From mythology-inspired music to adrenaline-pumping soundtracks, the year 2022 gave us a wide range of haunting background scores that stayed with us even after the movies they were made for went off theatres. Here’s a look at five such background scores from Bollywood theatrical releases this year.

Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva – Shiva theme

Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva had one of the most goosebump-worthy background scores. Composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, the Shiva theme from Brahmastra comprises Sanskrit shlokas written by Prasun Gupta. This background score plays throughout the film, amping up the action sequences even more with the inspirational track sung by Javed Ali. What makes this background score stand out is its use in the film. Most of the action sequences and important events are followed by Sanskrit shlokas and the resonating background score that leaves behind a mark.

Vikram Vedha – Bande

Staying true to Sam C S’s original background score for the 2017 Tamil Vikram Vedha, the Hindi version goes ahead with the same background score. Sung by Sivam and penned by Manoj Muntashir, Bande, shows the raw intensity of Hrithik Roshan’s Vedha as well as the tension between him and Saif Ali Khan’s Vikram. The beats fall at all the right places and Bande also serves as the introductory music for Vedha, making Hrithik’s entry a stand-out moment in the film.

Drishyam 2

The Ajay Devgn-Tabu-Akshaye Khanna-starrer thriller had everything right. From a high-intensity plot showcased brilliantly through the directional prowess of Abhishek Pathak to the background score that increased the mystery and thrill around the film. Composed by Devi Sri Prasad with Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics and Usha Uthup’s unique voice, the background score of Drishyam 2 worked in cohesion with the plot, increasing in intensity at the exact right moments.

Bhediya

The background score of any horror film is its biggest asset and the same remains for horror-comedy Bhediya. The Amar Kaushik directorial has its highs and lows with respect to the plot and the comedy but the background music stands out, making a unique addition to the discography of the Varun Dhawan-Kriti Sanon starrer. Composed, created and sung by rapper K4 Kehko, the background music is reminiscent of Varun’s struggle with his new werewolf identity and the impending doom that it comes with.

An Action Hero – Asli Action Chalu

Possibly one of the most unique films to have come out this year was An Action Hero, starring a ripped Ayushmann Khurrana opposite an equally brilliant Jaideep Ahlawat. The Anirudh Iyer-directed film is high on action which comes through with its memorable background score. Composed by Parag Chhabra and sung by D’Evil and Shah Rule, Asli Action Chalu adds a depth to the already memorable plot with its lyrics that talk of Maanav Khurrana (Ayushmann) and his lost stardom.