The film 'Ramayana', with a budget of 4000 crore, created by Nitesh Tiwari, generates high expectations as it tells a story familiar to all in India, connected to the deep faith of millions of people. Consequently, when the first track 'Jai Jai Ram' was released on the auspicious occasion of Ganpati Chaturthi, public interest was extremely high.
The combination of music by A.R. Rahman, vocals by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, and lyrics by Dr. Kumar Vishwas presents a powerful musical project. The song brings a feeling of peace to the listener from its very first moments. Majestic scenes are visually presented: the love story of Rama and Sita, their wedding, the streets of Ayodhya, the people scattering flowers, and Rama's warlike appearance. The pairing of Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi looks harmonious on screen.
However, the question of the material's novelty arises. The strength of the song is also its weakness: the familiar melody 'Ram Siya Ram... Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram' instantly evokes memories of childhood and those feelings that people have been accustomed to for years.
This same melody was popular thanks to a 1975 song performed by Jaspal Singh and composed by Ravindra Jain. A dilemma emerges: does the listener like the song itself, or are it their personal emotions associated with this old melody that make them love it?
The reviewer believes that 'Jai Jai Ram' falls slightly short in this regard. Although he does not claim that the entire song is unoriginal or copied, the moment heard in childhood evokes strong emotions. In that case, the song is not perceived as 'Ramayana' as performed by Ranbir.
With such a huge budget of 4000 crore, a large cast, and the involvement of a composer like A.R. Rahman, it was expected that the musical component would possess its own unique characteristic. However, relying on an old melody makes the song feel more like a remake.
Furthermore, just like in the teaser and trailer, almost all key moments of the story are included in the song: from Sita's courtship to the marriage of Rama and Sita, preparations for coronation, and the sacrifice of Lakshmana and Bharata. This is more like a brief overview of the entire 'Ramayana' than a song. This tendency to display everything at once was also observed in the film's promotional materials, where a more gradual unfolding of events might have been more effective.
While giving the audience a song for Ganpati Chaturthi is a good gesture, this gift lacks the sufficient original touch from the creators that the public expects from this film. Despite Rama played by Ranbir, Sita by Sai Pallavi, and the entire world potentially being new, upon listening to the music, listeners return to the image of the old Rama.
Perhaps this is the main paradox of 'Jai Jai Ram': the song sends shivers down the spine but does not sound like the film's own voice. If the same devotion, the same feelings, and the same connection were evoked by a completely new melody, then the first track of this 'Ramayana' would be worth much more.
