Dabangg Music Review-I

Bollywood Hungama,
By Joginder Tuteja, August 4, 2010



EXPECTATIONS
Well, it can now be comfortably said that Salman Khan and his composer duo of Sajid and Wajid are definitely a team. One look at the last few films of Salman and the declaration does come with a strong standing. Wanted, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, Veer and now Dabangg - Film after film it is the same team which is coming together to get the music in place. Add to this the fact that this combination along with lyricist Jalees Sherwani has invariably delivered and you know that Dabangg too is in safe hands. What does one expect? Well, a mix of all genre of songs, something that was also the case with Salman's last masala action entertainer - Wanted.

MUSIC
Dabangg begins on a highly positive note with 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain' which is written by guest lyricist Faaiz Anwaar. This track easily sits amidst the best of what Sajid-Wajid have offered in their musical career so far. Easy on ears, extremely melodious, good pace and instantly catchy, 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain' has a Sufi base to it which is elevated to further heights due to one man - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. His name spells quality and it is no different in case of 'Tere Mast Mast Do Nain' which is all set to be a chartbuster and has en evergreen appeal to it. No wonder, not just it arrives at the very beginning of the album, it is also repeated in a duet version with Shreya Ghoshal (good again) and a 'remix version' (not really the preferred version).

An attempt to recreate the flavour of 'Beedi Jalaile Le' turns out to be just a good - not extraordinary - outing in the form of 'Munni Badnaam'. Lalit Pandit is the guest composer and lyricist of this song which has a UP-Bihar setting to it (which goes in synch with the backdrop of the film as well) and is sung in a rustic style by Mamta Sharma and Aishwarya. The lyrics, though definitely not vulgar, cater mainly to the gentry, what with references to Bipasha Basu as well as Bebo (Kareena Kapoor). A foot tapping (as is the 'remix version'), a lot will depend upon how it is picturised on Malaika Arora Khan because in isolation, it is not the kind that has in it to cover a huge distance all by itself.

Well, if one thought that 'Don't Say Alvida' was the best that Sajid-Wajid, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal had to offer to Salman in Main Aurr Mrs Khanna then watch out for 'Chori Kiya Re Jiya'. Boasting of simple lyrics by Jalees Sherwani (who takes over the scene from this point on), 'Chori Kiya Re Jiya' is yet another winner that Dabangg can guarantee for itself. Melodious, sweet sounding and instantly bringing a smile on your face, 'Chori Kiya Re Jiya' is the kind of number that ensures a comfortable hearing as well as viewing due to an intrinsic innocent appeal.

What is not so innocent though is 'Udd Udd Dabangg' which is the kind of title song that is totally on the same lines as the one heard in title track of Omkara. What is also common is Sukhwinder Singh who was vociferous in Omkara but is hauntingly subdued yet powerful in Dabangg. It takes a couple of listening to grasp the mood of 'Udd Udd Dabangg' and though it is not the one to be sung around, it makes for a good inclusion in the background score of the film's narrative. Wajid too joins Sukhwinder for this rustic number that should auger well with Salman's fans.

Just a few months back, music lovers were offered an energetic 'drunken song' in the form of 'Taali Maar' [Veer]. In fact it was one under rated number that deserved to cover a bigger distance. An effort is made to create a song on the same lines, 'Humka Peeni Hai', with Salman as the centre of attraction yet again. However, the results aren't as exciting as 'Taali' with 'Humka Peeni Hai' turning out to be just about average. Wajid, Master Salim and Shabab Sabri come together to get the energy into the proceedings but somehow the tune by itself doesn't excite a listener enough to play it over and over again, despite the arrival of a 'remix version' a little later.

The album ends on a high note though with 'Dabangg Theme', which just like the 'Most Wanted' track in Wanted comes with good enough ammunition to keep the listener hooked. Chances are that you have gone through the theatrical promo of Dabangg already. If so, there is good news because the same promo is heard in 'Dabangg Theme' with even the dialogues being kept intact. For the fans and followers of Salman Khan, it is a much cherished added bonus to listen to some powerful dialoguebaazi.

OVERALL
Dabangg delivers what it promised. One expected a masala soundtrack and this is what one gets with a couple of item song sequences, a couple of theme tracks and two love songs which are actually the highlight of the film. A soundtrack that has something in store for mass (Munni Badnaam, Humka Peeni Hai) as well as class (Tere Mast Mast Do Nain, Chori Kiya Re Jiya), Dabangg should see good response at the music stands.

OUR PICK(S)
Tere Mast Mast Do Nain, Chori Kiya Re Jiya, Munni Badnaam