'Haji Ali to Maula Mere Maula'

It seems more than a worthwhile attempt to understand the path trodden by the Composer A.R. Rahman in a particular genre of his compositions as he makes yet another Sufi composition in his recent film Delhi 6. I believe he is a different composer while doing such numbers , for sure, each of the songs of that genre made me quite enthusiastic with the flow of energy in them. The journey from his most renowned 'Piya Haji Ali' in Fiza to the recent "Maula Mere Maula' of Delhi 6 sets a new trend with the Sufi/folk + a tinge of Arabian/persian notes. This trend has almost been the same as far as my perception goes except for the intelligent adaptation . "Piya Haji Ali' with its own pace and rythm, sung by Sufi singers in the main lead as well as Rahman(Srinivas backing too) has given a way to more such numbers from the composer who came again with 'Noor Un Ala' in Meenakshi the tale of 3 cities , an interesting change of the style.'Noor Un Ala' has a subtle but constant modern rythm backing and the folkish light classical style for an altogether experimental context.

Coming to his relatively less acclaimed " Khwaja Mere Khwaja" from Jodha Akbar, with urdu centric lyrics and rendition. . . . has lil high vocals (dominated by Rahman himself), harmonium backups.....i should admit that it had irritated more than few audiences. But, interestingly it has a small but good interlude when comapred to most of his other numbers in this genre, as usual he has hidden keyboard accompanying the mukhdas. Also, i cannot forget the subtle melody he lighted up the song with, while coming down to the lower notes, for instance ' Beqaso ki Takdeer, tune hi sawari'. . . . . . . . thats purely what Rahman is gifted with, he makes melody out of simple and mundane tunes.
Now, 'Maula Mere Maula' from Delhi 6,a conventional Sufi/poetic number, yet wonderfully rendered by Javed Ali. Arguably one of the finest melodies composed by Rahman in this genre. This composition flaunts its smooth/sweet disposition except for almost neglgibly disturbing/high note vocals by Kailesh kher here and there. There isn't any experimentation in this song, there wasn't a need i guess. Any melody might loose its charm because of its lengthy repetitive tone. . . . . .. . . this song unfortunately has that characteristic, which might act as a strain slowly.

But, there is one song in this genre which stands apart. . . . . . i should say, it was a different experience listening to it. Rahman, used the theme of the movie to make a convincingly heavier composition......it has all the characteristics of a patriotic energizer. As an interlude came violins ,played in a sort of raag 'Kapi' syle in ascent and a "Maya malawa Gowla' in descent ( i guess there is more to it) giving me goose bumps . . . . the pace of the song is well supported with the violin accompaniment now and then and the tablas in the middle.....without watching the movie i could say this was composed for a period film when i first listened to it long ago. . . and yes it was! I am talking about 'Al Maddath Maula' from Mangal Pandey: the Rising. . . . this ought to be a Rahman's composition!

Note: There are other songs of Rahman in this genre, both filmi n non filmi, but. . . . . . .