Music Review Singh Is Bliing

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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There are very good expectations from the music of Singh Is Bliing. In a year that has seen Akshay Kumar do a thriller (Baby), a vigilante affair (Gabbar Is Back) and an action flick (Brothers), each of which had less scope for music, Singh Is Bliing is his first out and out family entertainer, and that warrants a crowd friendly soundtrack. No wonder, the makers have been promoting the music quite extensively for over a month now and a good mix of composers and lyricists have been brought together to do the job.

With names as diverse as Sneha Khanwalkar, Manj Musik, Sajid-Wajid, Meet Bros Anjjan, Raftaar, Diljit Dosanjh, Arijit Singh and more coming together, one expects a wholesome commercial 'masala' soundtrack.

MUSIC

It is a good mix of folk sound and contemporary styling that catches attention from the word 'go' once 'Tung Tung Baje' kickstarts. Composer-lyricist Sneha Khanwalkar gets her biggest commercial platform with this song which has singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh leading from the front. A fun number which has a catchy hook to it and is instantly likeable, this one is as desi and rustic as it gets, while making one dance along to the beat. While Noora Sisters are the accompanying partners in the song, the stage, set up and choreography reminds one of the title song of Rang De Basanti which stays on to be a rage. Chartbuster.

Manj Musik brings on his characteristic sound with 'Singh & Kaur' and there is no time wasted in coming to the point as he takes over the mike in the first few seconds itself. A song with a groovy mix to it that moves ahead at a rapid pace, it has a seamless movement from 'mukhda' to the 'antara' portion with Nindy Kaur joining soon enough. Even as the two are having fun as singers, they are soon joined by Raftaar who takes care of the rap portion while also glorifying the legend of Sikhs. This one is another chartbuster in the offering which has all the singers contributing with the lyrics along with Big Dhillon. Later in the album, there is a 'remix version' as well where DJ Nav & Dholi Deep stick to the basic beats due to which it doesn't sound remarkably different from the original.

There is a twist though with the sound changing from Punjabi to Prabhu Dheva territory. Though Shaan lends a soothing touch to the opening notes, there is a sharp turn once Sajid-Wajid get into R… Rajkumar zone with the sound of 'Cinema Dekhe Mamma' reminding one of 'Gandi Baat' and 'Saree Ke Fall Sa'. Even the choreography is in the same mould and with Wajid bringing himself on a singer too along with Ritu Pathak, you know that this one is catering entirely to the masses, as conveyed in his lyrics where is partnered by Irfan Kamal. One just wishes though that 'antara' portions were as impressive as the hook-line.

It is time for some melody next with Manj Musik stepping in as a composer, lyricist and singer for 'Mahi Aaja' that has Sasha getting her vocals bang on for the English portions. It is time for some nostalgia since this is a chartbuster that RDB had delivered a decade ago and the song has stayed on to be popular ever since then. With a new mix and treatment to it, 'Mahi Aaja' makes you sway to the sound all over again and enjoy the romantic element that Akshay Kumar brings on with Amy Jackson in this entertaining track.

The song is later heard in a 'remix version' and a slower 'unplugged version' which has Arijit Singh coming together with Manj Musik with Raftaar and Big Dhillon adding to the lyrics as well. While this helps in recollection value due to multiple appearances, one would still prefer the original version due to its perfect pace and styling.

Meet Bros Anjjan, who are pretty much turning out to be a necessary ingredient in most films today, take a Lakshmikant Pyaarelal route with 'Dil Kare Chu Che'. A conversational number that worked well back in the late 70s till the end-80s with the likes of Dharmendra, Mithun Chakraborty and Govinda, it also reminds one of 'Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana' at places, what with Akshay Kumar going totally uninhibited here in the voice of Labh Janjua. Frankly, one hasn't seen him getting into this mode for long and with singer Apeksha Dandekar helping Lara Dutta play the translator part well, it is super fun all the way.

OVERALL

The music of Singh Is Bliing delivers pretty much what was expected out of it. A film belonging to this genre warranted songs feverish songs that move at a rapid pace with no dull moments whatsoever. Also, they had to keep pace with the narrative. In that perspective, the team of composers, lyricists and singers come up with a very good mix of songs that stay true to the genre, mood and setting of the film. A winner score all the way, it may not be the purists nodding in approval (especially for 'Dil Kare' and 'Cinema Dekhe') but would get whole hearted thumbs-up for the likes of 'Tun Tung' and 'Mahi Aaja'.

OUR PICK(S)

'Tung Tung Baje', 'Singh & Kaur', 'Mahi Aaja', 'Dil Kare Chu Che'

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more