Right at the outset it must be said that although Pitaah, the Mahesh Manjrekar film, has an impressive star cast comprising of Sanjay Dutt, Nandita Das, Om Puri and Jackie Shroff and explores the poignant relationship between a father and his children, the music is just a tad above average.

Director Manjrekar has roped in Anand Raaj Anand once again, hoping that he will weave the same magic as he did for Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai, Tera Mera Saath Rahen and Ehsaas. Sort of.

Praveen Bhardwaj is the sole lyricist, except for Putra Pratishtha, a Sanskrit shloka that is done by Rahul Ranade (of Astitva fame). Written by Shri Desai, this shloka is perhaps the high point of the film's sound track – it is hauntingly beautiful and chanted by Ravindra Sathe and Ranade.

Sau Baar Janam Nahin Milta by Sukhwinder Singh explores the facets of fatherhood – the theme of the movie. It is intense and impressive, especially when one sees Sanjay Dutt on screen trying to protect his family from Om Puri and his goons. The title track, Pitaah has beautiful lyrics, comparing the role of a father to that of God's role as He watches over us. Udit Narayan does full justice to it, singing it in a Laxmikant-Pyarelal style.

The duet Nadiya Kinare Aao by Sonu Nigam and Kavita Krishnamurty is a romantic track that doesn't quite hit the right note. However, the use of the mujra for the song Humko To Ishq, sung by Kavita Krishnamurty again, is top notch. Let's see if today's audiences enjoy this kind of music though...

The mast masala numbers come in the form of Rama Bachaye by Anuradha Sriram and Meri Jawani, a typical UP-Bihari number by Sunidhi Chauhan.

A good album, one we'd recommend, and one that actually makes sense in the times we live in. Now if only the movie is as good.