MUSIC REVIEW: Shuddh Desi Romance

Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni

Rating: **

Given their short but striking filmography till now,it was always interesting to see how composers Sachin-Jigar gel with a Yash Raj Film. The album of Shuddh Desi Romance opens with the sights and sounds of Jaipur that lead us into the verses of Tere mere beech kya hai. Despite a jaded hook,it works because of spirited performances by singers Mohit Chauhan and Sunidhi Chauhan. Just wish there were more lines like Chaddar khaddar ki,armaan hai resham key.

A readymade exotica, Gulabi is perhaps the most easily likeable song of the album. The glossy electronica outfit brings a lounge-like comfort in what is essentially a Bollywood template song with some folk elements. The film’s quirky quotient is channelised through Chanchal mann ati random. Despite the composers going all-out on the use of the dholak,sarangi and a swathing electric guitar lead in the middle,it suffers from a mediocre melody line. The one track that fully shines is the Shuddh desi romance title song. It has a simpler tune and arrangement — the opening verses emulate the campy vibes of many a Govinda- Karisma Kapoor ’90s Bollywood chartbusters,but its ace is saved up for an impeccably foot-tapping hook line. Delightful oddities like “romance” sung as “roma-ans”,and Benny Dayal’s enjoyable singing only enhances the song.  

There is some inventive arrangement throughout. At least on this front,the composers take a leap. The inclusion of as many as four instrumentals in the album format is commendable. It is a full-fledged showcase for instruments that can create the loveliest of mood pieces,but most seem too situational to stand alone,and tracks like Love in Jaipur,Tez waala attraction,Boyfriend banoge and Bhanwra ma bhatke come and go. Only the guitar-harmonium-piano fusion makes Mujhe kiss kar sakte ho stand apart. Far from an extraordinary album,this one is somewhat disappointing given the young composer duo’s ability to surprise us.   Sankhayan Ghosh