Music Review Ready

Director : Music : Lyrics : Starring :  Anees Bazmee  Pritam and Devi Sri Prasad  Amitabh Bhattacharya, Neelesh Mishra, Ashish Pandit and Kumaar  Salman Khan, Asin, Arya Babbar, Paresh Rawal and Mahesh Manjrekar. After the musical success of their last venture PATIALA HOUSE, audio giants T-Series launch a torpedo in the form of the music album of the most anticipated and certainly the most talked about film of the first half of the year 2011 and that is Salman Khan's READY. When we talk about T-Series and Salman Khan we are instantly reminded of the highly memorable melodious numbers from their LUCKY- NO TIME FOR LOVE, the music of which is still popular and fresh in the minds of people. Although this time keeping the genre of the film, READY in mind and the fact that it is an all out entertainer, a true blue Anees Bazmee film, we know that the music will be more commercial and will have lots of 'dhamaal' and 'masti'. Naturally, expectations are always of gargantuan proportions especially because it's a T-Series production, a company which has always believed in providing wholesome entertainment through high quality music and naturally with Sohail Khan Productions and Rawail Grandsons Entertainment also joining we can expect some really good music. Moreover, the fact that it's Pritam at the helm of affairs whose (almost) cent percent success records speaks for him, shall we say more? Well, without wasting any time, ready, get set and go and let's get the ball rolling! Let's come straight to the song that has been in the news ever since it's picturisation on the most happening actor of Bollywood at present, the hot dude Salman Khan and certainly the most hyped composition of the album, 'Character Dheela' and check out if it does deserve all the attention that it is getting even prior to it's release. Well, with a hip-hop, pacy rhythm that sets the pulse racing, rap that is catchy a la Pritam 'ishtyle', coupled with Neeraj Shridhar's par 'excellante' rendition (not to mention Amrita Kak as well who is top class here) along with music addendums (specially highly rhythmic electronic pipe sound piece in the background) that just befit this light on the ears, easy to hum number. This song definitely has what it takes to reach the top of the charts within days or should we say, hours (!) of its release. And surely lyrics also deserve mention as Amitabh Bhattacharya who has been known more for his abstract and intellectually gratifying 'hat ke' lyrics for composers like Amit Trivedi gets a chance to prove that he can wield his pen even for highly commercial/ 'masala' numbers. His lyrics with cynical overtones, which take a dig at hypocrisy of the 'holier than thou' people and especially the catchline 'character dheela' will be identified by not only the masses but the classes as well. There is mention of last year's hottest item numbers, 'Munni' and Shiela also, 'Faraq padta hai kya baahon mein Munni hai ya Shiela hai'. And last but not the least the presence of red hot Salman Khan, fresh from the scintillating success of DABANGG and his bewitching VEER co-star, Zarine Khan, the Katrina Kaif look alike will help its cause in a big way. Pritam-Neeraj combo gets ready to add another chartbuster to your repertoire! The number one remixer of the present times, D.J A-Myth gets to remix this chartbusting number 'Character Dheela' and he does not do much 'ched-chaad' with a number that has already everything going for it, just more electronic sounds and heightened pace is added. All out romantic mood sets in with another quintessential love ballad 'Humko Pyaar Hua' and it's KK and Tulsi Kumar who have been assigned the task of making the listeners fall in love with the song through their rendition and without doubt they do succeed, and the very simple melody (that has been a strong point in Pritam's success story) and also minimal percussions instruments are the highlight of the track. Lovely English chorals and lyricist Neelesh Mishra's lyrics also help in setting up the romantic flavour. The 'Humko Pyaar Hua' remix has been handled by D.J A-Myth and definitely he succeeds in pumping up the energy levels through some good additions like rap, upped tempo and lovely racy rhythm in the background. The soft romantic mood gets highly charged with the extremely rhythmic all out 'tapori' dance number, 'Dhink Chika' by well known composer from south, Devi Sri Prasad (ARYA 2). It's 'dhinchak' rhythm is so catchy that it will appeal to one and all. The number instantly reminds of the superstar of the millennium, Amitabh Bachchan's super hit number from PUKAR ('Tu Maike Mat Jaiyo') due to it's lyrics (by Ashish Pandit) which are much in the same corridor. The prince of 'tapori' numbers, Mika gets into his well loved naughty act along with Amrita Kak and both of them compel the listeners to join them in this 'dhamaal' composition. It's picturistion in the enchanting Don Muang Airport (old) in Bangkok, Thailand would definitely provide a picture perfect set up. D.J A-Myth gives a new makeover to the original with the 'Dhink Chika' remix and all credit to him for not overdoing as the song itself is quite rhythmic and dance oriented. The next song, 'Meri Ada Bhi' takes one back to Pritam's memorable LOVE AAJ KAL numbers and it's start , the cuckoo clock sound and evergreen Punjabi folk song 'Laung Gawacha' in the background give way to a superbly crafted highly footapping number which is all Hindustani as it encapsulates the spirit of 'qawwali' without actually treading fully into that territory. And Pritam has chosen the King of sufi numbers, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who is absolutely outstanding and giving him able company is Tulsi Kumar whose sugary sweet vocals complement Rahat's singing perfectly. Kumaar, Pritam's loyal lyricist is in great form. All in all a song to delight the senses and one is sure that it will find its countless faithful supporters. DJ A-Myth's remix of 'Meri Ada Bhi' will appeal to Gen X and youth who like a bit of pace and more glitz through musical arrangements which is a good mixture of Indian and western. To sum up, the audio album of READY has the right zest, rhythm, chirpiness and mischievous ingredients as well as romance tossed up and also remixed in just the right proportion, as for the contents of READY, which promises to be a 'dhamaal' 'paisa vasool' entertainer with the leading actor Salman Khan in his elements (as can be seen in the promos). All the four tracks will blend seamlessly into the proceedings, still if we have to choose, 'Character Dheela', 'Dhink Chika' and 'Meri Ada Bhi' are the best, taking nothing away from the remaining track. Rating - 3.5/5