Sanjay Leela Bhansali is leaving no stone unturned in launching the newcomers, Meezaan Jaaferi, son of actor Jaaved, and Sharmin Segal, his niece. The producer took up the reins of the music for their upcoming film, Malaal (2019). The song 'Udhal Ho' twists a Maharashtrian celebration into a romantic confession for the leads.
Since the song is set amongst the residents of a chawl in Mumbai, it was inevitable for the Ganesh festival to feature in the film. The song opens to the backdrop of the festival being celebrated, as the residents gather to dance and sing.
Meezaan's character leads the celebrations, only to have his jaw drop when Sharmin Segal arrives in traditional attire. Soon, the two are wooing each other through the song, while the rest of the crowd remains oblivious.
The song is set to a Maharashtrian style of composition, complete with the banjo setting the opening chords. While that works, the lyrics feel a little undercooked. Written by Prashant Ingole, they lack the charm to get you moving to the song's beats. While Bhansali does well to weave the traditional with nuanced pacier beats, the song fails to take off.
Adarsh Shinde does well to bring energy and vibrancy into the song. The singer has a good voice, and seems to capture the nuances of the Marathi interspersed into the lyrics well, making it feel a lot more authentic.
The visualisation of the song is another factor that fails a bit. Meezaan Jaaferi, while enthusiastic, seems to lack the grace and movement of Bhansali's earlier finds. The actor reminds us of a young disheveled Jackie Shroff, who was no great mover either.
Sharmin Segal has more charm in terms of expression. However, both leads feel a little raw in terms of their presence in front of the camera, lacking in chemistry. It remains to be seen how that is solved through the story.
Malaal, directed by Mangesh Hadawale, is set to release in theatres on 5 July 2019.