Dinesh Kamath's column on film 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola' that was published in Newsband

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is an upcoming romantic comedy film produced by Vishal Bharadwaj along with Fox Star Studios. Besides co-producing, Bharadwaj has also directed, co-scripted and scored the music for the film. The film stars Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma and Pankaj Kapoor playing the title roles whilst Arya Babbar and Shabana Azmi play supporting roles. Kartik Vijay is the cinematographer. The film will release on 11 January, 2013.

The movie has an interesting plot. Set in the rustic surroundings of a village in Haryana, the film is a comedy-drama about Harry Mandola (Pankaj Kapur), a wealthy industrialist who loves his drink, his daughter Bijlee (Anushka Sharma) and the unusual bond they both share with Harry’s man friday, Matru (Imran Khan). Matru studies LLB in Delhi University but does not get a job upon graduation and returns to his village to take up his family profession of serving the Mandola family. Also, he loves Bijlee. Bijlee later goes to Oxford University to study and falls in love with Baadal (Arya Babbar), the son of a powerful politician, Chaudhari Devi (Shabana Azmi), and much to her father's delight, Bijlee is all set to marry Baadal. This alliance which is far from being a simple union of two young people becomes the seed for a story that brings twists and turns in the lives of Matru, Bijlee and Mandola.

The film has Imran Khan as Matru, Anushka Sharma as Bijlee, Pankaj Kapur as Mandola, Shabana Azmi as Chaudhari Devi, Arya Babbar as Badal and Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgan in cameo roles.

The first trailer of the film was released in October 2012 on YouTube which created a lot of buzz due to a bold act by Anushka Sharma. Anushka plays a strong headed, outspoken girl in the film. Her look highlights the bold approach of the character. Girls will find Imran hot. One other thing which will catch your attention is the pink buffalo, "Gulabi Bhains". In the movie, Anushka Sharma will be sporting a tattoo on her lower waist which reads "Dekho Magar Pyaar Se".

Music is by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar. The title song is by Sukhwinder Singh and Ranjit Barot. Another single track in the movie is Oye Boy Charlie by Rekha Bhardwaj, Mohit Chauhan and Shankar Mahadevan. Musicperk.com rated the album 8/10 quoting "Well-worth a listen".

Thus the film has songs like Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Ranjit Barot, Oye Boy Charlie by Rekha Bhardwaj, Mohit Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, Khamakha by Vishal Bhardwaj, Prem Dehati, Lootnewale by Sukhwinder Singh, Master Saleem, Shara-Rara-Ra by Prem Dehati, Badal Uthiya by Rekha Bhardwaj, Chaar Dina Ki by Pankaj Kapur, Imran Khan, Prem Dehati, Chor Police by Pankaj Kapur, Nomvula by African Umoja, Badal Uthiya (Reprise) by Prem Dehati and Lootnewale (Reprise) by Sukhwinder Singh.

I will elaborate on the music aspect of the film. Vishal Bharadwaj is known to create music that is soulful, meaningful and entertaining at the same time. The director-music composer has composed some memorable albums that have stayed with us.

The title song is a high-energy, fun number. Gulzar has written earthy lyrics and singer Sukhwinder Singh is in great form after a long time.

Oye boy Charlie is a quirky desi number with Hinglish lyrics. It’s a crossover between a Haryanvi folk song and a qawwali. Oye boy’s tune is addictive – the sign of an instant hit!

More romantic mood is created by the next couple of songs. Khamakha is good to hear due to Vishal who makes this song sound soothing and touching. Gulzar’s lyrics have great imagery, making it a beautifully romantic song. The track ends with Prem Dahati’s Haryanvi chants.

Badal uthiya ri sakhi, a semi-classical song, has two versions – one sung by Rekha Bharadwaj and the other by Prem Dehati. Dehati’s voice is earthy – it smells of the Haryanvi soil, adding depth. Rekha’s version is lighter and soothing.

Chor Police is a 58-second long song snippet sung by Pankaj Kapur that talks about scams and corruption, the real theft that happens in the country. A political statement, this song is fast-paced and thrilling.

There are more such numbers. Pankaj Kapur and Imran Khan lend their voices to Char dina ki, a street play-meets-wedding band number. Then comes Shara ra ra – a one-and-a-half minute track sung by Dehati – which is also on similar lines. Once again, it has the quintessential Haryanvi folk music flavour and lyrics.

There’s another politically charged song by Sukhwinder Singh called Lootnewale. The reprise version is also appealing and has a marching song quality to it.

There’s a Zulu track called Nomvula which means ‘after the rain’.

All in all, the Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola soundtrack is mix of romance, masala and socio-political messages. Entertaining, quirky and meaningful at the same time, this one’s truly an Afro-Haryanvi carnival!

So do watch the film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola both for its story and music when it gets released on 11 January 2013.