"Ghungroo" (transl. Dancing Bells) is an Indian Hindi-language song, composed by the duo Vishal-Shekhar (Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani), with lyrics written by Kumaar and recorded by Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao for the soundtrack album of the 2019 Indian film War. It was released on 5 September 2019 as the first single from the album, through YRF Music.
The song was also released in Tamil as "Salangaigal" and in Telugu as "Gunde Lo Thootlu Pade". The hook step dance involving Hrithik Roshan became popular. The song amassed over 440 million views on YouTube.[1]
Composition
"Ghungroo" was composed by the duo Vishal-Shekhar. The song was recorded by Abhay Rumde, mixed by Vijay Dayal and mastered by Donal Whelan. The song is arranged and programmed by Abhijit Nalani. Guitars were performed by Warren Mendonsa.[1]
Music video was choreographed by the duo Bosco–Caesar and Tushar Kalia.[3] Music video features Hrithik Roshan and Vaani Kapoor dancing for the single. It was shot on Positano beach in Italy and Amalfi Coast. The music video featured about 150 dancers from Milan.[4] The film crew reportedly had to shut down a portion of the Positano beach while filming.[5] The rehearsals for the song went up to three months.[6]
In an interview, Kalia said about rehearsals of Vaani Kapoor that "She got so many bruises, she fell so many times and it was bad. Physically, it was very challenging but she never gave up and she never skipped a single day of rehearsal. It is because of her dedication, commitment and hard work that the song has come out so well! I'm really proud of what she has done in the song. It's one of the most difficult songs I have ever choreographed. For the first time ever, an actress is attempting a routine that involves Cyr wheel and aerial rotating pole and both are very difficult routines to pull off even if you are a brilliant dancer."[6]
Reception
Bollywood Hungama wrote "both Hrithik and Vaani have proved their mantle with their swift dancing moves in their previous films, both have raised the bar really high in this foot-tapping dance number."[7]The Indian Express wrote "Though fans might miss Hrithik’s unbelievable dance moves here, Vaani surely adds some spark with her acrobatics."[8]India Today wrote "The video opens with a bikini-clad Vaani flaunting her hot bod, while Hrithik is seen watching her dance. Soon the Greek God joins the dancing diva and can be seen showing off his dance moves."[9]Firstpost wrote "'Ghungroo' sees Hrithik's Kabir and Vaani's character traipsing around a secluded island, often breaking into dance in between."[10]Zee News wrote "The dashing 'Greek God' will make you go gaga over him while the gorgeous diva is all set to win hearts".[11]Hindustan Times wrote "Hrithik Roshan, Vaani Kapoor turn up the heat in this beachy, sunny number".[3]
Impact
The song received positive reception from audiences, praising the music and choreography. The hook step, performed by Roshan, went viral on social media.[12][13] Roshan recreated the viral portion of the dance in the film's promotions.[14]Tiger Shroff recreated the hook step.[15]Nithiin and Rashmika Mandanna too recreated the step.[16]Ananya Panday danced the step.[17]Sanya Malhotra grooved the song.[18]