3 Idiots (soundtrack)

3 Idiots
Album cover
Soundtrack album by
Shantanu Moitra
Released27 November 2009
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length29:22
LanguageHindi
LabelT-Series (2009-2020)
Zee Music Company (2021-present)
ProducerShantanu Moitra
Shantanu Moitra chronology
Phir Kabhi
(2009) 		3 Idiots
(2009) 		Well Done Abba
(2010)

3 Idiots is the soundtrack to the 2009 Indian Hindi-language film of the same name written and directed by Rajkumar Hirani and co-written by Abhijat Joshi. The soundtrack featured five original songs and two remixes composed and produced by Shantanu Moitra and lyrics written by Swanand Kirkire.

The soundtrack album was released by T-Series on 27 November 2009, to positive reviews from critics praising Moitra's composition and it was one of the "highest-selling Bollywood soundtrack of 2009".[1] The album received two National Film Awards, six International Indian Film Academy Awards, five Global Indian Music Academy Awards and one nomination at the Filmfare Awards. The track "Aal Izz Well" was one of the "Top 10 Bollywood songs of the year" and became a sensation among the younger generation in that period. It was later re-released by Zee Music Company in 2021.

Background

[edit]

According to Shantanu Moitra, the album of 3 Idiots was curated with the inspiration of his college days. Each tracks had been written from a state of mind of the youth. Moitra said that "it has been one of the most complex ones on this film, and that is because we were talking about the youth, and there has been no more complex creature on the face of the Earth than the youth".[2] Swanand Kirkire was the primary lyricist of the film and had involved during its scripting stage.[3] The album had five original songs curated and two tracks being remixed.[2] Sonu Nigam was the primary playback singer, rendering five out of seven tracks. The song "Jaane Nahin" was recorded in one take from start to finish.

"Give Me Some Sunshine" is the first song composed for the film. The track was sung by Suraj Jagan and Sharman Joshi (one of the leads in the film), thereby making his singing debut. Another track "Aal Izz Well" being pictured on the lead actors at a college hostel. It is a "fun track", which also shares thought about the philosophy and mindset of students. Instead of using musical instruments, Shantanu used to record the track with bottles, plates and tables.[4] "Zoobi Doobi" is a "sweet melody track", pictured on Aamir and Kareena Kapoor which had a "retro vibe". Shantanu Moitra said the track "is kind of a tribute to the great Hindi film love songs" and also praised its picturisation.[4]

Tracks

[edit]

All lyrics written by Swanand Kirkire, all music composed by Shantanu Moitra. Remixes composed and arranged by DJ A-Myth and Darshan.

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Aal Izz Well"
4:36
2."Zoobi Doobi"
4:06
3."Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh"
5:02
4."Give Me Some Sunshine"
4:07
5."Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe"Nigam3:31
6."Aal Izz Well Remix"
  • Nigam
  • Kirkire
  • Shaan
4:41
7."Zoobi Doobi Remix"
  • Nigam
  • Ghoshal
3:28

Release

[edit]

A unique promotional activity was conducted for the film, with its music being launched on the internet instead of a grand event for the music release. On 27 November 2009, the makers of the film released the audio on the official website of the film, idiotsacademy.com, and in addition, the cast and crew members organised a video chat for the fans.[5][6] Though Aamir Khan initially disapproved the idea of a low-key music launch, he felt that the unique promotion may work in favour of the film.[6][7] Song promos were aired in television channels and online streaming sites during December 2009, prior to the film's release.[8][9] T-Series purchased the music rights of the film at an amount of ₹120 million (US$1.4 million),[10] while initial reports falsely slated that Sony Music had gained acquisition for the marketing of the film's soundtrack.[11] The company released the audio CDs for purchasing online on the day of its music launch, and later released it in stores,[6][8] which had a 22-page booklet of stills from the film and song lyrics and credits in tri-fold cover.[12]

A two-sided vinyl LP record-disc format was released by T-Series during mid-2010, included the seven tracks with a remix in each side of the record-disc.[13] In addition, the track "Kaise Mujhe" composed by A. R. Rahman for Ghajini (2008), which also had Aamir Khan in the lead, and the same music company distributed the album, was featured in the B-side of the LP record.[13] The songs were attached with the "Premium" and "Collector's Edition" discs launched by Reliance Big Home Video during early-October and late-November 2010.[14] In April 2021, Zee Music Company acquired the rights and re-released the soundtrack in streaming and digital music platforms.[15][16]

Critical reception

[edit]

Joginder Tuteja of Bollywood Hungama gave 3.5 stars (out of 5) stating it as "a good quality album" and "the strength of the film which translates in the box-office success".[17] Writing for the website Behindwoods, Gayathri Sarangarajan assigned a score 3.5 (out of 5) and stated "The songs are quite good. Although most of them might not hit instantly it will surely pick up as the movie releases. Most of the songs are soulful and singers have done full justice to the tune and lyrics. The lyrics are also very good and written to suit the situation."[18] Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com, gave three out of five saying "3 Idiots isn't for the ready-steady-go listener. But if you pay this short 'n' sweet soundtrack some extra bit of attention, its curious tunes are bound to grow on you."[19] Critic based on Planet Bollywood said, "Moitra's soundtrack succeeds in adding immense value to the movie in terms of atmosphere and background support. It is fresh, authentic and real",[20]

Indo-Asian News Service-based critic writing for Hindustan Times said that "the album is a good mix of slow and fast-paced songs. Shantanu Moitra has scored quality music that has melody and generates lots of interest."[21] In a review published by BBC, Jaspreet Pandohar stated it as "Bollywood’s most playful soundtrack".[22] Indiaglitz stated that the album "has some good quality of songs, which may impress you if are ready to listen the album more than once".[23] Anand Vaishnav of News18 stated that "the album is not an instant chartbuster like Ghajini. But like Rang De Basanti, if the movie clicks, the tracks will justify their meaning."[24] Music Aloud's Vipin Nair said "Shantanu Moitra delivers a soundtrack that is mostly the typical Moitra fare, simple hummable kind of tunes with the occasional retro touch. But being an Aamir Khan movie one might have hoped for more variety."[25] The review published by The Hindu stated that Kirkire's lyrics were the main highlight of the album. The songs "Aal Izz Well" and "Zoobi Doobi" were appreciated.[26]

Sales and records

[edit]

According to the Indian trade website Box Office India, the album was the highest-selling Bollywood soundtrack of 2009,[1] with about 1.5 million sales. Despite the decline of music sales in CD format, the album was the "most-downloaded Hindi musical album of the year".[27] The album topped the charts for 12 consecutive weeks.[28] Many top websites published it as "one of the top Hindi albums of 2009", with "Aal Izz Well" subsequently being listed in the "Top 10 Bollywood Songs of 2009" by The Times of India and Sify.[29][30] Planet Bollywood included 3 Idiots amongst the "100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks Ever" of Hindi cinema,[31] as did, Tatsam Mukherjee of HuffPost, who listed it as one among the "Top 20 Bollywood Albums since 2000" for the edition published in 2020.[32] It has still been considered as one of Moitra's best works till date.[33]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Category Recipients Result Ref.
Filmfare Awards Best Female Playback Singer Shreya Ghoshal – ("Zoobi Doobi") Nominated [34]
[35]
Global Indian Music Academy Awards Best Film Album 3 Idiots – Shantanu Moitra Won [36]
[37]
Best Male Playback Singer Shaan, Shantanu Moitra – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh") Won
Best Lyricist Swanand Kirkire – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh") Won
Best Sound Engineer Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Anup Dev Won
Most Popular Song "Aal Izz Well" – Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Swanand Kirkire Won
Ghanta Awards Worst Song "Aal Izz Well" Won [38]
International Indian Film Academy Awards Best Music Director Shantanu Moitra Nominated [39]
[40]
Best Lyrics Swanand Kirkire Won
Best Male Playback Singer Shaan – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh") Won
Sonu Nigam – ("Aal Izz Well") Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer Shreya Ghoshal – ("Zoobi Doobi") Nominated
Best Background Score Sanjay Wanderkar, Atul Raninga, Shantanu Moitra Won
Best Sound Recording Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Nihal Ranjan Samel Won
Best Sound Re-Recording Anup Dev Won
National Film Awards Best Lyrics Swanand Kirkire – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh") Won [41]
Best Audiography Anup Dev Won

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units)". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  2. ^ a b "College days were an inspiration for '3 Idiots' music: Composer, lyricist". Zee News. 25 November 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  3. ^ "I used to travel in search of music: Shantanu Moitra". www.onmanorama.com. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  4. ^ a b Shantanu Moitra talks about his work | PK | 3 Idiots | Sonu Nigam. Bollywood Hungama (Interview). India. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  5. ^ "Aamir's new trick: Releases 3 Idiots music online". Hindustan Times. 27 November 2009. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  6. ^ a b c Hungama, Bollywood (29 November 2009). "Aamir Khan unhappy with 3 Idiots chat & online music launch? : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  7. ^ 3 Idiots, 27 November 2009, retrieved 19 October 2021
  8. ^ a b "Aamir's using unique publicity tricks for promoting "3 Idoits"". The Indian Express. 18 December 2009. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  9. ^ "3 Idiots : Big Procures Worldwide Rights (Sans Satellite & Home Video) for 65 Crore!". Planet Bollywood News. 10 December 2009. Archived from the original on 7 November 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  10. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (25 July 2009). "T-Series acquires the music rights of 3 Idiots : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  11. ^ "The Bollywood conundrum". the Guardian. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  12. ^ Shantanu Moitra, Swanand Kirkire – 3 Idiots (2009, CD), retrieved 19 October 2021
  13. ^ a b Shantanu Moitra, Swanand Kirkire – 3 Idiots (2009, Vinyl), retrieved 19 October 2021
  14. ^ "Premium version of 3 Idiots DVD launched". The Indian Express. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  15. ^ 3 Idiots (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Shantanu Moitra, 25 December 2009, retrieved 19 October 2021
  16. ^ 3 Idiots - Full Songs | Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi | Swanand K | Shantanu M, 9 April 2021, retrieved 19 October 2021
  17. ^ Tuteja, Joginder (29 November 2009). "3 Idiots : Music Review by". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 19 May 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  18. ^ "3 Idiots Music review". Behindwoods. 28 November 2009. Archived from the original on 16 November 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  19. ^ "3 Idiots music review: Short 'n' sweet soundtrack". Rediff. 29 November 2009. Archived from the original on 14 November 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  20. ^ "3 Idiots". Planet Bollywood. 29 November 2009. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  21. ^ "Music Review: 3 Idiots". Hindustan Times. Indo-Asian News Service through HT correspondent. 3 December 2009. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  22. ^ Pandohar, Jaspreet. "BBC - Music Review of Shantanu Moitra's 3 Idiots". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 18 January 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  23. ^ "3 Idiots Music review songs lyrics". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  24. ^ "Music review of Aamir-starrer 3 Idiots". News18. 29 November 2009. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  25. ^ "3 Idiots – Music Review". Music Aloud. 9 November 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  26. ^ "3 Idiots: Music Review". The Hindu. 2 December 2009. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  27. ^ "Future is digital: Audio labels - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  28. ^ "3 Idiots on air!". Sify. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  29. ^ "Top 10 Bollywood songs of 2009 - Times of India". The Times of India. 31 December 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  30. ^ "Top 10 Bollywood songs of 2009". Sify. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  31. ^ Lall, Randy (2011). "100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks Ever — Part 3". Planet Bollywood. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  32. ^ Mukherjee, Tatsam (9 December 2020). "The Top 20 Bollywood Albums Since 2000, Ranked". HuffPost. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  33. ^ Ghosh, Devarsi (April 2018). "The Shantanu Moitra interview: 'The word hit has an aggressiveness I don't like'". Scroll.in. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  34. ^ "55th Idea Filmfare Awards Nominations". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 1 March 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  35. ^ "Here are the stars that were crowned the winners of Filmfare awards 2009". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 2 March 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  36. ^ "'3 Idiots' Wins Five at Global Indian Music Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. 11 November 2010. Archived from the original on 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  37. ^ "'3 Idiots' triumphs at first edition of GIMA awards". Deccan Herald. 11 November 2010. Archived from the original on 5 May 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  38. ^ "The Ghanta Awards 2011". Ghanta Awards. Archived from the original on 31 July 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  39. ^ "IIFA Awards 2010 Winners: Complete list of winners". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  40. ^ "'3 Idiots' Leads IIFA Nomination List". Outlook India. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  41. ^ "57th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 January 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
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