After the not so successful Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna(KANK), Dostana is
the latest offering by Dharma Productions, the Dostana of 1980 featured
Big B and a different story line but this Dostana of 2008 has its own
twists and turns. The promos look scintillating with curvy Priyanka,
muscular John and stylish Abhishek. Shot in the US the movie seems to
have a different story line. The cover has a mild feel to it with
simple white and off colors with the three actors in it. It is simple
but effective. Let’s introspect what the songs in this compilation have
in store. Vishal and Shekhar in this album have put six songs with no
remixes different from what they are doing.
“Janey Kyon” I
assume can be tagged the anthem track of this album which has a cool
groove to it from the word go. Featuring hinglish lyric by Anvita Dutt
Guptan it is a song that gets stuck to you head due to the simple
composition, catchy arrangement and youthful lyric about friendship.
Sung by Vishal, it’s hard to believe it’s his vocals, the duo has done
lots of synthesizing in this track for sure which sound artificial at
times. The beginning of “Desi Girl” marks the start of a can be item
dance number. Effortlessly vocalized by Shankar Mahadevan and Sunidhi
Chauhan, this is a fast paced track with India arrangement at start and
composition to break a leg. The song’s music takes some retro and
synthetic shades in the mid but get back to the conventional
instruments. Lyric written by Kumaar depicts he beauty of a desi girl
in comparison to “others”. Next “Maa Da Laadla” follows, with a strange
starting this track surprises with the vocals of Saleem of the Saleem
Sulaiman duo. Lyrics penned by Kumaar again he leaves no stone unturned
to criticize marriage. The party feel still continues and the signature
Vishal Shekhar speaks louder in this track.
A number that will
keep you on your toes is “Shut Up & Bounce”, this is a typical
Vishal Shekhar dance track with all the elements to be a party starter.
Crooned in a brilliant fashion by talented Sunidhi and well supported
by bouncy Vishal this song has the percussion to keep you up all night.
Written by Anvita this song is set to be the next disco anthem. After
some groovy and disco friendly tracks a light lullaby number “Khabar
Nahi” is different from the rest. Effervescent
lyric about love Anvita proves her writing skills with two totally
different songs. Simple composition and use of acoustic sounds makes
this song very easy on the ears but retains a catchy groove. It keeps
you up to that extra mile “It’s got to be love coz it’s really got me
going” part is really pleasant. Last track is “Kuch Kam” sung by the
silk voiced Shaan in a splendid manner. Unbelievable but true
over-active Vishal penned such subtle lyrics and the composition
compliments the light love favoring lyric. The arrangement is also very
minimal yet likable from the first listen.
All in all, Vishal
Shekhar prove their mettle in this album with no remixes but the
collection of four fast paced tracks and two slow light tracks to end
with is first-rate. The singer selection is also very good with the new
lyricists the duo has given a different taste in this album. If you
liked previous albums by Vishal Shekhar don’t forget to buy this one.
Geshan Manandhar
Around 600 Words