MUSIC REVIEW: 'KHATTA MEETHA' SOUNDTRACK
Masala Soundtrack Is Colorful and Highly Energetic
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are teaming up yet again, as DreamLight Searchlight Pictures’ Khatta Meetha is ready to hit movie theaters worldwide on July 23rd. A film about a struggling construction worker who dared to dream big, Priyadarshan’s comedy (which also stars Trisha Krishnan) is an over-the-top tale of corruption, bribery, and dealing with broken relationships. As with any Masala film, no Bollywood production comes without a colorful soundtrack to enhance the story. Already released and available in music stores in traditional Bollywood markets around the world, the Khatta Meetha soundtrack features music composed by acclaimed musician Pritam Chakraborty and is penned by the trio of Shehzad Roy, Nitin Raikwar, and Irshad Kamil. Among the artists lending their voices to the Khatta Meetha soundtrack are Kay Kay, Sunidhi Chauhan, Daler Mehendi, Harshdeep Kaur, Shehzad Roy, Kunal Ganjawala, and Kalpana Patwari.
As with any Masala film, one would expect a colorful soundtrack with solid romantic overtones, yet Khatta Meetha’s soundtrack trades in the romance and presents several highly energetic tracks including two very well-mastered remixes. The best one, hands down, is “Aila re Aila,” which is reminiscent of Daler Mehendi’s heyday as the “King of Bhangra.” Also memorable is “Bullshit” and “Nana Chi Taang.” In fact, with the exception of “Sajde,” the Khatta Meetha soundtrack is a must-listen, as three of the four originals and two of the three remixes are as memorable as they are fun.
Buzzine Bollywood Rating: 3.39 out of 4.00
“Nana Chi Taang”
Singer: Kunal Ganjawala
Lyricist: Irshad Kamil
Time: 5:01
Grade: A-
Kunal Ganjawala carries this funky track well, as “Nana Chi Taang” sounds like an upbeat and jazzy tune belted in the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The vocals and beats perfectly blend in together in a track that is sure to get the listener snapping fingers, bobbing heads, and tapping toes from the get-go. “Nana Chi Taang” ultimately is a catchy tune that will immediately grow upon the listener and stay with them for quite some time.
“Sajde”
Singers: Kay Kay, Sunidhi Chauhan
Lyricist: Irshad Kamil
Time: 5:07
Grade: C
Despite featuring Kay Kay and Sunidhi Chauhan on the same track, there is barely any magic to be found in “Sajde,” which ultimately has the sound and feel of your everyday Bollywood song. To be sure, Sunidhi does her part with her pleasant vocals, and Kay Kay is not at all disappointing, yet “Sajde” is a boring track with barely anything appealing about it to make it a worthwhile listen.
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“Bullshit”
Singer: Shezad Roy
Lyricist: Shezad Roy
Time: 3:55
Grade: A
Easily the most memorable track on the album by mere function of its title, “Bullshit” is actually a fitting tune for a Priyadarshan movie in that the song is as comedic as it is qualitative. Not only are the lyrics riotously funny but the tune itself is peppy and catchy, which is no surprise considering Shezad Roy is the featured artists on this track.
“Aila re Aila”
Singers: Daler Mehendi, Kalpana Patwari
Lyricist: Nana Raikwar
Time: 4:22
Grade: A
Any track that features Daler Mehendi is sure to be fun and entertaining. To be sure, “Aila re Aila” does not at all disappoint. Not only is it fun and easy to dance to, but Kalpana Patwari perfectly complements the King of Bhangra. The only problem with “Aila re Aila” is its length — it is not long enough. Still, the perfect blend of Bhangra, Pop, and peppy vocals make this track an instant classic. It will be hard to imagine a party or wedding where this track is not on the play-list.
“Nana Chi Taang” (Remix)
Singer: Kunal Ganjawala
Lyricist: Irshad Kamil
Time: 4:05
Grade: A-
The remix of “Nana Chi Taang” features a little less jazz and a little more funk, but the subtle change does not take away anything from the track. Instead, the funkier version of “Nana Chi Taang” is just as fun to listen to as the original, with the only difference being that the remix has a little more pep. Ideal for nightclubs or dancing.
“Sajde” (Remix)
Singers: Kay Kay, Sunidhi Chauhan
Lyricist: Irshad Kamil
Time: 4:39
Grade: C+
Remixes have one of two overlapping purposes: extend the life of the original or improve upon its quality. The remix of “Sajde” actually does both, albeit barely. The original definitely leaves a lot of room for improvement, but the remix barely takes advantage of the opportunity to make “Sajde” a track worth listening to. Sure, there is a little extra pep in the remix, but it still ends up being as lackluster as the original.
“Aila re Aila” (Remix)
Singers: Daler Mehendi, Kalpana Patwari
Lyricist: Nana Raikwar
Time: 4:00
Grade: A
Just like the original, it is hard not to enjoy an energetic Daler Mehendi track, especially when he is in as rare form as he is on both versions of “Aila re Aila.” Much edgier than the original, the remix of “Aila re Aila” is by far the best track on the Khatta Meetha soundtrack — not just because of its energetic beats but also because it defines the mood of both the album and the film.
