Sethupathi Music Review

Movie: Sethupathi

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi,Remya Nambeesan

Director: S.U.Arun Kumar

Music director: Nivas K Prasanna

1.Mazhai Thooralam-Nivas K Prasanna

Nivas K Prasanna composes and croons a soulful pathos that is sure to be a tear-jerker when played on the screens. Nivas' emotion laden rendition and the motivational lyrics are the major plus points of the mellifluous track. The symphonic arrangement accompanied by a dulcet chorus and acoustic guitar sections add to the forlorn mood of the song. Heartrending opening!

2.Konji Pesida Venaam-KS Chitra,Sriram Parthasarathy

Beginning with playful electronic loops, this duet reminds of the love songs of early 2000s. Especially it is Chitra's evergreen voice that takes you back on a nostalgic sojourn. It is very refreshing to listen to Sriram Parthasarathy after a long time. Despite the retro feel, this song works big time due to its simplistic tune and the modern arrangements. 

3.Hey Mama-Anirudh Ravichander

Going by the lyrics, it is evident that this number is the introduction song for Vijay Sethupathi. Overloaded with rock progression, rap and police siren sounds, this song serves as the perfect one for a cop. Anirudh rocks the number with his powerhouse singing.

4.Hawa Hawa-Karthik,Saindhavi

This carefree love ballad reflects the romantic side of a tough cop. The tune is a charming one, punctuated with cheesy lyrics that complement the laidback mood of the song. Karthik's soft rendition is apt for this number and Saindhavi's childlike voice is pleasing to the ears. This love track makes for an enjoyable listen on a lovey-dovey evening!

5.Thaen Kootil-V.M.Mahalingam

Mellowed piano notes welcome the listeners to yet another situational pathos. The unplugged factor of the song is elevated by the earthy vocals of V.M.Mahalingam whose robust voice can drive the listeners to tears. Serves as a good ending to the album.

Verdict:

Though Nivas K Prasanna's sophomore album might not be as exceptional as his first one, it still engages the listeners with a couple of likeable melodies and a powerful introduction song.

Rating: ***

Picks:

Mazhai Thooralam,Hawa Hawa

Fitoor Music Review

Movie: Fitoor

Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur,Katrina Kaif,Tabu,Aditi Rao Hydari,Rahul Bhatt,Akshay Oberoi,Lara Dutta

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Music director: Amit Trivedi

1.Yeh Fitoor Mera-Arijit Singh

A waltzy love ballad is what Amit Trivedi serves us in the opening. He progresses the beautiful tune in a gradual manner with excellent strings and guitar orchestration. He retains his signature style of soft rock in this one too. Arijit Singh constructs his voice in accordance to the ethereal tune, though he sounds stereotyped. Typically Amit-ish!

2.Pashmina-Amit Trivedi,Komail Shayan

Here comes a slow poison that will get on to your nerves with repeated listening. Filled with dollops of violins, strings and middle-eastern flute sounds, Pashmina spells heaven right from the beginning. Amit Trivedi enchants by lending his voice to the soul-stirring tune. The rhythm pattern has a slight resemblance to Paighaam Laya Sawan from Lakeer. Comparisons apart, this one is a gem that is poetic all the way!

3.Haminastu-Zeb Bangash

Beginning on poetic Persian lines "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto" which literally translates to "If there is ever a heaven on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". Amit Trivedi weaves a magical tune with his ebullient assortment of strings, peppered with Persian flavors. However, it is Zeb Bangash's earthy rendition that will make you crave for looping the number. The Santoor section towards the end is a brilliant stroke brought in by Amit. A Persian classic!

4.Hone Do Batiyan-Nandini Srikar,Zeb Bangash

Stringed instruments like mandolin and rabab dominate this amazing soft rock fusion. Amit ropes in two eminent singers to croon this free-flowing number. Nandini Srikar's classical vocals are interspersed with Zeb's raw voice which makes the overall output an alluring Kashmiri folk melody. Amit deserves a special applause for his excellent orchestration and chord progression. Pleasant listen!

5.Tere Liye-Jubin Nautiyal,Sunidhi Chauhan

Once again Amit brings in a mystical combination of string based orchestration (Chennai String Orchestra). The symphonic progression of the melody topped with Jubin Nautiyal's effervescent vocals makes the number an engaging listen. Sunidhi Chauhan showcases her singing prowess to the pinnacle, bringing out her melodious dimension beautifully. Another evergreen winner!

6.Ranga Re (Hindi)-Amit Trivedi,Sunidhi Chauhan

After a string of soulful melodious numbers, here comes a digitally sequenced track. However, Amit retains the melody in this one too, with the help of Sunidhi Chauhan, who oscillates between soothing tones and soprano notes. Amit joins her later with a Pashmina kind of rendition and does a fabulous job. Passionate composition!

7.Ranga Re (English)-Caralisa Monteiro,Amit Trivedi

The previous number appears in a English version too. There is no changeover in the tune or the orchestration, except for Caralisa Monteiro crooning in her enthralling voice. The album could have done without this track too, which I found as the only weak track in an otherwise marvelous soundtrack.

Verdict:

Amit Trivedi's second collaboration with Abhishek Kapoor has resulted in a magnificent soundtrack that is sure to break all the records and stay on the charts for a long time!

Rating: ****3/4

Picks:

No picks. Just go for it! You will have a definite musical treat.

Jugni Music Review

Movie: Jugni

Cast: Sugandha Garg,Sadhana Singh,Siddhant Behl,Samir Sharma

Director: Shefali Bhushan

Music director: Clinton Cerejo

1.Jugni (Title Track)-Javed Bashir

Accompanied all over by jubilant guitar strums, this folkish title track composed by Clinton Cerejo is one of the best title songs of recent times. Clinton's experimental usage of guitar and mandolin along with the foot-tapping rhythm makes the number an energetic one. Javed Bashir's classical singing is sure to elevate your spiritual senses, especially his gamakas will make you want for more. Innovative beginning!

2.Dilaan De Saudey-Javed Bashir

With a steady rock base, Clinton comes up with yet another experimental track that might awe the music aficionados on the very first listen. The euphoric guitar strums along with a heartrending rhythm arrangement speaks volumes of creativity. Javed Bashir weaves magic with his voice yet again. The jathiswaras by him are the cherries on the cake. Pure bliss!

3.Dugg Duggi Dugg-Vishal Bharadwaj

Dulcet guitar strums welcome you to a melodious number. Clinton's tune works due to its simplicity and minimum usage of instruments, giving the earthy vocals of Vishal Bharadwaj more scope to perform. There is no unwanted gratuitous noise in the form of rhythm, as Clinton keeps it simple with just tabla beats. A neat melody!

4.Lakhon Salaam-A.R.Rahman,Kaashif Sahib

Right from the moment when Rahman's heavenly voice opens this song, listeners are pulled into a spiritual trance. The dark pathos mood of the song is elevated by the haunting flute sounds, the engaging beats and the divinely chorus. Kaashif Sahib does a splendid job by composing an addictive tune and roping the evergreen Mozart to croon it. Spirituality at its best!

5.Zarre Zarre Mein Noor Bhara-Rahat Fateh Ali Khan,Clinton Cerejo,Jazim Sharma

A delightful qawwali number is up next in the soundtrack. After a series of experimental tracks, Clinton drops down a bit to receive a bit of refreshment. The track has a heard-before feel as it imitates lots of previous qawwali numbers of Bollywood. However, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's spiritual voice and the radiant chorus make it an engaging listen for its long duration.

6.Dil Ke Sang-Nakash Aziz,Clinton Cerejo

The beginning of this number sounds too similar to Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai from Tamasha. No doubt, it is sung by Nakash Aziz who had also crooned the former number. It is a spot on Punjabi track with Punjabi slang lyrics and Bhangra beats. Though the tune has no changeover, it can appeal to lovers of Punjabi music.

7.Hatt Mullah-Baba Bulleh Shah,Clinton Cerejo,Bianca Gomes,Shellee

Bianco Gomes' mesmerizing vocals opens this number. Then Baba Bulleh Shah takes over with his raw vocals. Clinton Cerejo weaves a beautiful fusion of Punjabi flavor and soft rock, providing Arabic elements occasionally. Bianco's English lyrics as accompaniment is an innovative idea by the composer. Another highlight!

8.Joban Hai Shawaa-Neha Kakkar,Clinton Cerejo

If there is one aspect of this track that is worth mentioning, then it is Neha Kakkar's rustic vocals. She does a brilliant job in mending her voice in accordance with the Punjabi pop tune. The accompanying chorus are also vibrant in their respective renditions. But the song is just a passable listen.

9.Bolladiyaan-Rekha Bharadwaj,Clinton Cerejo

Clinton Cerejo churns out a classic melody with his signature guitar strums forming a mellifluous base. However, it is Rekha Bharadwaj's haunting vocals that shapes the number into an experience in itself. The slow progression of the tune along with the unplugged atmosphere makes for a serene listen. Will surely appeal to true music buffs!

10.Heer-Nakash Aziz,Clinton Cerejo

This short number almost sounds like a recital with Nakash Aziz's eerie vocals getting on to your nerves. Clinton composes a strictly situational number that might be played for a montage sequence.

11.Jugni (Unplugged)-Neha Kakkar,Javed Bashir

The ebullient title track arrives in an unplugged version. This one is taken over by the earthy vocals of Neha Kakkar, whose voice is punctuated by the harmonium sections. Javed Bashir is not left behind in this version. He sounds as brilliant as usual. Enjoyable as long as it lasts.

12.Hatt Mullah (Reprise)-Bianco Gomes,Clinton Cerejo

This reprise version of Hatt Mullah is a tranquil one with Bianco Gomes' voice permeating through the atmosphere, while Clinton Cerejo's vocals make quiet an impact. 

Verdict:

Clinton Cerejo's debut musical is rich in various flavors. He experiments with his compositions and brings out a brilliant soundtrack that is sure to stay on the playlists for a long time!

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Jugni (Title Track),Dilaan De Saudey,Dugg Duggi Dugg,Lakhon Salaam,Hatt Mullah,Bolladiyaan

Friends (Marathi) Music Review

Movie: Friends

Cast: Swapnil Joshi,Sachit Patel,Gauri Nalawade

Director: R.Madhesh

Music director: Amit Raj,Pankaj Padghan,Nilesh Moharir

1.Dil Dosti Yaari Vaari-Harshavardhan Wavare,Amit Raj

Beginning on elite guitar strums, this peppy track is an ode to the theme of the movie. It speaks of friendship on the lines of a jubilant tune composed by Amit Raj. Both the singers Harshavardhan Wavare and Amit Raj make the number a pleasant listen. The rhythm changeover in the second interlude brings a freshness to the entire track. Definite chartbuster.

2.Premika-Vijay Prakash

An interesting fusion is up next in the album. This one is sometimes an endearing melody and sometimes a racy track. Blending a melodious tune accompanied by tabla beats, flute and piano sections with a digitally sequenced rhythm makes it an experimental number. Vijay Prakash elevates the song to higher levels with his dynamic rendition along with the aalaaps in the prelude and ending. A rich musical experience this one!

3.Man He Phakru-Jaanvee,Prabhu Arora

Based on the thisra nadai rhythm, this soul-stirring romantic ballad begins on a right note and keeps the listeners engaged with its melodiousness. Especially the singers Jaanvee and Prabhu Arora do complete justice to the free-flowing tune with their passionate rendition. The entire song is punctuated with abundant flute sections that provide a scintillating aura to the song. Another winner!

4.Raat Sarna Ghaav Sukhna-Urmila Dhangar

The album arrives to a fitting finale with a adrenaline-pumping track. It spells devotion right from the beginning. Urmila Dhangar's powerhouse singing along with the jathiswaras in the second interlude & ending and the drum beats make the number a heavenly listen. Going by the tone of the number, it might appear in a critical point in the movie.

Verdict:

Composers Amit Raj,Pankaj Padghan and Nilesh Moharir bring out a soundtrack that has chartbuster written all over it. It is a soothing musical extravaganza with a couple of melodies dominating it!

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Premika,Man He Phakru

Miruthan Music Review

Movie: Miruthan

Cast: Jayam Ravi,Lakshmi Menon

Director: Shakti Soundar Rajan

Music director: D.Imman

1.Munnal Kadhali-Vishal dadlani,Sharanya Gopinath,D.Imman

The album begins on a high note with this energetic love track. Imman goes out of his comfort zone to compose an unconventional tune with excellent digital sequencing, pan flute loops and screeching hard rock guitar strums. Vishal Dadlani's powerhouse singing works in the favor of the track as he effuses energy with each and every line. Though the mood of the track is racy, there is an underlying melody that will definitely strike you. This number is gonna rock the charts!

2.Bitten By Insanity-Instrumental

Imman spins an intricate web of instrumental masterpiece that adopts well to the theme of the movie. Everything is so perfect in this theme- be it the brilliant violins, the engaging grand piano notes or the eerie chorus, everything falls into place aptly. Added to these, the thumping beats give an even more serious tone to the theme. Amazingly orchestrated!

3.Veri Veri Veri-Suraj Jagan,Maria Kavita Thomas

Once again Imman does a splendid job in composing an experimental track, unlike the songs that he has composed for his previous albums. In this track, he indulges in hard rock progression amply supported by the hoarse vocals of Suraj Jagan and the spooky humming by Maria Kavita Thomas. This number will definitely scorch the screens with its visuals.

4.Mirutha Mirutha-Vijay Yesudhas,Shreya Ghoshal,D.Imman

An emotional clarinet section opens this beautiful melodious duet. Shreya Ghoshal's honey-dipping voice welcomes the listeners, punctuated by a haunting tune, eerie symphonic progression, Vijay Yesudhas' heartrending vocals and the occasional trombone section. However, it is Shreya's passionate rendition that will melt your heart. Going by the lyrics, this track would appear in a critical point of the movie. Madhan Karky deserves a special mention  for the lyrics which speak about the unavoidable death and afterlife. Musically rich!

5.Horrifying Zombies-Instrumental

Imman composes yet another plot-specific theme. Here, he takes on hip-hop style for the rhythm arrangement and a retro feel for the orchestration. This theme exactly portrays the nature of zombies.

6.Munnal Kadhali (Reprise)-Haricharan

The chartbuster track of the album arrives as a mesmerizing reprise in the evergreen voice of Haricharan. His voice drips with melody as he croons his lines with passion. Imman gives a Jazz treatment to the entire number and provides indeed a treat with his excellent chord progression. The mellowed saxophone and piccolo sections in the background elevates the jazzy mood of the song. Heartwarming end!

Verdict:

Imman's urban outing is musically rich. The songs from this soundtrack are sure to be on the playlists for a long time!

Rating: ****

Picks:

Munnal Kadhali,Bitten By Insanity,Mirutha Mirutha,Munnal Kadhali (Reprise)

Sanam Teri Kasam Music Review

Movie: Sanam Teri Kasam

Cast: Harshvardhan Rane,Mawra Hocane

Director: Radhika Rao,Vinay Sapru

Music director: Himesh Reshammiya

1.Sanam Teri Kasam-Ankit Tiwari,Palak Muchhal

An engaging title track is what Himesh Reshammiya serves us in the very beginning. What makes the song a haunting one is the addictive guitar strums in the prelude and interludes. In addition to that, Himesh indulges a dynamic violin section as accompaniment to the guitar. The free-flowing tune and an upbeat rhythm make it easy for Ankit Tiwari and Palak Muchhal to croon with passion in their voices. This one will stay on playlists for a long time!

2.Kheech Meri Photo-Neeti Mohan,Akasa Singh,Darshan Raval

The mood of the album changes with this party track. But mind it! This number isn't like the dance numbers of these days. It is more desilicious and the addictive techno beats & digital loops add zing to the tune. Neeti Mohan weaves magic with her voice and her soprano notes are pitch perfect. She is joined by Akasa Singh and Darshan Raval who quip in occasionally. Get on the dance floor with this different old-school party song!

3.Bewajah-Himesh Reshammiya

There is something about Bewajah that will surely make you revisit the track again and again. Especially if you're a fan of Himesh Reshammiya's voice, you'd love this one to the core. The soft rock progression along with the dulcet piano notes, lead guitar strums, romantic lyrics and of course Himesh's mellifluous rendition make this number a beautiful listen on a lovey-dovey evening. Another winner!

4.Tera Chehra-Arijit Singh

The mindblowing aspect that stands out in this track is the amazing tabla beats that accompany throughout the number. Himesh Reshmmiya composes a number that is sure to sweep the listeners' soul away. And to top the tune, there is Arijit Singh, who has become a mandatory singer in every soundtrack of these days. Himesh's trademark guitar strums play a major role here too. Experimentally melodious!

5.Haal-E-Dil (Male)-Sreerama Chandra

Finally, here comes a pathos that will melt your heart with its lyrics. Though the tune doesn't appeal on the first listen, it will grow on you like a slow poison. The haunting piano notes in the prelude and interludes increase the eerie aura of the song. Sreerama Chandra's slight classical rendition is definitely top class and his voice feels like honey to the ears.

6.Haal-E-Dil (Female)-Neeti Mohan

The above track arrives in a female version crooned by the lovely Neeti Mohan. This one is more upbeat, addictive and eerie. Especially, when Neeti begins 'Haal-E-Dil Mera...', it is heaven from that moment. You can plug on to this number on a serene night and get lost in her honey-dipping voice. Mandolins in the interlude deserve a special applause!

7.Ek Number-Himesh Reshammiya,Neeti Mohan

Neeti Mohan gets to croon yet another track and her stylish whispery rendition is the icing on the cake. Himesh's vocals are addictive and a tinge of classical is visible in his rendition. In terms of lyrics, this track spells modernity with the usage of urban words and slang. The steady rhythm pattern elevates the mood of the song. A decently enjoyable one!

8.Main Teri Yaadon Mein-Arijit Singh

Though this number is a racy one, Arijit Singh's classical rendition provides it a vague melodious touch. Apart from that, the tune isn't anything innovative and gets a tad boring after a point. This one can be listened on a long ride in the highways. A passable one from Himesh.

9.Sanam Teri Kasam (Reprise)-Mohammed Irfan,Palak Muchhal

The title track arrives in a reprise version and brings the album's curtains down in an elegant manner. Mohammed Irfan replaces Ankit Tiwari here and he puts up a commendable show with his sweet vocals, while Palak Muchhal gets the same lines to croon. However, the album could have done well even without this reprise version.

Verdict:

Himesh Reshammiya delivers a classic with this soundtrack in which each number is a gem on its own. Wish he composes more nowadays!

Rating: ****1/2

Picks:

Sanam Teri Kasam,Kheech Meri Photo,Bewajah,Tera Chehra,Haal-E-Dil (Female),Ek Number