Top Indian Songs of the week 30th June 2024

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Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 30th June 2024

1. Theme of Kalki

Song composed, orchestrated and programmed by Santhosh Narayanan

Singers: Gowtham Bharadwaj, Chorus

Lyrics: Kumaar

Rhythm Production: Pranav Muniraj

Language: Hindi

Genre: Anthem/Symphony Orchestra

Mood: Inspirational

I am bowing down to this magnificent composer, as he proves time and time again that Santhosh Narayanan is India's numero uno! This song is an absolute masterpiece as it perfectly fits the name given to it "Theme of Kalki". Much too often these days we get a theme music or song for movies, but the final output looks rehashed or incredibly loud and bizarre. This is easily the best song released in India this week, and for all you know, it could be Bollywood's best record for 2024. 

Though the song was released in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil, I found the song most appealing in Hindi for 2 reasons. The lyrics by Kumaar fit the melody in terms of the metering perfectly and secondly, this is the only version where the lead singer's voice stands out in the bridge section. A few months ago I wished my friend Gowtham that he get an opportunity to sing in Santhosh's Kalki 2898 AD, and I am elated to see that it turned out to be true. The song is a soaring anthem with ground-breaking orchestration, arrangements and production and Santhosh delivers what a movie of this scale demands.

The intro is when the song settles all doubts about its quality with the chorus performance by Santosh Hariharan, Sreekanth Hariharan, Mayank Kapri, Sudharsan HemaRam, Manikandan Chembai, Shenbagaraj, Jithin Raj, Sarath Santosh, Narayanan Ravishankar and Sarthak Kalyani, The heavy percussion leads the way like the beginning of the battle and itis thanks to Pranav Muniraj's rhythm production. In the background, you can hear multiple voices performing at different vocal registers. It is one Choir group that can perform at this level in the nation today and it is The Indian Choral Ensemble. We have Kalyani Nair and Karthik Manickavasakam for the ideation and development of this concept. 

After the intro we have the magnificent Brass section with the thumping percussion, playing like an interlude. It is here that I found some inspiration from Hans Zimmer's 'Man of Steel' OST. But upon listening closely I concluded that this record is superior to the former. The layers and arrangements are diverse and more engrossing. Another crucial element when Santhosh does one better than most is the quality of the melody written here. Accompanying the sensational chorus are the brass section and rhythms. Manoj Kumar who has been in red hot form, especially for Santhosh's projects, makes a heart-rending solo on the Violin. Do pay attention to the choir singing "sa sa sa sa", and elements like this add such beauty. 

Gowtham sings the bridge line " Dardon se paar tu kare" and ends with a crescendo, to be then joined by the chorus. The subsequent lines that we hear are so rich as a melody and when you hear them, the heartthrobs and the muscles shake. "Tere Kisi avatar mein aaoge, kya prabhu?", I tear up! We get the verse again, but towards the end, there is the magical solo by Rajesh Vaidya on the Veena, as he simply performs at a decimating level. Why did Santhosh want the Veena to be played here, why that instrument? Does it have anything to do with it being the instrument of the Gods, like Shiva, Ravana and Saraswati? Questions aside, play this on full blast and enjoy and celebrate that we have such amazing musicians in India today. 

Aditya Ravindran plays the electric guitar, and it probably sounds more evocative and powerful in the movie's BGM when the 'Theme of Kalki' appears. The recording engineers are Rupendar Venkatesh, Pranav Muniraj, Joshua D. Fernandez, Santhosh Narayanan and Karthik Manickavasakam at Future Tense Studios, Chennai. The musicians' co-ordinator is Meenakshi Santhosh and Jabaraj is the Studio Assistant. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Santhosh, with an additional mix by Rupendar Venkatesh

A big round of applause to the amazing vocalists of The Indian Choral Ensemble and they are Aparna Harikumar, Alisha Mathew Thayil, Sushmita Narasimhan, Nidhi Saraogi, Vani Nandhini, Rutuja Pande, Shwetha Sugathan, Yazhini, Samanvitha Sasidaran and Amritha Rajesh Chelat as Sopranos, Nayansee Sharma, Geethu Nirmala, Fathima Henna, Megha Salila, Shruthi Parthasarathy, Shri Bhadra, Varsha R Mallya, Ananya A, Pavithra Chari and Kaaviya S as Altos, Akash V H, Sudarshan HemaRam, Keshav Vinod, Shivsundar R, Shridhar Ramesh, Manoj Krishna, Shibi Srinivas, Dhiyanathiru, Nikhilchandran D S, Arshith Kurian, Chirag Shetty, Manikandan Chembai, Joseph George, Ebenezer as Tenors, Regis Tony, Shyam Krishna, Prashanth Mohanasundaram, Cyril Solomon, Neeraj Selvaganapathy and Soloman Ravindar as basses. 

@kalki2898ad @musicsanthosh @pranavbalu @rupendar_vankatesh @gowthambharadwaj @kumaarofficial @manojviolinist @kalyaninair86 @karthikmanickavasakam @theindianchoralensemble @adityaravindran95 @meenakshi_santhoshnarayanan @sarathsantoshofficial @sreekanthhariharan @santoshhariharanlive @pahadisingshere @shenbagarajg @jithinrajofficial @sarthak_kalyani @manikandanl @vaidhya_rajesh

2. Open Skies

Composed by Parikrama, Sharat Chandra Srivastava, Suhail Ali Khan

Nitin Malik - Vocals 

Language: Instrumental

Genre: Rock Fusion

Mood: Energetic

This premier Indian rock band has of late given us some amazing records to cherish and take inspiration from, and this is a new song that follows the same footsteps into stardom and excellence. This is a predominantly instrumental record with Nitin Malik having to do very little as the lead vocalist. Suhail Ali Khan hits you with all the emotional highs on the electric violin as he plays the slow and pathos-inducing solo in the intro. The Gentle Keys by Subir Malik accompany you in the background and you can feel the presence of the massive crowd cheering in this Live performance, back in 2022.  

Soon enough Suhail moves into captivate us playing some amazing notes stitched into a heartwarming melody. Saurabh Chaudhury and Abhishek Mittal are the leading guitars and Gaurav Balani is the stylish provider of basslines. The mercury keeps rising with the incomparable performance by Suhail as his speed and style make us go into trance mode. The concerted efforts on the Table and Drums make the song breathe both as a rock and Indian classical record. Shambhu Nath Bhattacharjee plays the Tabla and Srijan Mahajan plays the drums. 

At around the 3.45-minute mark, we have the sizzling violin solo, and the drums and guitars pause and catch up in an excellently arranged segment. Suhail, you rockstar, take a bow! The mixing and mastering engineer is Keshav Dhar and the performance is recorded live by Dwayne Das & Rajesh Nair 

@parikramaindia @gauravbalani @saurabh_chaudhary @horusmusicindia @suhailaliartist @subirmalik666 @happynotesmusic @nitinmaliklive @shashanksinghania_ @piyushabhaysingh

3. Chasing Signs

Composed, Produced and Arranged by Nitin Muralikrishna

English Lyrics Written by Shuman

Hindi Lyrics Written by Satish Kumar

Vocals - Nida Siddiqui, Amrit Ramnath

Language: English/Hindi

Genre: Pop

Mood: Contemplative 

This guy's work and contribution are studded in some of the best Indie songs released in India every month. Now Nithin Muralikrishna a.k.a. Palindromamusic on IG comes up with a gem of his own. I first came across many musicians showing a lot of love for this song, so it intrigued me. When I went and listened to it myself I felt the hype was worth it. The Keys are like the ignition of the engine and they kickstart all the rousing emotions I feel. Nitin is on the Keys and he also handles the synths, and rhythm programming. The English lyrics are penned by Shuman, with Hindi lyrics by Satish Kumar

If there was one thing that steals the attention of the Keys and Strings section, it would have to be Nida Siddiqui's steamy vocals. She is delicate yet imposing with that voice and Rithu Vysakh makes me tremble thanks to the strings performed by him. Robin Rajan plays the gentle Ukulele and guitars and everything is mild and powerful. The melody written by Nitin is powerful and that is why it goes deep and touches the heart. The strings section arrangements are done by Nitin within additional production on 'Maze' by Ashish Kujur, something that we hear in the intro. A surprise is shown with Amrit Ramnath comes out of nowhere and delivers these semi-classical lines in Hindi. 

I felt a tinge of Raag Shanmukhapriya, and when I had a word with Nitin he told me that there is more of a Kafi Thaat influence. The smart move to get the Harmonium on board goes well with AMrit's lines. The way Nitin stitches these two parts of Nida and Amrith is inspiring. He doesn't stop there and things get even more of a Qawwali flavour with some creative percussions played by the supremely talented Charu Hariharan. She plays instruments like the Cajon, Pandero Cuadrado and Palmas. The recording sessions are done at AURA STUDIOS, Chennai, Sonic Island Studios, Kochi, Gray Spark Audio, Pune and Mystic's Room, Chennai with engineers Nitin Muralikrishna, Joel Johnson, Derric D Souza, Arjun Nair and Mani Ratnam. The mixing engineer is Nitin and mastering is done by Ronak Runwal

@palindromamusic @indiaonedance @amritramnath @shuman_10s @robintrajan @rithuvysakh @nair_b_arjun @charuhariharan @derric.dsouza @shyamak_99 @ronakrunwal @graysparkaudio @mani_the_rathnam @jxoelmusic 

4. Zikar Hai

Singers: Arjuna Harjai & Natasha Noorani

Lyrics: Geet Sagar

Music Composed, Produced by: Arjuna Harjai

Language: Punjabi

Genre: Pop Ballad Fusion

Mood: Romantic

I loved this song from start to finish, and that is a testament to the great overall work of the team. This is pure Punjabi pleasure and we have Arjuna Harjai writing the earworm of a melody. He also produces the song and gives it enough weaponry for the record to be completely captivating. The thumping rhythms are unique and creative. The acoustic guitars play mildly and when we get to the chorus segment the rhythm programming is astounding. 

I love how the chorus segment first has Arjuna and then Natasha Noorani stuns you with her female lead vocals. The baritonish nature of her delivery adds oomph to the song and Geet Sagar's catchy lines come in handy. It is simply impossible not to move our heads and shake our bodies in complete mesmerism when we hear the record. Ninad Lad is the mix/master engineer and we have Ayan De on the Dolby Mix/master. 

@natashahoorani @geetsagarofficial @arjunaharjai @srishtitechts @ninad.lad @aartsensestudios @theoneminutecomposer @harjaidivya

5. Tourist

Performer, Singer, Writer: Kamakshi Khanna

Producer: Raag Sethi

Language: English

Genre: Blues-Pop

Mood: Pathos

I just love this new EP by Kamakshi Khanna, and his 4-song collective has 3 excellent songs, making it a fabulous mission completed. I have already featured the song " Love is not a fucking game" in my weekly articles and here comes a beautifully composed, performed and produced song. Kamakshi is someone who releases her music with consistent appeal and purpose shines through in this song just like a couple more in the EP, so I urge you all to go listen to " Heartbreak 2020" right away. 

Kamakshi ensures the song has some intelligent and delicate messaging in the lyrics and I also like that every song is distinct in the melody and soundscape. The melody and lyrics are penned by Kamakshi and she performs the lead vocals like a tortured artist and poet allowing her voice to act as a vehicle as well. The Ukulele makes a strong presence in the intro and when you think that the song is way too simplistic, Raag Sethi's production and arrangements reign supreme. 

I love the line " You helped me see my own city in a new light", for not just its deeper meaning, but also because it is after this line that the song transforms itself with a change in tempo and some solid guitars and bass as well. Raag plays the guitars and bass, and we have Kandarp on Leys and Jyotirmay on drums. The song enters a touching crescendo-styled phase with the heavy guitars and drums and Kamakshi sings with a vulnerable shiver in her voice as the line goes " Why did you have to take me on the magic train?". The creative rhythms and vocal harmonies make this an affable and engaging song. Kamakshi sizzles with every vibrato note and her delicate altos delivery. Protyay Chakraborty is the mixing engineer and Shawn Hatfield is the mastering engineer. The recording engineers are Nirmal Rathod and Anuj. 

@kamakshikhannamusic @raagsethi @protyaych @jyotirmay.menon @kandarp_kavishwar @compassboxstudio @audibleoddities @natashamahtani 

@karunk @keshavdhar @ani_voleti @sounaksaha @sublimesound_ @a_diilla @aayushmansinha @richa_phadke @pranayparti @joeysmovie @meltingclockfilms @vivian.here @sax.abhay @maan_boruah @momomatiz.pov @theperpetualdaydreamer 

6. Ghadi Ghadi

Performed by Kapow!

Written by Mayank Mittal

Language: Hindi

Genre: Ballad 

Mood: Pathos

Kapow! continues to deliver on its promise of 1 song release a month and they are operating like clockwork, maybe that explains the song's title and the covert art. The guitars by Vinod Arora are sharp and pin-pointed like the needles of the clock. The verse ends and we have a relief in the form of an interlude with the sound of the Violin. The song has an endearing melody that sounds like a song from aeons ago. It particularly reminded me of " Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili ". 

The production is splendid as we get a sense of the double bass, and a tinge of the clarinet too. Ritic Joel plays the keys and the bassist is Saira Afreen. The arrangements ensure that the song never misses a single opportunity to impress. Mayank Mittal's vocals are emotionally apt and he keeps things simple in his delivery. The bridge section is well written, and the use of the acoustic and classical guitar melodies to connect and land back on the chorus segment is just beautiful writing. Prakhar Srivastava is the drummer, the tracks are mixed and mastered at Ferris Wheel Studios by Mukul Jain. 

@asg.tpm @mcgilheri @eternalramblings @ba_dum_tiss_ @saira.aafreen 

@riribuoy @mixbymukul @ferriswheelstudios @swati.mahipal

7. Haan Ke Haan

Vocals by Monali Thakur

Lyrics by Kausar Munir

Music by Sohail Sen

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Romantic

The movie "Maharaj" on Netflix India did draw some criticism and praise in equal measure. Regarding the album's music, I think I was pleased with the overall outcome. This song stands out for me as Sohal Sen composes the delightful melody and Monali Thakur playfully delivers the vocals. Who else but Kausar Munir could give us the relevant and tight lyrical setting for the song? Even the title is such a relief and shows creativity against the usual "Haan Ke Naa", reminding me of this famous American Phrase " Am I right, or Am I right?"

Monali has this sweet tender voice and she sounds brilliant in the higher vocal registers too, making me wonder why she doesn't sing so much more on mainstream cinema. I'm talking about the line " Kyun Joda bana yeh janmo ka?". The strings section adds nicely to the gravity of the situation and the lines we hear. Sohail Sen handles all the arrangements and production. The playfulness in her delivery comes out perfectly when Monali sings " chal tere mere iss kisse ka sikka ucha le", and how she immediately transforms the energy from energetic to sombre in the succeeding line and then again back to child-like in the chorus and title line. 

The interlude has a nice humming by Monali, along with some thumping rhythms and the woodwinds, bass guitar and strings section create decorative layers. The stanza is short with just two lines but the melody is written well, aided by the Tabla. The music label is YRF. 

@sohailsen @kausarmunir @theannamaraju @priyanka_aich1 @yrf @monalithakur03

8. Yeh Dil

Performed by Kashan Admani, Mizmaar, Palash Sen

Written by Sabir Zafar

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock 

Mood: Energetic

Music is a great uniter like sports, and like any other form of art and rather than just doing lip service, when artists engage in creating a bridge between torn nations and broken friendships. Palash Sen is on a mission here as he unites and collaborates with Pakistani guitarist Kashan Admani. The duo spice things up beyond control and what we hear is some face-melting rock. 

The initial percussion reminds us of all the old and original works of Palash's rock band "Euphoria". Palash still has the magic in his voice performing the lead vocals and enthralling us like always. The guitars slowly start dominating in the background with the keyboards giving some riffs. The band members of the Pakistani band "Mizmaar" are in full flow, just like the irresistible flute solo that comes and decorates the deeper layers

The electric guitars and drums are stunning together giving the song all the apparatus that you would expect in a rock single. The solo on the electric guitar is the highlight and here one needs to pay attention with some good headphones, just so that nothing is missed. The melody is simple and short but the vocal performance by Palash and the live instrumentals take it up by multiple notches. The outro is pure splendour. 

@instadhoom @kashadmani @dream_stationrecords @dreamstationproductions

9.  Coconut Water

Performed by Druminem, Mitchell Galligan, Sangeetha Ramanuj

Written by Sangeetha Ramanuj

Language: English

Genre: Pop

Mood: Energetic

This song was such a relief, because many times when you listen to indie songs by new names, but Sangeetha Ramanuj hit it out of the park. She is a Violinist and vocalist and she has written the melody and lyrics for the song. Jaysharan a.k.a. Druminem and Mitchell Galligan also perform on this record. The stand-out elements are the dreamy sensual vocals by Sangeetha, the percussion by Druminem and the guitars as well. 

It is beautiful to hear the violin intervention during the verse. I feel like getting up and dancing when we get to the interlude which has the beautiful melody played by Sangeetha on the Violin and the thumping percussions by Druminem. The melody makes me wonder if there are influences of Raag Abheri in it. Sangeetha writes a very hummable stanza but the delivery style has fragments of classical Carnatic music. The outro is one enjoyable segment with converging sounds of the Violin, percussions and guitars. 

@sangeetha.ramanuj @druminem 

10. Sokhi Go

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal

Music & Lyrics: Anupam Roy

Arrangement & Programming: Shamik Chakravarty

Language: Bangla

Genre: Light Music/Pop

Mood: Contemplative

The new Album called 'Alaap' by Anupam Roy has a few good songs, but this is the one that touched and impressed me the most. The Santoor is beautifully played in the intro by Sandip Chatterjee and it lightens the heart, an instrument we don't hear anymore in mainstream music. Shreya is bringing her A game as usual, and it is even better when she sings in her native tongue Bangla. Anupam Roy is one of our finest composers and he establishes that here by inducing some modern sounds to the semi-classical melody. 

I hear fragments of Raag Pilu(Kaapi in Carnatic) and when we get to the interlude we get some very creative, vocal elements along with keys and rhythm programming. Shamik Chakravarty does all the arrangements and programming while it is Anupam on the music and lyrics. The stanza is short but the vocals and melody are both engaging. The recording is done by Taush at Boing Studio, Mumbai and Subhranil Bose at Raja’s Cues, Kolkata. The mix and master is done by Shomi Chatterjee. 

@aroyfloyd @shamik_chakraborty2020 @shreyaghoshal 

11. Jaane De

Composer, Lyricist & Singer - Raghav Kaushik 

Music Produced by - Manav 

Language: Hindi

Mood: Light Music

Genre: Pathos

He is one of my favourite Hindie musicians, and very few in the space have an unwavering commitment to delivering original and charming melodies. Raghav Kaushik's voice is unmistakable and he expresses himself with amazing eloquence as he starts singing. The song is written by Raghav and the delicate lyrics along with the tender melody are a match made in heaven. The singing is exemplary as you feel that teh protagonist is the one performing, something that would be the number 1 criterion for playback singing in movies.

Raghav plays the accompanying acoustic guitars and Manav, the producer, decides to keep things simple by allowing the guitars and backing vocal humming alone to breathe and decorate the song's background layers. Mayank Raina comes in with that tranquil flute solo in the interlude. In the stanza, there are traces of Sonu Nigam in the way Raghav sings, and that can only be a compliment of massive proportions. I only wish Bollywood had songs like these, movie producers please take notice of Raghav Kaushik! The tracks are mixed and mastered by Himanshu Shirlekar at Kopper Audio, and the recording engineer is Samir Dharap at Studio 504, Mumbai. 

@raghav__kaushik @dhruv.bachan @devikamahajan20 @khushimaroo @man.musical @raina_mayank @himanshushirlekar @imma.joking @looksbyyameerah @sidakuppal @tandonyogi @aninyag 

12. Dekha Hua Sa Kuchh

Sung and composed by Joell 

Lyrics by Nida Fazli

Music production by Joell Mukherjii 

Language: Hindi

Genre: Pop

Mood: Romantic

It has been a a while since I featured Joell Mukherjii or just Joell as he is known. He has an affable voice and he delivers a good melody from time to time. Here he is composing the melody, singing it and also producing the song. The acoustic guitar and his vocals lead the way and we know we are in for a simple and succulent song. The Piano joins in and it is a feeling of peace when the strings section comes on board we feel the complexity of the heart, and that is what a love song is supposed to do.

Flutewalaa plays the ethereal flute solo in the interlude and this is where I felt some notes of Hamsadhwani or maybe some Bilalwal too. I can sense the impact of the solo violin piercing through my heart in the stanza when he sings "fursat ne aaj ghar ko banaya kuchh is tarah". I am astounded by the notes written and played on the flute as they take a completely different trajectory (maybe like Raag Charukeshi) when Joell starts singing " Dhundlee sa yaad", and that is some creative writing and arrangements at work. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Bashab Bhattacharjee. 

@joellmukherjii @flutewalaa @audiobybashab