click for larger view

'Dhoom 2', a sequel to Yashraj Films' 'Dhoom' (2004), has a slight change in the cast; Hrithik Roshan replaces John Abraham as the bad guy. Hrithik plays international thief "Aryan" who plans a big robbery in Mumbai. Like Abhisheik, Uday Chopra revives his old character of "Ali" and plays pranks on Bipasha Basu. Again, Pritam has produced fast paced and hip-shaking racy soundtracks in the sequel too. 'Dhoom 2' maintains its title track "Dhoom Machale" with spicy westernized English lyrics and loads of funky music. Vishal Dadlani (of Vishal-Shekhar duo) sings out the title track with loads of hip-hop English lyrics. Bipasha Basu lends her vocals for the first time in the soundtrack "My Name is Ali". Eminent lyricist Sameer makes his first presence in Yashraj banner with this film. Director Sanjay Gadhvi promises another roller coaster ride of action, romance and breath-taking visuals in 'Dhoom 2'. The album of 'Dhoom 2' has six original soundtracks that can be heard on Yashraj Music.

CRAZY KIYA RE: The sauntering paced fusion music collaged with raunchy one-liners "Sexy lady on the floor keeps you coming back for more" marks the craziness in the soundtrack "Crazy Kiya Re". The soundtrack comes with contemporary hip-hop solo funky touch sung by ever vivacious Sunidhi Chauhan in feverishly pitched vocals. It brings memories of Pritam's recently rendered female solo hip-hop fast paced numbers in soundtracks like "Shake it" and "Nasha" ('Naksha'). Despite its vociferous singing flair and hip-shaking feel it fails to entertain and brings no novelty to ears. It may sound upbeat to hear the mixture of English and Hindi lyrics but the desired zing that 'Dhoom' possessed is completely missing. It started off with bang then decelerates considerably with sluggish hip-hop music. The stylish packed film album starts off with average number and sounds like "run of the mill" from all aspects.

Bunty Rajput adds techno sounds to uplift tempo and spirits on dance floors in the energized soundtrack "Crazy Kiya Re (remix)". Like original number, it fails to generate anything spectacular and gives out the similar feel of regular hip-hop remix stuff heard many times. Considering the fact the film is tremendously hyped as the most stylish presentation, the remix version should be more peppy and animated but it sounds ordinary.

DHOOM AGAIN: Circa 2004 --- 'Dhoom'. Thailand pop sensation Tata Young scorched heat and passion with her wild and passionate voice, sensuous body moves coupled with stars flashing their presence in the title track of 'Dhoom'. Pritam set the standards of music so high that it raised the film to a new high and created special genre for stylish action films and music and created sensation worldwide.

Circa 2006---'Dhoom 2'. "Dhoom Again" comes with international feel with Vishal Dadlani's full throated vocals and sensuously loud Dominique Cerejo rejuvenating the original work with techno finesses. It starts off with intimidating feel of gushing waters mixed with synchronized drum-beating followed by the signature tune of 'Dhoom 2'. The introductory musical prelude has worked wonders in the promos but Vishal and Dominique's indifferent vocals hardly stir passions. Asaf Ali Beg pens the trendy English lyrics that encapsulate the entire adventurous escapades of the film. In short, it sounds more like a remix work on "Dhoom Machale" with a tinge of Spanish Latino music rather than delivering anything fabulous for this glossy sequel. The whistling sound and the fast paced music may attract listeners and it would serve well on ring tones on mobile phones. It seems that Pritam has set the standards of the original work so high that he doesn't feel the urge or desire to create a new anthem for 'Dhoom 2'. The trendy choreography and breathtaking cinematography can give this number a fine edge otherwise it sounds too pale as compared to the original work "Dhoom Machale".

DIL LAGA NA: A group song that delivers dollops of emotions of love and also friendship in a hip-shaking way comes to the ears with soundtrack "Dil Laga Na". It works more on the Yashraj Music style of group singing that was last heard in films like 'Mohabbatein' than upbeat musical style of Pritam. The song carries the conventional "Dhoom Machale" signature tune, titillating stringed rhythms with strong flavors of Bhangra, rap "n" reggae and Latino music. It boasts of an array of singers to the singing platform and the line up consists of Bhangra sensation Sukhbir, Soham Chakraborty, Jolly Mukherjee and Mahalaxmi Iyer. Pritam has suffocated the track with all types of musical flavors in five minutes plus soundtrack. The song is expected to be grand finale of the film where all lead players share dancing floors. Sukhbir sounds most audible, Jolly Mukherjee rises from hibernation, Soham Chakraborty chills out in middle with conventional singing while Mahalaxmi Iyer sounds too mediocre. Once again, the fate of the song rests on its visual appeal more than on its audio feel. MY NAME IS ALI : The rhythmic setting of "Dilbara" ('Dhoom') is rehashed in a different mould of tunes and lyrics that metaphor the romantic sentiments of prankster "Ali" (Uday Chopra) in the soundtrack "My Name is Ali". It is a song where Ali woos Bipasha Basu in a humorous way with regular rendition of "Excuse Me Too Please" in typical "tapori" gesticulation. Sonu Nigam sings out with finest notes but Bipasha exclaims more than sings this song. The soundtrack has made loud mouthed headlines about Bipasha singing but she nods in "Oh", "Yes", "Ok" or "Hi-Bye" to lover's invitations. It has fine saxophone notes mixed with equally impressed Latino music to make things romantic on screen. Pritam has rehashed "Dilbara" in different beats. It may sound entertaining on screen as it has been conceived to suit the characterization and situational needs of the film.

TOUCH ME : Pritam's tryst with peppy numbers makes its final dent with loud, boisterous and foot-thumping soundtrack "Touch Me". The well balanced stringed instrumentation and quick-paced flute rendition with tinge of Salsa music acts as prelude to this dancing number. KK and Alisha Chinai's chemistry gels better than all other previous combinations but once again it sounds mandatory in the present context. The loud frolicking music sounds catchy on dance floors and if performed gracefully it can turn tables. It brings out the Salsa style of music and dance with fine vocals to metaphor youthful spirits. Better watch this on screen as repeatedly told before!

The one big question is why Pritam has not bothered to create innovative music for the most awaited sequel of the year? The entire album works as "party album" with repetition of 'Dhoom' anthem masqueraded in almost every track. Generally speaking, the music of every sequel has sounded weak as compared to its prequel, and 'Dhoom 2' is no exception. Watch for its glossy presence in the film, colossal star presence, mind blowing visuals and judge it for yourself. Hear it with loud volume if you have thoroughly enjoyed the musical soundtracks of 'Dhoom' otherwise wait for next Yashraj musical release. The high profile promotion will encourage impressive audio sales but it will be limited after some time.

SIMPLY AVERAGE!!!