Vedalam Music Review

Movie: Vedalam

Cast: Ajith,Shruthi Hassan,Lakshmi Menon

Director: Siva

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

1.Veera Vinayaka-Anirudh,Vishal Dadlani

A devotional type intro number arrives hot for all Ajith fans. Anirudh weaves an ordinary tune and peps it up with powerful rhythm, screeching electric guitar strums and an energetic chord progression. Both the singers Anirudh and Vishal Dadlani are fierce in their rendition. A typical masala number from Anirudh.

2.Don't You Mess With Me-Shruthi Hassan,Shakthisree Gopalan

This is gonna be a track which is going to be a massive hit with the pubs and discotheques. This girlie hip-hop number is replete with a trance-like tune, Rn'B interludes and a global atmosphere all over. Shruthi Hassan renders like a pro and she sounds like an international singer while Shakthisree Gopalan does a commendable job within her limited space. Turn up the volume and enjoy!

3.Uyir Nadhi Kalangudhe-Ravishankar

Anirudh churns out an exhilarating fusion that is captivating right from the beginning. He blends rock and classical elements and the end product is something ethereal. The innovative Veena section accompanied by ample guitar strums in the interlude stands out. Ravishankar delivers this pathos with such passion that it is endearing to listen to him. Purely situational!

4.The Theri Theme-Instrumental

A mass theme is up next. Anirudh indulges house-mix beats, a melange of blaring sounds (read noise) and the repetitive 'Theri' phrase to make it suitable for probably one of Ajith's stunt sequences.

5.Aaluma Doluma-Anirudh,Baadshah

Here comes the next commercial anthem of the youngsters which brings the album to a fitting finale. Though it might appeal instantly to the front-benchers, we can only sadly cringe at Anirudh being stereotyped with such kind of songs. However, it is mandatory to have such a track in a Ajith's movie and Anirudh does just that. It will surely make you roll up your collars and dance like a maniac.

Verdict:

After an awesome, innovative and musically rich album Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, Anirudh goes back to composing in his bland repetitive templates. Since it is a Ajith's film, we can forgive him!

Rating: **1/2

Picks:

Don't You Mess With Me,Uyir Nadhi Kalangudhe

Tamasha Music Review

Movie: Tamasha

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor,Deepika Padukone

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Music director: A.R.Rahman

1.Matargashti-Mohit Chauhan

This carefree number spreads happiness and warmness all over. It's already been doing rounds in all the radio stations and the promo has received lakhs of views. A.R.Rahman once again ropes in the brilliant Mohit Chauhan to croon this fun-filled track. His voice oozes with playfulness and takes a changeover to semi-classical towards the end of the song. The foot-tapping rhythm, radiant chorus and harmonica sections are composed in Rahman's unique style. Sureshot chartbuster! Another Masakali!

2.Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai-Mika Singh,Nakash Aziz

Composed on the lines of Katiya Karun from Rockstar, Rahman forays into creating an out and out Punjabi track, replete with traditional Punjabi instruments, bhangra beats and violin solo in the second interlude. Mika Singh excels with his bright voice that takes the Punjabi flavor to a greater level with his semi-classical notes while Nakash Aziz aptly accompanies him. The crescendo towards the end of the song deserves a special applause. Thoroughly enjoyable!

3.Tum Saath Ho-Alka Yagnik,Arijit Singh

Beginning on lilting piano notes, this soulful melody is truly a bliss for its entire duration. Though the tune sounds familiar, Rahman's indulgence of the Hindustani raga Desh makes this number an heavenly one. The flute drops pep up the romantic aura of the track. And it is refreshing to listen to Alka Yagnik's evergreen voice after a long hiatus. Arijit Singh perfectly matches her with his lovely rendition. A divine duet!

4.Wat Wat Wat-Arijit Singh,Sashwat Singh

Rahman splurges out of his style of composition and delivers a purely local number that is sure to get instantly addictive and a hit with the masses. It has wackiness overloaded with a combo of Punjabi and Bhojpuri flavor. The Shehnai loops stand out while the peppy rhythm pattern will make you dance and the repetitive 'Wat Wat Wat' chant is compelling. Sashwat Singh is promising throughout and Arijit Singh breaks his stereotype by rendering this song. Another winner!

5.Chali Kahani-Sukhwinder Singh,Haricharan,Haripriya

It is very hard to categorize this number as it sounds like a symphony at times, semi-classical at a few places and melodious for a short span. Nevertheless, it is such an amazing number that we can only awe at Rahman's versatility. Powerful orchestration, usage of varied instruments and a storytelling tune pattern make this number unique from the rest. Sukhwinder Singh's powerful vocals is sure to stun the listeners while Haricharan makes an awesome debut with his Hindi pronunciation being flawless. Haripriya's childish rendition is cute. Rahman indulges his trademark Pan flute in the prelude and interludes which spells magic!

6.Safarnama-Lucky Ali

A fresh spiritual track is up next for the listeners. With exquisite guitar strums and mellowed rhythm, this number is perfect to listen while travelling on a highway. Though there is no changeover in the tune, the simplicity of it is sure to enchant you. Furthermore, there is Lucky Ali's ethereal vocals and the divine harmonica accompaniment to take you on a 04:11 minutes of musical sojourn.

7.Parade De La Bastille (Instrumental)-A.R.Rahman

As soon as this instrumental begins, one might think that it might be a Sufi outing with Rahman's devotional chant. But soon the track gets a sprinkle of European flavor all over with a melange of sounds welcoming you to a world of happiness. The lively chorus section from Matargashti is retained here. The assorted arrangement of instruments and brilliant chord progression makes this piece an engaging listen!

8.Wat Wat Wat (Vengeance Mix)-Arijit Singh,Sashwat Singh

The coolest party number of the season is here. It is unlike Rahman to remix numbers in his own album. But he takes a chance and proves that he too can weave magic by revamping his own composition. The screeching acoustic section, dubstep beats and the vocals of the lead singers will surely make this track a must-play in all pubs and bars.

9.Tu Koi Aur Hai-A.R.Rahman,Alma Ferovic,Arjun Chandy

The musical journey comes to an end with a dreamy number that is mandatory in all of Rahman's albums. He yields the megaphone in this one and his effervescent vocals pulls you into a trance. The additional vocals of Alma Ferovic and Arjun Chandy create an eerie atmosphere. Though experimental and might take a few listens to get used to, it is mesmerizing and soul-stirring.

Verdict:

A.R.Rahman-Imtiaz Ali-Irshad Kamil is a terrific combo, I say. It started with Rockstar, traveled through Highway, continues with Tamasha and it would never end. Rahman's urban outing is fresh, innovative and unlike the soundtracks of recent times!

Rating: ****1/2

Picks:

Matargashti,Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai,Tum Saath Ho,Wat Wat Wat,Chali Kahani,Parade De La Bastille

Mellisai Music Review

Movie: Mellisai

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi,Gayathrie

Director: Ranjit Jeyakodi

Music director: Sam C.S

1.Vellai Kanavu-Hariharan,Harini

When you see names like Hariharan and Harini, it is sure to be a melodious number. True to that, this track begins with a scintillating flute section interspersed with lively guitar strums. The tune arrangement is ultimately romantic and the evergreen voices of the lead singers are honey to the ears. The slight touch of Banjo in the background is an innovative thought by Sam C.S. Interesting interludes make this number even more mellifluous!

2.Lola-Maria Kavitha Thomas

This dark number has a whiff of A.R.Rahman to it. Maria Kavitha Thomas' nasal rendition with clear pronunciation and stretching the 'Lola' word makes the entire song an amazing listen. Eerie harmonics in the charanam, lead guitar strums and a lounge-like rhythm pattern are some of the unique touches which the composer provides. Haunting and addictive!

3.Parakkiren Naan-Maria Kavitha Thomas,Srinivas

Beginning on a waltzy note, this soft melody takes on a different route with the beautiful violin section accompanied by the tabla beats. Once again, Maria Kavitha Thomas strikes with her haunting voice while Srinivas renders with elan. Sam C.S engages a melange of sounds like strings, piano notes, pan flute and darbuka percussion. Though the song might take sometime to grow on the listener, it is an out-of-the-box attempt by the composer!

4.Mazhaikulle-Haricharan,Shreya Ghoshal

Did I hear Iddarammayilatho's violin section in the prelude? Inspired by it, a short and sweet violin solo welcomes you to this mellifluous number. As usual, Shreya Ghoshal enchants you with her honey-dipping voice while Haricharan's peppy vocals will surprise you. The warm guitar strums and dubstep beats take the number to greater heights.

5.Take Me Higher-JK,Maria Kavitha Thomas,Suchith Suresan

This is the English version of Parakkiren Naan. Yes, you might be surprised to find a full-fledged English track in a Tamil album. Despite being a fresh attempt, Sam C.S retains the tune and rhythm arrangement from the original version which brings down the entire song and makes it a tad boring.

6.Mellisai (Theme)-Instrumental

Chennai Orchestra take on the symphonic orchestration of this instrumental. A brilliant chord progression along with scintillating piano notes, eerie violin & chorus, mellowed female humming and powerful string section make this theme a thrilling one!

7.Lola (II)-Andrea Jeremiah

It is Andrea Jeremiah's show all the way in this version of the only racy number of the album. This version has a different pattern of hard rock guitar strums and house mix beats. Andrea's seductive voice oozes with sensuality.

Verdict:

This soundtrack has an extra dosage of melodies, staying true to the movie's title Mellisai. Each and every song is a different attempt by debut composer Sam C.S.

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Vellai Kanavu,Lola,Parakkiren Naan,Mellisai (Theme)

Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam Music Review

Movie: Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam

Cast: Balakrishna Kola,Wamiqa Gabbi

Director: Gitanjali Selvaraghavan

Music director: Amrit

1.Sarakka-Amrit

The album opens with a pucca gaana track which has an heard-before tune. At places, it sounds like the latter part of Hey Baby from Raja Rani movie due to the quirky lyrics on marriage. Despite the bland tune arrangement and repetitive beats, Amrit's voice is fun to listen. It might appeal to the front-benchers.

2.Mora Saiyya (Yeno Mounam)-Vijay Prakash,Shakthisree Gopalan

This trance-like melody is enchanting right from the beginning. Vijay Prakash's versatile voice perfectly syncs with the clapping sounds and bell sounds. Then begins a divine chorus chanting 'Mora Saiyya' which has some earthy guitar strums in the background. Shakthisree Gopalan's crystal-clear voice is pleasant on the ears. The scintillating sitar section in the second interlude adds beauty to the entire number. Exquisite lovey-dovey duet!

3.Mokka Piece-Benny Dayal

A hard rock number is up next in the soundtrack. With an overload of EDM elements, this number is sure to go down well with the urban category of youngsters. Benny Dayal's gravelly voice sounds well while the rhythm pattern is foot-tapping. But soon the song becomes monotonous with no changeover in the beats or the tune.

4.Maalai Nerathu Mayakkama-Amrit

Dulcet guitar strums begin this dreamy number which is in par with the theme of the movie. An overdose of passion and romance is evident in this number, with Amrit crooning in an heavenly manner. The accompanying piano notes make this track even more soft and soul-stirring. This is one such song where you can plug on your headphones, hold hands with your partner and travel through a 04.41 minute musical sojourn!

5.Ennodu-Amrit,Mili Nair

Amrit composes a peppy romantic number that has a tune inspired from many Bollywood songs. Mild guitar strums and speedy beats make this track enjoyable to listen to. Mili Nair excels with her fruity voice while Amrit adds cheesiness with his part taking a changeover to folk rhythm. However, the entire aura of the song reminds of a few songs from the 90s period.

6.Two Opposites-Theme

As soon as this instrumental begins, it reminds you of the BGM scores from Selvaraghavan's Irandam Ulagam movie. The comparison is agreeable since this movie is directed by his wife. Comparison apart, this theme is perfectly composed by Amrit, concentrating on the romantic angle. Endearing on the first listen!

7.The Return Of Love-Theme

Yet another love theme which has the title track blended along with it. But it is very short to interpret it completely.

Verdict:

Amrit delivers a commendable album for his debut attempt. It is a mixed bag where every listener has something to choose.

Rating: ***

Picks:

Mora Saiyya (Yeno Mounam),Maalai Nerathu Mayakkama,Two Opposites

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo Music Review

Movie: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Cast: Salman Khan,Sonam Kapoor,Neil Nitin Mukesh

Director: Sooraj R.Barjatya

Music director: Himesh Reshammiya

1.Prem Leela-Aman Trikha,Vineet Singh

The celebratory mood of the movie reflects on the very first track. With jubilant trumpets in the prelude, this number has energetic beats that will surely make you forget everything and dance to the tune. Though there is nothing new to brag about, Aman Trikha and Vineet Singh swipe up the ordinary tune to greater heights with their exuberant vocals. This song is sure to scorch the screens with some excellent dance moves from Salman Khan.

2.Prem Ratan Dhan Payo-Palak Muchhal

A strong flavor of the 90s hits you as soon as this track begins. Being the title track, this one excels in terms of the choice of singer and some amazing dhol beats that will make you tap your feet. Palak Muchhal adds an extra dollop of sweetness with her honey-dipping voice. The prelude sung by her is exquisite before the routine tune sets in. Amidst having an aura of 90s, Himesh Reshammiya introduces a few guitar strums in the second interlude. Melodious as well as enjoyable!

3.Jalte Diye-Harshdeep Kaur,Anweshaa,Vineet Singh,Shabab Sabri

This is probably the best song of the entire album. One cannot miss the haunting atmosphere which this song creates right from its beginning. The number begins like a ghazal with the melodious Harshdeep Kaur behind the mike. But the real show begins when Anweshaa takes over with her ever-sweet voice. The fact that she sounds like Shreya Ghoshal is an added advantage to her. Equally amazing is Vineet Singh's rendition who croons his lines with ease. It is difficult to find such semi-classically brilliant and rich numbers nowadays. Must-listen! Hit the repeat button!

4.Aaj Unse Milna Hai-Shaan

An overdose of 90s is evident in this number. Songs like this one have been prevalent in Sooraj Barjatya's movies for two decades. This song brings an Hum Aapke Hai Kaun feel along with it, especially due to the lovable lyrics and tune arrangement. It is refreshing to listen to Shaan after a long hiatus. He is the perfect choice for this emotional number. Might appeal to a few listeners. 

5.Jab Tum Chaho-Mohammed Irfan,Palak Muchhal,Darshan Raval

Himesh Reshammiya composes yet another peppy track and adds color to the festive mood of the album. Since it is mandatory to have as many songs in a Barjatya's movie, I hope that this number would appear as a filler to a family gathering where the lead pair get to romance secretly. Palak Muchhal sounds excellent while Mohammed Irfan does a commendable job. But I wonder why did the director opt for a repetitive 90s flavor in a modern traditional movie?

6.Halo Re-Aman Trikha

In this track, the focus is on Radha-Krishna's love story. Yet again it is a high on energy number, despite the beats being mellowed throughout. It is only Aman Trikha's rendition that stands out in the entire track. The ebullient chorus, dhol beats and the barely visible piano notes sound innovative, but soon it gets monotonous with the tune being repetitive. 

7.Tod Tadaiyya-Neeraj Sridhar,Neeti Mohan

After a few traditionally sounding songs, here comes a number that sounds a bit urban. But one cannot miss the old-school feel which Himesh Reshammiya delivers. This number is also a rehash of his Balma from Khiladi 786. Some of the notable moments from this track are the 'ouch' and 'haan' sounds and tabla beats. Neeraj Sridhar renders his part well while Neeti Mohan's screechy rendition seems out of place at times.

8.Bachpan Kahan-Himesh Reshammiya

A feel-good number is up next in the album. The simple tune which sounds like a kindergarten rhyme is what makes this song work. Furthermore, the brilliant orchestration, pleasant piano notes and Himesh Reshammiya mellifluous rendition weave magic throughout. This track brings back the good old days of 90s slow Indipop. Though this song might not go down well with a few listeners, the lullaby feel which it provides is something not to be missed!

9.Murli Ki Taanon Si-Shaan

Pathos version of happy numbers have always worked in the past. And so does it now too. Though this sad version of Aaj Unse Milna is dolefully short, Shaan peps up the tune with his effervescent voice.

10.Aaj Unse Kehna Hai-Palak Muchhal,Shaan,Aishwarya Majumdar

Aaj Unse Milna Hai returns with yet another version. This time the ground is open for the girls to croon and swoon. But this one is lot better than the original version with Palak and Aishwarya's lovely voices and the inclusion of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo towards the end. Though it is short, it's sweet!

Verdict:

Himesh Reshammiya delivers a pucca traditional album for Sooraj Barjatya. Though one might cringe about the 90s touch all over, it is what makes the soundtrack elegant and beautiful!

Rating: ***

Picks:

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,Jalte Diye,Bachpan Kahan,Aaj Unse Kehna Hai

Ko 2 Music Review

Movie: Ko 2

Cast: Bobby Simhaa,Nikki Galrani,Prakash Raj

Director: Sarath

Music director: Leon James

1.Kohila-Leon James,Neeti Mohan

A trendy as well as a soothing duet opens this album in a jubilant manner. Lively piano section in the prelude and the innovative Sitar fusion in the first interlude are some of Leon James' unique touches. The combination of his silky voice and Neeti Mohan's effervescent vocals is a delight to listen. The repetitive 'Kohila' chant is addictive while the rhythm pattern hooks you on. Overall a warm melody to please your senses!

2.Vidaadha-Leon James,Vishal Dadlani

Leon James forays into the Jazz genre with this ultimately stylish number. If someone can do justice to the entire song, it is only Vishal Dadlani. His guttural singing is endearing while Leon James complements him well. The rhythm arrangement is a fusion of Jazz, desi beats and dubstep. Once again the composer experiments with the orchestration.

3.Kannamma-Inno Genga,Chinmayi

The prelude of this song sounds global with the amazing piano notes and English lyrics. While Inno Genga's modulated accent is excellent to listen, it might not go down well with a few listeners. The track turns into a racy one from the first interlude and then Chinmayi takes over with her evergreen voice. Though it might be difficult to get a connect with the number, the engaging beats and the trance-like atmosphere will make you to return to the track.

4.Unnai Maatrinaal-Harish Sivaramakrishnan,Sragam Choir

This song was released as a single and a tribute to late Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. After a few breezy listens, this number provides a refreshing change to the entire soundtrack. Harish Sivaramakrishnan sounds energetic with his powerful vocals while the Sragam Choir deliver the much needed classical touches to this inspirational number. The nadaswaram section in the prelude and interlude is an innovative thought by Leon James. Perfect track for this political thriller!

5.Kannamma (Reprise)-Salim Merchant

When it is a reprise number, the first thing that strikes your mind will be the piano notes. And this number is no exception. Beginning with scintillating piano notes, Salim Merchant takes you through a beautiful melodious journey. His Tamil pronunciation is flawless and it doesn't seem like his debut. This reprise version is peaceful, serene and better than the original version. Watch out for the brilliant violin solo in the interlude. Soul-stirring!

6.Ko 2 Theme-Instrumental

This short theme is an exuberant cacophony of instruments like Sitar, guitar strums and Hip-hop beats. It is addictive on the very first listen and will blend with the movie perfectly. 

Verdict:

Leon James is another promising composer to look out for in this industry. He experiments with different sounds and orchestration.

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Kohila,Unnai Maatrinaal,Kannamma (Reprise)