Every Punjabi is by now familiar with Navv Inder and Badshah's 'Wakhra Swag Ni'. Tanishk Bagchi has remade the song for Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao's Judgemental Hai Kya. Sung by Navv Inder and Lisa Sharma, the song also has a rap portion by Raja Kumari.
With Ranaut in the song, there would be no question of an absence of attitude. The actress is matched in high fashion and style by Rajkummar Rao, who seems to be enjoying the change of playing an alpha male. The actor gets his moves on with glares, and leather jackets to match Ranaut's warrior queen fashion. The video builds up the friction between their characters in the film, as annoying, bantering neighbours involved in a devious plot.
With its blinging style, and disco lighting, the visuals make for a hypnotic watch. It also includes a sly slap on the casting couch with Rao playing the villain getting beat up by the women he tries to cheat. The scene takes on a different shade with Ranaut's presence. The actress certainly carries off the sharp outfits with her unique style.
The song itself is built up as a constant to and fro between the two characters. While the original by Navv Inder was the man showing off his own sense of style, this one has Ranaut (voiced by Lisa Sharma) bringing her own swag to compete. Navv Inder's signature style of casual singing is note perfect, but it is Lisa Sharma who brings on the fire along with Raja Kumari. While Sharma's vocals match up to the pace and pitch of Navv Inder, it is Raja Kumari's rap that truly brings the swag to life. Her control and content is quite good and fun to listen.
The song itself is a good update of the original by Navv Inder and Badshah. Bagchi has sped up the beats, but retained the hypnotic rhythm of the original. This makes for a good listen, but the original has its advantage because of its novelty.
Judgemental Hai Kya is directed by Prakash Kovelamudi, and is set to be released on 26 July.
Watch the original song here: