The song-and-dance routine has been a mainstay of mainstream Indian cinema for several decades now. Indeed, Indian cinema is unique in its use of this trope, with the on-screen performers changing locations and costumes several times in the course of one number.
A film song’s appeal need not always lie in its lyrics, music or singing. The locations can add to the visual treat. Now Dharma Productions has released the song ‘Fakira’ from Student Of The Year 2 (2019). More than the music or the lyrics, it is the locations where the song has been shot that hold your attention.
From the rooftop of their college to the playground, hilltops to the riverside, director Punit Malhotra and choreographer Adil Shaikh have got Tiger Shroff and Ananya Panday dancing across 32 different locations in Mussoorie and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.
The portion that grabs your attention the most is when Rohan Sehgal (Shroff) and Shreya (Ananya Panday) sway on a suspended rope bridge in a mountainous area. The ending visual of the song seems to suggest this is a dream sequence playing out in Rohan’s mind.
While the locations are pretty, the lyrics or the music are not captivating. The song rides on the simple theme of two lovebirds not knowing what has struck them. ‘Kuchh poochho na haal fakira da [Don’t ask how the poor fellow feels]’, say the lyrics. While the theme is spelt out clearly, Anvita Dutt’s lyrics don’t cast a spell on you.
Though the music by Vishal-Shekhar is nice and soft, the average lyrics drag the track down. Unheralded Sanam Puri is the voice of Rohan while Neeti Mohan croons for Shreya. Puri does not have a gripping tone here and sounds wayward. It is Neeti Mohan who infuses some passion into the track.
Yes, a soft, romantic number rides more on emotions than choreography. But the moves designed by choreographer Adil Shaikh are unimpressive. Moreover, Shroff appears to be hampered by the slower Panday.
Student Of The Year 2 is set to be released on 10 May. Watch the ‘Fakira’ song below. The lyrics may not entice you, but the locations are worth a look.