Simmba song 'Aankh Marey': Peppy tune, Ranveer and Sara’s groovy dance moves light up this reprise

The trailer of Rohit Shetty's Simmba was much appreciated by Ranveer Singh fans, who also got a taste of brand Rohit Shetty from the promising action-masala entertainer. Simmba is a remake of the Telugu film Temper (2015) starring Junior NTR.

The makers have now released the first song from the film, 'Aankh Marey', and it is no surprise that the dance number is a remake, too. Moreover, the task of reprising the song has been handled by none other than the king of remakes, Tanishk Bagchi.

Bagchi and Shetty have picked the popular 'Aankh Maare' song, originally from the Amitabh Bachchan-produced Tere Mere Sapne (1996), that marked the acting debut of choreographer Arshad Warsi.

Penned by Anand Bakshi, the song's tune was composed by Viju Shah and it was sung by Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy. The lyrics were strictly utilitarian, but the track, picturized on Warsi and Simran, was an instant hit.

Twenty-two years on, the song has found a spot in Shetty's action drama. Its light, freestyle choreography makes the new version an entertaining number. The reprise has as much appeal to it as the original, if not more.

Bagchi has Mika Singh and Neha Kakkar crooning the remake. The duo stand out for their unique voices and their tone has an infectious energy that lights up the song.

The composer does well to use the punchline from the original. There is no Kavita Krishnamurthy in the remake, but that is not such a bad thing, for the original wasn’t really one of the best works of the acclaimed singer.

Lyricist Shabbir Ahmed hasn’t tinkered with the original lyrics but has just changed a few words here and there.

The real appeal of the reprise lies in its music and the visuals. Sara Ali Khan and Ranveer Singh look great as a pair on screen. And the carefree freestyle choreography takes your breath away. Sara Ali Khan lags behind in energy, but then how many can match 'Bumble Bee' Ranveer Singh?

The choreography of the remake is far better than that of the original. There was an element of stalking attached to the original, but Shetty and his choreographer have done away with it, and rightly so, in the remake.

While the presence of Arshad Warsi in the new song is justified, you do wonder what Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Kemmu add to it. The presence of the Golmaal gang is one drawback, but this remake is sure to draw plenty of whistles.

Simmba is set to be released on 28 December. Watch the 'Aankh Marey' song from the film and the original song below: