Teri Meri Kahaani Music Review

Shahid and Priyanka AKA Krish and Radha

Rating: ★ ★ ★

Prasoon Joshi is among those lyricists in the industry that believes in quality meaningful stuffy work, case in point 'Taare Zameen Par' and 'Rang De Basanti' which is considered his best work till date. Kunal Kohli (Writer, Director, Producer) has used Prasoon Joshi from 'Hum Tum' (2004) to 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' (2008) and no surprise for '''Teri Meri Kahaani'' he sticks to this talented artist who last wrote (and composed also) for ‘‘Aarakshan’’ (2011), not to mention the title track of ''Satyamev Jayate''. Coming to the music, Sajid-Wajid comes to the picture but looking back at the average work from the composer duo starting from '''Miley Na Miley Hum'' to ''Housefull 2'' to ''Tezz'' and more recently  '''Rowdy Rathore'', expectations are mixed and a bit on the lower side. But with ''Mukhtsar'' already climbing up the charts, one is keen to check out the five originals along with two remixes that depicts love across different eras- 1910, 1960 and 2012!

Electronic Piano sets the mood straightaway and Wajid enters with all the pumping and thumping beats.."Mukhtasar" is easily the best track of the album that will get on you instantly and is for those who crave for romantic tracks attached with a club feel. Although Wajid's voice reminds me of Mohit Chauhan but still one of the better songs he has sung lately. Prasoon Joshi is pretty average with his pen and doesn't write any groundbreaking stuff except for the word 'Mukhtasar'. All in All a theme based track where the piano renditions may be used for all the three era's (obviously on different instruments depending on each era) and yes, a Chart Scorcher for sure! DJ Suketu handles "Mukhtasar-Remix" which is annoying with same singer, same lyrics and same arrangements, except few extra beats here and there. Waste of time to be very blunt!

Aaaaahhh..Some classical arrangements at the very onset create a soothing peaceful ambience and then the maestro, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (RFAK) voice..WoW Man! "Allah Jaane" has everything, from superbly polished arrangements to brilliantly written lyrics to the absorbing RFAK voice. The flute, Tabla and Harmonium Jugalbandi in the interludes touches the soul and gives a feeling of 'WoW'. Prasoon Joshi fills romance in each and every word, where one can easily relate the feeling of being in love for the very first time, especially both the antara's: 

''Dagmagane Laga Hai, Guroor Bhi Sharaabi Ho Gaya,

Mitt Gayi Meri Hasti, Koi Husn Inqalibi Ho Gaya''

The composition is right up there with the best of the lot and can even challenge the maestro very own ''Rabba'' from 'Mausam'..One word 'Gorgeous'! Don't miss this one.

As one moves forward to "Jabse Mere Dil Ko Uff" one is straightaway taken back to an era of Shammi Kapoor; 1960's to be more precise. "Shammi is a style icon for a lot of youngsters even today, for the track set in the 60's, Kunal gave me a video compilation of his films and songs to pick up nuances. Through this track, we are paying homage to this Elvis Presley of India"- Shahid Kapoor 

Without surprising anyone, Sajid-Wajid chooses the best voice to suit the retro genre, Sonu Nigam, who else could do justice to the legendary voice of Mohd.Rafi, no one better than him. Joining him is Sunidhi Chauhan and the combination results in an electrifying fun, retro dance number with trademark trumpet/piper sounds and lots of electric bass guitar. The video will unleash craziness and is the one to look out for!

Wajid almost does a Babul Supriyo (Playback Singer) for the starting renditions of the "Humse Pyar Kar Le Tu" which is picturised in the 1910 zone. The best thing about the track is the variety of singers- Wajid, Mika, Shabir Bro and Shreya Ghoshal, not to forget the artistic Jugalbandi between the lead pairs, kudos to the conversational, poetic lyrics by Prasoon Joshi- He is one gifted artist without a sheer doubt! Simply loved how the male singers are switched in the antara's and honestly, for the first time loved how Wajid has sung this one. The second antara defines perfectly the qawwali genre, make no mistake, this is one song that has in it to enjoy a certain shelf life with a brilliantly choreographed video. Addictive! For the remix lovers, "Humse Pyar Kar Le Tu Remix" by DJ Suketu leaves aside the qawwali and turns into a western outing. Mika replaces Wajid's renditions (completely) and this certainly brings on some variety if not much.

The last track "Thats All I Really Wanna Do" starts with Harmonica loops and English chorus..Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal’s sugary vocals bring on the sweetness that a romantic track like this demands. A hummable tune with simple yet effective lyrics and saccharine filled vocals does the trick for this one but nothing innovative as such with the old tried and tested template mostly associated with Shaan. The 'Mukhtasar' Piano loop in the second interlude questions about the picturisation and timing of the song, should make up for an interesting watch on screen!

Sajid-Wajid does a very good job in composing tracks that moves through ten decades (almost) with Prasoon Joshi making every word count with his artistic skills. Listeners seeking something monumental or groundbreaking stuff (like in an Amit Trivedi venture) will leave empty handed as Sajid-Wajid sticks to the basics. 'Mukhtasar', 'Allah Jaane' and 'Humse Pyar Kar Le Tu' will grab instant attention while 'Jabse Mere Dil Ko Uff' has in it to be a rage if choreographed well and promoted aggressively. To conclude, a much better effort by Sajid-Wajid!

I rate it 3.0 out of 5.0
Edited Version @ Planet-Bollywood

Tezz Music Review

Ajay Devgan and Kangana Ranaut

Rating: ★ 1/2

After a dull score in Housefull 2 recently, Sajid-Wajid composes for an action thriller "Tezz", honestly there are minimum expectations from the music considering the promotions and the star cast and more importantly, Sajid-Wajid have given hits only when Salman power is associated with them. To much surprise, there are as much as twelve (12) tracks and shockingly only four (4) original numbers with Jalees Sherwani (a more of a regular with Sajid-Wajid) and Shabbir Ahmed handling the lyrics (two each). Without wasting any more words on the number of Remixes and Reprises, let’s see what the composer duo offers this time!

The counting starts with the melodious "Tere Bina" by the most bankable artist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. It’s one of those songs that will grab attention on the first hear but soon would fade out easily, especially due to the same old RFAK and the average lyrics by Jalees Sherwani. Although both the antaras are high on melody and one that one would hum around easily. All in all a good start!

If there is one versatile female singer today, that is Shreya Ghosal, from infinite romantic love numbers to 'O La La' to 'Chikini Chameli', she has been an immense talent. This time she handles "Tere Bina (Female Version)" which is a pure gem and wondering if better than the original...well..Yeah it is, especially the ease with which she spreads her charm in the antara's. 

Then there are three more versions by RFAK, "Tere Bina (Remix) by Kiran Kamath" wasn't required at all and nor the English vocals which are inserted forcefully. "Tere Bina (Sad Version)" is more of an unplugged version with an absorbing violin and piano. Some change in lyrics is most welcomed. Good!

The last version "Tere Bina (Indian)" starts off in a trademark sufiana andaaz with sitar and the alaap's. Apart from this, the rest is same as the original. Could have been more Indian at heart!

Suddenly an effort to pump in some adrenaline is tried through the title song "Tezz" where Sunidhi Chauhan disappoints and so does the lyricist Jalees Sherwani. The arrangements are outdated and have nothing to boast about. May look a bit good on screen with the action sequences but I have even very few hopes from the movie. Don't even think of plugging in your earphones and playing the song..Disappointed!

Adding to the disappointed is a Shaan version "Tezz (Male Version)" which is slightly better than Sunidhi's one, although that feeling is short lived for the starting 1.50 minutes. A vociferous voice like Vishal Dadlani or Suraj Jagan, who knows, may have done some damage control. Anyways, two Remixes follows, "Tezz (Female Remix)" and "Tezz (Male Remix)" both of which doesn't offers anything extraordinary or worth mentioning.

The BIG name Mohit Chauhan appears for the third track "Main Hoon Shab" and one keeps the fingers crossed wondering if Sajid-Wajid would do full justice to a talent like him? It's gorgeous, it’s melodious and a certain template that one would relate to Pritam and S-E-L. Some beautiful piano sets the mood at the start and Mohit's voice simply touches the soul at first strike. Shabbir Ahmed lyrics are perfect. The arrangements are dynamic with terrific combinations of Harmonica, Guitar and Piano in the interludes and as well as for the whole duration, a special mention for the pretentious Jugalbandi of Piano and Harmonica in the second interlude from 3.00 to 3.24: WoW Man! The only disappointment is that there is no mention of the voice that supports the chorus part with Mohit, should have been credited. 

Then comes a torture "Laila" by Sunidhi Chauhan whose video has been rolling on for quite some time now and looks an attempt to re create the 'Jalebi Bai' with Mallika Sherawat which fails completely. Don't waste your precious five minutes on this number which suffers from some real bad/usual item number lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed and some really bad arrangements: 3.05 to 3.14. If still not convinced, go risk your life!

It has a "Laila Remix" also...Skip Skip Skip!

Sajid-Wajid disappointing run continues, 'Miley Na Miley Hum', 'Housefull 2' and now "Tezz". It has some same usual tunes with plentiful of remix as fillers which doesn't works at all, barring 'Tere Bina' and 'Main Hoon Shab' which are the only saviours in this dreaded stormy night and that too for a very short while and none will enjoy a very long shelf life. With Jannat 2 already ruling and Ishaqzaade on the verge of release with the innovative Amit Trivedi, I don’t think it will get many listeners. Forget Tezz; better hear Jannat 2 on REPEAT mode!

I rate it 1.5 out of 5


Edited Version@ Planet-Bollywood

Housefull 2 Music Review

The Dirty Dozen

Rating: ★ ★ 
"I do not copy, I Create!"

                                  -Sajid Khan

The man behind two blockbusters: Heyy Baby (2007) and Housefull (2010) each had chartbuster tunes by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (S-E-L) and so "Housefull 2" with the 'Dirty Dozen' comes with loads of expectations, be it the movie or the soundtrack. According to Sajid Khan, some date issues with S-E-L turned the table for Sajid-Wajid where they have composed four originals with the equal amount of remixes alongside Sameer on lyrics. 'Dabbang' was the last recognised OST by the composer duo, not to mention the shocking inelegant 'Miley Na Miley Hum' (MNMH) last year. Can Sajid-Wajid deliver? Can they match upto the immense hype and buzz that comes with a sequel and that too with such a heavy star cast? Well read on...

It without a doubt starts with the already popular "Papa Toh Band Bajaye", which is funny to the core and Sameer does a handsome job with the catch phrase 'Idiot ho tum gadhe ho, Abhi tumhe knowledge nahi hai'. Neeraj Shridhar does what he has been doing for Pritam for past few years. The arrangements set the mood in the first 40 seconds but sadly the mukdha is the only good thing about the composition (considering the audio alone). The picturisation is indeed a visual extravaganza but the repetitive (and limited) lyrics disappoint after a time and the two antaras doesn't ensure any sort of repeated hearings. The song will fade out as soon as the movie ends it run at the silver screen and may be used in Sangeet ceremonies but nothing more. All in all a situational number that will be enjoyed with the video.

Mamta Sharma is a voice associated with Item-Numbers since her inception with 'Munni Badnaam' and this time the combination of Malaika Arora Khan and Mamta Sharma brings forward "Anarkali Disco Chali", where there would be illustrious comparisons but honestly, it would be an injustice to compare 'Munni', 'Sheila' and 'Chikini Chameli' with this 'Anarkali' as it lands more in the corridor of 'Kajra Re' right from the start. The mukhda is quite ordinary but the following antaras are exciting, arousing and enthralling with Sukhwinder Singh joining in with his high pitched notes later. It slightly knocks at the doorsteps of 'Palki Mein Hoke Sawaar Chali Re' from 'Khalnayak'. Sameer does well with his pen although nothing quite extraordinary or monumental as such. Nevertheless a post-interval trademark composition for Sajid Khan as it has been the case with 'Dhanno' and 'Mast Kalandar'. HIT!

Two remix follow: "Anarkali Disco Chali-Hyper Mix" by DJ Shiva and "Anarkali Disco Chali Remix" by DJ Khushi. Hyper Mix is loud, fast paced and turns into a complete western outing. The other remix is much better that starts with an introductory rap and then shifts completely towards Punjabi Desi flavour. Impressive!

Ever since Vishal-Shekhar roped in international artist Akon in Ra.One for 'Criminal' and 'Chammak Challo', a trend established and the next composition "Right Now Now" is a prime example and is a refined version of Sajid-Wajid's own 'Wake Up Now' (MNMH). After some usual rap portions, Wajid's auto tuned voice (simply hate this effect) takes over with Suzzane D'Mello for the English vocals in the first interlude and later Sunidhi Chauhan seductively joins in for the antara's. Overall a good situational composition that should work fine along the narrative of the movie and may grow with time. The video picturised on three couples reminds of 'Papa Jag Jaega' from the previous movie and to be very honest, the couple Riteish Deshmukh and Zarine Khan is the odd one out with Zarine Khan looking more like a mother to Riteish rather than Girlfriend. Sajid Khan seriously gets this wrong.

Akshay-Asin & John-Jacqueline in the song 'Do You Know'

"Right Now Now Remix" by DJ Khushi is usual. Skip!

The last track "Do You Know" is a routine romantic outing with Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal at the helm of affairs. The orchestration is a mixed of various instruments in both the interludes and catches attention. As far as innovation in the lyrics and tune, it fails miserably. The video with all the glamour quotient (as in 'Oh Girl You Are Mine') is what can only prove to be a saviour for this one and as an audio alone, it just doesn't delivers. 

"Do You Know Remix" by DJ Shiva is adding insult to injury. Don't bother giving it a hear!

Housefull 2 disappoints musically. The tracks are situational to the core and don’t work without the video. 'Anarkali' will surely lure the audience to the big screen and 'Papa Toh Band Bajaye' will be enjoyed. Overall, Sajid-Wajid doesn't live upto the expectations one has from a Sajid Khan venture. 

I rate it 2 out of 5

Edited Version @ Planet-Bollywood