Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi Review {2.0/5} & Review Rating
EXPECTATIONS
You are a little unsure about what the music of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi would have in the offing. Given the fact that it has Farah Khan and Boman Irani as a pair, you do expect something unusual for sure. Moreover with the name Sanjay Leela Bhansali attached to the film, you do expect music to play a good part in the proceedings. However music of My Friend Pinto, which just like Shirin Farhad... was only produced by him and had a controlled budget setting to it, didn't make any waves musically. Still, with Jeet Ganguly and Amitabh Bhattacharya as the composer and lyricist, you wait to be surprised.
MUSIC
It is actually a rather uncharacteristic beginning for 'Ishq Main Tere Bina', what with the basic tune set in the same style as South melodies from the 90s. In fact both K.K. and Shreya Ghoshal also sing in a similar smooth flowing style as S. P. Balasubramaniam and Chitra were known for in the era gone by. Nevertheless, this romantic number does have a nice pace to it and isn't really an assault on ears. Still, one doesn't really get overly excited to play it all over again as it doesn't really stay with you. Moreover, it doesn't really sound like a number that normally finds a place at the top of the album.
The way 'Khatti Meethi' begins, you know that it is Jeet Ganguly at play because it has that soulful feel to it which one expects from the composer. A Shreya Ghoshal solo, it is about a woman falling in love where all the romantic feelings are brought out with all the innocence intact. A situational track, it has a 70s touch to it and could well have found its way in the likes of Guddi, Khatta Meetha, Khoobsurat and other films belonging to the ilk. Yes, at times Amitabh Bhattacharya's lyrics do turn a tad metaphorical, but you are fine hearing this one for its five minute duration.
It is back to K.K. with 'Kaafir Andhere', a sad number which has the sound of guitar immediately reminding one of 'Baadalon Mein Chup Raha Hai Chaadn Kyon' [Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayi]. However that effect is only short lived as the song comes on its own with a soft rock setting reminding one of the many such compositions that Pritam has made in the decade gone by. Well, this is pretty much expected since there Jeet-Pritam were once a team. Coming back to 'Kaafir Andhere', it starts off well but eventually settles down as just about decent since it doesn't quite bring on the kind of energy that could have ignited pathos.
After a rather long delay arrives the title track 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi'. Though one would have expected this flagship number to kick-start the proceedings, for some strange reasons this comes pretty late in the day. Not that it is a huge chartbuster in the making but still this spirited number is perhaps the best bet for the film which is expected to be a fun ride. Neeraj Shridhar is in his elements for this joyous number that should be continuously promoted to give the album some good results.
With the name Mohit Chauhan in the credits you do get fairly excited because the man never disappoints. However with the song's title going as 'Kuku Duku' you do wonder what would be there in the offering. The results, unfortunately, aren't really heartening as Mohit (for some unexplained reasons) sounds like Anu Malik in the beginning portions and is made to render lyrics that go as 'Gadheda'. Meanwhile there is a sound of 'Kuku Duku' that continues to play in the background, hence making you stay away from this situational track that may look funny on screen but isn't really the one to be sung along.
Faraz Ali is the guest lyricist for the last song in the album, 'Rhamba Mein Samba'. Usha Uthup is the chosen one for this fast paced track that is aimed seemingly has a fun setting to it and is expected to elevate the film's narrative. In fact Jeet does try to amalgamate various sounds and make the overall song as lively and spirited. However the end results are entirely dependent on the way the song is picturised since as a standalone number it doesn't really hold much ground.
OVERALL
Even though one had mixed expectations from the music of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, the overall impact is even lower as there is not even a single song that has in it to become a chartbuster. Though none of the tracks make you look the other way, you do want something to hold you on to the album at least. Unfortunately in case of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, there is just the title track and to some extent 'Khatti Meethi' that warrant as repeat play. Rest would be entirely dependent on the way they are fitted into the film due to their situational appeal.
OUR PICK(S)
Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, Khatti Meethi
