Neerja Music Review

Movie: Neerja

Cast: Sonam Kapoor,Shekhar Ravjiani,Shabana Azmi

Director: Ram Madhvani

Music director: Vishal Khurana

1.Jeete Hain Chal-Kavita Seth,Arun Ingle,Mandar Apte,R.N.Iyer,Archana Gore,Mayuri Patwardhan,Pragati Mukund Joshi,Vishal Khurana

Beginning with a glorious chant, Kavita Seth's soul-stirring voice uplifts the mood of the song. Vishal Khurana weaves a poignant melody that is striking right from the start. Be it the accompanying guitar strums, the radiant chorus or the chord progression, everything fits in perfectly in this melody. Scintillating and emotional!

2.Aankhein Milayenge Darr Se-Neha Bhasin,K.Mohan

Much like the previous number, this one too begins with a mantra chant. Predominantly filled with thumping rock beats and vibrant chorus, this energetic number is sure to boost your mood. Since the chorus takes a major part in this track, the voices of the lead singers are overshadowed.

3.Gehra Ishq-Shekhar Ravjiani

One gets a notion that this might turn out to be yet another melody of Bollywood soundtracks. But this melodious number deceives the listeners with its initial notes. Starting on rather romantic lines, this song soon veers off into a full fledged qawwali love number. Shekhar Ravjiani's enthralling voice flows like honey on the ears. A pleasant solo!

4.Aisa Kyun Maa-Sunidhi Chauhan

Sung from the point of view of a daughter, this beautiful number is a ode to all mothers in the world. Sunidhi Chauhan's carefree singing along with the unplugged mode of the number and the mellowed violins in the background make this track a bliss to listen to. Though there might have been lots of tribute songs for mothers, the sweetness in this one is incomparable!

Verdict:

Vishal Khurana comes up with a short, tender and sweet soundtrack which aptly suits the biopic theme of the movie.

Rating: ****  (4 /5)

Picks:

Jeete Hain Chal,Gehra Ishq,Aisa Kyun Maa

Darling 2 Music Review

Movie: Darling 2

Cast: Kaliyarasan,Rameez Raja,Maya,Kaali Venkat,Arjunan

Director: Sathish Chandrasekaran

Music director: Radhan

1.Machi Vaa Da Ne Dhan Friendu-Ramee

A funky friendship song opens this soundtrack. Though there is a deja vu while listening to this number, it has become a trend to have such high-on-energy and techno tracks in urban movies. With occasional dialogues and Ramee's coarse vocals, this one is a passable track from Radhan.

2.Olarava Olarava-Varun Parandhaman,Muthamil,Ramee

Getting a hangover from the previous number, this one is a techno laden kuthu number that has become a rage nowadays. Radhan's simple tune is instantly likeable and it would surely go down well with the youngsters. The rap sections elevate the aura of the sultry number.

3.Ni Sa Gari Sa-Naresh Iyer,Anweshaa Dutta

At the very first listen, one would be saying 'Wow!' With Hindustani classical base, Radhan composes a mesmerizing melody that is exquisite and addictive. The repetitive aalaap 'Ni Sa Gari Sa' is sure to get on to your nerves. Anweshaa Dutta's honey-dipping voice and Naresh Iyer's effervescent vocals along with the tabla and accordion make the number an enchanting one. Hit the repeat button!

4.Kaatril-Nikitha Gandhi

And here comes that eerie number which is perfect for this horror movie. The spooky chorus, spine-chilling humming, haunting piano notes and wind sounds in the beginning set the mood for the rest of the number. However, it is Nikitha Gandhi's whispery rendition that will stir your soul. As the haunting number progresses, it will really send a chill down your spine!

5.Theme Song-Ramee

Sounding like a rip-off of the previous number, this one is constructed in male voice Ramee with extra hard rock sections and techno loops which provide it a zombie-feel. Though it is lesser than 2 minutes, it will spook you to the core.

Verdict:

Radhan delivers a scrumptious genre-specific album with funky instrumentation!

Rating: ***  (3/5)

Picks:

Ni Sa Gari Sa,Kaatril

Idhu Namma Aalu Music Review

Movie: Idhu Namma Aalu

Cast: Silambarasan,Nayanthara,Andrea Jeremiah

Director: Pandiraj

Music director: T.R.Kuralarasan

1.Kaathaga-Silambarasan

T.R.Kuralarasan presents us a compelling folkish melody. Crooned by his brother Silambarasan, this number has a breezy pallavi and then veers off into fast paced kuthu number in the charanam. The eclectic usage of guitar strums, nadaswaram and Sitar is engaging to listen to. Beautiful start.

2.Kanne Un Kadhal-Yuvan Shankar Raja

This one is a haunting solo in the raw vocals of Yuvan Shankar Raja. Accompanied all along with grand piano notes, this song has a ebullient chord progression. The violin section in the interlude is exquisite while the mellowed beats engulf the listeners in a trance-like atmosphere. Another winner!

3.King Kong-T.R.Kuralarasan,Shruthi Hassan,Blaaze

Kuralarasan himself gets to croon this number along with Shruthi Hassan whose hoarsely lower notes complement his funky voice amicably. This romantic duet also has a trance-like atmosphere and a brilliantly constructed chord progression. And Blaaze just blazes in the rap portion. A peppy track!

4.Maaman Waiting-T.Rajender,Suchithra,Blaaze

What is a Simbu film without a pakka mass number, especially in his father's voice? This song joins the bandwagon of Yammaadi Aathaadi and Kalasala. Filled with all commercial elements, this song is sure to go down well with the front-benchers. Though stereotyped, it is a definite chartbuster.

5.Oru Thalai Ragam-Sriram Parthsarathy,Blaaze

The most scintillating number of the album arrives at the last. This one is peppered with awesome orchestration, grand piano notes and exuberant strings which make this pathos heartrending. Sriram Parthasarathy seems to be a misfit for this number but Silambarasan does justice to the song in his version. Just plug on your earphones and get lost in this Yuvan-like mesmerizing melody!

Verdict:

T.R.Kularasan's debut album aces off with an equal mix of foot-tapping numbers and melodies. He is a promising find!

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Kanne Un Kadhal,King Kong,Oru Thala Ragam

Kanithan Music Review

Movie: Kanithan

Cast: Atharvaa,Catherine Tresa

Director: TN Santhosh

Music director: Sivamani

1.Yappa Chappa-Anirudh Ravichander,Kalpana Ragavendar

The album begins on a high note with this peppy track which is composed on the lines of Surangani song. Sivamani indulges in old-school instrumentation and African elements which make the number an enjoyable one. Additionally, the tangy lyrics and the funky rendition of Anirudh and Kalpana is sure to make the song a chartbuster one. Watch out for the classical violins in the second interlude. Instant winner!

2.Maiyal Maiyal-Haricharan,Swetha Mohan

This number is an interesting duet which has a tinge of classical base to it throughout. The tune oozes with melody and the innovative instrumentation (sitar,veena,guitar strums and flute) elevates the beautiful tune. Both the singers Haricharan and Swetha Mohan complement each other well and croon passionately. A striking number from Sivamani!

3.I Viralgal-MC AK,Adhrija,Ishan

The album veers off to the oft explored genre in Kollywood music - rap with kuthu. The tune is bland and the singers' voices are overshadowed by the overload of rap and blaring music in the background. This number can work only with the visuals.

4.Modern Ponnathan-Karthik,Runa Sivamani,Blaaze

Compared to the previous number, this electronically sequenced song is much better. Especially the female vocals of Runa Sivamani is sultry and the hilarious exchanges between the boys and girls are funny to hear. Sivamani's classical instrumentation amidst the jarring percussion beats is endearing to listen. A passable one.

5.Che Guevara-S.P.Balasubramaniam

High-on-energy drum beats dominate the entire track. This uplifting song will appear in a crucial point in the film. S.P.Balasubramaniam's powerhouse rendition accompanied by Sivamani's radiant percussion and motivational lyrics make the number an energetic one. A strong finale to the album.

Verdict:

Sivamani's sophomore album is also high on blaring percussion beats which overshadow the other aspects of the songs. However, two likeable numbers make the album a decent listen!

Rating: **3/4

Picks:

Yappa Chappa,Maiyal Maiyal

Loveshhuda Music Review

Movie: Loveshhuda

Cast: Girish Kumar,Navneet Kaur Dhillon,Naveen Kasturia

Director: Vaibhav Mishra

Music director: Mithoon,Parichay

1.Mar Jaayen-Atif Aslam

The album opens with a classic melody that has Mithoon's stamp all over it. Thankfully, Arijit Singh is spared here and it is Atif Aslam who yields the megaphone. His velvety voice flows passionately along with the scintillating tune. Mithoon's trademark guitar strums add spice to the melody, while the minimal rhythm pattern works largely in favor of the song. Enticing begin!

2.Peene Ki Tamanna-Vishal Dadlani,Parichay

After a pleasing melody, here comes a jarring high-on-energy number with nonsensical lyrics that highlights the merits of drinking. An upbeat party song with the usual dance floor elements. Vishal Dadlani's voice is overshadowed by the blaring background music. Though nothing unusual, it will definitely scorch the screens.

3.Dono Ke Dono-Neha Kakkar,Parichay

Yet another dance number makes its way into the soundtrack. Similar to the previous one, this too has high-on-energy beats and screeching orchestration in the background. The only difference between the two numbers is that this one is a romantic one with modern cheesy love lyrics. The lead singers do a commendable job, despite their voices being suppressed by the instrumentation.

4.Chitta Kukkad-Neha Kakkar,Gippy Grewal

Composer Parichay comes up with yet another peppy number. But this track has a heavy Punjabi flavor to it. Also the singers Gippy Grewal and Neha Kakkar render their lines in their nasal voice which peps up the Punjabiness even more. But the tune isn't catchy and it doesn't easily appeal to the listeners even after repeated listens.

5.Total Talli-Parichay,Teesha Nigam

Listeners tend to get exhausted when it is yet another party number in the album. Even Parichay's idea of adopting A.R.Rahman's Ramta Jogi tune for the Total Talli phrase sounds awkward. Once again, the number is spoiled by blaring music and bland rendition by the singers.

6.Mar Jaayen (Reprise)-Atif Aslam

The melodious number returns in the form of a heartrending reprise. Mithoon indulges in some enchanting violin sections which increases the mellifluous aura of the song. Atif Aslam's voice is even more subtle in this version as the entire arrangement is unplugged. Beautiful!

7.Mar Jaayen (EDM Remix)-Atif Aslam

Seriously, the most soul-stirring number of this album is completely spoiled by this EDM Remix. There is nothing to brag about the arrangement here. This version is unnecessary and might even irritate the listeners after the first few lines.

8.Peene Ki Tamanna (EDM Remix)-Vishal Dadlani,Parichay

Already the original sounds like an EDM one, so this version doesn't make any difference. Listeners cannot find a single likeable aspect in this one.

9.Dono Ke Dono (Chill Trap Remix)-Parichay,Neha Kakkar

The chilled out romantic number returns in a Chill Trap remix. But surprisingly, this version sounds better than the original one up to some extent.

10.Total Talli (Trap Remix)-Parichay,Teesha Nigam,Joe Louis

I wonder why Parichay has brought in too many remixes for this album. The songs might not even appear in the film. And this number too is bland like the original version.

11.Chitta Kukkad (Male)-Gippy Grewal,Neha Kakkar

Well, the original version was confusing and this one too confuses the listener with its puzzling tune arrangement. And also, despite mentioned as a Male number, we get to hear Neha Kakkar's voice.

Verdict:

Loveshhuda's album targets only the party animals with its numerous party tracks and remixes of them. Only a single melody uplifts the mood of the soundtrack.

Rating: **

Picks:

Mar Jaayen,Mar Jaayen (Reprise)

Bangalore Naatkal Music Review

Movie: Bangalore Naatkal

Cast: Arya,Sri Divya,Bobby Simha,Rana Daggubati,Parvathy,Raai Laxmi,Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Director: Bommarillu Bhaskar

Music director: Gopi Sunder

1.Naan Maatti Konden-Karthik

Beginning with ebullient guitar strums, this breezy solo sung by Karthik is fresh and engaging right from the start. It is a tailor-made number for Karthik who croons with elan. Gopi Sunder composes a likeable tune which flows easily along with Madhan Karky's heartwarming lyrics. The interesting string progression in the background adds beauty to the track. A charming song!

2.Para Parappa Oru Ooru-Ranjith

After a soulful melody, the album changes gears with this hardcore rock number. This track is all about the city Bangalore and how the lead characters enjoy roaming around. Gopi Sunder indulges a steady progression of rock along with groovy drum beats and screeching guitar strums. Ranjith thoroughly enjoys himself while rendering his lines as it is evident from his voice.

3.Aaga Motham Ennai-Gopi Sunder

Yet another fresh and breezy number makes its way into the album. This track is peppered with interesting interludes which has a combo of violin and mandolin. The drumming in the background peps up the lovable tune and Gopi Sunder does justice with his velvety rendition. The entire song has a countryside feel which makes it utterly enjoyable. Lovely one!

4.Thodakkam Mangalyam-Vijay Yesudhas,Sachin Warrier,Divya S.Menon

Gopi Sunder retains this chartbuster wedding song from the Malayalam version. And the surprise is that it is equally fantastic and colorful in this version too. There is no change in the tune, even the same ensemble of singers croon the number. The only difference is the lyrics which is penned to perfection by Pazhani Bharati. Get to enjoy a sumptuous wedding feast with this track!

5.En Vizhiyin Kanavu-Anna Katharina Valayil Chandy,Gopi Sunder

Gopi Sunder has taken the right decision to reuse the Malayalam tune for the most soul-stirring number of the album. Filled with live plucked guitar strums, this unplugged melody is honey to the ears as long as it lasts. Anna Katharina Valayil Chandy's whispery rendition is the icing on the cake which permeates the serenity of the tune and she is amply supported by Gopi Sunder. Just close your eyes and revel in this one!

6.I Want To Fly-Anna Katharina Valayil Chandy

Sung sensuously by Anna Katharina Valayil Chandy, this montage song sequence is brilliantly composed by Gopi Sunder. With lilting piano notes, this short number is engaging and the English lyrics are passionate. A fitting finale to the soundtrack.

Verdict:

Award winning composer Gopi Sunder delivers a feel-good album with Bangalore Naatkal. The soundtrack is enthralling with its heartwarming and fresh melodies.

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Naan Maatti Konden,Aaga Motham Ennai,Thodakkam Mangalyam,En Vizhiyin Kanavu