Music Review: Don 2

After Shahrukh Khan's success with Don - The Chase Begins, news of a sequel in the pipeline had created much buzz, and continues to as we fast approach the date of its release this Christmas. In the meantime, let's evaluate what Don-2 offers in music, given the hugely successful trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy join hands with Javed Akhtar for the making of this album. Not unfairly, expectations ride high!

The album starts out with Shahrukh Khan's bone chilling introductory monologue, marking the official return of Don. While it's not exactly that exceptional something, the thrilling music in the background does fit the theme and tone.

 

The actual album starts with 'Zaraa Dil Ko Thaam Lo' which makes an interesting listening. In curious ways, it may as well be perceived a sequel to the previous blockbuster's 'Aaj Ki Raat'. Anusha Mani's sensuous voice is a perfect fit, and Vishal Dadlani accompanying her in the undertones adds to the enigma of it in general. Overall, this is not the song you want to skip.

 

Next in album is 'Hai Yeh Maya', where the deep vocals of Usha Uthup are yet again a perfect choice. She brings out a chilling effect in the intriguing lyrics, and the haunting reaction evoked tends to linger even after the song.

 

'Hai Yeh Maya' also has a remix version by DJ Shane Mendonsa. A rare track in its genre, this remix turns out to be worth listening because of how it stays with the outlines of the original version.

For 'Dushman Mera', the next track in the album, Sunita Sarathy and Shankar Mahadevan lend their vocals to bring out an essence greatly reminiscent of the 70's ' especially Sunita. However, in overall impact, this is among the lesser impressing offers of the album.

 

The cannot be missed trademark of Don concept and series, 'Mujhko Pehchaanlo' makes its appearance next, in KK's voice. The thrill from its previous time subsists, and KK does well modulating his voice with the composition.

 

'Mujhko Pehchaanlo'also has a remix version, albeit one that disappoints. The beats in the score diminish the impact of the track itself, and looped lyrics start to get annoying after a while.

 

Next in the album is the instrumental, titled 'Don Waltz', which makes for an interesting and beautiful melody to listen to. As the title insinuates, the composition is designed for waltz, with distinct jazz attributes. Listening to the instrumental keeps you speculating about the sequence it maybe pictured on in the movie itself.

 

The last song in the album, also an instrumental, turns out to be a contrasting bone chilling tune. Titled 'The King Is Back', this one too can't but keep you guessing about its filming in the movie itself.

 

Overall, the music for Don 2 turns out to just above average. Somewhere, the lack of variety in theme and composition takes a toll for the worse, seeming too routine and not living up to the hype entirely. Yet, one must but listen for some specific tracks.

 

BollyCurry's Favorite: 'Zaara Dil Ko Thaam Lo', 'Hai Yeh Maya', 'Don Waltz'

BollyCurry's Rating: 3/5