Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara Composer: Pritam Lyrics: Rajat Arora Rating: *1/2 Pritam (along with Vishal-go-to-composer),for big blockbuster films that demand their fair share of chartbusters,often composed for made-to-order demands rather than their need to fit the narrative. Despite the manufactured approach in such films,the composer has often delivered memorable tunes,and well above average albums like he did with Once Upon a time in Mumbaai (OUATIM). However,now that Pritam is back with the films sequel,he hits a dead end. The first song of the album,Yeh Tune Kya Kiya invokes the qawwali-like chorus portions of Pee Loon from OUATIM,but is not half as melodic as the latter. That it is one of the albums better listens is because of now-fresh-soon-to-be-worn-out vocals of the impeccable Javed Bashir and a fairly catchy tune. The next song,Taiyab Ali Pyaar Ka Dushman,a reworking of Laxmikant Pyarelals superhit song from Amar Akbar Anthony,gets the flavour,drama and colour all right,but it hardly adds anything to the original. There are no contemporary touches apart from the comforting guitar backing. Javed Ali does his job of a spirited rendition well but the song fails to command any repeat listening. The pulsating beats and the sweeping synths of Tu Hi Khwahish transport one to Bollywood cabaret nights,but it is too kitschy for its own good. The tune is too dated to hum along,but Sunidhi Chauhan does a fine job in lending Asha Bhonsle-isque spunk and oomph to the vocals. Chugliyaan isnt a great song by any means a standard romantic ballad that Pritam seems to sleepwalk through but it comes as a breath of fresh air after an overdose of Bollywood kitsch. Ali supplies the required sweetness of a romantic song,and the qawwali portions work well too. Overall,OUATIMD is a surprisingly bland outing by Pritam. The recycled sound of retro Bollywood are jaded and the tunes too familiar to even register.
