Still grooving to Tere Naal Nachna from Dhurandhar or vibing with Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan from the first part? Or did you go back to Hawa Hawa after watching Sanjay Dutt’s entry in Dhurandhar?
With Ranveer Singh front and centre, Dhurandhar: The Revenge takes that nostalgia a step further. The sequel’s new album revisits popular Bollywood songs and gives them a fresh spin with EDM and hip-hop beats, creating a sound that feels both familiar and new for today’s audience.
Vintage songs, new-age action
The Dhurandhar films have brought back the art of remix in mainstream cinema in a subtle yet effective way. Instead of simply recreating old hits, the makers have chosen to blend nostalgia with modern production styles such as EDM and hip-hop, giving familiar songs a fresh appeal for today’s audience.
In Dhurandhar 2, this idea goes a step further. Songs that were once associated with romance or dance are now placed in action-heavy moments.
This shift changes how audiences experience these tracks. A love song is no longer just about emotions – it now adds aggression. In an almost ironic way, they contrast the high-stakes scenes, amplifying the impact.
The result is also a soundtrack that feels familiar yet new, appealing to both older listeners and younger audiences who enjoy contemporary beats.
Vintage songs, new-age context
One of the standout tracks in Dhurandhar 2 is Tirchi Topiwale, originally a superhit dance number in Tridev (1989). The new version features Jasmine Sandlas and Afsana Khan with the original voices, Amit Kumar and Sapna Mukherjee, creating a fine blend of the classic and the contemporary. While the original was a lively dance number, the remix carries a sharper, more intense tone suited to the film’s narrative.
Similarly, Hum Pyaar Karne Wale from Dil (1990) gets a modern twist. The original song, composed by Anand-Milind and written by Sameer, was recorded in the voices of Anuradha Paudwal and Udit Narayan. In Dhurandhar 2, the old hit is remixed with the music of American rapper Qveen Herby and composition elements by Shashwat Sachdev. The outcome is a confluence of nineties melody with new-age hip-hop, set to define new-age human relationships.
Clearly, Aditya Dhar’s idea was to use nostalgia not just for recall value, but to build a layered soundscape.
Love songs add depth to grim drama
Dhar’s decision to use romantic tracks to define violence and gore in Dhurandhar 2 gives the film its unconventional edge.
With Baazigar O Baazigar, Dhurandhar 2 director Dhar and composer Shashwat Sachdev departed from the idea of remixing new sounds. Instead, they use Anu Malik’s original song, voiced by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, to set a mood. Ranveer Singh’s character Hamza is seen vibing to the beats of the song after a killing. Clearly, the Baazigar song underlines Hamza’s nature as a man who is a high-stakes player in life. The contrast between the soft, romantic song and the dark situation adds a unique spin.
Another example is Tamma Tamma Loge from Thanedaar (1989), which is used during an assassination scene involving SP Chaudhary Aslam (played by Sanjay Dutt). The placement gives the scene an unexpected vigour, before turning a familiar dance track into something more dramatic.
Even Bekasi, based on the original Kishore Kumar song Kabhi bekasi ne maara from the Rajesh Khanna film, Alag Alag, and Jaan Se Guzarte Hain, inspired by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s classic, are used to deepen the emotional and narrative layers — sometimes with EDM elements, sometimes left untouched.
Folk gets a spin in Dhurandhar 2 album
Beyond Bollywood classics, Dhurandhar 2 also taps into folk classics, the Bombay Rockers classic Aari Aari being an instance.
The song is rooted in Punjabi folk traditions and the updated song used in Dhurandhar 2 combines contemporary production with Punjabi influences. It features the voices of Navtej Singh Rehal (Bombay Rockers), Jasmine Sandlas, Sudhir Yaduvanshi and Khan Saab. The rap portions are written and performed by Reble and Token.
Aari Aari is a high-energy number that is used in a powerful action sequence where Ranveer Singh’s character Jaskirat takes centrestage. With its traditional phrases and modern arrangement, the track connects regional vibes with global music trends.
This combination of folk music, classic Bollywood songs, and modern beats highlights the filmmaker’s larger musical vision. It brings together different eras and styles in a simple, seamless way that connects with today’s audience.
Why the remix works today
The success of the Dhurandhar soundtrack lies in its understanding of today’s audience. Nostalgia remains a strong pull, but listeners also expect innovation. By contextualising old songs and pairing them with modern visuals and sound design, the film offers both comfort and freshness.
More importantly, the music is not just an add-on – it plays a role in storytelling. Whether its irony, tension, or emotional depth, each track serves a purpose.
In a time when remixes often face criticism for lacking originality, Dhurandhar: The Revenge shows that with the right approach, revisiting the past can still feel relevant.
