Housefull 2 Review {3.5/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
There are good expectations from the music of Housefull 2. After all, Sajid Nadiadwala has been known for his keen ear for music, as evidenced in his last release Anjaana Anjaani, the songs of which play till date. On the other hand Sajid Khan has been unpretentious when it comes to his love for 'masala' soundtrack, something that was on display in Heyy Babyy as well as Housefull. Now with Sajid-Wajid scoring music instead of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, one looks forward to the change that the composer duo has brought here. With Sameer as the lyricist, you know that the soundtrack here would be quintessentially filmy.
MUSIC
The first thing that catches attention about Housefull 2 is not any song in particular but the fact that there are only four tracks in total here.
Since the film isn't a musical, one wasn't expecting 7-8 songs here but four seems a tad low. Of course there are four additional remix tracks to lend the album a wholesome appeal.
The album kick-starts with 'Papa Toh Band Bajaye' which has been playing on music channels for quite some time already. A fun number which is just the kind that one expects from a Sajid Khan affair, it has a zany humour to it and features the quartet of leading men jiving to the beats. Boasting of a good rhythm that instantly catches your attention, 'Papa Toh Band Bajaye' plays straight to the gallery and doesn't make two bones about it. It is apparent that Neeraj Shridhar is having good enough while rendering lines written by Sameer. Despite its situational appeal, 'Papa' has in it to make its way to the dance floor.
The one that further adds to the mass appeal is Mamta Sharma sung item number 'Anarkali Disco Chali'. While comparisons with the likes of 'Munni' and 'Sheila' are unavoidable, especially since Malaika is a common factor between Anarkali and Munni, this one does manage to hold on its own. In fact on closer hearing one can sense that Sajid-Wajid are clearly inspired by Lakshmikant-Pyaarelal style of composition here. No wonder, in a couple of hearing you do get an impression that this one may well have its roots in 'Paalki Mein Hoke Sawaar Chali Re' [Khalnayak].
Of course there is a difference in the very setting of the song since Madhuri Dixit's version was on the cute-n-lovey-dovey side whereas Malaika brings in a naughty streak to the proceedings. Still, this out and out Indian number again manages to be a winner due to its instant coffee appeal. The very fact that it is repeated twice in a regular 'remix' and a 'hyper mix' version (with Sukhwinder Singh as a add-on vocalist in all three versions) further ensures that as a listener, you would listen to this one more than any other song.
From a party song to a 'desi' outing, the album changes track into something much younger and hip with 'Right Now Now'. A track which has clear Western influences to it, 'Right Now Now' again has a catchy hook to it which makes sure that you don't lose track of the sound after you have heard it just once. Sung quite differently by Sajid who leads from the front with Sunidhi Chauhan and Suzzane De Mello joining him as well, 'Right Now' also arrives in a 'remix version' a while later. An experimental track, it has a youth appeal to it though it doesn't quite go all the way to reserve a chartbuster status for itself. Now one waits to see if the picturisation does the trick for it.
One still looks forward to what the last song of the album has to offer once 'Do U Know' kick-starts. Well, its core sound (that also starts the proceedings) has a nostalgic appeal to it as it somehow makes you remember 'Hawa Ke Saath Saath' [Seeta Aur Geeta]. It is obvious that R.D. Burman is the source here and Sajid-Wajid are clearly playing homage to the composer.
By the time Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal are through with their rendition of this love song (heard again in a 'remix'), you know that this one has a trademark Sajid-Wajid stamp to it with Sajid Khan expected to have contributed in the lyrics department.
OVERALL
Though one does feel that at least a song or two more may have added further weight to the soundtrack, eventually it is an outing that manages to make you feel content with what is made available. Thankfully none of the four songs disappoint while 'Papa' and 'Anarkali' consolidate their place as definite chartbusters. On the other hand 'Do U Know' grows on you as well whereas 'Right Now' may well work due to its eye candy appeal.
OUR PICK(S)
Papa Toh Band Bajaye, Anarkali Disco Chali, Do U Know
