3 Idiots (soundtrack) explained

3 Idiots
Type:Soundtrack
Artist:Shantanu Moitra
Cover:File:3idiots.jpg
Alt:Album cover
Released:27 November 2009
Genre:Feature film soundtrack
Length:29:22
Language:Hindi
Label:T-Series (2009-2020)
Zee Music Company (2021-present)
Producer:Shantanu Moitra
Prev Title:Phir Kabhi
Prev Year:2009
Next Title:Well Done Abba
Next Year: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". 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

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".[1] Swanand Kirkire was the primary lyricist of the film and had involved during its scripting stage.[2] The album had five original songs curated and two tracks being remixed. 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.[3] "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.

Tracks

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

Release

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.[4] [5] 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. Song promos were aired in television channels and online streaming sites during December 2009, prior to the film's release.[6] T-Series purchased the music rights of the film at an amount of,[7] while initial reports falsely slated that Sony Music had gained acquisition for the marketing of the film's soundtrack.[8] The company released the audio CDs for purchasing online on the day of its music launch, and later released it in stores,[9] which had a 22-page booklet of stills from the film and song lyrics and credits in tri-fold cover.

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. 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. 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.[10] In April 2021, Zee Music Company acquired the rights and re-released the soundtrack in streaming and digital music platforms.

Critical reception

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".[11] 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."[12] 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."[13] 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",[14]

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."[15] In a review published by BBC, Jaspreet Pandohar stated it as "Bollywood’s most playful soundtrack".[16] 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".[17] 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."[18] 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."[19] 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.[20]

Sales and records

According to the Indian trade website Box Office India, the album was the highest-selling Bollywood soundtrack of 2009,[21] 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".[22] The album topped the charts for 12 consecutive weeks.[23] 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.[24] [25] Planet Bollywood included 3 Idiots amongst the "100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks Ever" of Hindi cinema,[26] 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.[27] It has still been considered as one of Moitra's best works till date.[28]

Accolades

AwardCategoryRecipientsResult
Filmfare AwardsBest Female Playback SingerShreya Ghoshal – ("Zoobi Doobi")[29]
[30]
Global Indian Music Academy AwardsBest Film Album3 Idiots – Shantanu Moitra[31]
[32]
Best Male Playback SingerShaan, Shantanu Moitra – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh")
Best LyricistSwanand Kirkire – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh")
Best Sound EngineerBishwadeep Chatterjee, Anup Dev
Most Popular Song"Aal Izz Well" – Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Swanand Kirkire
Ghanta AwardsWorst Song"Aal Izz Well"[33]
International Indian Film Academy AwardsBest Music DirectorShantanu Moitra[34]
[35]
Best LyricsSwanand Kirkire
Best Male Playback SingerShaan – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh")
Sonu Nigam – ("Aal Izz Well")
Best Female Playback SingerShreya Ghoshal – ("Zoobi Doobi")
Best Background ScoreSanjay Wanderkar, Atul Raninga, Shantanu Moitra
Best Sound RecordingBishwadeep Chatterjee, Nihal Ranjan Samel
Best Sound Re-RecordingAnup Dev
National Film AwardsBest LyricsSwanand Kirkire – ("Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh")[36]
Best AudiographyAnup Dev

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2009-11-25. College days were an inspiration for '3 Idiots' music: Composer, lyricist. 2021-10-19. Zee News. en.
  2. Web site: I used to travel in search of music: Shantanu Moitra. 2021-10-19. www.onmanorama.com.
  3. Shantanu Moitra talks about his work PK 3 Idiots Sonu Nigam. 2017-05-05. Interview. Bollywood Hungama. India. 2021-10-19.
  4. Web site: 2009-11-27. Aamir's new trick: Releases 3 Idiots music online. live. 2021-10-19. Hindustan Times. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20211028175131/https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/aamir-s-new-trick-releases-3-idiots-music-online/story-usGlSba6LodKRD5Y5dwmeI.html . 28 October 2021 .
  5. Web site: Hungama. Bollywood. 2009-11-29. Aamir Khan unhappy with 3 Idiots chat & online music launch? : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama. . live. 2021-10-19. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20211028173153/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/aamir-khan-unhappy-with-3-idiots-chat-online-music-launch/ . 28 October 2021 .
  6. Web site: 10 December 2009. 3 Idiots : Big Procures Worldwide Rights (Sans Satellite & Home Video) for 65 Crore!. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141107095130/http://planetbollywood.com/displayArticle.php?id=n083109031345. 7 November 2014. 8 August 2014. Planet Bollywood News.
  7. Web site: Hungama. Bollywood. 2009-07-25. T-Series acquires the music rights of 3 Idiots : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama. . 2021-10-19. en.
  8. Web site: 2010-01-07. The Bollywood conundrum. 2021-10-19. the Guardian. en.
  9. Web site: 2009-12-18. Aamir's using unique publicity tricks for promoting "3 Idoits". live. 2021-10-19. The Indian Express. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20170904113101/http://indianexpress.com:80/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/aamirs-using-unique-publicity-tricks-for-promoting-3-idoits/ . 4 September 2017 .
  10. Web site: 2010-10-01. Premium version of 3 Idiots DVD launched. 2021-10-19. The Indian Express. en.
  11. Web site: Tuteja. Joginder. 29 November 2009. 3 Idiots : Music Review by. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090519105032/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/13910/index.html. 19 May 2009. 19 October 2021. Bollywood Hungama.
  12. Web site: 28 November 2009. 3 Idiots Music review. live. 19 October 2021. Behindwoods. https://web.archive.org/web/20091116063435/http://www.behindwoods.com:80/bollywood/hindi-music-reviews/3-idiots.html . 16 November 2009 .
  13. Web site: 2009-11-29. 3 Idiots music review: Short 'n' sweet soundtrack. live. 2021-10-19. Rediff. https://web.archive.org/web/20091114160026/http://movies.rediff.com:80/report/2009/nov/11/music-review-3-idiots.htm . 14 November 2009 .
  14. Web site: 29 November 2009. 3 Idiots. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20181116144508/http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=m110909062049. 16 November 2018. 8 July 2011. Planet Bollywood.
  15. Web site: 2009-12-03. Music Review: 3 Idiots. live. 2021-10-19. Hindustan Times. Indo-Asian News Service through HT correspondent. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20170517112238/http://www.hindustantimes.com:80/music/music-review-3-idiots/story-yk3y12LbOpMkDt560VkBUP.html . 17 May 2017 .
  16. Web site: Pandohar. Jaspreet. BBC - Music Review of Shantanu Moitra's 3 Idiots. live. 2021-10-19. www.bbc.co.uk. en-GB. https://web.archive.org/web/20100118182652/http://www.bbc.co.uk:80/music/reviews/2w6m . 18 January 2010 .
  17. Web site: 3 Idiots Music review songs lyrics. 2021-10-19. IndiaGlitz.
  18. Web site: 2009-11-29. Music review of Aamir-starrer 3 Idiots. live. 2021-10-19. News18. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20211029181003/https://www.news18.com/news/india/music-review-of-aamir-starrer-3-idiots-328404.html . 29 October 2021 .
  19. Web site: 2009-11-09. 3 Idiots – Music Review. 2021-10-19. Music Aloud.
  20. News: 2009-12-02. 3 Idiots: Music Review. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-10-19. 0971-751X.
  21. Web site: Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units). dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080215081557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5&PHPSESSID=108b9056cd4ca14236f9c6119d34dcce. 15 February 2008. 14 March 2021. Box Office India.
  22. News: Future is digital: Audio labels - Times of India. 2021-10-19. The Times of India. en.
  23. Web site: 3 Idiots on air!. https://web.archive.org/web/20211029233039/https://www.sify.com/movies/i3-idiotsi-on-air-imagegallery-bollywood-jm3mbGfbijjsi.html. dead. 29 October 2021. 2021-10-19. Sify. en.
  24. News: Top 10 Bollywood songs of 2009 - Times of India. 2021-10-19. The Times of India. 31 December 2009 . en.
  25. Web site: Top 10 Bollywood songs of 2009. dead. 2021-10-19. Sify. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20211030000056/https://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-bollywood-songs-of-2009--imagegallery-bollywood-jmossbcfcbhsi.html . 30 October 2021 .
  26. Web site: Lall. Randy. 2011. 100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks Ever — Part 3. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210126210242/https://planetbollywood.com/displayArticle.php?id=031407044048. 26 January 2021. 14 March 2021. Planet Bollywood.
  27. News: Mukherjee. Tatsam. 9 December 2020. The Top 20 Bollywood Albums Since 2000, Ranked. HuffPost. live. 14 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210317022428/https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/the-top-20-hindi-film-albums-since-2000-ranked_in_5f5ced54c5b6b485080127c7. 17 March 2021.
  28. Web site: Ghosh. Devarsi. The Shantanu Moitra interview: 'The word hit has an aggressiveness I don't like'. 2021-10-19. Scroll.in. en-US.
  29. Web site: 55th Idea Filmfare Awards Nominations. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100301112206/https://www.filmfare.com/articles/55th-idea-filmfare-awards-nominations-461.html. 1 March 2010. 26 November 2020. Filmfare.
  30. Web site: Here are the stars that were crowned the winners of Filmfare awards 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100302132811/http://awards.filmfare.com/winners1.php. 2 March 2010. 26 November 2020. Filmfare.
  31. Web site: '3 Idiots' Wins Five at Global Indian Music Awards. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200507155433/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/3-idiots-wins-five-global-44507. 7 May 2020. 7 May 2020. The Hollywood Reporter. 11 November 2010.
  32. Web site: 11 November 2010. '3 Idiots' triumphs at first edition of GIMA awards. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200505165819/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/111833/3-idiots-triumphs-first-edition.html. 5 May 2020. 5 May 2020. Deccan Herald.
  33. Web site: The Ghanta Awards 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130731063909/http://theghantas.com/the-ghanta-awards-archives/the-ghanta-awards-2011/. 31 July 2013. 5 May 2020. Ghanta Awards.
  34. News: IIFA Awards 2010 Winners: Complete list of winners. 2020-11-26. The Times of India.
  35. Web site: '3 Idiots' Leads IIFA Nomination List. live. 2020-11-26. Outlook India. https://web.archive.org/web/20201126201651/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/3-idiots-leads-iifa-nomination-list/681290 . 26 November 2020 .
  36. Web site: 57th National Film Awards. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180107085940/http://dff.nic.in/2011/57thNFA.pdf. 7 January 2018. 5 May 2020. Directorate of Film Festivals.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "3 Idiots (soundtrack)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.