Delhi Belly Review {3.5/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
Ever since 'D.K. Bose' started blazing across music channels, one was waiting with bated breath to check out what does the entire album of Delhi Belly has to offer. Since this Imran Khan starrer isn't a regular film which offers a regular bouquet of a couple of romantic outings, a couple of item numbers, a dance track and a sad song, there is an element of unpredictability that composer Ram Sampath and his team of assorted lyricists play around with.
MUSIC
Expectedly, the album begins with 'Bhaag D.K. Bose, Aandhi Aayi', a smash hit chartbuster song which is all set to be on the top of the charts within a matter of a few days. Written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, this witty number is already a rage and such is the infectious appeal of the song coupled with the promo cut that one can't help but play it all over again. Ram Sampath does a superb job as both the composer as well as singer and it is apparent that the man has been having great fun putting together this rock track. In fact it wouldn't have been a bad deal at all if at least one more version of the song could have been added to the album.
From 'rock', it is time to fuse disco and qawalli, what with 'Nakkaddwaley Disco, Udhaarwaley Khisko' following next. A naughty number which moves to 'Penchar' (an obvious reference to an expletive) after 'D.K. Bose'), this Akshat Verma and Munna Dhiman written song is such that it would find itself on the lips of even children due to it's catchy rhythm. Though one wonders if this Keerthi Sagathia rendered song has anything to do at all with the film and is perhaps in the album just for the promotional purpose, audio wise it is not a bad deal at all and turns out to be yet another track which will cover a huge distance when it comes to becoming popular with the youth.
Chetan Shashital, who is also the co-lyricist of the song along with Ram Sampath, comes behind the mike to impersonate K.L. Saigal for the track 'Saigal Blues'. Agreed that the job is done well here in terms of bringing alive the legendary singer but the fact is that the song would be picked up by only those who are hardcore fans of Saigal. For the rest, it may work if (and only if) the song makes a funny appearance in the film.
Sona Mohapatra, a favourite with Ram Sampath, renders Amitabh Bhattacharya written 'Bedardi Raja' which is an out and out rustic track with no Western influence whatsoever. The lyrics here (again) hint of below-the-belt appeal for this item number which is seemingly set in the cow belt of India. Telling the tale of a young girl waiting for the man of her dreams to come and make love to her, this is (perhaps) the very item number for which Aamir is currently looking at finalising a leading actress. Later the song makes a repeat appearance with Western beats added to result in a 'Grind Mix' version.
As is expected from Suraj Jagan, what follows next is a hardcore rock number 'Jaa Chudail' which is (expectedly) way too loud and reminds one of Vishal Bhardwaj's 'O' Mama' from 7 Khoon Maaf. However the impact isn't anything great for this Amitabh Bhattacharya written track that does add variety to the album but not quite makes one jump with joy even though it tries to entice listener with it's provocative lyrics.
Thankfully there is respite after all the mayhem with Ram Sampath and Tarannum Mallik coming together for 'Tere Siva'. A love song by Munna Dhiman which has a soft appeal to it and reminds one of the kind of melodies that were created in the 80s (though that was quite rare), 'Tere Siva' is quite easy on ears. Ok, so it isn't catchy and also isn't the most melodious of romantic songs ever heard. However the song means no harm and can be given a good listening with those five odd minutes passing by smoothly.
The shortest song of the album comes next in the form of 'Switty Tera Pyaar Chaida' which reminds one of the kind of music one had heard in Oye Lucky Lucky Oye and Love Sex Aur Dhokha. Boasting of a Punjabi sound, this Keerthi Sagathia sung and Munna Dhiman written track sounds like good fun though one would wait to see the final outcome only if there is a music video created around it as well. As a standalone number this as well as it's 'Switty - Punk' version are fine but no great shakes.
Last to come is the longest song of Delhi Belly, 'I Hate You (Like I Love You) ', which has singers ranging from Keerthi Sagathia and Sona Mohapatra to Shazneen Arethna coming together. Written by Akshat Verma and Ram Sampath, 'I Hate You (Like I Love You) ' is a fusion mix number which merges the sound of 'qawalli' with the kind of music that was created in the 80s. Yet another average track, it has it's highpoint at the two minutes mark when the retro sound of the 70s makes a brief appearance. Wish it could have stayed on longer though.
OVERALL
Delhi Belly is a good album, not excellent that one would have imagined after seeing the promos and hearing a couple of smash hits numbers ('Bhaag D.K. Bose, Aandhi Aayi' and 'Nakkaddwaley Disco, Udhaarwaley Khisko'). No, none of the songs are repulsive but then not all manage to keep you engaged with the proceedings from start to finish. However the craze of 'D.K. Bose' has been such that just this track is good enough to make the album top the charts. Also, it is pretty much expected that the item number, as and when it makes an appearance in a music video, would help the album sales as well. All of this would ensure that the album not just manages a good 'initial' for itself in terms of sales at the stands but also stays in demand for weeks to come.
OUR PICK(S)
'Bhaag D.K. Bose, Aandhi Aayi', 'Nakkaddwaley Disco, Udhaarwaley Khisko', 'Bedardi Raja'
