . Those are the explosive vocals of Aditi Singh Sharma that bring to life the opening track “Dilli” which, suffice to say will blow you away! The ultra cool and urban rock (read heavy metal rock!) anthem will have you hooked in no time but it’s the added magic of the Punjabi fusion that gives the whole song an eclectic mix, taking it right up to the heady heights of Aamir. To get the Punjabi fusion it’s over to Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics that have you salivating at the thoughts and meaning of his folksy ode on Delhi…great stuff. And those exact words are uttered passionately by Amit’s favourite Punjabi vocalist Tochi Raina (supported by Shriram Iyer and Aditi Singh Sharma for the main chorus) who is stunning as usual. The hard hitting song works wonders both on and off screen. This is quite possibly the coolest track of 2010!

Checkout the remix version later at “Dilli (Hardcore)” though you might find the original was hard hitting enough!

The next song “Aali Re” is softer in its execution compared to “Dilli” since it’s all about portraying Rani Mukherjee’s character in the film as the fearless, arrogant and heroic crime reporter but nevertheless, it’s no less passionate or intoxicating! Another crazy mix of fusion by Trivedi, “Aali Re” is just layered with charming instrumentation and a unique song structure that never ceases to surprise you. The drums you will hear the most as they give the song punch and rhythm. Adding to this are the madcap vocals (by a host of singers including Tochi Raina, Biswasjit Chakraborty, Shriram Iyer, Raja Hassan, Anushka Manchanda, Sonu Kakar, Aditi Singh Sharma and Sonika Sharma) including wonderful chorus chants such as “Din Chak”, “Rappa Rap” and “Rakka Chika” "Boom Boom Patakha Re" etc. In fact such is the charm prevalent in the style and structure of “Aali Re” that it reminds you of Rahman’s earlier experimental (raw) work from the 1990s (Jeans anyone?). That is not meant in a derogatory way, simply kudos to Trivedi that he can bring that kind of fusion back in the current era and make it work. If the first song was the coolest of the year then this surely ranks as the wackiest but regardless, it is of the highest quality from start to finish.

One listen of “Aitbaar” and you realise that Trivedi is well and truly into overdrive! Brimming full of attitude, flair and swagger, this wicked track (bearing further reminisces of Aamir), grooves off the blocks with the sounds of rapping by Kenyan Robert Omolu. What follows is another swashbuckling non-linear rock anthem that brings together two distinct singing styles that makes it sound even more fascinating on the ears. Vishal Dadlani’s explosive vocals unearth the passion and fury of the song against the folksy, mysterious sounding Mame Khan. Kudos to Vishal, he really has carved a niche with his singing talents! Lyrics by Amitabh are top notch as usual and fit wonderfully well with the on screen antics. The only negative is that it ends too quickly. In a word, Brilliant!

What brings the soundtrack down are the last two songs which fail to live up to the high standards set previously. In fact both songs are instrumental in nature with more emphasis on providing a mood for the film than anything else- this wouldn’t normally be a bad thing but Trivedi’s wow factor is unusually missing here.

Whilst “Dua” starts on a lovely note particularly the piano piece, the music rings a familiar chord with his earlier Udaan particularly once the music kicks in midway through the song. Meenal Jain does sing beautifully however with supporting vocals by Joi Barua, Raman Mahadevan and Amitabh Bhattacharya. The latter pens some fine lyrics as he did throughout Udaan. This is definitely one for the film.

The amazing Shilpa Rao softly croons “Yeh Pal” in another slow ballad backed by a soft orchestra but just when the song is about to end (around 3:30min), Amit decides to blow it up into a techno frenzy which works for the film but doesn't quite enhance your enjoyment of the song. Comparisons are sometimes unfair and harsh but Shilpa’s equivalent song in Aamir (“Ek Lau”) was streets ahead in terms of quality.

Let’s get straight to the point. NOKJ isn’t music for the masses like his last soundtrack (the very enjoyable Aisha) but music for those keen and discerning listeners that want something different, something urban, something hip, something non-linear, something cool. NOKJ delivers all that and more in “Dilli”, “Aali Re” and “Aitbaar”. With the help of some terrific lyrics by Amitabh, it's also a first class score for the film. Admittedly not as good as Aamir, you should still go grab the soundtrack as soon as and end the year on a musical high courtesy of apna “Tarantino” who has comfortably delivered some of the high notes of 2010!