Total Dhamaal song: Sonakshi Sinha is no Helen, but 'Mungda' remake works the retro vibe

Sonakshi Sinha has some big shoes to fill as she steps in to perform in the upgraded version of the iconic 'Mungda' track from Inkaar (1977) for Total Dhamaal.

Composed by Gourov-Roshin, the song is a faster-paced, EDM-beat-heavy version of the Rajesh Roshan track that defined Helen in the 1970s.

Considering that Total Dhamaal itself is the third film in the Dhamaal series, recreating an original song is understandable.

Sung by Jyotica Tangri, the song features Sonakshi Sinha as the central lead, dancing in a flashy pub. In her shimmering gold dress, Sinha captures some element of the glamour that defined Helen but misses out on the simple mischievousness. Where Helen was irresistible due to her easy charm, Sinha betrays the effort that goes into appearing glamorous. 

The song's composition strays from the original style of Rajesh Roshan's earthy, basic rhythm. Roshan stuck to the use of the glassware and tabla-dholak combination to provide the feel of a desi bar, but Gourov-Roshin have gone in heavy with EDM beats and percussion to build the rhythm.

In that, they give it a faster pace and style that suits the contemporary setting of the song. Despite the additional lyrics by Kunwar Juneja, it is the original lavani portion that still retains its magic. 

The new 'Mungda' does have a groove to it. Perhaps it is the nostalgia factor, but the original rhythm combined with the new beats makes for an interesting combination. 

Jyotica Tangri puts in a good attempt to replicate Usha Mangeshkar's magic. Shaan is wasted trying a fast-paced English rap in the middle portion, while Shubhro Ganguly hardly has a verse to his name towards the end, as Ajay Devgn makes a special entry in the song. 

The choreography is pretty ordinary, with little to add in terms of style or synchronization. Understandably, the music remains the hero of the song. 

40 years of Inkaar: How Usha Mangeshkar helped Majrooh Sultanpuri on the song ‘Mungada’ 

The original song, sung by Usha Mangeshkar, was composed by Rajesh Roshan and written by lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri for the film Inkaar (1977). While the film did not set the box office on fire, the song went on to become one of the biggest hits of the decade. It also remains one of Helen's most iconic numbers on screen. 

Total Dhamaal is directed by Indra Kumar and set for release in theatres on 22 February. 

Watch the new and the original versions of 'Mungda' below: