In English Vinglish, Sridevi plays a middle-class housewife who enrolls in an English class to please her family. There is a strong buzz around this project as the former superstar returns to cinema after 14 years. Amit Trivedi, who’s had an excellent year so far with Ishaqzaade and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, has composed the music, while Swanand Kirkire has penned the lyrics.

Badla nazara is the title track, with Kirkire’s light-hearted lyrics as its highlight. Trivedi uses a variety of string instruments, a catchy chorus and a thumping club bed to make this peppy track extremely likeable. The combination of Shilpa Rao and Amit Trivedi works like magic. Badla nazara is the kind of song you want to wake up to.

In complete contrast is the soothing Dhak dhuk, a gentle melody that seems inspired by the folk songs of Bengal and Gujarat. Trivedi renders this one with all heart – not a single jarring note here. Navrai majhi is based on traditional Maharashtrian wedding songs. Trivedi lines up an interesting ensemble of singers, which adds to the charm of this song. Sunidhi Chauhan is at her playful best and sounds fabulous. This folksy track also features Swanand Kirkire, his mother Neelambri Kirkire and Canadian singer Natalie in a cameo. Navrai majhi is a happy, instantly addictive track.

Slightly less addictive is the ode to Manhattan – a fun, quirky track dedicated to the glory of New York’s busiest area. Newcomer Bianca Gomes is impressive in her rendition, especially in the rap portions, and giving her superb company is Clinton Cerejo. Gustakh dil is the quintessential Amit Trivedi ‘heartbreak’ track. Remember Lehrein from
Aisha? This soft melancholic rock number opens with the cello before Shilpa Rao’s glorious voice takes over. Watch out for haunting interludes between Rao’s vocals.

This album is a little gem from Amit Trivedi.

Verdict: Delightful!