Mohenjo Daro Tracklist, Movie Description, Songs Lyrics

Movie Description & Synopsis

Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2016 epic, Mohenjo Daro, is an ambitious action-romance set in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The film follows Sarman (Hrithik Roshan), a young indigo farmer who journeys to the magnificent city of Mohenjo Daro. Upon arrival, he is entranced by its scale but disturbed by the tyrannical rule of its chief, Maham (Kabir Bedi).

Sarman falls in love with Chaani (Pooja Hegde), a priest’s daughter prophesied to bring change, who is unfortunately betrothed to Maham’s cruel son, Moonja (Arunoday Singh). As Sarman fights for Chaani’s affection, he uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy involving political corruption and the exploitation of the city’s citizens. He also discovers his own hidden lineage, which connects him directly to the city’s noble past. This revelation sets him on a path to challenge the corrupt regime and lead the people. The story culminates in a dramatic climax where Sarman must save the inhabitants from both Maham’s tyranny and a catastrophic flood threatening to annihilate the entire civilization.

Historical Context and Creative License

Recreating a civilization from which no written histories survive is a monumental task. The filmmakers took considerable creative license to build the world of Mohenjo Daro. The production design aimed for authenticity in depicting the city’s famed grid-like structure and the Great Bath. However, the film drew criticism for numerous historical inaccuracies, particularly in its costume design and its depiction of certain cultural practices. It is best viewed not as a historical document, but as a work of historical fiction that uses the ancient city as a canvas for a classic story of heroism and love.

Themes and Visual Spectacle

At its core, Mohenjo Daro explores timeless themes of justice versus corruption, love against all odds, and the classic hero’s journey. The climactic flood serves as a potent reminder of the power of nature over human greed. Visually, the film is a spectacle, with grand sets, elaborate action sequences, and cinematography designed to capture the epic scale of the ancient world.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Mohenjo Daro received a polarized response. While its ambition and visual scale were praised, many found the screenplay predictable and historically inaccurate. The film underperformed at the box office but remains a significant attempt in Hindi cinema to explore a distant, enigmatic past on a grand, epic scale.

Soundtrack and Musical Analysis

The film’s soundtrack was composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar. The music plays a pivotal role in establishing the film’s ancient, yet epic tone, blending traditional sounds with Rahman’s signature orchestral grandeur.

Tracklist Table

Detailed Song Information

• “Mohenjo Mohenjo”: The title track serves as Sarman’s introduction to the magnificent city. Sung with power and grandeur, the song’s lyrics describe the wonders and rules of Mohenjo Daro. It’s a celebratory anthem that captures the scale and bustling life of the metropolis as Sarman sees it for the first time.
• “Sindhu Ma”: This is a devotional and powerful ode to the Indus River (Sindhu), which is personified as a mother goddess. The song is picturized on Chaani, establishing her spiritual connection to the river and her revered status in the city. It carries a deep sense of reverence and foreshadows the river’s dual role as both a life-giver and a potential destroyer.
• “Sarsariya”: A light-hearted and playful track that depicts the budding romance between Sarman and Chaani. The song unfolds as Sarman follows Chaani through the city’s marketplace, showcasing their growing chemistry and Chaani’s gradual shedding of her inhibitions. The melody is breezy and folksy, providing a gentle break from the film’s more intense dramatic moments.
• “Tu Hai”: The primary romantic ballad of the film. “Tu Hai” is a soulful and intimate duet that expresses the deep love Sarman and Chaani feel for each other. It is picturized in a dream-like sequence inside a cave, symbolizing a private world where their love can exist freely, away from the city’s politics and dangers.
• Instrumental Tracks: “Shimmer of Sindhu,” “Whispers of the Mind,” and “Whispers of the Heart” are instrumental pieces that form the thematic backbone of the film’s score. They are used to heighten emotion during key dramatic, romantic, or suspenseful scenes, showcasing Rahman’s ability to convey narrative through music alone. “Lakh Lakh Thora” is a shorter instrumental piece with a distinct folk flavour.