Rating: ★ ★ ★
A sequel, that too of a Remake
Version develop humongous expectations, be it the soundtrack or the movie, and
nothing short of some elegant and stylish stuff will be acceptable by the music
buff's. Don 2 comes from the house of 'Farhan
Akhtar' (Director and Story Writer) who shot to fame with his debut movie 'Dil
Chahta Hai' almost a decade ago, from thereon, it's been a team-
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for the Music Direction and his father Javed Akhtar for penning
the lyrics and no wonder the team has produced some smash hits in 'Dil Chahta
Hai' (which was an outstanding OST of its time- 2001); 'Lakshya' (2004)
and 'Don-The Chase Begins Again (TCBA)' (2006) and now with Don 2, one expects another
thrilling and sizzling outing from S-E-L and the Akhtar's. If one looks back to
2011 and 2010, one will realise that the past two years have not been prolific
for S-E-L, "Aarakshan" and "Game" this year proved to be a
huge disappointment while 'Patiala House' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' was
simply good and had nothing Jaw dropping or monumental for which the composers
have been known all these years since they made their debut with 'Dus' in 1997.
So, let’s see if the composers put an end to all the criticism they have
been facing from past 2 years!
The proceedings starts with
"Aa Raha Hu Palat Ke", a 35 sec monologue by Shahrukh Khan
(SrK) which marks the return of Don and tries to set the mood for the rest of
the songs.
The second track, "Zara
Dil Ko Thaam Lo" starts with Anusha Mani ('Lazy Lamhe'-'Thoda Pyar
Thoda Magic' fame) knocking at the doors of 'Aaj Ki Raat' from 'Don-TCBA'. The
chorus is a bit loud while the musical arrangements maintains the same rhythm
and pitch during the whole song but Vishal Dadlani entry after 2 minutes and SrK
stylish onscreen presence makes it interesting and brings an evil attitude to
the song which is being promoted aggressively and is sure to get up the charts
with time. But also there is nothing innovative in the lyrics department,
moreover, the 2nd antara disappoints which leads to an
average start and much below the standards of S-E-L.
It's innovative, it's fresh and
certainly the best of the 3 originals, "Hai Yeh Maya" starts
with retro-techno beats and the talented, Usha Uthup behind the mike. It's been
2 decades in the industry when she sang 'Koi Yaha Aaha Nache Nache' in 'Disco
Dancer' and recently 'Darling' in '7 Khoon Maaf', and her voice still has the
power and exuberance to thrill the listeners. A perfect choice of singer for an
enthralling composition like this which will find its place at various
junctures in the movie. It refreshes the memories of Asha Bhonsle-R.D.Burman
classic 'Jab Andhera Hota Hai' back in 1972 and certainly will grab ears post
the movie release if not now.
"Hai Yeh Maya Remix" by DJ Shane Mendonsa is a mix of
various arrangements and gives a club feel to the song. Too much experiment, I
would prefer the original.
Some more retro, some more
techno, that brings on the 4th track "Dushman
Mera", which seem to
be a perfect climax outing with Priyanka Chopra and SrK. Sunitha Sarathty
starts off well (remember 'Khuda Hafiz' from 'Yuva'-2004), joined later by
Shankar Mahadevan who sounds different from his usual style (somewhat like
Kishore Kumar, anyone?). The composition could have been much better if S-E-L
had tried to come out of the 'Don' zone, the lyrics are lame and there is
hardly any innovation anywhere, on the flip side though, a terrific visual
treat will blast a dynamite onscreen. Wait for the video!
Sunitha Sarathy perfectly brings
on the thrill element with her lines-'Har Dil Me Hulchul Hai, Aaya Hai Dekho
Kaun' at very start for "The King Is Back
(Theme)"and from thereon, electrifying guitar riffs, some
pretentious keyboard arrangements will take you for a roller-coaster ride. It
takes forward the majestic 'Don Theme and at 2.30 it completely goes in the
'Dushman Mera' zone. A perfect ringtone material.
"Mujhko PehchaanLo", a reprise/reconstructed version of
‘Main Hoon Don' from 'Don-TCBA' minus the chorus. It's animated and dark
and will disappoint those listeners who compare it with the original
version by Shaan. K.K here brings on the required attitude and arrogance
alongside some powerful drum beats and guitar strumming. Instead of going for
something new, the director sticks to the old theme and in my opinion it shouldn't be wasted in the starting
credits.
What disappoints is "Mujhko Pehchaan Lo
Remix" (is it actually a
remix?)which suffers from an infinite loop of 'Don
Ko Pakadna Mushkil Hi Nahi, Namumkin Hai' during
the whole 5 minutes and Srk's continuous chanting of Don..Don in the first interlude irritates.
3 minutes later, you will rip off your hairs for sure. Skip Skip!
The last track/instrumental is
named "The Don
Waltz" where Caralisa
Monteiro throws in some opera-ish- notes (only for 20 sec though). The violin loops
reminds me of some Tom & Jerry series and refreshes the scene from the
previous ‘Don’ where SrK was shown taking a bath in his bath tub and watching
Tom & Jerry. A good innovative attempt but one wonder how and when the
director will use it in the movie (may be for some Ballet Dance sequence or may
be something else).
Don 2 doesn't lives upto
the expectations which were sky high after the huge success of 'Don-TCBA', it's a soundtrack that will work along the movie
and will take the story forward, but as an audio alone it doesn't delivers.
S-E-L plays safe by continuing from where they left in the previous venture of
Don and there is hardly any innovation, Javed Akhtar lyrics are usual and lack
the artistic touch, as a result 'Hai Ye Maaya' is the only good thing about Don
2 as of now, rest other will gain popularity post the movie release.
No comments:
Post a Comment