Death and taxes were always certain. Over time, T-Series remaking an old song has joined this special list.
The latest is Jasbir Jassi's 'Koka', which finds itself updated to fit Sonakshi Sinha's upcoming Khandaani Shafakhana (2019). Tanishk Bagchi takes up the task of updating the composition, while Jasbir Jassi joins Badshah and Dhvani Bhanushali on the track.
The latest version is definitely a party number with Sonakshi Sinha playing the effervescent Baby Bedi, with Badshah and Varun Sharma making an appearance as they join her on the dance floor. While the choreography is no great shakes, it is none too bad either.
T-Series even uses the song to add a call to action to its already growing subscriber base. As Varun Sharma imitates Amin Sayani to ask people to subscribe to the channel, one does pity PewDiePie for the mess he has got himself into.
The composition is another matter. Bagchi seems to have hit upon the right formula to upgrade the pace, beat and rhythm of old songs without losing the inherent nostalgia. The composition moves with an impressive pace and has a hypnotic appeal. The song is definitely a foot-tapping party number.
Where the old song had a more natural Punjabi flavour and some cringy early 2000s pop visuals, this version is jazzy, stylized and hip to suit the current generation.
Dhvani Bhanushali and Jasbir Jassi pair up well to make this one to remember. Badshah steps in with his typical attitude to deliver a rap verse through the middle, as is the formality these days. But what stays with you is Jasbir Jassi's now signature 'Koka'.
Khandaani Shafakhana is directed by Shilpi Dasgupta and is set to be released on 2 August. Watch the new version and Jassi's original from 2002 below.