R...Rajkumar Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 
When it comes to action packed Masala entertainers with a style and enigma of their own, one can't keep away Prabhudeva's (Director) 'Wanted' and 'Rowdy Rathore', both of which had music by Sajid-Wajid.."R...Rajkumar" that has Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead pair seems to have all the ingredients of a Masala entertainer and more so as it makes his comeback into his territory after a disappointing 'Ramaiya Vastavaiya' recently. Coming to the music, Prabhudeva switches to Pritam Chakraborty from his usual Sajid-Wajid with five originals, one film version and one remix. For the lyrics, as many as five artists have penned the songs, for more details..Read on!

To start.."Gandi Baat" is as dirty as the name sounds and enters the Chart topper category straightaway. Mika Singh is in his electrifying tapori elements where Kalpana Patowary, a renowned Bhojpuri artist, does what Mamta Sharma has been doing for all these years and with aplomb. The arrangements and the treatment although may sound familiar with Pritam previous tunes and most recently an average 'Dhating Naach'..But it's the innovative tapori lyrics by Anupam Amod and electrifying spirited singing that makes it different from the usual. Addictive! To much surprise we have "Gandi Baat-Film Version" where the vocals are replaced by Nakash Aziz ('Dhating Naach') and Ritu Pathak on the same lyrics.  Mika's version is more associated with style and zeal whereas Nakash brings on certain attitude and push in the renditions but still comparisons let this version down which is low on energy and his voice is definitely a misfit here whereas on the other hand Ritu Pathak is impressive and is the only positive to come out from this version. 

Up next "Saree Ke Fall Sa" is a melodious track presented albeit in a different manner. Various instruments are heard alongside Nagada/Dhol, especially in the interludes. Nakash Aziz does full justice with his playful voice where Mayur Puri writes some silly/innocent lyrics. Antara Mitra does well although nothing extraordinary as the male vocals dominates the song. Something different from Pritam this time! The remix by Demestic Dew is passable and merely acts as filler.

A Pritam soundtrack is almost incomplete without a romantic melodious number..The Hit combination of Arijit Singh and Palak Muchhal brings "Dhokha Dhadi" which lands in one of those easy-on-ears Pritam numbers that doesn't requires a second hearings and is instantly hummable. As usual the chorus starts the song alongside some lovely violin piece where Nilesh Mishra and Swanand Kirkire writes some cheesy lyrics, something that we expect from artists like them, the phrase 'Dil Yeh Dhoka Dhadi Kar Dega Socha Na Tha' has been used wonderfully for describing one's state of mind of being in love. The second interlude has some extravagant Saxophone arrangements that make the delightful experience even more absorbing. Arijit's and Palak's honey dip vocals makes sure that this one enjoys a certain shelf life among the listeners. Beautiful!

"Mat Maari" is a fun number and that is clear from the very onset..a pure situational number that has some hilarious lyrics courtesy Ashish Pandit who makes sure that the listeners has smile on their faces halfway through. Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan seem to be the obvious choice for this loud number which again has Dhol/nagada's throughout. It does take a bit of time to adjust to the unusual style of the number but once it settles down, it's really enjoyable and should be a wonderful watch on screen!

"Kaddu Katega" is the usual item number with some loud fast paced arrangements and seems to be a sequel to 'Dhating Naach' (Phata Poster Nikhla Hero). Antara Mitra adopts the style of Mamta Sharma and sounds very familiar to her 'Munni Badnaam' type renditions at places although the song is no way close to that. Ashish Pandit writes some bold lyrics that one associates with an item number like this. Overall it ends the soundtrack on a pretty average note. Skip!

All in All, "R...Rajkumar" has Masala, fun and romance and is not the usual Pritam soundtrack. It certainly has that South Flavour on the treatment and arrangements which shows the impact Prabhudeva has on the music of his films. 'Gandi Baat' is sure to rule the charts unless something 'Dhoom' happens with 'Dhoom 3' where as 'Saree Ke Fall Sa' and 'Dhoka Dhadi' will surely find their set of listeners! 

The writer is editor/music/movie critic at www.planetbollywood.com