Producer: Tutu Sharma
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Tejaswini Kolhapure, Kay Kay
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Singers: Sultan Khan, Asha Bhosle, Sunidhi Chauhan, Hariharan, Sen Gupta, Dominique

  ‘Paanch’ tells the story of a struggling rock band in Mumbai. So most of the songs are set in pop or rock mode. Vishal Bharadwaj is the music director whereas Abbas Tyrewala takes care of the lyrics. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the scriptwriter of ‘Satya’ this movie launches another star sibling Tejaswini Kolhapure.

The album starts with a high paced rock track ‘Main Khuda’. Sung in a high-spirited manner by Sunidhi Chauhan, this song exudes youthful energy and confidence. This song gives you a fair idea about the lead protagonist and her mental set up. KK comes in for a male solo version of the same track later in the album. These songs grows on you at the first listening itself.

A pop song follows this rock number. ‘Yeh Kaisa Hai Shaher’ has Domique behind the mike. The singer puts her heart out for this track and comes out a real winner. Overall, this is another trendy and enjoyable track from the kitty of Vishal Bharadwaj.

The same singer, Dominique once again holds the mike for the title track ‘Paanch Theme’. Fortunately, this one too comes out well.

Now this one is not pop, nor rock, but it is the Indian version of rap.  Hariharan and KK croon this conversational kind of track. Created in the lines of ‘Kallu Mama’ from ‘Satya’, this song is purely situational and cannot be enjoyed in isolation.

‘Akhiyan Chipki’ has a certain eastern flavor, mostly due to the vocals of Sultan Khan. Inspired by the song ‘Piya Basanti Re’ Vishal Bharadwaj tries to recreate the same mood and feel in this number. Set in a semi classical style this song is sure to capture your heart at the first hear itself. Its simple and sweet lyrics come easily on your lips.

But this cannot be said about the next song ‘Tamas’. For a change Vishal Bharadwaj comes up with an ordinary and uninteresting tune. And the song has to pay for its music director’s lack of enthusiasm.

Last but not the least Ashaji holds the mike for the first time in this album. She croons ‘Jism Hai’ in her inimitable style. This sensuous track gets a boost with her magical voice. It makes for a good hear and don’t be surprised if it finds a place among the top ten songs of the time.

In nutshell, Vishal Bharadwaj’s music treads the unusual musical path. It may not impress the whole lot of music lovers. But those who love pop and rock music can have a jolly good time with this album. If you are a lover of variety music go for it.