Cast: Saba Azad, Soni Razdan, Zain Khan Durrani, Taaruk Raina, Sheeba Chaddha, Shishir Sharma, Armaan Khera
Director: Danish Renzu
Language: Hindi
Platform: Prime Video
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Genre: Drama, Musical
Stars : 3
In an era where stories are often told with noise, speed, and spectacle, Songs of Paradise dares to speak softly — and therein lies its charm. Directed by Danish Renzu, this lyrical drama is a heartfelt tribute to Kashmir’s first female singing icon, Raj Begum, brought to life through the fictional journey of Zeba Akhtar, also known as Noor Begum. This is not just a film about music — it’s about memory, identity, and the quiet strength of a woman who dared to sing in a world that asked her to be silent.
The story opens in the present day, where Noor Begum, now elderly and reclusive (played with grace by Soni Razdan), is approached by a young researcher (played by Taaruk Raina) eager to document her legacy. She resists at first, her past tucked away like an old song, unsung for years. But the past has a rhythm of its own, and slowly, the film takes us back in time — to her youth, to her struggle, to her voice.
Saba Azad portrays young Zeba — a passionate, spirited woman whose love for music is as natural as breathing. Set against the backdrop of a Kashmir steeped in beauty and burden, we witness Zeba's evolution into Noor. Her journey is marked by a society that deems women’s voices unfit for public space, and yet, she rises — not in defiance, but in quiet determination.
Saba Azad carries the weight of Zeba’s journey with sincerity. While there are moments where her performance could use more emotional depth — particularly in scenes involving musical immersion — she does capture the inner conflict of a woman torn between duty, passion, and self-worth. As the younger version of Noor Begum, she is often subtle to a fault, but her presence grows on you.
Soni Razdan, as the older Noor, lends her part the gravitas it needs. Though the disconnect between her and Azad in terms of body language and accent is noticeable, Razdan manages to bring vulnerability and dignity to a character trying to make peace with her past.
Zain Khan Durrani and Taaruk Raina offer grounded support, while Sheeba Chaddha, as Zeba’s conservative mother, adds tension to an otherwise soft-toned narrative.
Music is not just a feature in Songs of Paradise — it’s the emotional thread that runs through every scene. The soundtrack is minimal yet meaningful. Instead of overwhelming the narrative, it complements it, like background notes that linger even after the song is over. The use of traditional Kashmiri instruments and melodies gives the film authenticity, and the lyrics are tender, poetic, and steeped in longing.
One only wishes there were more songs — or at least fuller renditions — considering the story is about a legendary singer.
Danish Renzu directs the film with a sense of calm confidence. There are no gimmicks or loud moments; the pacing is gentle, sometimes too gentle, but it allows the audience to absorb the textures of the setting and the silences of the characters. The cinematography is exquisite — Kashmir is not exoticized here but shown with reverence. Misty mornings, quiet alleys, and sunlit fields serve not just as locations but as emotional states.
The screenplay, like the music, flows gently — but at times, it holds back too much. The story of a woman challenging norms to find her voice has layers, and while Songs of Paradise touches on many of them, it doesn’t fully unpack them. Some emotional beats feel rushed, and characters like Noor’s mentor or the poet Azaad could have been explored further. However, the dialogue — especially the use of Urdu — adds a lyrical quality that’s hard to resist.
Songs of Paradise stands out as a rare and sensitive portrayal of a real, unsung heroine. The film captures Kashmir with a sense of poetic realism, presenting its beauty without resorting to clichés. The understated, melodic soundtrack adds emotional texture without overpowering the narrative, and the mature direction, combined with a sincere central performance, lends the story quiet strength. However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The emotional intensity in the lead performances is inconsistent, at times falling short of the story’s potential. Despite being centered around music, the film could have offered deeper musical immersion. Additionally, the ending feels slightly abrupt, leaving some narrative threads underdeveloped and unexplored.
Songs of Paradise is not a perfect film, but it is a necessary one. In a cinematic landscape often dominated by volume and formula, this film offers something different — a soft-spoken, emotional journey anchored in truth and tradition. It’s a film that asks for your patience and gives you moments of gentle beauty in return.
For anyone interested in stories of unsung women, cultural heritage, or the healing power of music, Songs of Paradise will feel like an old cassette found in a dusty box — familiar, fragile, and worth playing again.