O Kadhal Kanmani Music Review

Movie: O Kadhal Kanmani

Cast: Dulquer Salman,Nithya Menen

Director: Mani Ratnam

Music director: A.R.Rahman

1.Kaara Attakkaara-Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam,Darshana,Shashaa Tirupathi

The most anticipated album begins with a breezy track in the beautiful voices of Shashaa Tirupathi and Darshana. The number has already been the talk of the town since the teaser's release. The entire song is embellished with some brilliant beats and ecstatic rap portion that is catchy. The dialogue whisper and the occasional lead guitar background provides a whiff of freshness all over. Rahman makes his presence felt right from this opening track!

2.Aye Sinamika-Karthik

What you first notice about this beautiful melodious number is its recurrent guitar strums and the modulated flute tones. Though the number has less lyrics and more music, it manages to strike a chord with the listeners with its orchestration and the backing chorus. Karthik sounds like a love-struck guy and renders the number with elan. On the whole, this lilting melody makes for a sunny listen.

3.Paranthu Sella Vaa-Karthik,Shashaa Tirupathi

Awww!!! The most passionate track of the album is here. Shashaa begins the song with her honey-dipping voice and the number turns even more seductive with Karthik complementing her. The reggae type beats, the occasional humming and the repetitive 'just like that' proves Rahman's funkiness. His attempt to indulge some Carnatic gamakas in Shashaa's part has worked out exceedingly well. You would really want to fly after listening to this breezy track!

4.Mental Manadhil (Male)-A.R.Rahman,Jonita Gandhi

This number is already a chartbuster and now its going to gain even more popularity with the album's release. The easygoing mood of the number with Rahman's carefree singing and Jonita Gandhi's humming makes it for a good listen when you are stressed out with work or if you are out on a long drive. Surely this Mental Manadhil will turn you into a crazy one for many days to come!

5.Naane Varugiren-Shashaa Tirupathi,Sathya Prakash

I was wondering why Carnatic fusion numbers don't receive much popularity as the other numbers nowadays. But this one number is going to prove it wrong. Right from the beginning, this fusion is one heavenly experience and you would find it difficult to come back from the trance. Only Rahman can do such a magic, involving mild Mridangam beats, rhythm change and violin section in the interludes and Shashaa's exhilarating classical rendition. Sathya Prakash scores a perfect ten with his voice and his part reminds of 'Netru mun iravil' section from Snehidhane number.

6.Theera Ulaa-A.R.Rahman,Darshana,Nikita Gandhi

A trendy and youthful number that surely would form as the theme of the movie. The tranquil beats pull the listeners completely into the track. The Carnatic portion by Darshana is the highlight of the entire number. Another awesome fusion of classical section and western instruments. Perfect!

7.Mental Manadhil (Female)-Jonita Gandhi

Now is the time for the girls to have all the fun and turn crazy. Much like the male version, this one has all the elements of peppiness and global feel. Jonita Gandhi's sweet rendition is what differentiates this track from its male counterpart. This version provides a layer of classical dimensional in terms of rendition. Another winner!

8.Malargal Kaettaen-Chithra,A.R.Rahman

Its time to lay back and travel to a  complete Carnatic environment. Let's call this as Rahman's masterpiece in the entire soundtrack. It is so amazing with Chithra's evergreen voice, vintage flute that was prevalent in Rahman's 90s compositions and the recurring Tambura in the background. Vairamuthu's lyrics are inspired from the Sangam era and its refreshing to listen to such lines in this generation. Special mention to Rahman's complete Carnatic attempt towards the end and the swara jathis in the between. Bliss!

9.Maula Wa Sallim-A.R.Ameen

Yes, you read it right! Its A.R.Ameen, none other than the Isaipuyal's own son. He stays true to the line 'Like father, like son'. Just hook on to this number and get drenched in a three minute spiritual rain with the poetic Arabic verses.

Verdict:

Get ready to experience another Alaipayuthey with this amazing, wonderful, musically rich and fantastic A.R.Rahman album. Mani-ARR combo is one such that is true to stay as a gem for many years to come.

Rating: *****

Picks:

I cannot choose. All the tracks are my picks!