Salman Khan Films has released another song from Notebook (2019). As the title suggests, ‘Safar’ is a journeyman song, which is rare these days. The last one we remember, Irshad Kamil’s ‘Safar’ from Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017), was an absolute delight.
The similarity between the Notebook song and Jab Harry Met Sejal ends with the title. Sadly, the Notebook track doesn’t have the same appeal.
It’s not a poor track, but the lyrics by Kaushal Kishor give you a feeling of déjà vu. The mukhda (opening stanza) does not catch your attention. As opposed to Irshad Kamil’s ‘Safar’, where the protagonist was lost in the vagaries of life, Zaheer Iqbal’s character is not lost, but he is going through a journey of self-discovery. The final verse of the song has a nice rhyme to add to the poetic touch.
The lyrics are not quite up to the mark, but the pop-rock score tinged with desi instruments is captivating. There is perhaps a sense of déjà vu attached to the pop-rock beats as well, but overall Vishal Mishra has scored the track well. And singer Mohit Chauhan lifts it with his talent.
You don’t often associate a song about a journey with dance, and this one stays true to that adage. Zaheer Iqbal doesn’t have much of a screen presence. The song moves more to the image of a riding vehicle. The journey ends with Iqbal arriving at the small school where he is to be a teacher.
‘Safar’ hits a few bumpy notes but is still a fine track to tune into. Watch ‘Safar’ below.
Notebook is set to be released on 29 March. Let us know if you are keen to watch this film.