Gabbar Is Back Review {3.5/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
There are good expectations from the music of Gabbar Is Back. After all, except for Baby which was a song-less affair, music of Akshay Kumar starrers always have at least a chartbuster or two regardless of the genre. Moreover, since Gabbar Is Back has been pitched as an out and out entertainer with songs featuring Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Chitrangda Singh already being popular, one looks forward to what this entire soundtrack with in-total four songs has to offer.
MUSIC
The first thing that catches attention in 'Teri Mere Kahaani' is the voice of Arijit Singh. The man has sung countless romantic numbers for youngsters in Bollywood and he had a task in hand to be convincing enough as Akshay Kumar's voice. Since there is a level of maturity that had to come in his vocals, Arijit has indeed worked on his pitch with composer Chirantan Bhatt doing well in his composition that suits the superstar. While lyricist Manoj Yadav does well to spin a romantic tale, Chirantan and Arijit team up well along with reliable Palak Muchal to ensure that this romantic outing turns out to be pleasant indeed.
There is a 'dhamaka' in store though with the next song in the offering, 'Aao Raja'. Now it may sound like sacrilege to some but the fact remains that this mischievious song by Yo Yo Honey Singh could well have joined the league of Mamta Kulkarni's 'Mujhko Rajaji Maaf Karna' [Karan Arjun], if not Madhuri Dixit's 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai' [Khalnayak] if pitched in that context. Yes, Sahil Kaushal's lyrics here are pretty straightforward but considering the genre and setting, they work big time. Also, good credit to singer Neha Kakkar who brings in adequate sensuality for Chitrangda Singh to gyrate on screen. Chartbuster.
An out and out love song comes next in the form of 'Cofee Peetey Peetey'. Composer Chirantan Bhatt has been consistent over the years with his romantic outings and he doesn't disappoint this time either with this melodious outing for which he ropes in newcomer Dev Negi along with Paroma Das Gupta, who has a unique voice that has been presented quite well too. If 'Teri Meri Kahaani' was more upbeat, this Kumaar written number is much softer in approach, while keeping you engaged right through its 200 odd seconds play time.
The album concludes on a correct note with the title song 'Warna Gabbar Aa Jayega'. Put together by Manj Musik, Raftaar & Big Dhillon, the song has just been unveiled and what works most is the hook line that has been integrated well with a graphic music video that has stills and scenes from the film's play. One of those end-credits number that keeps you glued to the screen even as end credits start rolling, it could well have been even catchier had a better voice been used for the iconic dialogues from Sholay that are interspersed into the flow. One just wonders why Akshay Kumar himself wasn't roped in for this.
OVERALL
The music of Gabbar Is Back is largely satisfactory as it is adequate and integrates well into the flow of the film's narrative. There is nothing out of place in the four compositions and what also impresses is the fact that there are no remixes placed either to pump up the soundtrack. Moreover, a couple of songs also have good potential to play on even beyond the film's run.
OUR PICK(S)
'Aao Raja',' Teri Meri Kahaani'
