Gang of Ghosts Music Review: More Than Just A Situational Soundtrack

The name Satish Kaushik has been associated with good music, right from the days of Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja to Teree Sang. With several chartbusters in between, courtesy films like Tere Naam, Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain to Milenge Milenge, one looks forward to what does the director, who has also written lyrics for many songs in Gang of Ghosts brings on board with composers Dharam-Sandeep brought in for an entire soundtrack.

The album kick-starts with words from the evergreen track Sharaab Cheez Hi Aisi Hi which has been given a contemporary avtar by Aamir Ghulam Ali. Clearly having fun behind the mike, Ali comes up with a fun number Dasni Sharab Di which has a club setting to it. Fast paced and made for the dance floor, this one by lyricist Qateel Shifai also brings in a lounge flavor to it, hence coming across as a good fusion number. With a pleasant surprise been thrown at the very onset of Gang of Ghosts, one looks forward to the songs that follow this one.

As Vikas Kumar begins Ishq Behn Ka Dinna, one knows that the soundtrack was put together with youth in mind. Heavy on arrangements with a Western base to it, this hard rock number brings in a mix of rustic touch and modern day instruments to bring on a high energy outcome. A situational outing which is quite loud in presentation, 'Ishq Behn Ka Dinna' may not go all the way in being remembered for months to come. However as a part of the film's narrative, it would be interesting to see how it is placed.

Since the film has ghosts as the central protagonists who are surprised with the way has seen a change during the decades gone by, there are a few retro outings as a part of the music too. First such song to arrive is Jaayen To Jaayen Kahaan which has a 50s setting to it with a clear K.L. Saigal inspiration to it in the way Manoj Mishra sings it. While the music does well in recreating the 50s era, lyrics take a dig on current times with shopping malls, progress and stuff alike getting more than just a mention or two. If complimented by funny picturisation, the song should fit in well into the film's narrative.

The most interesting number in the film arrives a little later in the day with Aishwarya Nigam going ballistic with Naach Madhubala. He does well in recreating the kind of 'andaaz' and attitude that Mika Singh brings to fore in many a energetic number and lends good justice to his inclusion. Satish Kaushik's lyrics are just correct for the situation and with a lively picturisation to boast of, the song does well in promising a chartbuster outing ahead. In fact the song requires just one listening to play on in one's mind for many hours to come.

New entrant Rupmatii Jolly is roped in to sing a number which is set in the bygone era. With a 50s setting to it, Nahin Dungi - Dil Apna Fokat Mein is a fun number that reminds one of Kyon Aage Peeche <Golmaal> that was put together by Vishal-Shekhar for the Rohit Shetty film. This time around, there is Mahie Gill as the center of attraction and one has to admit that her entire get up is quintessentially 50s with Madhubala as the reference point. She is well complimented by Chunkey Pandey's presence in this fun number which is shot in Black & White and is truly retro in appeal from all quarters.

The fun element continues with a 'Parody' arriving next. There is everything from Dekha Hai Pehli Baar <Saajan> to Laal Dupatte Waali /Angne Pe Baba <Aankhen> to Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan Mein / Dil Ne Ye Kaha Hai Dil Se <Dhadkan> to Gori Hai Kalaiyaan <Aaj Ka Arjun> to Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast <Mohra> brought back into limelight with spoofy lyrics added by Satsh Kaushik lending them a true parody appeal. The man of the moment is of course Sudesh Bhosle, who as always does a good job in getting the mimicry right. One waits to see its fitment in the film as it has a potential to be a riot when played on screen.

The album has many new singers coming on the scene and this time around it is the turn of Malini Banerjee to kick-start the proceedings for Rimco. With an obvious attempt at recreating the Chikni Chameli mood and setting, the song has an out and out desi mood to it with lyricist Rashmi Singh's words too playing to the gallery. Soon Aishwarya Rai joins the party mood as well though primarily it is Malini leading the show.

Rupmatii Jolly returns to the scene with a haunting track Sheeshe Ka Dil. The only number in the album which has a serious feel to it in the way it is composed and written (by Rashmi Singh), it fits into the 'ghost' setting of the film as one can pretty much visualize a bhatakti aatma meandering in a mansion. One waits to see though if despite its serious presentation musically, the song would actually have a fun placement in the film.

Though it is tough to create a soundtrack for a film like this which is actually a situational comedy with ghosts as the central protagonists, Satish Kaushik along with Dharam-Sandeep do well in ensuring that there is good fun in store with songs like 'Naach Madhubala', 'Nahin Dungi' and 'Parody' leading from the front with 'Sharaab Cheez' and 'Rimco' fitting in well too.

Joginder Tuteja tweets@tutejajoginder