Faith, and not necessarily religion, has to be a key element of a film named after the holy Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath.
The mountainous region is dear to pious Hindus who come to pay homage to Shiva, one of the holy trinity of Hinduism, at the famous temple.
So it is no surprise that the music of the film Kedarnath has a devotional touch to it. The makers have now released the first song, ‘Namo Namo’, a devotional track which also shows the true heart of India.
Abhishek Kapoor’s protagonist Mukku (Sushant Singh Rajput) is a Muslim who works as a pithoo [one who carries a pilgrim on his back] in the region.
While a country of many faiths like India will have its share of prejudiced bigots, its true character and unity are reflected in the hundreds of Mukkus who work at several Hindu holy sites for a living. No statue, no matter how lofty or costly, can top that.
With ‘Namo Namo’, lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya has penned a prayer-like song. Namo, or salutation, is the only Sanskrit word Bhattacharya uses. After all, Kedarnath is a Hindi film, and the simplicity of the lyrics will only help the song to reach the masses.
The song, naturally, sings the praises of Shiva. The lyrics are elevated by the gripping score by Amit Trivedi. The core tune is devotional, but Trivedi mixes it with a soothing contemporary tune. And he also sings it.
Names like Suresh Wadkar, Anup Jalota, Ravindra Sathe and Narendra Chanchal spring to mind when we think of devotional numbers. Amit Trivedi has a voice that we are more accustomed to hearing in pop or rock songs. But the music director is in fine form with ‘Namo Namo. The real deal of the song is the additional vocal. There is no credit, but that voice chanting Namo Namo Shankara has the power to entrance you.
Without naming him, the song is also an apt introduction to Mukku. Rajput looks energetic as he ferries the pilgrim on his back. As a pithoo, climbing mountains is hard work, but as people say, faith helps to make the tough ride. The breathtaking visuals of Kedarnath simply increase the song’s appeal.
The makers have smartly launched the song a couple of days before Diwali. If you are one who likes to chant Oh Namah Shivay during your prayers, well, Amit Trivedi and Amitabh Bhattacharya have given you a new chant. Watch the song below and let us know if you would like to watch this film.
Kedarnath is set to be released on 7 December. The film marks the debut of Saif Ali Khan and ex-wife Amrita Singh’s daughter Sara Ali Khan.