Songs of Paradise review: Saba Azad carries a melodious story that should have soared

Summary:

• Songs of Paradise chronicles Noor Begum’s transformation from Zeba, Kashmir’s first female radio singer, into a pioneering music icon.

• Saba Azad impresses with her portrayal; Soni Razdan adds depth; Kashmir’s landscapes enhance the film’s serenity.

• Struggles are often softened, making the climax feel anti-climactic despite the film’s heartfelt message.

Songs of Paradise story:

The biographical drama Songs of Paradise chronicles the life of Noor Begum (Soni Razdan), a reclusive legend of Kashmiri music, through the eyes of a teenage singer named Rumi (Taaruk Raina). The transformation of Noor, formerly known as Zeba (Saba Azad), the first female radio singer in the valley, from mute to singer challenged convention and shattered stereotypes. The film follows her story throughout two time periods to show her perseverance, bravery, and love of music despite the obstacles she faced. Songs of Paradise honours Noor's strength, creativity, and the unwavering impact of her voice amid the stunning scenery of Kashmir.

Songs of Paradise review:

It is rare to see a major streaming platform release an art-house film that reminds viewers that movies can also focus on serene sounds. Prime Video has seemingly dropped Songs of Paradise, a film that focuses on the serene sounds mentioned in the title, amid all the chaotic films like War 2 and the loud couple in Param Sundari. The film explores the life of the late Kashmiri singer Rani Begum, widely regarded as the first female singer from the Valley. Yes, it is indeed a strong and intriguing premise for a film that deserves consideration: there are still thousands of deserving individuals who should be recognised as pioneers. History has remembered these individuals for their rightful role as game-changers.

Songs of Paradise embodies Rani Begum, a talented soul, as Noor Begum. Directed by Danish Renzu, the film is set in two eras—in the late 90s or early 2000s or so—and Soni Razdan, an older Noor, is seen fighting for the rights of artists and showing that she is an authorised figure after years of struggle. She is seen followed by a young artist named Rumi (Taaruk Raina), who is a huge fan of Kashmiri music and wants to write a biography on her life. After many inhibitions, Noor finally agrees and thus begins her untold story, which changed the course of history in Kashmir. So how does "Songs of Paradise" unfold? Let's find out...

ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt praises Songs of Paradise: 'Watching Mama Soni Razdan is my greatest delight'

We see a young Zeba living with her parents, played by Sheeba Chaddha and Bashir Lone. Although dreaming big and wanting to get out of the shackles of her veil, she is supported by a progressive father, but her regressive mother refuses to see her as anything more than a burden. Meanwhile, Zeba's passion for music and singing blooms when her employer, Guruji (Shishir Sharma), recognises her exceptional talent. He allows her to do her riyaaz at his house while she works for him, which leads her to enter a radio singing competition that has never had a female competitor before.

The film as a lens takes us through the path that Zeba takes and how in every possible way she is seen getting supported by males against the regressive males who just want to see women not show their faces ever. In one of the scenes, a tongawala yells at Zeba for applying lipstick and calls it a sin, to which she responds fearlessly.

When it comes to her journey, Songs of Paradise takes the calmest path of Zeba becoming Noor Begum and how, at no point, she takes her success for granted. Noor takes charge and succeeds with flying colours, fighting for an equal or higher salary as the lead singer of the radio station and crediting all the artists who perform with her.

So where does the film falter? The narrative is such a smooth ride that even the bumps show you a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel. Not every conflict is explored in depth, like the success stories are. For example, her husband, facing adversities from his townspeople for "allowing" his wife to be a working woman and a successful singer, meets them to leave their palatial house. However, these events unfold so swiftly that they serve as a testament to the triumph of righteousness over evil.

We recognise that women still struggle today, and their experiences are not always as positive or hopeful as they may seem. Rani Begum had to walk on thorns to get the roses, even though the petals were scattered.

Meanwhile, Azad was just the show-stealer with her mere presence and how she knew how to strike the right chord with her voice as well as with her mannerisms as Noor Begum. The actor fully immerses herself in her character, remaining completely composed throughout her portrayal, which makes her a pleasure to observe. There are so many instances, especially in the breakdown moments, where Azad sheds her vanity and that's where her performance as a true artist delivers.

On the other hand, Razdan doesn't appear all throughout the film; she is there in the beginning, middle, and towards the climax. And as she comes on the screen, her Kashmiri accent begins to totter and becomes so inconsistent that it cannot be ignored.

Renzu takes on the significant responsibility of portraying the story of an important artist on screen and succeeds in many respects. However, the lens is so shiny and pink that it only highlights the artist's appreciation, failing to convey the extent of the struggle she must have endured. Yes, the destination is Padma Shri, but her journey has been zeroed down to not make it look glorious but an effortless one, which doesn't do justice to Rani Begum.

Songs of Paradise becomes so anti-climactic in its narrative that the fictionalised end doesn't do any favour to the film but takes away the real charm it should have uncovered eventually.

Songs of Paradise verdict:

Songs of Paradise effectively honours a pioneering voice, yet its melody occasionally falters. While Saba Azad’s Zeba/Noor charms with effortless pitch and poise, and the Kashmiri backdrop sings in serenity, the film sometimes trades depth for polish. While the transition from silence to song is inspiring, the film often softens the struggles, resulting in a slightly muted crescendo.

FAQs:

Q: Who plays Noor Begum in Songs of Paradise?

A: Saba Azad plays the young Noor Begum (formerly Zeba), while Soni Razdan portrays her older self in the film.

Q: What is Songs of Paradise about?

A: Songs of Paradise is a biographical drama chronicling the life of Noor Begum, the first female radio singer from Kashmir, highlighting her journey from silence to music and the struggles she faced as a pioneering artist.

Q: Where can I watch Songs of Paradise?

A: The film is available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video.