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:

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.

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.

Janani - RRR Single Review

RRR is an upcoming period action drama directed by S.S. Rajamouli. Produced by DVV Entertainments, this movie has Junior NTR, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, and Alia Bhatt in pivotal roles, while Samuthirakani and Shriya Sharan will be seen in supporting roles. The music is composed by M.M. Keeravani, a staple in all Rajamouli films. The first two singles have already created enough buzz. Especially, Naatu Naatu has turned sensational, what with some dazzling moves by Junior NTR and Ram Charan.

Now the makers have released the third single - Janani - a moving patriotic song. M.M. Keeravani has stated in the song's intro that it is the soul anthem of the movie. It is evident that the song would be played during some pulse-pounding moments in the film. The scenes portrayed in the song's video are heartbreaking to watch, like that of a boy killed by a gunshot. The montage also shows the various sacrifices made by the characters during the war. Overall, the video invokes patriotism in every one of us.

The song begins with a mesmerizing harmony of strings. Later, the chorus takes over and the song progresses beautifully. The heart-melting melody is peppered with lyrics that speak of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who ensured peace to prevail while fighting the British. M.M. Keeravani also croons the haunting line 'Janani...' which is sure to linger for a long time after listening.

RRR is touted to be a fictional story that portrays the struggles of Telugu tribal leaders Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju. Junior NTR plays the role of Komaram and Ram Charan will be seen as Alluri Sitarama Raju. Janani is sure to invoke tears in our eyes when it is played in the theater. The song is released as Uyire in Tamil, while it is titled Janani in Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam.