Tanu Weds Manu Returns Music Review: One Of The Best Soundtracks Of The Year

Following the success of his 2011 romantic comedy Tanu Weds Manu, director Aanand L Rai has followed it up with a sequel aptly titled Tanu Weds Manu Returns.  Lead stars from the original film, R. Madhavan and Kangna Ranaut, have again teamed up for this sequel which promises to be another family entertainer just like its predecessor. Musically, the team of composer Krsna and lyricist Raj Shekhar (who incidentally composed and penned the lyrics respectively for the first film too) are expected to give a desi (more specifically Punjabi) foot-tapping score on the lines of the 2011 original. So will the team live up to our expectations? Read on to find out.

With Banno, our expectation of a Punjabi pop-like album turns true as guest composers Tanishq and Vayu belt out a heady techno-folk dance fusion number which will get you grooving in minutes! Debutante singers Brijesh Shandilya and Swati Sharma sound quite confident behind the mike and do a fabulous job. The lyrics (Tanishq and Vayu) are quite simple and gel in well with the nature of the song while the arrangement (flute, harmonium for the rustic touch) is outstanding. Full marks for the guest composers for such an immensely enjoyable number!

The album takes a complete 180 degree turn from the rollicking festivities in Banno to the melancholy in Mat Jaa Re which has Ankit Tiwari singing his heart out to convey the intensity of emotions between the lead characters on-screen. The talented singer fortunately or unfortunately has kind of become the flag-bearer of serious/sad songs and one gets the feeling that he really needs to get out of his comfort zone in order for his potential to be fully recognized by the music industry. As regards his rendition, if you are an Ankit Tiwari fan, you will like it. If not, you might have preferred a different singer. The tune is simple and melodious but sounds a little dated and that might prove to be its undoing.

Ghani Bawri is Haryanvi folk at its best with Jyoti Nooran stealing the show with her ebullient rendition. Nooran plays to her strengths as the composition suits her singing style with the composer getting the arrangement perfect for this foot-tapping number. But the Remix version of this track lets the listener down big time. The earthy and rustic charm of the original version which happened to be the USP of this track is literally non-existent in the remix resulting in the track losing its appeal completely.

If you have not had your fill of Jazz with Bombay Velvet, composer Krsna fulfils your wish by giving you what is literally a ‘Old School’ jazz with Old School Girl. Anmol Malik gets behind the mike to render this song and pleasantly surprises you with her command over the Jazz style. Her drawling yet sensuous vocals prove to be a perfect fit for this track and the arrangement especially the trumpet solos add to the charm of this jazz number. The Haryanvi version is hilarious with its nonsensical lyrics (Raj Sekhar) and Kalpana Gandharv’s charming rendition. The composer keeps the basic tune intact but incorporates some desi sounds like mandolin and accordion to get the Haryanvi effect. The downside though is that the track sounds quite situational and might not exactly find a place in the listener’s playlist any time soon though it should hopefully have a better impact on-screen.

Move On is a heartbreak song with an attitude! Unlike the somber heartbreak songs which we are used to listening to, Composer Krsna gives a sufi rock track which is completely bindaas! The tune is catchy, the pace is frenetic and singer Sunidhi Chauhan bowls you over with her incredible rendition.

The composer though reserves his best for the last with his two melodies Ho Gaya Hai Pyar Tumse and O Sathi Mere proving yet again that melodies are his forte! While the composer keeps the tune relatively simple in Dev Negi rendered Ho Gaya Hai Pyar, his musical arrangement needs to be praised for making superb use of the guitar and also for the peekaboo act by the tabla.

In O Sathi Mere, Krsna outdoes himself with a sweeping melody which with its classical base is soft and soothing to the ears. Veteran singer Sonu Nigam shows his class yet again with his heartfelt and soulful vocals adding more beauty to this multifaceted yet fascinating melody. Outstanding!

In conclusion, one can easily say that Tanu Weds Manu Returns is one of the best soundtracks to have come out this year. Composer Krsna offers something for everyone – from folk to Jazz, Rock to classical, Tanu Weds Manu Returns is an assorted collection and thus should keep music lovers of all ages happy. Great going Krsna!

Our Picks: Banno, O Sathi Mere and Ho Gaya Hai Pyar Tumse