Golmaal Returns

Article Updated 02 October, 2008 09:22:20 PM IST

Golmaal Returns

Director Rohit Shetty's 'Golmaal-Fun Unlimited', released two years back, was a surprise success and the credit for its good initial went to some groovy, hip-hop music by the composers Vishal-Shekhar. Though, Rohit Shetty has shouted himself hoarse that 'Golmaal Returns' is not a sequel to 'Golmaal', yet all pointers are to the fact that the album will be on the same lines as his previous outing. Since Vishal-Shekhar have now become too choosy and are busy in reality shows, the makers have gone in for Pritam, the reigning numero uno music director with superhit albums like 'Race', 'Jannat' and 'Singh Is Kinng' behind him. He has for company an upcoming young composer in the form of Ashish Pandit who is the guest composer in this. album. So, lets get going and see whether Pritam will be able to rekindle the V-S magic.

A lot of surprise is in store as the album opens with the super rocking, 'Tha Kar Ke', the super expensive track that has all the ingredients of a chartbuster, specially as all the hot n' happening stars of the movie have joined hands for its promotional video. The surprise factor is that the song is composed by Ashish Pandit (an upcoming composer) and not Pritam or even V-S, as initially assumed by all after seeing its video. The new composer certainly seems impressed with Pritam as the song is more in the Pritam league. The initial rap, the western musical arrangements, aided by massive orchestrations and of course artists like Earl, Indie, Neeraj Shridhar, all are patent Pritam. But all credit to Ashish for this song which is bound to conquer the charts. Neeraj Shridhar, who has always delivered chart toppers for Pritam, succeeds in his mission once again. It's funny that he does not even sing in 'sur' but who cares as he is simply superb. The nonsensical lyrics by Sameer adds to the novelty and new world charm of the number.

'Tha Kar Ke-Remix' is a superbly composed track by DJ Amyth (and programmed by Darshan) as the mixing has been done tastefully. The song was already fast paced but in the remix it assumes a break neck speed and the result is a rollicking dance track that will definitely be a hit in the discos and dance parties.

Next up is 'Vacancy' which relies heavily on the chartbuster, Golmaal tune by Vishal Shekhar (from Golmaal – Fun Unlimited). Pritam has claimed that brand Golmaal is Vishal-Shekhar's and he pays his tribute to them by using their highly infectious title track and fusing it with another rocking, instantly likeable number. In fact, the catchy 'Golmaal' tune is the highlight of the track but Pritam has intelligently infused it with another catchy rhythm, so the blending of the tunes is in perfect harmony. The track is another winner for Pritam and a second hit song in a row for the album. Do not look for any melodies as 'Vacancy' is an out an out hip hop number, the sort we would attribute to V-S. Pritam once again uses his trump card, an easy flowing rhythm and an 'in vogue', English and Hindi lyrics combo and above all Neeraj Shridhar, whose services he utilizes to perfection in these types of tracks. Accompanying him here are other back up vocalists like Suhail, Benny Q, Suzy Q.

'Vacancy-Kilogram Mix' by K&G has great added beats that make the track even more interesting and suited once again for the clubs and discothèques.

One thought that the days of 'Ishq Kamina' and 'Kambhakhth Ishq' (thankfully!) were over but Pritam brings back the nostalgia with 'Tu Saala'. The composition has a tune that is very heard before but Anushka Manchanda needs to be commended for a free flowing, emotive rendition, at times over the top if one must add. The 'antara' carries the spirit of 'Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya' although the heavy orchestra (especially bagpipe and trumpet) and the same usual rap tries to camouflage it. The song may cater to the front benchers.

'Tu Saala-Remix' is a pleasant one indeed as it does not take the regular 'scratch and screech'routine.

Four lyricists, Sameer (Hindi) and Indie, Neeraj Shridhar and Ashish Pandit (for English) join hands in the peculiar sounding 'Meow'. Not only its title is strange but even the arrangements are a bit bizarre. Two sensual sounding female singers Monali (her 'Zara Zara' from Race is still a rage) and Suzy Q come behind the microphone for a situational, girlie power combining with some hottie attitude number that has the 'Race' signature' blended in to provide the thrilling touch. In fact, the song was supposed to be passion filled but it turns out to be hilarious, what with all the sounds of 'meow' and screeching. May be it is the demand of the situation. The song is trademark Pritam, if you have heard one ('Sonia' from Kidnap), you have heard them all!

'Meow-English' version is the better of the two, though the only difference is in the lyrics which is solely English by the singer Suzy Q and Indie.

'Meow-Remix' by DJ Nikhil and Naved gets all the more bizarre with club beats and added pace and even more peculiar sounding electronic beats but it will appeal to the Gen X who will find it more to their liking.

In addition to the above, the audio boasts of bonus tracks from 'Golmaal – Fun Unlimited' like 'Golmaal' and 'Rehja Re' and their remixes. (Check out our Golmaal music review - http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/31/6837)

To sum up, 'Golmaal Returns' is certainly not in the league of its prequel, 'Golmaal- Fun Unlimited'. Pritam is turning out to be another Himesh Reshammiya and getting repetitive by way of rehashing his own hit compositions and making hay while the sun shines. Looks like over work is getting to Pritam. In fact, the best tracks are 'Tha Karke' by guest composer Ashish Pandit and 'Vacancy', which sounds good more because of Vishal-Shekhar's deadly incorporations (from the prequel audio). The album is alright in a stand alone mode but is not a patch on V-S compositions from 'Golmaal- Fun Unlimited', as we have already said.

Rating : 6.5/10

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