Shaadi Ke Side Effects Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Pritam Chakraborty opens 2014 with "Shaadi Ki Side Effects", a sequel to 'Pyar Ke Side Effects' with an unusual and interesting pair of Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan. Some out and out dance numbers with some mellifluous melodies is what one expects from the soundtrack with a huge track list of twelve (12) songs including a remix, few reprise versions and one guest composition by Mikey McCleary. Let's dwell inside straightaway.

"Harrys Not A Brahmachari" starts off nicely with Hinglish rap by Ishq Bector and Jazzy B high pitched renditions but soon suffers from overdose of club/techno arrangements which gives a more of a remix kind of feel, a bit similar in treatment as in Pritam's very own 'I'll Do The Talking (Steal The Night)' from 'Agent Vinod' (2012). Divya Kumar joins in for the only paragraph and does well; Amitabh Bhattacharya lyrics are apt but nothing extraordinary here as compared to what one expects out of him these days. The song may do well in the club/discotheque's for a short period, but it's not the trademark Pritam number by any means. Moving on listeners gets curious seeing "Harrys Not A Brahmachari-The Original Song" (without all the techno arrangements) is more inclined towards the 'Punjabi' flavour with Dhol arrangements which works in the favour of the song. Ishq Bector has an extended rap portion in this one, overall a much better version indeed. Surprisingly "Harrys Not A Brahmachari-Remix By Dj Angel" also finds a place in the soundtrack which is nothing but an amalgamation of the previous two versions with some more techno arrangements, one asks..Was this remix required and even more does this song deserve three versions?

Remember Nikhil Paul George, the gorgeous mischievous voice behind the composition "Main Kya Karoon" from 'Barfi' (2012).."IM Sorry Par Tumse Pyar Ho Gaya" has a very slightly resemblance to that song, fairly because of the same composer and singer. Nikhil's voice is raw and innocent which strikes an instant chord with the listeners, Neeti Mohan and Mili Nair supports well with their parts, what is noticeable here is the way the arrangements are used, from violin to saxophone to harmonica to whistling sounds..Everything sounds so beautiful and lovely. Swanand Kirkire does a fine job with his pen in this groovy number.

Up next "Tauba Main Vyaah Karke Pachtaya"; basically a sequel to the song 'Tauba Main Pyar Karke Pachtaya'; where the focus shifts from after effects of love to marriage this time. It's going to be a hit among the masses in their 30's and will be a must in the ched/chad category of ladies sangeet ceremonies, on the other hand it may not go very well with the married women if they take this one too seriously, just enjoy the fun element. It has some eccentric lyrics by Mayur Puri which creatively throws light on the woes of married men..Take a bow! Alam Lohar starts off with the phrase alongside Hinglish rap by Poorvi Koutish (reality show contestant) where Shahid Mallya does the rest of the job and with aplomb. The arrangements are slow and simple with Dhol and Shehnai, rightly so, as the main highlight here are the lyrics, here is an extract:

'Phantom Choddo, Uski Biwi Chalta Phirta Pain,

Pit Pit ke Hi Neela Padd Gaya Man.

Hai Ghar Mein Aake Jaale Saaf Karta Spider-Man

Hulk Hai Nanga, Kapde Phaade Biwi Din aur Rain.

Hain Madam Ka Tashan,

Main Iska Manmohan...' 

For the Punjabi segment we have "Tauba Main Vyaah Karke Pachtaya" where the same Hindi lyrics are converted into Punjabi and Arif Lohar perfectly replaces Shahid Mallya with some added Punjabi arrangements. Overall, a good version if compared to the filler remixes but could have been more innovative with the lyrics part with few changes to add more variety.

Arijit Singh brings on "Desi Romance" which has in it to be a commercial hit instantly. The composition offers a superb fusion of Desi and Western arrangements where debutant Suchi (what a polished voice) starts off with some Desi/Classical renditions alongside Western arrangements..Creative enough; Arijit Singh joins in and bang on.. The song takes a leap into an altogether different levels, what with a heavy interlude of techno/trance arrangements..Gorgeous. Swanand Kirkire does really well especially with the female lyrics which are Desi to the core. Dance to the tune of Desi Romance with your loved ones this season! Chartbuster.

Farhan Akhtar croons "Yahaan Vahaan" which goes almost unplugged with acoustic Guitar strums (and a short harmonica portion in the second interlude). A soulful situational number where Swanand Kirkire describes the state of the mind of the protagonist whose is asking for forgiveness from his beloved after realizing that he is incomplete without her. Farhan Akhtar's husky voice portrays the pain of separation and the song requires just one hearing to get an entry into the favourite playlist of the listeners.

"Yahaan Vahaan-Reprise" shifts gears from Acoustic Guitar to Electric Guitar and Drums moving out of the unplugged zone and is as good as the original. The lyrics and the singer are same where a K.K or any other voice would have lifted the bar sky high, still, both the versions are must hear (depending upon the choice of listeners) and would grow immensely post the movie release.

Mohit Chauhan is in his elements with "Bawla Sa Sapna" where Pritam and Swanand Kirkire (lyrics) almost does a 'Barfi!'(Title Song). A lyrically heavy number with delightful soft orchestra that rides high on Mohit Chauhan mellifluous renditions that have the power to melt hearts straightaway. Need to say more..Don't dare miss this masterpiece! And as one wonders if anyone can match up to the standards of Mohit Chauhan, Pritam brings on a surprise package with "Bawla Sa Sapna-The Children Come To Sing" where a sweet, cute, innocent voice of Diva casts a magical spell and transports the listeners to a dream world where the listeners wants to stay forever. With Piano in the background, notice how elegantly she renders the hook line and some difficult dictions, loved how she pronounced the word 'Sapnu'..ahhh..Delightfully Delicious! 

Mikey McCleary guest composition "Ahista Ahista" with lyrics by Ankur Tiwari. The whole three minutes has a sad emotional feel attached to it with very minimum orchestra, Farhan Akhtar's voice would make more sense in the movie and so the song, elsewhere, it ends the soundtrack on a pretty average note.

To conclude, "Shaadi Ke Side Effects" has in it something for every set of listeners; 'Desi Romance’, 'Yahaan Vahaan' (Both Versions) and 'Bawla Sa Sapna' (Both Versions) are certainly the highlight of the soundtrack with some stupendous work from the composer and the lyricist. 'Tauba Main Vyaah Karke Pachtaya' and 'Ahista Ahista' are purely situational numbers that would certainly look good onscreen. Overall, Pritam starts off 2014 in style!
The writer/blogger is editor/music critic @ www.planetbollywood.com