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Pathaan (soundtrack)
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| Pathaan | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soundtrack album cover | |||||
| Soundtrack album by | |||||
| Released | 22 December 2022 | ||||
| Recorded | 2020–2022 | ||||
| Studio | YRF Studios, Mumbai YN Music Studio, Dubai Czech TV Music Studio, Prague | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 11:34 | ||||
| Language | Hindi | ||||
| Label | YRF Music | ||||
| Producer | Abhijit Nalani Meghdeep Bose | ||||
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| Vishal–Shekhar chronology | |||||
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| Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara chronology | |||||
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| Singles from Pathaan | |||||
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Pathaan is the soundtrack album composed by Vishal-Shekhar, Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara to the 2023 Hindi film of the same name directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in lead roles. The film was produced by Aditya Chopra under his banner Yash Raj Films.
Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani composed two songs "Besharam Rang" and "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" with lyrics by Kumaar whereas the original film score was composed by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara, who also composed "Pathaan's Theme" and "Jim's Theme", instrumentals they had originally recorded for the background score that were released with the soundtrack album on 9 January 2023. Close to the release of the film, two promotional singles: "Pathaan - Trailer" and Arabic version of the song "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" were released.
The songs "Besharam Rang" and "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" were composed with an old-school approach in a modern musical arrangement. The former track has Spanish verses written by Dadlani and marks the celebration of the character played by Padukone in a 'good, bad and flawless' manner, whereas the latter song comprises bassline and dholak-rhythm patterned groove, signifying a 'victory' song in the film.
Upon release, the album received positive reviews by audience and critics. "Besharam Rang" was the only Bollywood song of 2022 to garner more than 100 million views YouTube India in a short span of time.
Development
[edit]"The song is a modern fusion of Qawaali and is a celebration of Pathaan's style and panache. It has been a while since we have seen SRK groove to the music and we are hoping that people will love seeing their favourite superstar shake a leg with an attitude to kill for."
- Director Siddharth Anand on the track "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" in an interview with Gulf News[1]
Soundtrack album
[edit]The songs "Besharam Rang" and "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" were conceptualized in the atrium of a building over coffees and casual chats, later, directly recorded in studio.[2] They were recorded during phases one and two of the COVID-19 lockdown in India.[3] Both the songs were attributed to the 'old school' way of compositions.[2]
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Dadlani and Ravjiani stated that "Besharam Rang" was recorded first.[2] The song was composed with dummy lyrics and Shilpa Rao recorded the patch.[2][4] Lyricist Kumaar worked on the words in receipt of her vocals. Dadlani called it an unusual way of working whereas Ravjiani clarified that the song had a different chorus and the hook line being written first was how the song shaped up.[2] On the music arrangement of "Besharam Rang", the duo mentioned that Warren Mendonsa recorded the guitar riffs in New Zealand. Against comparisons[5] with the song "Ghungroo", they clarified that "Besharam Rang" was a "sensual feminine track" and they did not work 'closed room' on it.[2] On coining the title "Besharam Rang", they credited Kumaar who took the brief of the song and translated it.[6] The brief of the lyrics were about 'a girl who by her sheer lack of innovation was incredibly attractive'.[2] Kumaar did not write the tracks but let his ideas be written by Dadlani and Ravjiani.[2][7]
For the creative process of "Jhoome Jo Pathaan", Vishal-Shekhar roped in their "Swag Se Swagat" music producer Meghdeep Bose to produce the track.[8] In the process Ravjiani sang a line, "Hum Jaise Jigar Waale Kahaan? Aha!" (Translates to "Where are the hearty ones like us?") a qawwali hook-line, requested by Anand prior composing the track.[3] Emphasizing more on the expression "Aha!" that stood as a repetition, Dadlani and Ravjiani continued jamming with these, fitting the verses by Kumaar.[3] Hence, the lyrics "Baat Karte Hai Hazaaron, Hazaaron" came into existence (sung by Sukriti Kakar), the last word of the line either rhyming or repeating.[3] Anand was present during the musical arrangement of the song. Ravjiani was quoted saying, “it is like a modern qawwali kind of zone where there is a repetition of lines".[9] To avoid a generic vocal tone, Dadlani did not record the track, but rather chose Arijit Singh.[3] The track's musical drop was hardly melody, the groove was composed as the drop with bassline and dholak pattern by Bose.[3][4] The bounce of the groove was recorded as a dance number. Meghdeep Bose also played the Arabic, acoustic and electric guitars on the track.[3]
Original score
[edit]In an interview with B.H. Harsh from Film Companion, Jim's Theme (track 4) was recorded with an 'uncomfortable' percussion sound and reversed for creating an 'untangling effect'. For Pathaan's Theme (track 3), Ankit Balhara created the sound scheme to evoke patriotism as well as a 'heroic flair'. They kept the female vocals (recorded locally) limited, to bring an effect of 'swag' with Khan's introductory scene in the film. Cassandra Cavalli provides the vocals for the theatrical version of Pathaan's Theme. Sanchit Balhara said they drew inspiration from John William's original score for Jurassic Park, apart from scores by James Horner and Thomas Newman. They retained the elements of Indian classical music while fusing and designing the score for Pathaan.[10]
Critical response
[edit]Critics based out of Bollywood Hungama called the music in the film of 'a chartbuster variety'. They added that "Besharam Rang" was already a rage and comes into the film at an important juncture.[11] The same goes for "Jhoome Jo Pathaan". They praised the called the background score as 'memorable', especially the theme played during scenes featuring Abraham.[11] Namrata Joshi who reviewed "Besharam Rang" for Cinema Express, praised Shilpa Rao's vocals and compared the inclusion of Spanish vocals with the track "Nashe Si Chadh Gayi" from 2016 Yash Raj film Befikre.[12] Owen Glieberman of Variety opined "Pathaan isn’t a musical, the music that plays during the action sequences is an overwhelming constant — that EDM Bollywood throb, revving even routine battles to a maximum rush."[13] In her review for The Indian Express, Shubhra Gupta commented, "There really is nothing in it that we haven’t seen before (YRF songs-on-beaches should rightfully be a separate Bollywood sub-genre)".[14] Farzana Patowri of Man's World Magazine summed up: "While "Jhoome Jo Pathaan is an upbeat track, not many are happy with the moves of Padukone and SRK. As soon as the song was released, people started commenting on how they felt about the song. And well, the reactions have been far from good."[15] Tiasa Bhowal of India Today stated: "The song exudes major beach vibes and this one, just like Besharam Rang, is a party number as well. The song is sure to make it to every New Year’s party this year."[16] Renuka Vyawahare of The Times of India noted: "While the background score doesn’t quite feel in sync with the scenarios, the film’s music by Vishal & Shekhar manages to reflect the heroism and bravado on display."[17] Abhimanyu Mathur for DNA India said: "The background music, particularly the theme used for John Abraham, will evoke some whistles in the theatre."[18] Ritika Handoo in her review for Zee News wrote: "Music needs applause and yes here I mean 'Besharam Rang' and 'Jhoome Jo Pathaan' which don't break the rhythm but rather add to it"[19] Nandini Ramnath of Scroll Magazine said "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" that comes towards the end was worth the wait.[20]
English Jagran called the song "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" a mixed bag: a few praises and criticized it as a "stereotypical movie-making culture".[21] Aavish Khan of Asian Sunday Magazine was quoted saying: "While one set the expectations high post "Besharam Rang", the movie's first song, Jhoome Jo Pathaan fails to reach the levels set. The music in the song appears lacklustre while the beats remain energetic. The ‘drop’ in the song, where the song switches to main verse, fails to create the intended impact."[22]
Commercial performance
[edit]As per Box Office India - Worldwide report of December 2022, within weeks of release, both the tracks trended number one and two on YouTube.[23] The music of the film increased the expectations of the audience and controversies resulted increased number of reservations made in advance that Pathaan lodged.[24] As per Mid-Day, Indian music critics opined that the songs could not have become even moderately popular if released only as audio tracks. The songs, with their visuals, did wonders, acknowledging film's music more on choreography than the melody.[25]
"Besharam Rang" was the only Bollywood track of 2022 to gather fastest 100 million views on YouTube.[26] The track was a subject of controversy across India, where the right-wing Hindutva groups alleged it to promote obscenity and disrespects to the saffron color.[27] Padukone featured in a saffron bikini in the song.[28] Lyricist Manoj Muntashir, in an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, about Besharam Rang and the saffron color, said, "[...] the music team or Shah Rukh sir could have spotted the error, they would have certainly taken some action."[29] Singer Sona Mohapatra expressed displeasure over the track calling it mediocre.[30] Shilpa Rao, the singer of the track, stated that it was Padukone and Khan's 'chemistry' in the song and that makes it popular. She added that Padukone was 'celebrating herself' in the song – ‘the good, the bad and flawless’ which made her feel 'empowered to sing it'."[31] Rao clarified that the track reached at a stage, where audience picked it up for popularity, followed by promotion, reach, and Instagram reels.[31] She felt the meaning of the song was to 'express yourself without apologies' and to 'love yourself the way you are' and hence, the audience was expressing themselves and thus the popularity.[31] Singer Baba Sehgal recorded a rap cover version of the song.[32] Actress Nia Sharma released a cover video on the track.[33] Actor Mukesh Khanna, called out the Censor Board of Film Certification for clearing "Besharam Rang" without any cuts.[34] He said, "The song can mess up the minds of the youth. You dared to bring people in limited clothing, next you will bring them without clothes."[34]
Upon its release, "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" video on YouTube crossed 5.1 million views and 738K in four hours of release.[35] Also, the song received 1 million views in less than 30 minutes after it was released.[36] The song has received more than 18 million views in the 20 hours after its release.[36] Multiple Indian newspapers[37][38] and Business Today reported audience to be dancing to the tunes of "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" in front of the theatre screens.[39][40] When Vishal-Shekhar composed "Jhoome Jo Pathaan", they were confident that the audience would dance to the tunes, especially, reports of audience dancing close to the theatres of the screen.[41] Yashraj Mukhate recreated "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" song fusing the word "Zinda Hai", a dialogue delivered by Khan.[42]
Track listing
[edit]The songs "Besharam Rang" and "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" were released as singles in Tamil and Telugu apart from its original Hindi version.[43] The theme tracks have gibberish, sparing English vocals and instrumental interludes released with the soundtrack album. "Pathaan - Trailer" with vocals by Shah Rukh Khan and an Arabic version of the song "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" were released as promotional singles.[44]
"Besharam Rang" was released on 12 December 2022,[45] whereas "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" was released on 22 December 2022.[46] The soundtrack in its entirety was released on 9 January 2023.[47]
Original
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Besharam Rang" | Vishal Dadlani (Spanish), Kumaar | Vishal-Shekhar | Shilpa Rao, Caralisa Monteiro, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani | 4:18 |
| 2. | "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" | Kumaar | Vishal-Shekhar | Arijit Singh, Sukriti Kakar | 3:28 |
| 3. | "Pathaan's Theme" | Kit Bee | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Magdalena Supel, Cassandra Cavalli (theatrical version) | 2:37 |
| 4. | "Jim's Theme" | Instrumental | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Maanya Narang, Riya Duggal | 1:11 |
| Total length: | 11:34 | ||||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Jhoome Jo Pathaan (Arabic Version)" | Jalal Hamdaoui (Arabic), Kumaar | Vishal-Shekhar | Abd El Fattah Grini, Jamila El Badaoui | 3:28 |
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Pathaan - Teaser" | Abbas Tyrewala | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Shah Rukh Khan, Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | 1:25 |
| 2. | "Pathaan x Tiger Theme" | Instrumental | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara, Julius Packiam (Tiger's Theme) | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara, Riya Duggal | 2:35 |
| Total length: | 4:00 | ||||
Tamil
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Azhaiyaa Mazhai" | Vishal Dadlani (Spanish), Madhan Karky | Vishal-Shekhar | Shilpa Rao, Caralisa Monteiro, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani | 4:18 |
| 2. | "Zoom Boom Doom Pathaan" | Madhan Karky | Vishal-Shekhar | Haricharan, Sunitha Sarathy | 3:28 |
| 3. | "Pathaan's Theme" | Kit Bee | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Magdalena Supel, Cassandra Cavalli (theatrical version) | 2:37 |
| 4. | "Jim's Theme" | Instrumental | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Maanya Narang, Riya Duggal | 1:11 |
| Total length: | 11:34 | ||||
Telugu
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Naa Nijam Rangu" | Vishal Dadlani (Spanish), Chaitanya Prasad | Vishal-Shekhar | Shilpa Rao, Caralisa Monteiro, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani | 4:18 |
| 2. | "Kummese Pathaan" | Chaitanya Prasad | Vishal-Shekhar | Haricharan, Sunitha Sarathy | 3:28 |
| 3. | "Pathaan's Theme" | Kit Bee | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Magdalena Supel, Cassandra Cavalli (theatrical version) | 2:37 |
| 4. | "Jim's Theme" | Instrumental | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Maanya Narang, Riya Duggal | 1:11 |
| Total length: | 11:34 | ||||
Album credits
[edit]Credits adapted from liner notes of the official audio released by YRF Music on YouTube.[47]
Soundtrack album composed by Vishal–Shekhar and original score by Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara. All tracks were mastered at Hafod Mastering, Wales, UK
- Kumaar - Lyrics (Track 1, 2)
- Vishal Dadlani - Spanish Lyrics (Track 1)
- Sanchit Balhara - Arrangement, production (Track 3, 4)
- Ankit Balhara - Arrangement, production (Track 3, 4)
- Mohammed Esmat - Vocal supervision (Promotional single)
- Shannon Donald - Backing vocals (Track 3)
- Anubha Kaul - Backing vocals (Track 3)
- Gwen Fernandes - Backing vocals (Track 3)
- Kamakshi Khanna - Backing vocals (Track 3)
- Abhijit Nalani - Production and music arrangement (Track 1), Song Programming (Track 1)
- Meghdeep Bose - Production and music arrangement (Track 2), Guitar (Track 2)
- Abhishek Khandelwal - Recording Musician (Track 1, 2), Mixing (Track 1, Promotional single)
- Chinmay Mestry - Recording Musician (Track 1, 2)
- Dileep Nair - Recording Musician (Track 1, 2), Assistant Mixing Engineer (Track 1)
- Gethin John - Mastering Engineer (Track 1, 2) at Hafod Mastering, Wales UK
- Prathamesh Chande - Song Editor (Track 1)
- Warren Mendonsa - Guitar (Track 1)
- Adele Pereira - Song editor (Track 2)
- Abhishek Ghatak - Mixing (Track 3, 4)
- Paresh Kamath - Guitar (Track 3, 4)
- Samarth Srinivasan - Strings and Brass (Track 3, 4)
- Srikant Krishna - Additional Orchestration (Track 3, 4)
- Adam Klemens - Score Conductor (Track 3, 4)
- Milan Jílek - Sound Engineer (Track 3, 4)
- Michal Petrásek - Assistant Engineer (Track 3, 4)
- Pavel Ciboch - Librarian (Track 3, 4)
- Petr Pýcha - Music Contractor and Recording Manager (MUSA Prague) [Track 3, 4]
- Samiran Das - Music Editing and Additional Production (Track 3, 4)
- Samarth Srinivasan - Sheet Music Preparation and Live Recording Editing (Track 3, 4)
- Srikant Krishna - Sheet Music Preparation and Live Recording Editing (Track 3, 4)
- Abhinav Menon - Live Recording Editing (Track 3, 4)
References
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- ^ a b Yash Raj, Music (9 January 2023), "Pathaan Audio Jukebox - YRF", YRF Music, archived from the original on 26 February 2023, retrieved 28 February 2023
Pathaan (soundtrack)
View on GrokipediaPathaan is the soundtrack album to the 2023 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film Pathaan, featuring four principal songs composed by the duo Vishal–Shekhar, with lyrics by Kumaar, and background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara.[1][2] Released digitally on 22 December 2022 by Yash Raj Films, the album includes tracks such as "Besharam Rang" sung by Shilpa Rao and Caralisa Monteiro, "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" featuring Arijit Singh and Sukriti Kakar, "Pathaan's Theme", and "Jim's Theme".[1][2] The songs incorporate diverse styles, blending electronic beats with traditional elements like qawwali influences in "Jhoome Jo Pathaan", contributing to the film's high-energy aesthetic.[1] Despite mixed critical reception regarding originality, with some observers noting reliance on looped electronic production over melodic depth, the soundtrack achieved commercial success, propelled by the film's starring Shah Rukh Khan, whose involvement Vishal Dadlani credited for amplifying the music's reach.[3] "Besharam Rang", picturized on Deepika Padukone in an orange bikini, ignited controversy when Hindu nationalist groups protested the attire's color—saffron being symbolically sacred—alleging it offended religious sentiments and prompted calls for censorship or boycott.[4][5][6] The track faced scrutiny from bodies like the Vishva Hindu Parishad and legal complaints to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, though the song retained its release with minor advisories from certification boards.[7] In contrast, "Jhoome Jo Pathaan" emerged as a standout hit, praised for its infectious rhythm and becoming a staple in public celebrations, underscoring the album's role in the film's blockbuster performance.[3]
Background
Film context and expectations
Pathaan formed a key installment in Yash Raj Films' (YRF) interconnected Spy Universe, which had previously encompassed films such as Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), and War (2019), establishing a franchise centered on high-stakes espionage narratives.[8] [9] The film, directed by Siddharth Anand, was released theatrically on January 25, 2023, aligning with India's Republic Day weekend to capitalize on holiday viewership.[10] [8] This timing followed lead actor Shah Rukh Khan's self-imposed four-year hiatus from lead roles, initiated after the commercial underperformance of his 2018 releases Jab Harry Met Sejal and Zero, during which he focused on family and selective projects.[11] [12] The soundtrack was strategically positioned within this production timeline to amplify anticipation for Khan's return, leveraging music as a promotional pillar in Bollywood's ecosystem where pre-release tracks often drive audience engagement ahead of narrative reveals.[13] As an action thriller featuring espionage elements akin to international spy franchises, Pathaan adhered to genre conventions demanding pulsating scores to underscore chase sequences, combat scenes, and performative dance numbers typical of Indian commercial cinema.[10] Bollywood's longstanding tradition of soundtrack-led marketing, where songs serve as standalone hits to generate viral buzz through music videos and radio play, heightened expectations for the album to deliver adrenaline-fueled tracks that could integrate seamlessly with the film's visual action spectacle.[14] This approach mirrored historical patterns in mass-appeal entertainers, where composers craft high-energy compositions to sustain momentum during promotional teasers and trailers, fostering pre-release hype without preempting plot details. Pre-release materials, including the official trailer unveiled on January 10, 2023, emphasized the synergy between auditory elements and kinetic visuals, signaling the soundtrack's integral role in evoking the film's explosive aesthetic and building viewer immersion.[8] The anticipation was further contextualized by Khan's career resurgence narrative, with the music expected to encapsulate the star's charismatic appeal in a genre primed for escapist thrills, thereby contributing to the overall promotional narrative of redemption and spectacle.[13]Selection of composers and collaborators
The music composers Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani, known collectively as Vishal–Shekhar, were onboarded in January 2021 to handle the songs for Pathaan, leveraging their established track record with lead actor Shah Rukh Khan in commercially successful projects such as Om Shanti Om (2007) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), where tracks like "Jiya Re" demonstrated their ability to blend rhythmic, high-energy elements suitable for a high-stakes action narrative.[15] This pairing aimed to align the soundtrack's commercial potential with the film's espionage-driven intensity, drawing on the duo's history of delivering chart-topping fusions of electronic and traditional Indian sounds in Yash Raj Films productions.[16] For the background score, brothers Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara were selected to provide the requisite tension and propulsion, building on their prior work scoring the Yash Raj Films spy thriller War (2019), which featured intricate action sequences demanding layered, pulse-racing orchestration to heighten dramatic stakes.[17] Their involvement ensured the instrumental elements synchronized with the film's choreography, prioritizing functional synergy over novel experimentation to support narrative momentum.[18] Lyricist Kumaar was tasked with the words, chosen for his proficiency in crafting contemporary, hook-driven lyrics that resonate in fast-paced thrillers, as evidenced in his contributions to upbeat tracks across multiple genres.[19] Vocalists including Shilpa Rao and Caralisa Monteiro for "Besharam Rang," and Arijit Singh with Sukriti Kakar for "Jhoome Jo Pathaan," were enlisted to broaden appeal through diverse timbres—Rao's versatile fusion style and Singh's emotive range complementing the songs' thematic demands for allure and vigor.[16] [20] Following principal photography's completion in Yash Raj Studios, Mumbai, by mid-2022 after the Spain schedule wrapped in March, soundtrack recording proceeded in Mumbai-based facilities like YRF Studios from 2020 onward, with finalization emphasizing integration with the film's action visuals.Composition and production
Song creation process
The song "Besharam Rang", released as the lead single on December 12, 2022, was conceptualized by composers Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani as a sensual track emphasizing a female character's uninhibited allure, without prior knowledge of its filming location or visual setup.[21] The title emerged directly from an initial hook line, diverging from the duo's standard compositional approach through an "old-school" mindset that prioritized thematic essence over conventional structure, resulting in an altered intro from early drafts.[21] Lyricist Kumaar transformed the brief into poetry capturing raw attraction, with Vishal Dadlani crediting him as the "genius" for this translation; the track blended multiple genres, including Western and Urdu elements, to evoke a vibrant, globally appealing beach-party rhythm aligned with the film's espionage-thriller energy.[21][22] "Jhoome Jo Pathaan", featuring a cameo by Salman Khan in its music video, was developed to drive high-octane dance sequences, drawing inspiration from classic Bollywood melodies to match director Siddharth Anand's affinity for retro styles while incorporating modern production.[23] The composition began in a building atrium, where the duo crafted a looping hook in a "modern qawwali" vein with repetitive phrasing for rhythmic propulsion, blending electronic dance elements with traditional Bollywood beats to heighten the film's action-hero narrative.[23] Initial work predated the COVID-19 pandemic, with the track's structure emphasizing melody and beat synergy for thematic alignment to Pathaan's protagonist dynamics.[23] The "Pathaan" title track, composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and performed by Arijit Singh, focused on heroic motifs to underscore the film's central character's resolve, though specific iterative details remain undocumented in available accounts.[24] Overall, the songs underwent refinements to ensure rhythmic and melodic fidelity to the spy thriller's tension and spectacle, prioritizing narrative integration over isolated musical experimentation.Background score development
The background score for Pathaan was composed by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara, building on their prior collaboration with director Siddharth Anand for the YRF Spy Universe film War (2019). Their work emphasized instrumental themes to heighten tension in espionage-driven sequences and emotional character arcs, distinct from the vocal songs handled by Vishal–Shekhar.[25] Central to the score were character motifs such as "Pathaan's Theme" and "Jim's Theme", originally conceived as underscoring elements rather than standalone tracks. These were released as promotional singles on January 9, 2023, prior to the film's theatrical debut. The Balharas noted that "Jim's Theme" arose serendipitously during composition.[26] Development involved iterative creation aligned with the film's editing timeline, with the composers sharing previews of score integration in August 2022 and acknowledging ongoing recording refinements, including vocal layers, into December 2022.[27][28] This post-songs approach ensured synchronization with finalized action and VFX elements. For YRF Spy Universe continuity, motifs from Pathaan were designed for potential reuse, later demonstrated in crossover adaptations like the "Pathaan x Tiger Theme".[29]Release and promotion
Single releases
The rollout of singles from the Pathaan soundtrack employed a deliberate strategy of limited pre-release drops to heighten anticipation without disclosing key plot details, prioritizing dance-oriented tracks to engage audiences ahead of the film's January 25, 2023, theatrical debut.[30] "Besharam Rang", the lead single composed by Vishal-Shekhar and sung by Shilpa Rao and Caralisa Monteiro, premiered on December 12, 2022, following an announcement by lead actor Shah Rukh Khan on his social media platforms that showcased co-star Deepika Padukone's appearance.[31] The track's vibrant visuals and upbeat rhythm drove immediate traction, accumulating over 100 million views on YouTube within 10 days of release, marking it as one of Bollywood's fastest-gaining videos at the time.[32] The second single, "Jhoome Jo Pathaan", also by Vishal-Shekhar with vocals by Arijit Singh and Sukriti Kakar, followed on December 22, 2022, incorporating a fusion qawwali style and featuring a brief dance appearance by Salman Khan alongside Khan and Padukone, which capitalized on the stars' combined fanbases for amplified cross-promotional buzz.[33] This sequencing, culminating just before the official trailer launch on January 10, 2023, preserved narrative secrecy while sustaining momentum through viral music video shares.[34] The restrained release of only these two tracks avoided market saturation, focusing promotional efforts on high-impact teasers tied to the Yash Raj Films ecosystem.[30]Full soundtrack album
The full soundtrack album for Pathaan was released digitally by YRF Music on 22 December 2022, prior to the film's theatrical release on 25 January 2023.[20] This consolidated package included the two main songs composed by Vishal-Shekhar, supplemented by selected highlights from the background score crafted by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara, totaling four tracks with a runtime of approximately 11 minutes.[1] The release emphasized a blend of vocal tracks and instrumental elements to encapsulate the film's musical essence.[35] To enhance accessibility in South India, where dubbed film versions were planned, YRF Music produced Tamil and Telugu adaptations of the songs, enlisting regional vocalists for authenticity. For instance, the Telugu version of "Jhoome Jo Pathaan," retitled "Kummese Pathaan," featured singers Haricharan Seshadri and Sunitha.[36] These localized renditions were integrated into the broader digital distribution strategy, aligning with the film's multilingual rollout in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The album's digital rollout occurred across platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, facilitating widespread pre-release exposure and positioning the soundtrack as a promotional cornerstone for the film.[16] This approach leveraged streaming mechanics to aggregate the singles—previously issued individually—and score excerpts into a cohesive listening experience.[37]Controversies
Besharam Rang visual and cultural objections
The release of the "Besharam Rang" promotional song on December 12, 2022, sparked objections primarily centered on Deepika Padukone's attire, featuring an orange-colored bikini worn during a beach sequence. Critics, including members of Hindu nationalist groups, argued that the shade approximated saffron (kesari), a color revered in Hinduism for its association with religious ascetics, sacrifice, and national symbolism in India, thereby constituting a deliberate mockery of Hindu sentiments when juxtaposed with revealing clothing and dance moves.[38][4] This interpretation framed the visuals as promoting an anti-Hindu narrative, with calls for censorship rooted in the causal role of color symbolism in cultural identity rather than abstract artistic liberty.[39] Political figures from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amplified these concerns, with Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra stating on December 14, 2022, that the outfit was "objectionable" and threatening to evaluate a potential ban on the film Pathaan. Similarly, Hindu seer Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati condemned the depiction on December 26, 2022, proposing the establishment of a "Dharma Censor Board" to scrutinize content perceived as disrespectful to religious symbols, highlighting the attire's potential to erode traditional values amid Bollywood's history of provocative visuals.[40] These objections were echoed by groups like Karni Sena, who protested screenings and demanded removal of the sequence, viewing it as emblematic of broader cultural insensitivity.[41] Legal challenges ensued, including a petition filed on December 16, 2022, in a Muzaffarpur court in Bihar by lawyer Sudhir Ojha, seeking an FIR against Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone for allegedly hurting Hindu religious feelings through the song's "objectionable" content, with the matter scheduled for hearing on January 3, 2023. Proponents of the ban emphasized empirical precedents where cultural symbols like saffron attire in non-reverential contexts had provoked backlash, arguing it fostered division rather than mere entertainment. In response, filmmakers maintained the color was simply "orange" selected for aesthetic variety in a song titled "shameless colors," dismissing symbolic interpretations as overreach and defending it as an exercise in creative expression unbound by prescriptive cultural norms.[42][43][4] The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) intervened without denying certification, mandating edits to the song by January 5, 2023, including removal of close-up shots of buttocks, side-pose visuals implying partial nudity, and certain sensuous dance movements, while leaving the orange bikini intact. This adjustment addressed concerns over explicitness but not the color symbolism, reflecting a regulatory focus on decency standards over interpretive cultural disputes, with the board's chairperson Prasoon Joshi confirming voluntary modifications by the producers to align with certification guidelines.[44][45][46]Responses and resolutions
Director Siddharth Anand defended the creative choices in "Besharam Rang," asserting that the song contained nothing objectionable and highlighting the film's overarching patriotic narrative as a counter to claims of insensitivity.[47] [48] He further noted that audiences demonstrated discernment by prioritizing content quality over manufactured outrage, dismissing boycott campaigns as ineffective given the film's strong reception.[49] Shah Rukh Khan addressed the backlash indirectly during a December 2022 appearance at the International Film Festival of Kerala, critiquing social media's amplification of negative narratives while avoiding direct political engagement and emphasizing national unity through entertainment.[50] Industry figures like Yo Yo Honey Singh, a collaborator on the track, condemned the uproar as regressive, arguing that prior generations exhibited greater tolerance for artistic expression.[51] The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) resolved certification issues by mandating three specific modifications to "Besharam Rang" on January 5, 2023, including the removal or alteration of close-up shots implying partial nudity, while leaving the saffron attire intact; the film received a U/A rating without broader cuts or delays.[44] [52] No government-imposed bans materialized, though right-wing groups maintained sporadic protests and threats, including poster vandalism and calls for theater disruptions.[53] Mainstream media coverage often framed these actions as emblematic of cultural intolerance, yet empirical metrics revealed limited disruption, with courts rejecting petitions to halt the song's online streaming in February 2023.[54] The controversy inadvertently amplified visibility, propelling "Besharam Rang" to exceed 100 million YouTube views within five days of its December 12, 2022, release, outpacing typical promotional trajectories for Bollywood tracks.[55] This buzz translated to robust box office performance, as Pathaan achieved a Hindi version opening of ₹50-51 crore nett on January 25, 2023—among the highest first-day collections for an Indian film—selling approximately 556,000 advance tickets and defying boycott efforts through overwhelming audience turnout.[56] [57] Such outcomes indicate that public demand for the content superseded objections, with the heightened discourse functioning as de facto promotion rather than a deterrent.[58]Track listing
Hindi original tracks
The Hindi original tracks comprise two principal vocal songs composed by Vishal–Shekhar with lyrics by Kumaar, alongside instrumental themes by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara, released as part of the official motion picture soundtrack on December 22, 2022.[1][2]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration | Composer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Besharam Rang | Shilpa Rao, Caralisa Monteiro, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani | 4:16 | Vishal–Shekhar | Features multilingual lyrical elements including Spanish phrases; serves as thematic opener for character introduction sequences.[1] |
| 2 | Jhoome Jo Pathaan | Arijit Singh, Sukriti Kakar, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani | 3:47 | Vishal–Shekhar | Upbeat track with rhythmic hooks tailored for high-stakes action and dance integration.[1] |
| 3 | Pathaan's Theme | Instrumental | 3:23 | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Instrumental motif functioning as hybrid song-score element, recurring in title and narrative underscore.[1] |
| 4 | Jim's Theme | Instrumental | 2:08 | Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara | Instrumental cue highlighting antagonist motifs with tense, electronic styling.[2][16] |
