Do Knot Disturb   Producer: Vashu Bhagnani Director: David Dhawan Starring: Govinda, Ritesh Deshmukh, Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta, Sohail Khan, Ranvir Shorey, Rajpal Yadav, Himani Shivpuri, Rituparna Sengupta, Manoj Pahwa Music: Nadeem-Shravan Lyrics: Sameer Singers: Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Sriram, Shaan, Shreya Ghosal, K K, Earl, Nitika Kanwar Neeraj Shridhar, Anushka Manchandani, Somya Raoh Audio On: Big Music    Number of Songs: 6 Album Released on: 04 September 2009 Reviewed by: Gianysh Toolsee  - Rating: 6.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review

There is a sense of déjà vu in the happening Zulfaen Khol Khal Ke, which is very reminiscent of Anu Malik’s 1999 hit ’Chunari Chunari’ from Biwi No.1. Sonu Nigam, who was also heard in ‘Aalam Guzrne Ne Do’ from Kal Kissne Dekha, is adequate in this familiar number. However, it is Anuradha Shriram who steals the show with her rendition. The singer who has completely disappeared from Bollywood music scene is heard again in her usual style. Arranged by Viju Shah, the track boasts of good programming with a few instruments, which are used in the preludes and interludes. Sonu Nigam’s vocal interludes are another interesting feature in this fast-paced track. Despite all the efforts of the singers and the above-average programming and arrangements, ‘Zulfaen Khol Khal Ke’ is half-baked and lacks punch. Anu Malik was not far behind in his advanced arrangements and sounds in 1999 and there is not much difference ten years later. A disappointing start to this highly anticipated soundtrack!

After a very trendy number, the duo brings back the true Nadeem-Shravan melody, which reigned during the 90’s and continues to be listened till today. Although their tunes faced its share of bad publicity, they were universally accepted. Don’t Ever Leave Me is their vintage melody which is slightly repackaged to meet current trends. The Nadeem-Shravan grandiose orchestration with the violins, has been intelligently replaced with Viju Shah’s sparkling arrangements. Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal form an electric duo to replace the Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik combo. As always, Shaan’s expressive vocals gel well with the tune, while Shreya Ghoshal's magnificent entry in the ‘antara’ is worth mentioning. Furthermore, Viju Shah also gets the opportunity to show that there is a fine line between making sounds and making music. The arrangements are crisp, while the twist in the line ‘Main Kucch Bhi’ is typical Nadeem-Shravan!

Composers like Anand-Milind, Nadeem-Shravan and Anu Malik, who were signed during the hit wave of the ‘No.1’ movies, understood the ingredients of producing a Govinda song. There is a difference when composing for a Shah Rukh Khan and a Govinda song. After delivering hits in the 90’s with Saajan Chale Sasural, Nadeem-Shravan is back in the game with Mere Naal, which is a peppy and catchy track. Crooned by the natural K.K, the Punjabi number immediately catches one’s attention and is easy on the ears. With the Punjabi music and chorus firmly established in the base of the track, ‘Mere Naal’ is instantly likeable.

However, the minus point comes with the wrong choice of Shreya Ghoshal for this particular track. The latter, who has been dominating the charts lately, does not exactly match the requirements of this power-packed Punjabi number. She slightly fits into the equation and trying to make her sound like Poornima of the 90’s is a faux-pas. Jigar Saraiya and Nitika Kanwar provide the supporting vocals and are effective. Arranged by Sachin-Jigar (Teree Sang), the fast-paced and foot-tapping number loses some steam in the middle, but is quickly energized by the excellent Punjabi music, chorus and lyrics.

But listeners are still waiting for the explosive number in the soundtrack. Nadeem-Shravan always has a tune which tops charts. Here it comes!

Following the peppy trend, Neeraj Shridhar and Anushka Manchanda join in the bandwagon to deliver another funky track. Titled Bebo, this is Nadeem-Shravan’s answer to Anu Malik’s 'Bebo' in Kambakkht Ishq. Nadeem-Shravan and Anu Malik were the biggest rivals in the early 90’s. 'Bebo' is infectious, entertaining and refreshing. However, one hardly notices any trace of Nadeem-Shravan’s style in this track. Whichever way the song was composed, the sound designing and Neeraj Shridhar’s contribution are the main assets which instantly throw it into the charts.

Neeraj Shridhar after singing heavily for Akshay Kumar, tries the attitude style of Govinda with the superbly orchestrated ‘Bebo’. Anushka Manchanda is equally good in her performance. Arranged by the techno-whiz kids, Sachin-Jigar surpasses expectations and proves that orchestration is their forte. The emphasis is again on the sound; with each blip and swipe of sound providing its own unique statement that the brothers are experts in sound programming. Music directors can also always rely on Neeraj Shridhar to convert a tune into a hit.

Tauseef Akhtar (who worked in the past with Nadeem-Shravan as an assistant music director, programmer, and today part of the creative Soul Fusion band and also music director) is back in action with the arrangements for Beautiful Woman. Backed by the lead voices of Neeraj Shridhar and Sowmya Raoh, the track is funky and easy-going. Sowmya Raoh only receives a few lines while Neeraj Shridhar gets the lion share of the singing, and delivers mainly in the middle-octave. Unfortunately, ‘Beautiful Woman’ does not get the attention it deserves because of its short duration.

The title track, Do Knot Disturb has the Nadeem-Shravan’s funky music style and is a short song framed on the past Saajan Chale Sasural hits. Rendered by T.K. Karthik and Anushka Manchanda, the latter is striking in her enthusiastic short performance. Arranged by John Stewart and Amjad Nadeem (Chintuji), ’Do Knot Disturb’ is fun and entertaining, marinated in the Govinda rhythm.

Nadeem-Shravan re-invents themselves with new sounds, but there isn’t much scope for melodies in a Govinda movie. Furthermore, a team of arrangers have been working equally hard on achieving this edgy sound, which is really trendy and above par. Despite the superb arrangements and sounds, Do Knot Disturb lacks a true Nadeem-Shravan signature tune. ‘Don’t Ever Leave Me’ is the only track which was produced for the fans, while 'Bebo' is an absolute winner. Another disappointment is that the excellent programming resulted in a shorter duration of most songs, due to editing; which is very uncommon in a Nadeem-Shravan soundtrack. All the songs are mixed and mastered by Eric Pillai.

The soundtrack also brings along a lot of artists together from the 90’s such as the neglected Viju Shah and the rare Anuradha Shriram. Sameer’s lyrics are apt for these type of songs. It also appears that the songs were clearly composed with Govinda as the main character and therefore, differ significantly from the original Nadeem-Shravan music one expects. The creative sound design has taken such a dimension that the singing has been put in the backseat in some songs. With only fast-paced and peppy numbers, Do Knot Disturb is not enough for Nadeem-Shravan to regain their place at the musical apex. All eyes are now on their next release which is Dharmesh Darshan's Bhanwara!