Wednesday 30 October 2013

Rummy Music Review

Movie: Rummy

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi,Gayathri,Iniko Prabhakar,Aishwarya

Director: K.Balakrishnan

Music Director: D.Imman

 

K.Balakrishnan is debuting with this movie which has Vijay Sethupathi in the lead and Gayathri paired opposite him. D.Imman has composed music and lyrics are written by Yugabharathi.

1.Koodamela Koodavechi-V.V.Prasanna,Vandana Srinivasan

The very first track of the album instantly hooks you on. It is a simple and sweet melody with pleasant rustic touches. V.V.Prasanna quips in few lines that shows his versatility in singing. The honey dipped voice of Vandana Srinivasan is the one thing that is irresistible in this track. It is one of the finest melodies that has come out in recent times. A chartbuster duet!!!

2.Adiye Enna Raagam-Abhay Jodhpurkar,Poornima Sathish

As the title of the song suggests, it overflows with my favourite raaga Keeravani. It is yet another mesmerising melody and you get the feel of listening to one of Ilaiyaraja's classics based on Keeravani raaga. More than the background music, the vocals play a major role in this breezy song. Abhay Jodhpurkar joins the bandwagon of melody singers with his sugar-filled voice and Poornima Sathish's aalaaps in the prelude and interlude are simply superb!!

3.Oru Nodi-D.Imman,Divya Ramani

Wow!! Yet another melody. Imman's raw composition is catchy and romantic right from the beginning. His approach is so simple that the entire number ends up as a Maestro's work. Imman himself renders this song which makes it more appealing while Divya Ramani's rustic voice is excellent, especially when she reaches the high pitch. The beautiful shehnai sounds throughout the song is pleasant to the ears.

4.Yethukaaga Enna Neeyum-Santhosh Hariharan,A.V.Pooja

Well, I think Imman doesn't get fed up with creating lovable melodies. Based on Malayamarutha raaga, this number is the one which paints the entire album to completion. The foot tapping beats go in a rhythmic pace making this number even more interesting. Imman uses his creativity to the core by using guitar and violin alternatively for the interludes. Super Singer contestants Santhosh and Pooja are splendid in crooning this sweet melody.

5.Yethukaaga Enna Neeyum(Instrumental)

This is the violin version of the previous song, played to perfection by violinist Karthik Iyer. It just as marvellous as the original piece!!

Verdict:

This soundtrack is definitely Imman's masterpiece as he has let himself free while composing such lovable melodies. Go, grab this album and you will not regret for it!!!

Rating: ****

Picks:

Koodamela Koodavechi,Adiye Enna Raagam,Yethukaaga Enna Neeyum


Tuesday 29 October 2013

Endrendrum Punnagai Music Review

Movie: Endrendrum Punnagai

Cast: Jiiva,Vinay,Santhanam,Trisha,Andrea

Director: Ahmed

Music Director: Harris Jayaraj


Ahmed, director of Vaamanan is coming up with his new movie Endrendrum Punnagai which has big names like Jiiva and Trisha. Harris Jayaraj has composed music for this urban youth movie.
 

1.Yele Yele Dosthu-Krish,Krishna Iyer,Naresh Iyer

It is a typical friendship song. The tune is just similar to Vinnaithaandi anbe from Irandam Ulagam. Even the orchestration and the beats are same as the previous song. So you get to hear a version two of the former song. Though the track is foot tapping and gives a pumped up youthy feeling, it isn't a good start to the album.

2.Ennai Saaithaale-Hariharan,Shreya Ghoshal

It is a soft and breezy romantic duet that has Harris' stamp over it. The first line of the song has touches of Rahman's compositions. But the comparison stops there. The song moves in its own unique style. The use of saxophone in the interlude shows Harris' trademark. Hariharan is excellent as usual and Shreya Ghoshal complements him well. But this track doesnt match up to Harris Jayaraj's previous duets.

3.Kadal Naan Thaan-Suzanne D'Mello,Sudha Ragunathan,MK Balaji

This number is the highlight of the album. Right from the flute prelude in the beginning till the end, it keeps you in a state of trance. The slow bass beats and mystical tune makes this song a runaway hit. With her marshmallow voice, Suzanne rocks in the first stanza of the song while Sudha Ragunathan comes as a surprise as it is not a song meant for her voice. Overall, a different composition by Harris!!!

4.Vaan Engum-Aalaap Raju,Devan Ekambaram,Harini,Pravin Saivi

Harris has come up with a peppy number with a catchy tune. While the song gives a pleasant feeling, the beats are similar to Manjal Veiyil Maalai from Vetaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu. Aalaap Raju is good in delivering his lines while Harini provides the classical touches. Overall, this track sparkles only in bits and pieces. It gives you a deja vu feeling which is quiet common in Harris' songs.

5.Othaiyile-Abhay Jodhpurkar,Tippu,Bhargavi

This is an extension of Nalla Nanban from Nanban. Based on the same mood, Harris composes yet another song on friendship. The slow qawwali beats provides a whip of fresh air in this otherwise average tune. Lyrics by Kabilan are impressive. But the song falls short of expectations. The singers Abhay Jodhpurkar and Tippu are the only saving factors of this track.

6.Ennatha Solla-Karthik,Haricharan,Ramesh Vinayagam,Velmurugan

A digitalized soft folk that speaks about the dangers of falling in love and marriage. Harris has tried his hand at composing a different number but he fails miserably. The song struggles between different genres and ends up as a unimpressive one. The singers also have found difficult to croon this number as it hasn't got a proper construction. This particular song can be given a miss!!

Verdict:

Harris Jayaraj should think out of  the box and should stop giving old wine in a new bottle. There was a lot of expectations after the album of Irandam Ulagam but Harris fails to deliver his usual chartbusters.

Rating: **1/2

Picks:

Ennai Saaithaale,Kadal Naan Thaan,Vaan Engum

Sunday 27 October 2013

Ram-Leela Music Review

Movie: Ram-Leela

Cast: Ranveer Singh,Deepika Padukone

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Music Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

  
"Ram-Leela" is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's another love epic, an Indian adaptation of Romeo-Juliet. Music for the movie has also been composed by the director who had previously composed for his 2010 movie "Guzaarish". Lets see whether he has done justice to his songs.

1.Ang Laga De Re-Aditi Paul,Shail Hada

A sensuous track which flows with love, love and more love. This haunting melody instantly hooks on to on the very first listen. With the spiritual chorus in the "Ram ratan man.." line, the song entirely jumps into the romantic world. Indial Idol contestant Aditi Paul renders the number beautifully in her own unique way and Shail Hada's humming in the interlude is excellent. A magical track, not to be missed!!!

2.Dhoop Se-Shreya Ghoshal

It is a slow solo number that has a rather low tempo and a good stock tune. This track holds similarity to many of the evergreen melodies of Lata Mangeshkar. The heroine here is our nightingale Shreya Ghoshal who croons this beautiful love song amazingly. Though it is a short number, it stays with you for a long time.

3.Ishqyaun Dhishqyaun-Aditya Narayanan

This track is entirely filled with fun and frolic. With the repetitive digitalized flute interludes and funny words like "Ishqyaun Dhisqyaun..", this number is purely enjoyable. But it has an average tune construction and the length of the track also tests our patience. Aditya Narayanan sounds much like his father Udit Narayanan in many places. Nevertheless, his voice suits best for this number.

4.Laal Ishq-Arjit Singh

"Wow" is the only word that comes to mind as you listen to this song. Based on Sufi music, this track is entirely spiritual and divine. A contemporary composition that sways between many classical genres. The sound of temple bells and the heavenly chants "Laal Ishq.." makes this number entirely situational. It is refreshing to hear Arjit Singh (Tum hi ho) in his Hindustani avatar. His voice mesmerizes the listener. This track would surely appeal to classical music lovers.

5.Lahu Munh Lag Gaya-Shail Hada

This song incorporates all the Gujarati elements and goes into a love mode with folk as its base. The instruments used in this track stand out and deserves a special applause. This number reminds us of Aankhon ki Gustakhiyan track from HDDCS. With beautiful poetic lyrics and some good singing by Shail Hada, this track is yet another situational one that might appeal to only a particular group of listeners.

6.Mor Bani Thanghat Kare-Osman Mir,Aditi Paul

It is a traditional Gujarati track that has an addictive tune. It is constructed and arranged in a good rhythmic pace. This number would become popular once the visuals are out. Sufi singer Osman Mir yields the megaphone with ease and Aditi Paul has nothing much to do here. The lyrics "Mor Bani Thanghat Kare..." by Rabindranath Tagore has been used here well by Siddharth-Garima. Overall, a passable number.

7.Nagada Sang Dhol Baje-Shreya Ghoshal,Osman Mir

Here comes the chartbuster of the album. This highly energetic Garba number gets you onto the dance floor. The Dhol beats are simply irresistible and makes you go crazy as the song progresses. It is almost like a sequel to the Dholi Taro Dhol Baje number from HDDCS. No one could have done justice to this song other than Shreya Ghoshal. She is high on energy and adds spice to the track. An exhilirating song that drives you all the way to Gujarat!!!

8.Poore Chand-Shail Hada

Remember Chand Chupa Badal Mein from HDDCS? Well, I think Bhansali has not got over his addiction for songs that contain Chand(Moon). This track is a soulful romantic number that has a few memorable lines. Sung passionately by Shail Hada, this one captures the listener and leaves you wanting for more. A good number!!!

9.Ram Chahe Leela-Bhoomi Trivedi

This track kick starts with peppy beats and has high Gujarati influence. It is a fierce track that might appear at an important point in the movie. With Priyanka Chopra making a special appreance in this number, it is sure to rock the charts for a long time. Bhoomi Trivedi, another Indian Idol contestant debuts with this song and she is simply awesome in delivering this song. Another chartbuster!!!

10.Tattad Tattad-Aditya Narayanan

This one is a masti number. It is entirely entertaining and the catchy,repetitive "Tattad tattad.." brings a smile on your lips. Aditya Narayanan comes again with a track that his suitable for his voice. This song has already been promoted with a lot of promos and is already a chartbuster. Need to say more???

Verdict:

Though it has the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hangover, it has its unique way of representing the songs. With a mix of folk, romantic and classical numbers, this album would surely find a place in 100 best soundtracks to listen. It is soulful and refreshing to hear good music being created in a generation where commercial songs are in vogue. A musically rich album, go for it!!! Kudos to Sanjay Leela Bhansali!!!  

Rating: ****

Picks:

Ang Laga De,Laal Ishq,Lahu Mun Lag Gaya,Nagada Sang Dhol Baje,Poore Chand,Ram Chahe Leela




Thursday 24 October 2013

All In All Azhagu Raja Music Review

Movie: All In All Azhagu Raja

Cast: Karthi,Kajal Aggarwal

Director: Rajesh

Music Director: S.S.Thaman


"All In All Azhagu Raja" is director Rajesh's fourth outing after his succesful movies like "Siva Manasula Sakthi", "Boss Engira Baskaran" & "Oru Kal Oru Kannadi". Having teamed up with Yuvan Shankar Raja for the first two movies, he roped in Harris Jayaraj for OKOK. Now he has joined hands with S.S.Thaman. Lets see how the songs have come up.

1.All In All-Suchith Suresan,Senthil Das,Sam P.Keerthan,Belly Raj

The track opens with an energetic chorus and moves into the foot tapping mode. The entire song is sung by a group of singers as a chorus. The lyrics are funny and the advertisement sound in the interlude peps up the number. Though its just like any other hero introduction song, it gives a mass start to the album.

2.Yaarukum Sollama-Rahul Nambiar

It is a light hearted song with a simple melody flowing throughout. The slight folksy beats, the swaram aalaap and the female chorus are added advantages in this beautiful number. The repetitive "Chellam...chellam" is pleasant to the ears. Rahul Nambiar has done a great job in crooning this song. Overall, this one is not to be missed and it is the highlight of the album.

3.Unna Paartha Neram-Vijay Yesudhas,Srivardhini

As you begin listening to this track, you will get rewinded back to the 80s. You get an ethereal feeling of listening to a modernised Ilaiyaraja classic. This track comes as a whip of fresh air in Kollywood music after a long time. The honey dipped lyrics are worth mentioning. Vijay Yesudhas is the perfect choice for this number and Srivardhini gels well along with him. Hope Thaman could have eliminated the modern chorus in the prelude and interlude as it diminishes the evergreen beauty of the song.

4.Ore oru-Javed Ali

This number begins with an angelic Church choir and you would feel that it might be a spiritual song. But once the "Mangalyam" line starts you are in for a surprise. It turns out to be a youthy romantic number with a slight folk touch. Javed Ali renders this short number with elan. However this song gives you the already heard feeling.

5.Yamma Yamma-Sooraj Santhosh,Shreya Ghoshal

It is a typical fast paced number that has Thaman stamp on it. It is a highly adrenalin pumping song which is quite common nowadays. Sooraj Santhosh does his part well while Shreya Ghoshal's talent has been wasted. Though it ends the album with a happy note, it can be given a miss.

Verdict:

Barring a couple of songs which Thaman has composed out of his comfort zone, the other tracks are just passable and normally you would find such songs in Rajesh's movies.

Rating: ***

Picks:

Unna Paartha Neram,Yaarukum Sollama

below post