99 Songs - A Movie to Listen

Finally watched 99 Songs! It is a treat for any music lover, singer, instrument player, it's a must-watch. 99 Songs is a musical romantic film directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy, co-written and produced by A. R. Rahman marking his debut in both roles. 99 Songs' cast includes Ehan Bhat and Edilsy Vargas in lead roles, alongside Lisa Ray and Manisha Koirala among others. It was released in Hindi on April 16, 2021, also in Tamil and Telugu at the same time.

99 Songs is a visual and musical treat infused with a sense of poise and repose. They say that it takes 99 songs for a musician to make that one perfect 100th song. The whole film feels like a visual experiment where we are subject to different sounds and scenes. The songs play out in the background, becoming a character in themselves. How much of it will be palatable to the audience remains to be seen. 

AR Rahman chose newcomer Ehan Bhat to play the protagonist of the film. The actor with the soulful eyes reminds you of Hrithik Roshan in some places. His performance has a surety of purpose that belies his newbie status and he surely is a find. The film is riddled with some brilliant cameos. Warina Hussain playing Jay’s classically trained mother who passed away at childbirth is a fine touch. Manisha Koirala returned into film and played the kindhearted warden of a mental asylum. She brightens up the proceedings with her brief but impactful role. 

“There’s a reason countries have national anthems and not a national speech. Only music has that kind of power to move you!” One of the dialogues remains close. Along with it I loved "Main manta hun..ek gana puri duniya badal sakta hai..Sir” and "Music iss duniya ka ek aakhiri bacha hua..Jaado hai”. And I really believe it's such a magic that transforms a soul and heals mankind. My personal life is the best example of this statement. 

All the songs of this movie are a treat for the soul. The best way to enjoy this movie is to plug in your headphones and hear the movie, as closely as you watch it or even listen to dialogues overloaded with love for music itself, waxing eloquent on the difference between ‘sacchai’ and ‘acchai’ (being good, and truthful in art). Personally, I felt the Sai bhajan picturized on her, sung by Bela Shende, is the film's best song. As the film states, Music is the only magic left in this world and that magic made me sing this song being confined into a wheelchair also. Sai Shirdi Sai from 99 Songs made me realize that our devotion and belief can conquer all the barriers of life. This composition is a tribute to the divine energy that empowers my abilities and made me true SAI.

99 Songs is currently streaming on Netflix and Jiocinema. If you have not seen it yet, add it to your bucket list. Watch this (Hindi) cover of Sai Shirdi Sai and share the review if you like it.