Pushpa - The Rise Music Review

Movie: Pushpa - The Rise

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Director: Sukumar

Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil

Daakko Daakko Meka kick starts the album with the right punch. With some upbeat tribal rhythm and energetic progression, this song reflects the spirit of the movie. Sivam and DSP's roaring rendition is tailor-made for the character Pushpa. However, the track loses steam mid-way. It could have been a short and crisp song. But some of us would surely hit the skip button to make way for the next number Srivalli. This song is a sweet rural romance number that hits the right notes. DSP indulges many instruments like the banjo, melodica, saarangi, and some chorus in the interludes and the background to elevate the pleasantness of the song. Sid Sriram is as usual mesmerizing. Chandrabose's lyrics of a man admiring the woman he loves are beautiful. An instant winner!

Next up is the hot and sensuous item number Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava that has already become a rage. With minimal instruments and interludes, the song focuses more on the female singer Indravathi Chauhan's silky voice. In terms of composition, there's not much to boast about as it contains the same tune for the five quatrains. The song has become a sensation just for the bold and smashing lyrics by Chandrabose and for Indravathi's lascivious rendition. Samantha is sure to scorch the screens with her moves in this song. Saami Saami is another highly danceable number that focuses on the woman's love for her man. With energetic beats, the song is sure to give a boost to your lazy mornings. Mounika Yadav's powerful voice would stay with you for a long time. Though the song reminds us of Rangamma Mangamma from Rangasthalam, it possesses a uniqueness that's unmatchable. Rashmika's hook step is already trending, so this song would surely set the screen on fire!

The last track of the album is Eyy Bidda Idhi Naa Adda. Yet another upbeat number with a bland tune and a monotonous progression. DSP's composition has no catchy factors, it would cater only to C-grade listeners. Even Nakash Aziz's rendition cannot save the song from becoming a damp squib.

Verdict: It's no wonder that Pushpa - The Rise is a commercial movie. So, the songs are also commercial and cater to a mass audience. Devi Sri Prasad is the perfect composer for such instant chartbusters.

Rating: 3/5

Picks: Srivalli, Saami Saami, Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava

Listen to the album here:

Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal Music Review

Movie: Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal

Music: Radhan

Director: Vishal Venkat

Cast: Ashok Selvan, Nasser, Riythvika, Reyaa, Manikandan

Vizhi Pesum opens the album on a warm note. It is a breezy romantic duet that's perfect for montage sequences between the lead pair. It is so good to hear Chinmayi sing in her nightingale voice. Her vocals have been rendered the double effect which is quite beautiful. Haricharan's rendition feels like honey to the ears. The interludes and background are replete with guitar strums, subtle piano notes, ukulele, and flute. Next up is the philosophical Yaar Vazhiyil in the voice of Dhanush. The song is reminiscent of Ulaginil Miga Uyaram from Naan. Radhan uses minimal instruments making it a simple yet thought-provoking song. Read our full song review here.

Un Pirivu begins with a lilting piano section. The song is a moving heartbreak number with RJ Vijay's poignant lyrics. Sooraj Santosh emotes well with his classy rendition. The string section in the interlude is radiantly arranged. Short, yet sweet! 

The last song in the album is Unakkaagave, a feel-good song that oozes warmth all over. Sathyaprakash is always a delight to listen to. Maathevan's lyrics effuse positivity and would make you feel good about yourself. The interlude is peppered with scintillating piano and veena along with some amazing string progression. And the specialty of the number is the long outro towards the end of the song. The last time we heard such a long outro was in Rehna Tu. This outro is dotted with mesmerizing swarajathis and humming.

Verdict: Radhan belts out such a soulful album that you'd want to listen to it repeatedly. The album has an old-school charm that can induce nostalgia in you.

Rating: 5/5

Picks: The whole album! 

Listen to the album here:

DMB Picks - Weekly Earworms 06.12.2021 to 12.12.2021

1. Rait Zara Si - Atrangi Re

This song is ambrosia to all Rahmaniacs. It encompasses his 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s avatar. No wonder he is a musical maelstrom. Listening to this number is pure bliss and we have added it as our number one addictive song of this week.

2. Toofan Si Kudi - Atrangi Re

We couldn't stop listening to this one. With Flamenco gypsy music throughout, this danceable song is a must-listen if you're looking for morning energy boosters.

3. Kaathodu Kaathanen - Jail

With the album and movie's release, this mellifluous song is on repeat mode. Dhanush and Aditi Rao sing as if they have been hypnotized.

4. Mother Song - Valimai

This number is a sure tear-jerker. What with Sid Sriram's honey-dipping voice, this mother-sentiment melody is a song that we all could die listening to. Read our full song review here.

5. Naa Kosam - Bangarraju

Anup Rubens is known for his feel-good songs. Especially, his romantic numbers spread a different kind of warmth. This song is the newest gem to come out of his den. Sid Sriram sounds like a lovestruck guy when he croons to Balaji's heartwarming lines. 

6. Soch Liya - Radhe Shyam

This number hits hard. It is one of the best heartbreak songs to come out in recent times. Mithoon-Arijit is a deadly combo and we cannot tell anything more. Read our full song review here.

7. Tere Rang - Atrangi Re

Yet another masterpiece from Isaipuyal A.R. Rahman. Hindustani is at its best in this number. If you are looking for a song to perform classical dance, look no further than this one.

Listen to the full playlist here:

Yaar Vazhiyil - Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal Single Review

Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal is an upcoming Tamil film directed by Naveena Saraswathi Sabadham fame Vishal Venkat. The movie has an ensemble cast - Ashok Selvan, Nasser, Riythvikaa, Abi Hassan, Reyaa, Manikandan, Anupama Kumar, Anju Kurian, and more. Produced by Trident Arts, the movie has music by Radhan, who has composed music for popular movies like Andala Rakshasi, Arjun Reddy, and Adithya Varma.

Yaar Vazhiyil starts with a mellowed rhythm that veers into the soul-searching mode with Dhanush's rendition. The song sounds more or less like an Ilaiyaraaja number. Radhan weaves a heartrending tune that is tailor-made for a singer like Dhanush. The ebullient female chorus 'Idhuvum kadandhu pogum...' gives the song a magical touch. 

Snehan's lyrics are so poignant that you will be quoting the lines long after listening to the song. Once in a while, such tracks are needed to slow down the pace of our hurried lives and make us look into ourselves.

Listen to the song here:

Soch Liya - Radhe Shyam (Hindi) Single Review

The makers of Radhe Shyam are having a ball by dropping one single after another. Since the Hindi version has a separate soundtrack, the anticipation has doubled. The first single, Aashiqui Aa Gayi, is already trending and is the most streamed Hindi song across all music streaming platforms. On December 6th, the makers released a teaser of the second single, Soch Liya, which captured many hearts. The full song was released yesterday. 

The subtle piano notes in the prelude set the somber mood of the song. Arijit Singh's voice is moving that sadness drips from every line crooned by him. The ballroom-kinda rhythm complements well with the melting tune. In fact, this number sounds way better than Aashiqui Aa Gayi. There's some kind of pleasing vibe to the entire song that you'd surely play on repeat.

The quintessential humming of the base tune gives the song a dreamy feel. Manoj Muntashir's lyrics are raw, heartbreaking, and sad. The switch over to the next octave towards the end is brilliant. Mithoon has given us a poignant number that is sure to burn the charts for the next few weeks.

The visuals of the song contain scenes taken straight out of a fairytale book. Vintage props are used to enhance the setting of the love story. It must be a treat to watch Manoj Paramahamsa's stunning cinematography on the screen. Prabhas and Pooja Hegde are two eye-candy lovebirds in the song.

Radhe Shyam is touted to be a period sci-fi romance drama set in 1970s Europe. The glimpse and songs from the movie have already become a roaring hit. Produced by UV Creations and T-Series, the movie is slated to release on 14th January 2022.

Sirivennela - Shyam Singha Roy Single Review

Mickey J. Meyer's soundscape is transcendental. His songs have this dreamy aura that can addict you instantly. Two singles from his next movie Shyam Singha Roy have already created enough buzz. The songs received rave reviews that they are still on the charts. The makers have released the third single titled Sirivennela. 

Beginning with the repetitive 'dum daka dum daka dum dum..', the song flows like a rivulet flowing through a hill. Anurag Kulkarni's honey-dipping voice stitches with the pleasing soundscape so seamlessly. The interludes are rather simple, so we get to listen to the vocal part a lot.

 

Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, who passed away recently, has provided the lyrics that spread warmth all over. Looking at the song cover, we can deduce that the song might be picturized on Nani and Sai Pallavi. With this new folkish melody, Mickey adds another beautiful love song to our playlists. 

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan and produced by Niharika Entertainment, Shyam Singha Roy is touted to be a period supernatural thriller. The movie is all set to release on 24th December along with its dubbed versions in Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Atrangi Re Music Review

Movie: Atrangi Re

Music: A.R. Rahman

Director: Aanand L. Rai

Cast: Dhanush, Sara Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar

Garda begins on a high note with some energetic beats. Daler Mahendi is the soul of the number and he is in full form. Since this is the intro track of Akshay Kumar, it's gonna trailblaze the charts for a long time. Another song to join the bandwagon of Rahman's instantly-catchy songs. Up next is the already popular Chaka Chak that's gonna become a staple in all the weddings in the upcoming days. This danceable number in the voice of Shreya Ghoshal is the South Indian-ish Param Sundari. An instant winner!

Tere Rang opens with some racy chorus that soon escalates to a mesmerizing Hindustani chorus. Haricharan yields the megaphone with ease. Shreya Ghoshal wears her Banarasiya avatar and croons like a nightingale. The repetitive 'tere rang rang...' is sure to linger in your ears for a long time. Soon, classical dancers would be shaking a leg to this number. First melodious pick of the album! Next up is the peppy Little Little in the voice of Dhanush. The piccolo in the first interlude must probably be the theme of Dhanush's character. With a foot-tapping rhythm, the cuteness in the song is irresistible. Dhanush is aptly supported by chorus and Hiral Viradia whose mellowed rendition is a plus point of the song. A special mention to the fast-paced kuthu outro at the end of the song.

Arijit Singh croons the pathos Tumhein Mohabbat. At first, the guitar strums deceive the listener (one must think that it would be an unplugged lounge song), but then Rahman takes us on a moving Hindustani ride. Interspersed with some haunting lines, the song would take time to grow on you, but it's all worth it in the end. Rait Zara Si is easily the best song of the album. One can listen to Rahman of the 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s in this beautiful track. The song has a breezy aura that turns addictive with every listen. The effervescent folk rhythm gives the song a classical touch. Though the song is owned by Arijit Singh, Shashaa Tirupathi brings in a whiff of fresh air with her two lines. The choral humming 'vaasam veesudhadi...' is haunting.

Rahman ropes in Flamenco gypsy music for the last number Toofan Si Kudi. Right from the chorus in the prelude till the end line, there's no one dull moment in the song. The tune is kinda addictive and it will make you want to listen to the track on repeat. Rashid Ali-ARR combo has already given us some mind-blowing songs like Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, Kahin Toh, Cry Cry, and Nazar Laaye. No wonder this song is another gem from Rashid.

Verdict: A.R. Rahman belts out yet another roaring soundtrack for Aanand L. Rai. Much like Raanjhanaa, this album too has lots of traditional, classical, and folk touches (though it cannot be compared to the unbeatable Raanjhanaa). All the songs have a South Indian-ish touch since Dhanush plays a Tamilian in the movie.

Rating: 4/5

Picks: Rait Zara Si, Tere Rang, Chaka Chak, Toofan Si Kudi

Listen to the album here:

Mother Song - Valimai Second Single Review

There's no dearth of mother sentiment songs in Tamil cinema music. Recently we had Boomiku Nee Vandha from Jail. Now, it's Mother Song from Valimai. Yuvan Shankar Raja has already given us beautiful songs on this theme - Aarariraro, Nizhalinai Nijamum, and Amma Song. This time he takes it two notches higher by composing a heart-melting tune. 

Beginning with a moving flute section, the song engages a slight rhythm to set the mood. Listening to Sid Sriram croon this number in his elegant voice is pure bliss. Everything about this song is so pleasing. Especially, Vignesh Shivan's lyrics would drive everyone to tears. Every line is quotable and that's the true beauty of the song. The lines 'Amma en mugavari nee...Amma en mudhalvari nee...' is addictive and would surely bring a lump in your throat.

Yuvan dots the interlude with another warm flute section. Since the song has only one charanam, we will be left wanting more and more of it. If you want to gift the perfect ode to your mother, make her listen to this song.

Produced by Boney Kapoor, Valimai is one of the most anticipated films. This Ajith starrer will release on Pongal. The film also has Huma Qureshi and Sumithra playing supporting roles. The music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. This is his 8th collaboration with Ajith. Already, the first single Naanga Vera Maari turned a mass hit and is still ruling the playlists. We are sure that the entire album would be hailed as one of Yuvan's bests 

DMB Picks - Weekly Earworms 29.11.2021 - 05.12.2021

1. Meherezylaa - Maanaadu

What with the release and success of Maanaadu, we became more and more addicted to this Islamic wedding song. Ebullient beats, Yuvan's peppy singing, Bhavatharini's melodious cameo, and the Arabic chants make this number an instant winner.

2. Thala Kodhum - Jai Bhim

This rustic track with inspirational lyrics is like a warm hug to troubled hearts. The guitar strums, flute, and veena section in the interlude, and Pradeep Kumar's heavenly voice make this song sound like an Ilaiyaraaja song. Keep some tissues handy when you're listening to this.

3. Chaka Chak - Atrangi Re

This number's gonna be a staple in all the upcoming weddings. Read our review of the song to understand why we are addicted to it.

4. Thiraiyoadu Thoorigai - Radhe Shyam (Tamil)

Indian music needs such musically rich songs to keep up quality. Justin Prabhakaran and Sid Sriram seem to have been in an otherwordly state while composing and crooning this song. Read our review here. The song is also in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, and all the versions are equally beautiful.

5. Two Two Two - Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal

This song is the next Yammadi Aathadi. Sunidhi Chauhan and Sanjana Kalamanje compete with each other through their powerful voices, while Anirudh is as usual his peppy best.

6. Ilaveyil Ilaigalil - Maraikkayar Arabikadalin Singam

Though the original version of this song is in Malayalam, we love this version. Chinmayi and Sathyaprakash sound so natural that the song feels like an original Tamil composition. This one joins the bandwagon of our favourite semi-classical numbers. Composer Ronnie Raphael is a promising musician to look for.

7. Aashiqui Aa Gayi - Radhe Shyam (Hindi)

This breezy romantic ballad composed by Mithoon has become the most-streamed song. And the video of this track has crossed 34 million views. No wonder this song finds a place in our earworms list. 

8. Tum Tum - Enemy (Tamil)

A dreamy wedding song. If Meherezylaa caters to Islamic weddings, this number is perfect for Hindu weddings. Thaman's danceable beats, the addictive humming, and the repetitive 'tum tum' make this song all the more celebratory.

9. Aagoozhilae - Radhe Shyam (Tamil)

Sounding like a Yuvan Shankar Raja number, this extremely catchy romantic song brings in a whiff of nostalgia. Justin Prabhakaran's old-school tune is pleasing and is sure to be on the playlists for a long time. The song is also available in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Listen to the entire playlist here:

Jail Music Review

Movie: Jail

Music director: G.V. Prakash Kumar

Director: Vasanthabalan

Cast: G.V. Prakash Kumar,  Abarnathi,  Radhika Sarathkumar

The album begins with the effervescent Kaathodu Kaathanen in the voices of Dhanush and Aditi Rao Hydari. Right from the word go, melody oozes from every corner of the song. The track is peppered with breezy flute sections and pleasing string progression. Dhanush scores with his casual rendition while Aditi sounds like Chinmayi with her mellifluous singing. This one is a definite winner. Up next are three folk tracks with gaana elements. Pathu Kaasu, sung by G.V. Prakash, is a short ode to friendship. Nothing special in the number. It's enjoyable as long as it lasts. Mutta Parotta is the quintessential gaana song that's crooned by gaana singers Guna and Ganesan. With crass lyrics, the song is reminiscent of Deva's gaana songs and is sure to be a hit in the C-grade centers. Missah Missesah is the best of the three because it sounds better and is kinda foot-tapping. Also, female gaana singer Isaivani makes the song a lot better with her powerful rendition.  

Nagarodi is another strength of the album. Ananya Bhat sets the song on fire with her radiant voice that packs a punch with every line she sings. Arivu quips in for some classy rap, while GVP croons like a pro. The repetitive 'Nagarodi naga nagarodi...' is so catchy and addictive. Next up is Doomangoli which is high on techno beats and sounds like an electro house song with local elements in it. Arunraja Kamaraja's rendition is a plus point of the song. Though there's nothing to boast about in the number, it will be aired on the radio stations repeatedly. Boomiku Nee Vandha is a mother-son sentiment song that's high on emotion. Beginning with a mystical humming, the song is taken over by Ravi G whose voice flows seamlessly over the beautiful tune. Saindhavi pops in with her sickly sweet voice and owns the few minutes that she gets to croon. The violin in the interlude is mesmerizing and can overwhelm listeners. Snehan's heart-melting lyrics are sure to be quoted for a long time.

The album reaches its finale with two themes. A Moment of Trance has been composed on the lines of Celebration of Life from Aayirathil Oruvan. This highly danceable theme is sure to brighten up your lazy mornings. Ecstatic Folk stays true to its title. It would be mostly played during the hero's moment of achievement. The humming blends perfectly with the theme.

Verdict: Jail is an enjoyable soundtrack with a couple of melodies and a whole lot of gaana songs that'd surely cater to many youngsters.

Rating: 3/5

Picks: Kaathodu Kaathanen, Nagarodi, Boomiku Nee Vandha, A Moment of Trance

Listen to the album here:

Radhe Shyam Second Single Review

 Just as we are basking in the melodious Aashiqui Aa Gayi , the makers of Radhe Shyam have released the second single of the Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam versions. The single which was supposed to release on Dec 1st was postponed to Dec 2nd because of legendary Telugu lyricist Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry's passing away. So, anticipation for the single increased within another 24 hours. Also, the teaser of the song which just had an instrumental bit created such a buzz that the upcoming song was the talk of the town.

The Telugu and Tamil versions, titled Nagumomu Thaarale and Thiraiyoadu Thoorigai, are crooned by Sid Sriram, while the Kannada and Malayalam versions, titled Naguvantha Thaareye and Malarodu Saayame, are sung by Sooraj Santhosh. Composed by Justin Prabhakaran, this mellifluous classical number opens with a dreamy prelude that's dotted with a mesmerizing flute section. Sid Sriram's (Sooraj Santhosh for Kannada and Malayalam) honey-dipping voice seeps into your eardrums to create an ethereal experience.

 

There are so many intricacies in this song that I can speak about it forever. First, there are two stanzas which are a rare occurrence these days. Second, there are a lot of instruments used which makes the track an experience. Sitar and Veena in the first interlude, guitar strums in the second interlude. Then there are other instruments like Santoor, Swaramandal, Mandolin, and Hawaiin Guitar.

Third, the backing vocals turn the song transcendental. Especially, the choral line 'Kaalame nee uraindhu...'  takes the listener to another dimension (with the beautiful chant Radhe Shyam woven into it). Though the song is similar to Justin's Pularaadha from Dear Comrade, the song still is unique and is going to rule our hearts for a long time.

The lyrics for the Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam versions are written by Krishna Kanth, Madhan Karky, Dhananjay Ranjan, and Joe Paul respectively.

Listen to all the versions here.

Aashiqui Aa Gayi - Radhe Shyam (Hindi) Single Review

Radhe Shyam is one of the most awaited pan-India projects. The movie is simultaneously made in two languages - Hindi, and Telugu, while it is dubbed in Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Starring Baahubali-fame Prabhas and Pooja Hegde, the film has created a huge buzz with its glimpse, character teaser, and first single. Maine Pyar Kiya fame Bhagyashree will be seen playing Prabhas' mother in the movie. The music is composed by Justin Prabhakaran for Telugu and other dubbed versions, while the Hindi version will have a separate soundtrack composed by Mithoon, Amaal Malik, and Manan Bharadwaj.

The first single, Aashiqui Aa Gayi, was released today at 11.00 AM. The song is an out-and-out romantic ballad. Opening with subtle guitar strums, the song breaks into full love mode with Arijit Singh's buttery rendition. The composition is simple, but it can instantly hook you on if you are a Bollywood mush enthusiast. 

The only let-down is that the song sounds very similar to other compositions by Mithoon. In fact, the number seems like an identical twin to 2016's popular romantic song Sanam Re. What more? My Spotify played Sanam Re just after Aashiqui Aa Gayi. Even a music streaming app could find that the song was a carbon copy. 

However, respite comes in the form of a chorus at the end which gives a grand finale to a usual love song. The humming 'Oh hooo oh hooo...' is quite addictive. Mithoon's lyrics are heart-melting and soon you can find the lines from the song being posted on WhatsApp statuses and Insta Stories. No matter what, Aashiqui Aa Gayi is going to trend and stay as a chartbuster for a long time. The visuals of the song are eye-candy, dreamy, and fairy-tale-like. Kudos to Manoj Paramahamsa for the pleasing cinematography!

Directed by Radha Krishna Kumar, Radhe Shyam is touted to be a period romantic drama with sci-fi elements in it. It is jointly produced by UV Creations, Gopi Krishna Movies, and T-Series. The tentative release date is January 14th, 2022.