Animal (2023) Soundtrack: A Complete Review
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal arrived as one of the most divisive Bollywood films in recent memory — and its soundtrack matched the film's intensity beat for beat. Composed by a collective of musicians including Harshavardhan Rameshwar, Vishal Mishra, and Pritam, the album is a sprawling, genre-blending collection that deserves a closer listen.
Album Highlights
1. Satranga
Arguably the emotional centrepiece of the album, Satranga features Arijit Singh at his most vulnerable. The song captures the complicated father-son relationship at the heart of the film. Slow-building and melodically rich, it's the kind of track that lingers long after the credits roll. Rating: 9/10
2. Hua Main
Another Arijit Singh number, Hua Main leans into orchestral grandeur. The composition by Pritam feels cinematic in the truest sense — sweeping strings, a soaring vocal performance, and lyrics that deepen the protagonist's internal conflict. Rating: 8/10
3. Papa Meri Jaan
This bhajan-style track is perhaps the most emotionally resonant on the album. Soulful and restrained, it anchors the film's central obsession with paternal love and legacy. A standout for fans of classical-influenced Hindi film music. Rating: 8.5/10
4. Arjan Vailly
A high-octane Punjabi folk-inspired track, Arjan Vailly became a viral sensation even before the film released. Its raw, percussive energy suits the film's violent set pieces perfectly. It may feel out of place on a casual listen, but in context it works brilliantly. Rating: 7.5/10
5. Naina Dua
A quieter, more introspective track that provides welcome breathing room amid the album's bombast. Understated and melodically elegant. Rating: 7/10
Overall Verdict
| Track | Composer | Singer | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satranga | Pritam | Arijit Singh | 9/10 |
| Hua Main | Pritam | Arijit Singh | 8/10 |
| Papa Meri Jaan | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Sonu Nigam | 8.5/10 |
| Arjan Vailly | Harshavardhan Rameshwar | Bhupinder Babbal | 7.5/10 |
| Naina Dua | Vishal Mishra | Vishal Mishra | 7/10 |
The Animal soundtrack is not a cohesive listening experience in the traditional sense — it is deliberately eclectic. But what it lacks in uniformity it makes up for in ambition. For fans of emotionally driven Hindi film music, Satranga and Papa Meri Jaan alone make this album worth your time.
Who Should Listen?
- Fans of Arijit Singh's emotional, slow-burn ballads
- Listeners who enjoy Punjabi folk-pop crossovers
- Anyone who appreciates grand, orchestral Bollywood scores
Overall Album Rating: 8/10