Chal Mohan Ranga Music Review

Movie: Chal Mohan Ranga

Cast: Nitiin, Megha Akash

Director: Krishna Chaitanya

Music director: Thaman S

1. Pedda Puli - Rahul Sipligunj

Thaman S opens this album with a foot-tapping number that is a crowd-pleaser. This song is sure to have Nitiin performing some energetic dance steps on the screen. With a catchy repetitive phrase and a simple tune, this song will climb up the charts in the upcoming days. Though it has an oft-repeated template, it is quite enjoyable.

2. Very Very Sad - Yazin Nizar, Sanjana Kalmanje

The catchphrase 'Very Very Sad...' will be on every music lover's lips soon. This refreshing number has a slow-paced tune that relaxes the listener. The reverberating effect is used well by Thaman. Yazin Nizar's emotional rendition works well here. Sanjana Kalmanje's humming bit provides a breezy feel to the number. The light rhythm and dulcet guitar strums accentuate the lovely mood of the song. A cute winner this is!

3. Miami - Aditi Singh Sharma, Rita, Manisha Eerabathini

Going by the upbeat rhythm and the overall structure of the song, it seems like this number might be played during a montage sequence. Thaman intelligently mixes classical, rap and techno moods to create a song that is versatile. Aditi Singh Sharma, Rita and Manisha Eerabathini take turns in crooning, though it is very difficult to find who is who. Strictly for the visuals!

4. Vaaram - Nakash Aziz

A westernized light folk number pops up next. This track is sure to turn into an anthem for drunk youngsters who are going through a breakup phase. Kedarnath's funny lyrics explaining the hero's life during the seven days of a week accentuate the peppiness of the song. Thaman blends different instruments to bring in a joyous mood to the song. A special applause for the excellent violin sections. Nakash Aziz is awesome with his flawless rendition. Another chartbuster!

5. Ga Gha Megha - Rahul Nambiar

A cacophony of mesmerizing violins and strings open this catchy romantic song. Then it moves on to a foot-tapping youthful number that is full on love and energy. These kind of songs are a cakewalk for Thaman and he does an excellent job in bringing out a jubilant love track. The lyrics by Krishnakanth is all about the hero's difficulty with the pronunciation of the heroine's name. Rahul Nambiar croons his lines with ease. Danceable song!

6. Ardham Leni Navvu - Sreenidhi

This is a beautiful and enthralling rehash of the classical song Bantureethi Kolu (an awesome Thyagarajar kriti). Thaman has his way with the amazing flute, strings, mridangam and sitar throughout the song. Sreenidhi's honeyed voice oozes with melody and she gets the sangidhis right. This number is another mellifluous addition to the bandwagon of exhilarating semi-classical songs in Telugu. Soul-stirring right from the word go!

Verdict:

After the groundbreaking Tholi Prema, Thaman S continues his streak of success with this soundtrack too. With a combination of lovely melodies and foot-tapping numbers, this album is sure to linger in the playlists for a long time.

Rating: **** (4 / 5)

Picks:

Very Very Sad, Vaaram, Ga Gha Megha, Ardham Leni Navvu

Rangasthalam Music Review

Movie: Rangasthalam

Cast: Ramcharan, Samantha Akkineni, Aadhi Pinisetty, Jagapathi Babu

Director: Sukumar

Music director: Devi Sri Prasad

When you have a commercial potboiler releasing with some big names in it, the music is ought to be a chartbuster. With Devi Sri Prasad roped in as the music director of this highly-expected movie, the songs have also raised the expectations of music lovers. Let's see if they match up to the expectations.

1. Yentha Sakkagunnave - Devi Sri Prasad

The album kickstarts with a cheeky romantic number that is an instant winner. Devi Sri Prasad yields the megaphone with ease. The accompanying chorus amplify the lovable mood of the number. With minimal orchestration and a foot-tapping rhythm, this beautiful song is sure to tug at your heartstrings. The lilting guitar strums in the second interlude elevates the song to another level. Chandra Bose's lyrics compare the beauty of the leading lady with that of nature. A chartbuster!

2. Ranga Ranga Rangasthalaana - Rahul Sipligunj

Here comes a mass number with all the rustic folk elements in it. It is a crowd-puller that is sure to bring in masses of people to the theaters. With highly energetic beats and little orchestration, this song has more scope to stay on the charts for a long time. Rahul Sipligunj's effortless singing acts like icing on the cake. A definite chartbuster!

3. Rangamma Mangamma - MM Manasi

Another catchy folk number that is high on love and cheesiness. With its simplistic tune, Devi Sri Prasad scores high with this composition. Though there is minimal orchestration, the flute sections in the first interlude make for a pleasant listen. However, the heroine of the song is MM Manasi. Her booming voice and playful modulations are the best amplifiers in the number. The high-energetic beats in the second interlude and towards the end are sure to make the audience dance to them. Instant winner!

4. Aa Gattununtaava - Shiva Naagulu

DSP continues his mass mode with this number too. This dance song is sure to find a place in many dance reality shows in the upcoming days. Though there is nothing new in the composition, Shiva Naagulu's flawless rendition along with the chorus make it a passable listen. Lyrics by Chandra Bose are top-class here. This song might do well with the visuals and Ramcharan's dance moves will be much spoken about.

5. Jigelu Rani - Rela Kumar, Ganta Venkata Lakshmi

How can a DSP album be without an item number? This number is sure to scorch the theaters. Especially Ramcharan and Pooja Hegde's dance moves would make it a remarkable number. However, it is worth only a single listen and doesn't have the potential to stay in your playlists, if you aren't a die-hard fan of item numbers. The vocals of Rela Kumar and Ganta Venkata Lakshmi are the only saving factors in an otherwise average song.

Verdict:

DSP makes a dashing comeback with the classy album which is replete with numbers that would appeal to the masses. The soundtrack has just a couple of misses which are quite forgettable. This mass album is sure to become a chartbuster!

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5 / 5)

Picks:

Yentha Sakkagunnave, Ranga Ranga Rangasthalaana, Rangamma Mangamma

Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma Music Review

Movie: Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma

Cast: Kavin, Remya Nambeesan, Arunraja Kamaraj

Director: Shivakumar Arvind

Music director: Dharan

1. Cow Song - Simbu

Here comes a foot-tapping dappankuthu number that is sure to climb the charts in the upcoming days. It is Simbu's open-throat rendition that makes this song listenable and also the catchy line 'Maadu paal kudukkum...' is going to turn into a catchphrase. Kavin's voice-over in the interlude spices up the mood of the song. However, the changeover to house mix techno beats feels a bit out of place. Nevertheless, an enjoyable number!

2. Thookuda Collara - Mark Anthony Thomas, Dr. Burn

Dharan has tried to create a different number, but falls short in the overall execution. This westernized folk number follows the footsteps of the previous song in terms of mood and lyrics. Mark Anthony Thomas's hoarse rendition works well for the song and Dr. Burn's rap is the cherry on top of the cake. But there is this something-amiss feel throughout the song and it doesn't call for a second listen.

3. Inky Pinky Ponky - Dharan, Chorus

This short number is sure to be played in a montage sequence or as a background score in the movie. Dharan himself croons this song and he makes for a pretty good listen along with the chorus. However, the song doesn't make an impact with the listeners and can be easily skipped.

4. Andhar Bulty - Haricharan, Alisha Thomas

This romantic number begins on a lilting melody and then moves on to a slight folk tone when the male part comes in. The breezy feel is maintained throughout and Alisha Thomas's sweet voice makes it all the more mellifluous. Dharan weaves a simple heartrending melody and punctuates it with soulful piano notes and enthralling violin in the interludes. When it comes to the folk section, Haricharan renders joyfully with a rollicking feel. Modern Thanglish lyrics by Jeyachandra Hashmi will go down well with new-gen lovebirds. Perfect romantic ballad!

5. Carrom Board - Mirchi Vijay, Remya Nambeesan

Accentuated with brilliant violin sections, this racy romantic track is energetic and playful. Cheeky lyrics and the speedy orchestration are sure to work well with the youngsters and this number could find a place in the charts. Mirchi Vijay and Remya Nambeesan render well with their fruity vocals, though Remya's modulation sounds funny. The song changes into full-on folk mode towards the end. Celebrations galore!

Verdict:

Music director Dharan, who is rarely heard in the industry nowadays, comes up with a youthful album that is peppy and enjoyable. A few songs stand out, paving way for the composer to come up in the charts.

Rating: *** (3/5)

Picks:

Cow Song, Andhar Bulty, Carrom Board

Sindhu Bhairavi raga - Tamil songs from the heartwarming Sindhu Bhairavi raga.

Sindhu Bhairavi Raga:

If there is a raga that is heartwarming as well as exuberant, it is sure to be Sindhu Bhairavi. This mellifluous raga is said to move even mountains. There are many popular film songs composed in this raga. What's more? There was also a movie named Sindhu Bhairavi, which became a cult classic as years passed by.

Let me begin an assessment of this raga by quoting my favourite classical song. It is the breezy Venkatachala Nilayam composed by Purandaradasa. There are many versions of this song, but my favourite is the modern one sung by Vijay Prakash. You can listen to it here to get a grip of how beautiful Sindhu Bhairavi raga is:

Coming to film songs, the oldest composition in this raga is from the 1943 movie Sivakavi. The song Vadhaname Chandra Bimbamo, composed by Papanasam Sivan and rendered by M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. Other famous evergreen compositions are from the 1945 movie Meera. Brindavanathil Kannan Valarndha and Kaatrinile Varum Geetham. Sung wonderfully by Bharat Ratna awardee M.S. Subbulakshmi, these songs are perfect examples of the pleasant Sindhu Bhairavi. Another popular song is Mahakavi Bharathiyar's Theerathu Vilaiyaattu Pillai (sung by legend D.K. Pattammal) from the 1948 movie Vedhala Ulagam. In Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy combination, Vaarayen Thozhi Vaarayo from Pasamalar is an ideal exemplary of Sindhu Bhairavi raga. Another famous song of the combo is Aaru Maname from Aandavan Kattalai. M.S. Viswanathan alone indulged in Sindhu Bhairavi in some of his beautiful songs like Unakenna Mele Nindraai from Simla Special (the classical jathis and charanams display the raga's purest form) and Raman Ethanai Ramanadi from Lakshmi Kalyanam.

In the 80s, Ilaiyaraaja took over the reins and composed some astounding songs in this raga, the best one being Valai Osai from the movie Sathya. Of course, Naan Oru Sindhu from Sindhu Bhairavi movie is also based on this raga, where K.S. Chitra's voice perfectly complements the raga. One of the brilliant instances of Sindhu Bhairavi is seen in Madha Un Kovilil from Achaani and Muthu Mani Maalai from Chinna Goundar. Other amazing Ilaiyaraaja compositions include Shenbagame Shenbagame from Enga Ooru Paatukaran (subtly rendered by Mano and Asha Bhosle in their respective versions) and Oru Naalum Unnai from Superstar Rajnikanth's Ejamaan. My personal favourite is the heartwarming Keladi Kanmani from Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal.

Though these composers used this raga extensively, it was A.R. Rahman who took it to the next level with his mind-blowing compositions. His flawless usage of Sindhu Bhairavi is seen in Maargazhi Thingal Allava from Sangamam (sung beautifully by S. Janaki) and Enge Enadhu Kavidhai from Kandukondein Kandukondein in the mellifluous voice of K.S. Chitra. Traces of Sindhu Bhairavi can be seen in Taal Se Taal song from Taal, though the song is completely based on Bhairavi raga. Other Rahman compositions include Nenjinile from Uyire (Hindi version Jiya Jale), Kulirudhu Kulirudhu from Taj Mahal and the recent number Punnagaye (parts sung by Shashaa Tirupati) from 2016 movie 24.

Ivan Dhana from Saamy, composed by Harris Jayaraj, also has Sindhu Bhairavi in it. 

Other noteworthy songs in Sindhu Bhairavi are:

1. Ennai Yaarendru from Paalum Pazhamum

2. Kalyana Saapadu from Major Chandrakanth

3. Thiruthani Muruga from Neelagiri Express

4. Aattama Therottama from Captain Prabhakaran

5. Vanithamani from Vikram

6. Vaanile Thenila from Kaaki Sattai

7. Poongatru from Moondram Pirai

8. Mani Osai from Payanangal Mudivadhillai

9. Enna Satham Indha Neram from Punnagai Mannan

10. Maane Thene from Udhaya Geetham

11. Aalolam Padi from Aavaram Poo

12. Nilave Mugam Kaatu from Ejamaan

13. Nilavu Paatu from Kannukkul Nilavu

Abheri Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/abheri-popular-raga-songs-in-abheri.html

Charukesi Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/charukesi-raga-tamil-songs-in-charukesi.html

Mohanam Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/mohanam-raga-tamil-songs-in-mohanam.html

Kalyani Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/songs-in-kalyani-and-hamir-kalyani.html

Gowri Manohari Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/gowri-manohari-tamil-songs-in-gowri.html

Songs in Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani, the soulful ragas.

Today, I am combining two ragas in this post. Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani. Kalyani raga is generally considered as The Queen of Carnatic Ragas, while Hamir Kalyani is janya ragam of Kalyani. That is, Hamir Kalyani is derived from Kalyani. Both these ragas have famous kirtans, varnams and bhajans. They have also been incorporated in film music from the golden era. They have a lullaby-like touch to them which makes them the best raga to compose mellifluous songs. Let us see some examples of film songs composed in Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani raga. Kalyani raga is known as Yaman in Hindustani and Hamir Kalyani is known as Kedar.

The first Tamil song to release in this raga was Sinthanai Sei Maname from the 1957 movie Ambikapathy. Composed by G. Ramanathan, this song was beautifully rendered by the legend T.M. Soundarrajan. In the 1967 Sivaji Ganesan starrer Thiruvarutchelvar, a wonderful song named Mannanvan Vandhaanadi Thozhi has Kalyani in its purest form. This song was crooned melodiously by nightingale P. Susheela and composed by K.V. Mahadevan. Another evergreen composition is Viswanthan-Ramamoorthy's Madhuraiyil Parandha song from the 1967 movie Poova Thalaiya. Hamir Kalyani raga was rarely used in yesteryear compositions. One stand out song is En Uyir Thozhi from the movie Karnan. This was also a Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy composition and it was rendered by P. Susheela.

Ilaiyaraaja used Kalyani raga meticulously in many of his compositions. His famous composition Amma Endru Azhaikaadha from Superstar Rajnikanth movie Mannan is based on Kalyani. Being an auspicious raga, Ilaiyaraaja used it in his devotional composition Janani Janani from Thai Mookambikai. Of course, the ebullient Kalaivaaniye Sindhu Bhairavi movie also has this raga flowing throughout the number. Another pleasant and recent composition is the song Kaatril Varum Geethame from the 2006 movie Oru Naal Oru Kanavu. Other popular songs include Nadhiyil Aadum from Kaadhal Oviyam, Nirpathuve Nadapathuve from Bharathi, Sundari Kannal Oru Seidhi from Thalapathy, and Vandhaal Mahalakshmiye from Uyarndha Ullam. Ilaiyaraaja also used Hamir Kalyani in his compositions, but not as frequent as Kalyani. Some of his famous songs which have traces of Hamir Kalyani are Kaadhal Oviyam Kanden from Kavikuyil and Kai Veenaiyai from Vietnam Colony.

A.R. Rahman is staunch opposite to Ilaiyaraaja in the usage of these ragas. He has incorporated Hamir Kalyani more in his compositions. One of the beautiful songs is Malargale Malargale from the movie Love Birds. Though the song is also infused with another raga, it is a good example for Hamir Kalyani. Mellisonant voices of Hariharan and K.S. Chitra elevate the mood of the song. Other mellifluous Rahman songs include Kaiyil Midhakkum from Ratchagan, Swasame Swasame from Thenali, and Nila Kaaigiradhu from Indira. One can find traces of Kalyani raga in the song Suttum Vizhi Chudar from the movie Kandukondein Kandukondein.

Other songs in Kalyani are:

1. Aararo Aararo from Anand

2. Arul Thavazhum from Guru Ramana Geetham

3. Charanam Bhava Karunamayi from Sethu

4. Konjam Sangeedham Kattru Tha from Veetula Visheshanga

5. Naan Enbadhu Nee Allavo from Soorasamharam

6. Radha Azhaikkiral from Therkathi Kallan

7. Thaalatum Kaatre from Devan

8. Vellai Pura Ondru from Pudhu Kavidhai

Other songs in Hamir Kalyani are:

1. Chandrodayam Oru Pen from Chandrodhayam

2. Kaalai Paniyil from Gayathri

3. Paataale Budhi Sonnar from Karagaatakaaran

Mohanam Ragam - Tamil songs in Mohanam, the mystical raga.

Mohanam ragam has an other-worldly feel to it. It is a mellowed raga, perfect to listen on pleasant and breezy evenings. The beauty of this raga has been personified in many Tamil film songs. Music composers have taken a special liking to this raga from time immemorial. If you want to chill with some good music after a long day at work, go for this raga. It is sure to detox you. Here are some Tamil songs composed in Mohanam raga. 

One of the oldest compositions to have Mohanam ragam was the spiritual Giridhara Gopala song from the 1945 movie Meera. M.S. Subbulakshmi's top-class rendition elevated the spirituality of the song. Another ethereal composition in this raga is A.M. Rajah's Nilavum Malarum from the movie Then Nilavu. Crooned by A.M. Rajah and P. Susheela, this song is the perfect number to calm your mind. There are also other old songs like Pazhaga Theriya Venum from Missiamma (sung by A.M. Rajah), Aaha Inba Nilavinile from Mayabazar (sung by Ghantasala and P. Leela) and Mahakavi Bharathiyar's Kaattru Veliyidai Kannamma from the Gemini Ganesan starrer Kappalottiya Thamizhan. Pure Mohanam is also visible in the T.M. Soundarrajan's song Vandha Naal Mudhal from the movie Paavamannippu.

There are N number of songs in Mohanam raga composed by Ilaiyaraaja. In the classically rich Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhandhai from Bhadrakali movie is an evergreen example of this raga. Then there is the famous Idhayam Oru Kovil from Idhayakoil, which is a heart-touching number. Romantic melodies like ABC Nee Vaasi from Oru Kaidhiyin Diary, Geetham Sangeetham from Kokkarako, Kanmaniye Kaadhal Enbadhu from Aarilirundhu Arubathu Varai and Nilavu Thoongum Neram from Kungumachimizh are classic songs that have this raga in its purest form. Ilaiyaraaja also experimented this raga by giving it a contemporary touch in Ninnukori Varnam from Agni Natchathiram. Especially the catchy interludes display the raga in its quirky form. Another beautiful folksy composition is Oru Thanga Rathaathil from Dharma Yuddham. Other evergreen songs include Poovil Vandu from Kaadhal Oviyam, Vandhadhey from Kizhakku Vaasal and Vaan Pole from Salangai Oli.

Songs of the 90s and early 2000s too were based on Mohanam raga. Thanks to A.R. Rahman in that case. The ideal example of this raga is the sad version of Poraale Ponnuthaayi from Karuthamma. Swarnalatha would have sung this song mellifluously in her melody-dripping voice. Paarkathey Paarkathey, an enjoyable number from the movie Gentleman, also displays Mohanam in its fullest form. The mesmerizing romantic melody Snehithane from Alaipaayuthey also has traces of Mohanam. A.R. Rahman also based the stylish number Samba Samba from Love Birds in this raga. The more recent song Ennodu Nee Irundhaal (sung effervescently by Sid Sriram) from the 2015 movie Ai is a good example of Mohanam raga. 

Other famous songs include:

1. Aasai Nenjin Kanavugal from Mugathil Mugam Paarkalam

2. Enga Maharanikku from Thalaimurai

3. Indha Poovukku Oru from Poovarasan

4. Iru Paravaigal Malai Muzhudhum from Niram Maaradha Pookkal

5. Kaathirundhen Thaniye from Rasamagan

6. Kekalayo Kekalayo from Kasthuri Maan

7. Meenkodi Theril from Karumbuvil

8. Oru Ragam Paadalodu from Anandha Ragam

9. Thirutheril Varum Silaiyo from Naan Vazha Vaippen 

Abheri raga  - Click here to check out Abheri raga

Charukesi raga - Click here to check out Charukesi raga