The build-up to Navrati has begun early this year. The first song from the Navratri film, Loveratri, is a garba number set in London, not Gujarat.
The film, presented by Salman Khan, launches two newcomers, Aayush Sharma (his brother-in-law) and Warina Hussain.
In the high-energy song, Sharma sets out to woo Warina through garba moves on the lush grass of London, the Tower of London visible at every opportunity. He is aided in his quest by his dholak-playing father, played by Ram Kapoor.
Sung by Darshan Raval and Asees Kaur, ‘Chogada’ is inspired by the popular Gujarati folk song, ‘Hey Ranglo’. Lijo George and DJ Chetas have provided the beats to modernize the beloved classic. Raval has also written the lyrics for the Hindi-Gujarati hybrid song, with additional lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed.
The setting of a garba song seems apt for Loveratri, which revolves around two strangers meeting at the festival of Navratri. The picturization of the song seems right out a Salman Khan film from the late 1990s, which were mostly filmed abroad. The setting is out of place to suddenly burst into a garba song.
The leather-clad Sharma is a bit stilted in his moves; thankfully, Warina is more convincing with the garba steps choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Salma Khan, Loveratri is due to be released on 5 October. Watch the song below and try to predict the film's box-office performance.