The Dirty Picture- Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ 1/2

Vishal-Shekhar, who have a proven track record with 'Retro' music in Om Shanti Om (2007), have composed four original, dirty and raunchy tracks for The Dirty Picture which is in news being a biopic on actress Silk Smitha (Played by Vidya Balan) who died mysteriously at the age of 36. The promos have already catched quite a lot of eyes due to Vidya Balan going audacious as never before. Rajat Arora takes up the job of lyricist and one gets a mixed feeling as 'Chandni Chowk To China' (2009), being the only previous work by him (as a lyricist), was an ordinary score altogether, but as soon as the name Milan Luthria comes forward for the Director's seat, expectations rises, reason being his past record with Vishal-Shekhar in 'Taxi Number 9211' (2006) and who can forget his last year released Once Upon A Time In Mumbai (OUATIM) for which Pritam did a brilliant job, songs of which play till date. The composer duo of Vishal-Shekhar had a silent run in 2011, with 'Ra.One' being the only saviour for them as compared to some blockbuster soundtracks last year, so, let's check out whether they can re-create the retro magic or not!

As the first track "Ooh La La" starts with the chorus in the background, one is straightaway taken back to an era of Lakshmikant-Pyarelal and R.D.Burman in the 1980's and as soon as Shreya Ghoshal joins in alongside Bappi Lahiri, it makes up for a perfect sultry seductive outing as expected out of a soundtrack which has 'Dirty' written all over it. Comparing it with the composer’s previous composition 'Dhoom Taana' in 'Om Shanti Om' would be unfair as both the composition have nothing much in common expect Shreya Ghoshal and the Retro tag attached to them. The 2nd interlude is worth hearing with some trademark disco arrangements that will take you back to the I am a disco dancer days. A video picturised on Nasseerudin Shah and Vidya Balan is being promoted aggressively and undoubtedly catching lots of eyes. Bappi Lahiri brings in the disco flavour with much ease and creates the same magic as he used to does with Mithun Da 2 decades ago. Get Dirty with Ooh La La!

"Ooh La La Dhol Mix" works well as the only remix in the soundtrack. DJ Amyth takes the fun element to another level with some perfect Punjabi tadka. Go for it!

As one moves on to the next track, one can hear a similar tune as in 'Saathiya' or 'Badmaash Dil' (Singham) at the very start but as the song progresses, Milan Luthria makes his presence felt in "Ishq Sufiana" crooned by Kamal Khan, Oh Wait!..Don’t confuse the artist with 'O Oh Jaane Jaana' (Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya) fame pop singer 'Kamaal Khan', the debutant is a contestant from last year SaReGaMa and has done full justice to a composition which falls under the forte of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Although the lyrics doesn't quite create the same impact as in 'Tum Jo Aaye' from ''OUATIM''  but Emraan Hashmi screen presence and the soothing melody makes up for repeated hearings and will be a difficult one to keep away. While one waits to see it rise in popularity in days to come, one can be certain that it will enjoy a long shelf life.

The composers confidence is clearly visible as the song returns back in "Ishq Sufiana- Female" where Sunidhi Chauhan takes centre stage, but sadly it offers nothing different except the female voice, wonder how the song would have sounded in the voice of the maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan!

The next lusty track Honeymoon Ki Raat with some cheesy and erotic lyrics like ''Kaamdev Ka Sutra’’ doesn't quite lives upto the expectations (as far as the audio is concerned). Sunidhi Chauhan takes a complete U-Turn from the Ishq Sufiana zone and fills the song with her sexy, vivacious tone, but it misses a hook line and moreover, the disco arrangements and synth effects don't create the same impact as in "Ooh La La". On the flip side though, it’s a kind of composition that requires a brilliant picturisation and Milan Luthria very well know where and how to use his cards and I think a video on Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan will ignite fire onscreen. Of course a track like this does have a restricted audience for itself but in the context of the film, it should fit in pretty well.

The next and last track "Twinkle Twinkle “starts off with some suggestive and in-your-face prelude by Shreya Ghoshal about the Dil of aged gentlemen still being young. A much better composition this time which starts where "Ooh La La" ends and Shreya Ghoshal carries on the same 'naughtiness' in this one which defines the film's main character and may be used as an introductory item number. Rana Mazumder in his short interlude pays homage to an era dominated by R.D.Burman. Lyrics and Vocals dominate the proceedings in this 3 minute number. Wait for the video!

Vishal-Shekhar does a good job for a soundtrack that portrays the Dirtiness very well and each composition will take the film's narrative forward. 'Ooh La La' and 'Ishq Sufiana' strikes instantly while the fate of other two depends upon how they are promoted pre-release. On the whole, there is nothing much to cheer for the listeners who swear by quintessential Bollywood scores. If compared to soundtracks of Milan Luthria's previous directorial ventures, The Dirty Picture fares well below the standards. Listen only for the effort put in by Vishal-Shekhar.

I rate it 2.5 out of 5

Find the Edited Version @ PlanetBollywood