Romeo Juliet Music Review

Movie: Romeo Juliet

Cast: Jayam Ravi,Hansika Motwani,Poonam Bajwa

Director: Lakshmanan

Music director: D.Imman

1.Dandanakka-Anirudh Ravichander

This is what we call a bombastic beginning for a youthful soundtrack. This upbeat number is a perfect fusion of theru kuthu beats and house-mix rhythms. Anirudh's playful voice and the addictive 'dandanakka' score a few brownie points for this song. Lyrics by Rokesh are simply suited for the Roadside Romeos. The occasional gimmicks in between the song makes one laugh. An easygoing number!

2.Thoovaanam-Vishal Dadlani,Sunitha Sarathy

Beginning with lilting guitar strums and piccolo, Bollywood's sensation Vishal Dadlani takes over with his coarse voice, taking perfect care of the highs and lows in the tune. A beautiful melody that will instantly grow on you after a few listens. One would take time to recognize that this wonderful number is from Imman. Sunitha Sarathy's humming in the second interlude provides an effervescent touch to the song. Soul-stirring!

3.Idarkuthaane Aasaipattai-Vaikom Vijayalakshmi

Innovation is displayed at its best in this funny number. Jazz beats are well blended with dulcet trumpet that plays in between the lines. The string section in the interludes sound like a happy jingle and the rhythm change towards the end is mindblowing. Vaikom Vijayalakshmi manages to attract the listeners with her unadulterated voice and carefree singing. Interesting track!

4.Romeo Romeo-Vishal Dadlani,Hyde Karty

Vishal Dadlani yields the megaphone once again for this uber-cool stylish number. This party track is sure to hit the dance floors soon. The fusion of rap and sitar in the interlude is a different thinking by Imman. The Spanish flavored beats and the chorus also help the party number to rock. Jayam Ravi is sure to scorch the screens with this energetic song.

5.Arakki-Anthony Dasan

Finally there comes a number that demeans girls (thank god, there is a line in the song which tells that the guy scolds only the girl who left him and not all the girls). A soft kuthu number that is on the lines of many such songs nowadays. The interludes are loaded with digitalized sounds which makes this number too a fusion of sorts. Anthony Dasan is the perfect find for this song.

6.Thoovaanam (Reprise)-Sunitha Sarathy

Awwww what a beautiful number! The reprise version of the original oozes with more melody. The mild piano notes, the unplugged feel and the laidback rhythm make it for a perfect passionate night listen. Sunitha Sarathy's vocals are sure to enchant the listeners. Mesmerizing!

Verdict:

Despite being popular for his rural soundtracks, D.Imman brings out an amazing urban album which proves his versatility. He engages innovative tunes which are peppy as well as pleasing.

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Dandanakka,Thoovaanam,Idarkuthaane Aasaipattai,Thoovaanam (Reprise)

Komban Music Review

Movie: Komban

Cast: Karthi,Lakshmi Menon

Director: Muthaiya

Music director: G.V.Prakash

1.Kambikara Vetti-Ananthu,V.M.Mahalingam

The album kickstarts with a lively folk number that perfectly blends with the theme of the movie. The nadaswaram in the interludes provide the eternal rustic feel of the song. The lyrics speak about the lead character of the movie and they are powerful. Though we have heard songs like this previously, coming from G.V.Prakash is something to look out for.

2.Appappa-G.V.Prakash,Shreya Ghoshal

G.V.Prakash moves on to compose a lilting rustic melody in his unique style. This number serves as a perfect love ballad for a serene walk in the village soil. G.V.Prakash's amorous rendition and Shreya Ghoshal's sweet voice complement each other very well. The interludes are filled with mellowed flute and ghatam sections which make this song an endearing one.

3.Karuppu Nerathazhagi-Velmurugan,Maalavika Sundar

Here comes the highlight of the album. The major attraction of this number is its upbeat rhythm laced with nadaswaram at a few places. The guitar strums and the persistent melody streak deserve a special applause in this impressive number. Velmurugan's energetic rendition is what makes this song a enjoyable one and Maalavika's humming in the interludes is the icing on the cake. Wonderful!

4.Mella Valanjadhu-Madhu Balakrishnan

It's refreshing to listen to Madhu Balakrishnan after a long time in this laidback melody. This number has G.V.Prakash's stamp all over it. The lyrics are emotional and the breezy beats are an added advantage. The violin in the second interlude is the highlight of this song. It has been a long time since we have listened to family numbers and this one serves as a chicken soup to the listener's soul!

5.A Celebration-Theme

The album arrives to its finale with this grand theme which paints festivity all over. What makes us to skip this theme is that it is nothing new and it's just an instrumental version of Kambikara Vetti.

Verdict:

After a few unimpressive urban soundtracks, G.V.Prakash comes up with a feel good rural album. A couple of songs take this soundtrack to a higher level.

Rating: ***

Picks:

Karuppu Nerathazhagi,Mella Valanjadhu

Top 10 Kollywood albums of 2014

Kollywood is currently brimming with innovative composers and the year 2014 was no exception. Let's take a look at some of finest albums of last year.

10.Velaiyilla Pattathari- Anirudh Ravichander

This album worked out well in terms of creativity (Amma Amma,Po Indru Neeyaga) as well as in terms of commercial appeal (Udhungada Sangu,What a Karavad). But compared to other albums of Anirudh, this one was two notches lower except for the couple of melodious songs.

9.Jeeva-D.Imman

Two songs in this album (Ovondrai Thirudugirai and Oruthi Mele) brought laurels to the entire soundtrack. Though the other songs were good, they went unnoticed due to the average performance of the film.

8.Kochadaiyaan-A.R.Rahman

Though the songs took time to grow on the listeners, it contained rich classically influenced numbers. Idhayam,Manapennin Sathiyam,Medhuvagathaan and Enge Pogudho Vaanam were evergreen gems delivered by the Mozart of Madras.

7.Kayal-D.Imman

Imman stated that the songs in this album will be listened during serene nights. True to his word, songs like Unna Ippo Paakanum,Yen Aala Paakaporen and Yengirundhu Vandhaayo served as beautiful melodies.

6.Kaththi-Anirudh Ravichander

Though commercial, the reason why this album made its way into this list was that I really enjoyed all the songs. Especially Aathi Enna Nee,Paalam and Yaar Petra Magano were instantly addictive.

5.Thegidi-Nivas Prasanna Krishnamoorthy

Debutante composer Nivas Prasanna Krishnamoorthy weaved magic with this awesome soundtrack. The romantic duet Vinmeen Vithaiyil is still a rage among youngsters and other songs like Yaar Ezhudhiyadho,Kangalai and Neeyum Dhinam were critically acclaimed.

4.Kaaviya Thalaivan-A.R.Rahman

Our Isaipuyal got to work on a fabulous soundtrack that contained some musically rich numbers like Aye Mr.Minor,Yaarumilla,Sandi Kuthirai,Vanga Makka Vanga and Sollividu Sollividu. The songs were classical and artistic.

3.Rummy-D.Imman

The album consisted of only 4 songs (Koodamela Koodavechi,Adiye Enna Raagam,Oru Nodi and Yethukaaga Enna Neeyum) and each one oozed with melody. This soundtrack is one such that will always remain in the playlist of the listeners.

2.Amara Kaaviyam-M.Ghibran

If you haven't listened to this album yet, you must. I swear that you will love the songs instantly. The reason why this soundtrack went underrated was the movie didn't perform well nor did it have proper promotions. But songs like Yedhedho Ennam Vandhu,Deva Devadhai,Mounam Pesum,Dhagam Theera and Saridhaana were widely appreciated by pure music lovers and critics.

1.Thirumanam Ennum Nikkah-M.Ghibran

I must say that Ghibran is the most innovative and experimental composer of recent times. But he doesn't receive the needed recognition due to his choice of films. Just give a listen to this album and I am sure that you will want to hit the repeat button again & again. The semi-classical Kannukul Pothivaipen, the beautiful melodious & addictive duet Enthaara Enthaara, the foot-tapping Rayile Ra, the perfect romantic Sufi song Chillendra Chillendra and the heartwarming Yaaro Ival are must listens if you want to dwell in the peacefulness of good music. Trust me, Ghibran is the next Rahman!

Top 10 Bollywood albums of 2014

Bollywood had some memorable albums in 2014. Multi composer soundtracks became a trend. But amidst the n number of albums, only a few stood out as gems. Here are the top ten albums of 2014:

10.Kick-Himesh Reshmaiyya

Himesh Reshmaiyya emerged as a winner with this top selling album in 2014. Though I felt it was run-of-the-mill kind, a couple of songs like Hangover and Tu Hi Tu were melodious and I liked them. Jumme Ki Raat was one of the rocking songs of the year.

9.Raja Natwarlal-Yuvan Shankar Raja

Tamil composer Yuvan Shankar Raja's debut Hindi soundtrack had his trademark stamp on it. Tere Hoke Rehengay ruled the charts for a long time while the Sufi track Kabhi Ruhani Kabhi Rumani was widely appreciated. The other songs were also chartbusters.

8.2 States-SEL

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy won the Best Music Director for this album in the 60th Filmfare Awards. This soundtrack was an enjoyable one as a complete album. My picks are Mast Magan,Chaandaniya,Locha-E-Ulfat and Offo.

7.Hasee Toh Phasee- Vishal-Shekar

Hasee Toh Phasee was a surprise album of the year. It was dominated by three scintillating melodies Zehnaseeb,Ishq Bulaava and Manchala. All of them went on to become chartbusters along with the popular Punjabi Wedding Song.

6.PK- Ajay-Atul,Shantanu Moitra,Ankit Tiwari

Multi composer soundtrack PK was one of the widely appreciated albums of 2014. The album consisted of gems like Chaar Kadam,Love Is Waste Of Time,Tharki Chokro and Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu.

5.Happy Ending- Sachin-Jigar

Critically acclaimed composers Sachin and Jigar created yet another beautiful album. Versatility is the word which can be used to describe this soundtrack. The scintillating numbers were Jaise Mera Tu,Khamma Gani and Mileya Mileya while the foot-tapping ones were Paaji Tussi Such A Pussy Cat and G Phaad Ke.

4.Haider-Vishal Bharadwaj

Though underrated, this soundtrack was for the ones who loved true unadulterated music. Some classic of this album were Aao Na,Bismil,Khul Kabhi,Ek Aur Bismi,Do Jahaan,Aaj Ke Naam and Jhelum. A very innovative soundtrack it was.

3.Queen-Amit Trivedi

Queen's soundtrack was one such that spelled liberation all over. Amit Trivedi is touted to be one of the exciting composers in Bollywood. And he completely proved it with this album. London Thumkda,Jugni,Harjaiyaan,Badra Bahaar and Taake Jhanke were all chartbusters.

2.Highway-A.R.Rahman

One of the finest works of Rahman till date. Each and every song in this album was addictive and haunting. They were also versatile. Be it the fast paced Patakha Guddi (both versions), the melodious Kahaan Hoon Main,Sooha Saaha and Heera, the spiritual Tu Kuja, the tranquil Maahi Ve  and the stylish Wanna Mash Up.

1.Ek Villain-Mithoon,Ankit Tiwari,Soch (Band)

Awari is the topmost favorite song of mine. It just pulls at my heartstrings every time I listen to it. It is composed by Pakistani band Soch. And also Banjaara,Galliyan (both versions),Zaroorat and Humdard are also scintillating and addictive. The perfect album of the year!

Uttama Villain Music Review

Movie: Uttama Villain

Cast: Kamal Hassan,Pooja Kumar,Andrea Jeremiah

Director: Ramesh Arvind

Music director: M.Ghibran

1.Loveaa Loveaa-Kamal Hassan,Sharanya Gopinath,Anitha Nivas

An energetic beginning to the most anticipated album of 2015. Ghibran experiments with various shades of genres in this fast paced romantic number. The 'loveaa loveaa' line is addictive and the blaring rhythm is perfectly woven into the song. The instruments in the interludes are coming of age. The contemporary style of the number makes it for repeated listens. Kamal Hassan brings out the emotions with his unique voice and Sharanya Gopinath spells magic with her modulation. Rocking start!

2.Kadhalaam Kadavul Mun-Padmalatha

Up next is a beautiful Hindustani classical number that will surely be liked by all true music lovers. The song sways in a passionate mood and Padmalatha (Ghibran's favorite) turns the number into a memorable classic. It might probably serve as a dance number in the 8th century section of the movie. Divine instruments used for the interludes and rhythm deliver a spiritual tone to the song. Highlight of the album!

3.Uttaman Introduction-Subhu Arumugam,Kamal Hassan

A traditional Villupaatu makes its way into the album. It is foot-tapping and magnificent all the way. Kamal Hassan's rendition and the supporting chorus are so perfect in this three minute number. Ghibran changes the rhythm of the song for a moment which is the icing on the cake. A perfect introduction for Uttaman!

4.Saagavaram-Kamal Hassan,Yazin Nizar,Ranjith Iyyappan,Ghibran

And finally there comes a tranquil number that sounds Rahmanish. Ghibran brings in his trademark beats and weaves a wonderful track. The sword clashes, chenda melam and the kombu instruments are engaged in this number which provides it a traditional feel. The lyrics speak about immortality and how it is sorrowful to human beings. A contemporary number!

5.Iraniyan Naadagam-Kamal Hassan,Rukmini Ashok Kumar

This song narrates the very familiar story of Hiranyakashipu. The template of the number is composed as a drama play and Kamal Hassan's narration of the story is energetic. It conveys the required emotion and the complementing female counterpart provides a soothing tone to the number. The chant 'Mrithyunjay Ho' is exquisite in the entire number. Though the song might be liked by a few, it is hard for the casual listeners to connect with it.

6.Mutharasan Kadhai-Yazin Nizar,Ranjith Iyyappan,Padmalatha

Yet another Villupaatu which narrates a different story. Ghibran composes this number with usual elements of a stage play and he plays with the exotic instruments of the bygone era. The fusion of western and traditional Indian music paints a beautiful picture in this number. The symphonic orchestration in the prelude is haunting and gives you goosebumps. A one stop bazaar for all kinds of music.

7.Uttaman Kadhai-M.S.Bhaskar,Yazin Nizar,Ranjith Iyyappan

The final story of Uttaman is a haunting composition laden with traditional instruments and spiritual chants. The Carnatic raga touches deserve a special applause. The entire mood of the song is enchanting and it's like listening to a Rahman's composition. But like the previous ones, this one too will take time to catch up with casual listeners.

8.Uttama Villain Theme-Instrumental

A perfect theme for the entire movie. The chorus and the chant of 'Mrithyunjay' and 'Uttama Villain' will linger for a long time in the minds of the listeners.

9.Guru & Sishya-Instrumental

A soothing lullaby-like theme that is perfectly blended with symphony and tender piano notes. Mindblowing!

10.Father & Daughter-Instrumental

This theme spells sorrow all over. It makes for a beautiful listen when one is sad. The awesome string section makes this theme a grand one.

11.Uttaman & Karpagavalli-Instrumental

This theme will probably be played during romantic scenes between the lead characters. A sweet and cute theme with lilting piano notes.

12.Father & Son-Instrumental

Beginning with mellowed piano notes, this theme works its way towards graciousness. One can melt in the melody of this theme. The female humming and the enthralling 'Mrithyunjay Ho' will prompt us to hit the repeat button.

13.Letter From & To Yamini-Instrumental

Ghibran proves his mettle as an innovative composer with this theme. The mild beats in the background makes it a perfect theme. The violin is the strongest point.

14.Dr.Arpana-Instrumental

The final theme is splendid despite having shades of the previous themes. A beautiful ending.

Verdict:

Uttama Villain is one such soundtrack that will remain as a cult classic among music lovers. Though it hasn't got any commercial numbers, Ghibran's hardwork has paid off very well. He is the next Rahman on the line!

Rating: ****

Picks:

Loveaa Loveaa,Kadhalaam Kadavul Mun,Uttaman Introduction,Saagavaram,Guru & Sishya,Father & Son