After the surprising success of New York, 2009 might just be Yash Raj Films’ comeback year. But they’re not the only ones making a grand arrival this year. Rani Mukerji, whose career hit a roadblock after several disappointing debacles (Baabul, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, etc.) teams up with Shahid Kapur who is currently flying high at the peak of his career after the success of Kaminey. It looks like this unlikely pair might just hit the spot, with the trailer hinting that Rani will be back in action this September with Anurag Singh’s Dil Bole Hadippa.
In the film, Rani plays Veera Kaur and Veer Pratap Singh, a role that looks like it will give her ample opportunity to showcase her talent and comedic timing. After all, Dil Bole Hadippa looks like it has all the ingredients for a quintessential Bollywood blockbuster – good music [Pritam], capable actors, comedy… and cricket.
Pritam, whose music continues to top charts, makes a grand entry with the title track Hadippa. Mika Singh seems to be behind at least every other successful track with a Punjabi flavour. Yet again, he does justice to this high-energy song which is instantly catchy. This track is a sure-fire hit and represents the flavour of the movie extremely well.
Energy levels continue to soar as Sunidhi Chauhan and KK croon Discowale Khisko. It’s similar to other dance tracks that try to incorporate Punjabi elements but nevertheless it’s extremely entertaining. As usual, Jaideep Sahni’s lyrics are very creative and create a mood full of masti for the song. Sunidhi does what she does best and although KK goes over the top occasionally, he still does a decent job. The Disco Khisko Remix is just a faster version that is well-suited to night clubs. With the entire cast taking part in this track, expect fireworks on screen!
The album mellows with the romantic track Ishq Hi Hai Rab sung by Sonu Niigaam and Shreya Ghoshal who never seize to create magic together. Unfortunately, their excellent voices are not utilized well enough by Pritam and the track turns out to be an average fare. It should also be noted that the song seems inspired from Arif Lohar’s ‘Ek Phool Motiye De.’ It’s certainly listenable but it’s the kind of song that will fade out once the film releases, unlike the previous tracks in the album. It’s melodious and enjoyable while it lasts but it’s definitely not going to go down as a classic romantic song.
Think Rakhi Sawant and you automatically know that her Bhangra Bistar is going to be out of the box. This isn’t your routine item number – Pritam gives it a bit of a twist and goes for a more hatke song that may or may not click with listeners. It’s not as catchy as the first two tracks in the album, but isn’t necessarily bad either. Sunidhi Chauhan, Alisha Chinoy and Hard Kaur all contribute well to the song. ‘Bhangra Bistar’ grows on you as you listen to it and hopefully it’s impact will increase once it’s seen on screen.
Gym Shim takes the album on a different route with guest composer and singer Joshilay pitching in with a unique track. A situational track, ‘Gym Shim’ is entertaining and should be an absolute treat to watch in the film. The lyrics are excellent and the composition is innovative and keeps you on your toes. Yet again, the track uses Punjabi undertones well and keeps within the mood of the rest of the album. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but ‘Gym Shim’definitely shouldn’t be skipped!
If you were missing a female voice in the title track, you’re in for a treat with the Hadippa Remix which I think is even better than the original. Sunidhi Chauhan pairs up with Mika Singh and does a fabulous job of making this song even more exciting than it was. The lyrics and tune are essentially the same but many of the instruments are changed. This is a more “modern” take on the original take but manages to hold on to its Punjabi flavour. On a side note, Rani Mukerji and Shahid Kapoor are absolutely brilliant in the music video. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out!
Overall, Dil Bole Hadippa has some great highs with quality that only fades occasionally. Regardless of some speed bumps, the album is worth a listen just for the two versions of the title track which are both stupendous. As the film’s D-Day arrives on September 18th, Pritam’s score gives the film ample scope to become an enjoyable musical with the perfect Punjabi touch. If nothing else, listen to both versions of the title track and I’m sure your dil (heart) will be singing hadippa as well!
