No one can understand why a politically set movie like Satta needs songs. Raju Singh works pretty well here with Javed Akhtar, but the purpose of the soundtrack is still a mystery. The start of the ´power struggle´ is marked by Asha Bhosle´s "Gungunati Hai". And the end of the album is supported by Sonu Nigam´s rendition of the same supple tune. It´s a warm and comforting track that relies on numerous interludes of singular instruments to carry it through. For your ears and mine, it is a simple enough drift in the clouds.

Shaan and Madhushree´s "Jab Dil Mile" actually begins with a "Gungunati Hai" interlude, but then meanders on to its own unique music. The singing is not bad, tolerable even, but Javed Akhtar disappoints with his Sameer-like lyrics. " Shankar Mahadevan´s "Masti Hi Masti" is a fun and peppy club-bish endeavour, but not that much different from what we´ve heard the singer do before. Clinton and Vivienne Pocha lend their vocals to the background.

"More Saiyyan" is Raju Singh´s attempt at fusing techno with folk, using Asha Bhosle´s playback to lead the brigade. Problem is that the track starts with a forceful, cool techno beat, which is quickly relegated to the background for a stronger boring folk influence. Asha´s uninspired singing for the song - hopefully a sign of disinterest - does not help much.

Shubha Mudgal´s "Jeevan Path Mein Mor Hain Kitne" has just been added to my list of the great songs about mankind. It uses Mudgal´s harsh vocals to perfect effect. Having heard the soundtrack carefully, there´s little doubt that some of these compositions belong in the movie, but if it distracts from the narrative pace, the target audience will be disappointed. Please don´t disappoint us, Mr. Bhandarkar.