Dhamaal Music Review: Limited Shelf Value

The music album of Indra Kumar's Dhamaal is another one of those time pass albums. The music by Adnan Sami has a couple of really delightful numbers, but the emphasis has been to create a 'dhamaal' of sorts. So there are nonsensical songs but unfortunately it doesn't really create a lasting 'dhamaal.' The other thing that stands out in this album is that Adnan, who is better known for his romantic ditties, has the man at the helm musically.

Despite the fact that Adnan Sami has a 'Thodi si to lift kara de,' to his credit, the man and his music are known more for their high dose of romance, mush and all things sentimental. So Dhamaal is a kind of departure of sorts for Adnan Sami. There are signs of Adnan's familiarity and comfort with Western modes of music as well, but the album does not rate high, despite the presence of Adnan.

The album begins with a 'Dekho Dekho Dil Ye Bole', which is quite a peppy number. It sets the mood of things to come. The number, rendered by Sami himself and Shaan is quite vibrant and may do well as a dancing track. The second number of the album is pure nonsense, as in the lyrics of the song. The song, Miss India Martee Mujhpe sees the surprise entry of Amit Kumar. This is another all-male attempt with Sami joining in. This is a kind of song whose shelf life depends on the manner in which it is depicted in the film. While it is really lovely to hear Amit Kumar, the song doesn't quite do justice to him or Sami for that matter. It is bound to have a limited shelf life.

Asha Bhonsale too makes an entry in this album. This is perhaps the best number in Dhamaal. Called 'Chandni Raat Hai Saiyan', this number has a quaint feel to it accentuated by the elaborate use of the harmonium in the song. It is a rarity to hear that instrument in songs these days. It is a surprise of sorts as the overture suggests an entirely different kind of song and it turns out to be something else altogether. The song has an effervescent quality to it which is highlighted by the presence of Asha and Amit Kumar. The male voice manages to add a kind of boisterous quality to the song which works well for it. It is, by far the best song in the album.

The number is repeated later in the album. This time it is an instrumental version by Raghav Sachar and his electronic flute. Even though the flute sounds lovely as it belts out 'Chandni Raat', one wonders if it has any takers? The remixed version of the song has no real surprises too. Sandeep Shirodkar hasn't really added any new element to the song. He's just tinkered a little bit with the arrangements, perhaps. Otherwise the song retains its zany feel throughout. This number truly lifts the album.

The final number in the album is 'Chal Nache Shor Machlein'. This number too has a vintage feel to it. The song is rendered by Adnan and Shaan. This song too lacks spark. Of course, it has been designed to sound peppy and but somehow that effect doesn't really come across. Again, very limited shelf value.

There is an instrumental version of this song by Naveen. That is of hardly any help as the song itself bombs quite miserably so there would hardly be any takers for an instrumental version of the same. One suspects it is just filler really and doesn't serve any other purpose.

The album evokes a fairly cool response. Unlike the title of the album, the contents do not evoke any kind of dhamaal. Sure, there are peppy numbers and a nonsensical one as well, but it doesn't quite grab your attention and have you rapt. Adnan Sami doesn't quite hit the winning formula with Dhamaal as music composer even though he makes amends with his vocal prowess. On the whole, the album is quite mediocre in quality. There is little of shelf value here, which is not the best of news for any Hindi film.