October Music Review

Movie: October (2018)

Cast: Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu, Gitanjali Rao

Director: Shoojit Sircar

Music director: Anupam Roy, Shantanu Moitra, Abishek Arora

1. Theher Jha - Armaan Malik

Right from its release day, this single has been making waves on the Internet. This short and sweet romantic number composed by Abhishek Arora has all the elements to turn into a chartbuster. Though it has an oft-repeated template, it might work well with new-gen youngsters. Armaan Malik croons like a dream and his voice is pleasant to listen. An above-average tune that would grow on you slowly.

2. October Theme - Shantanu Moitra

On popular demand, this instrumental was released as the first single from the album. With mellowed piano notes and some mesmerizing symphonic violin, this theme scores high on musical richness. The melancholic violins are accompanied by some ebullient strings making it a grand listen. Soul-stirring theme from Shantanu Moitra!

3. Tab Bhi Tu - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

There's something magical in Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's voice that stirs the soul and calms all the senses. He emotes well and makes this slow romantic number stand out in the entire soundtrack. Anupam Roy engages the lovely tune with some dulcet guitar strums and enthralling flute sections in the interludes. Though the song begins like an unplugged one, some mild beats accompany it soon and makes it all the more lovey-dovey. Heartwarming!

4. Manwaa - Sunidhi Chauhan

A lilting romantic pathos is up next. This Shantanu Moitra composition is endearing to listen. Swanand Kirkire's heartmelting lyrics skillfully reflect the pain of a heartbroken woman. Sunidhi Chauhan's vocals ooze with melody and feel like honey to the ears. Shantanu keeps the tune simple which is devoid of heavy orchestration or rhythm. The only flip is the song's length, which could have been crisper. Makes for a pleasant listen!

5. Chal - Monali Thakur

How much ever you try to like this number, you just can't. With a lousy tune, Shantanu Moitra tries to compose a girly number. But the song falls flat and ends up as a blaring cacophony of unwanted sounds. Even Monali Thakur's vocals cannot save the song, as her modulation doesn't suit well. You can very well skip this number, since it is placed at the last of the album.

Verdict:

Though Shantanu Moitra gets the upper hand in the soundtrack, it is Anupam Roy's single that makes the album feel majestic. If Tab Bhi Tu is truly appreciated by music lovers, then it might end up in the charts along with the simple Theher Ja.

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

Picks: 

Tab Bhi Tu, October Theme, Manwaa

Blackmail Music Review

Movie: Blackmail (2018)

Cast: Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhari, Divya Dutta, Arunoday Singh

Director: Abhinay Deo

Music director(s): Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Guru Randhawa

1. Happy Happy - Badshah, Aastha Gill

Opening with a catchy club loop, this party song moves into a lounge-like territory and stays on a constant rhythm. The overall mood of the song calls in for many remixes that would rock the dance floors, while the original pace has a chill-out tone. Badshah sounds like the usual rap singer, while it is Aastha Gill's silky voice that spices up the sensuousness of the number. Nothing new to laud about.

2. Patola - Guru Randhawa

This Punjabi Bhangra song composed and crooned by Guru Randhawa is high on energy and dance flavour. It's sure to be played on all grand weddings and other occasions. With its techno beats, this song also serves as a discotheque number. However, there's nothing new here too. Just a plain dance number that would be on the charts for a few days and turn into a forgettable one.

3. Bewafa Beauty - Pawni Pandey

Amit Trivedi's stride as a composer begins with this number. This foot-tapping track falls somewhere in between an item number and a montage song. It has an interesting arrangement of instruments and a rhythm that is addictive. The total efforts of the song fall on the shoulders of Pawni Pandey, who renders like a pro with the right modulations. This number also sounds like some Indipop numbers of the 90s. Sure to climb the charts!

4. Badla - Amit Trivedi, Divine

This high-voltage montage track is sure to scorch the screens during some tough scenes. Songs like this one are a cakewalk for Amit Trivedi who has composed plenty of energetic situational numbers. More than Amit's vocals, it is rapper Divine's (Vivian Fernandes) rap portions that stand out. Though you might not repeatedly play this, it is sure to excel better with visuals.

5. Nindaraan Diyaan - Amit Trivedi

A lilting romantic ballad is up next on the album. This breezy solo has Amit Trivedi's stamp all over it. His mesmerizing voice emotes well at the right lines and makes the song even lovelier. The dulcet guitar strums, piano notes and faraway flute sections accentuate the romantic mood of the song. The blaring and highly energetic changeover towards the end is an intelligent move by Amit Trivedi and it blends well with the number. Beautiful!

6. Sataasat - Amit Trivedi

Here comes an experimental number from Amit Trivedi. The dubstep rhythm and the brilliant orchestration, coupled with Amit's enthralling vocals, make the song a must-listen. The occasional 'aah' sounds and water droplets are some innovative factors of the song. If you are someone who listens to unconventional numbers and appreciates them, then don't miss this song. One of Amit's best compositions!

Verdict:

Barring the two party songs, the album of Blackmail contains highly situational numbers from Amit Trivedi that make for a worthy listen. Though the songs are not chartbuster material, they can be enjoyed by true music lovers.

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

Picks:

Bewafa Beauty, Nindaraan Diyaan, Sataasat

Sankarabharanam Raga - Tamil songs in Sankarabharanam, the classically-rich raga.

Raga Sankarabharanam is usually associated with pure classical songs. Lots of Thyagaraja Kirtans and other varnams are composed in this raga. This raga has a royal touch to it and hence songs composed in this raga are sure to stay in your playlists for a long time. Film music composers too embedded this raga in many of their compositions. Especially there are lots of Ilaiyaraaja songs in this raga which we will see in this post.

Though Sankarabharanam is not used in its unadulterated state, traces of this raga can be heard in many film songs. One of the oldest compositions which is the ideal example of this raga is the song Chandrodhayam from the 1942 fantasy movie Kannagi. This song was composed by musician S.V. Venkatraman. Another beautiful song which displays the elegance of Sankarabharanam is the song Omkara Naadhanu from the Carnatic-music based Telugu movie Shankarabharanam. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki rendered the mellifluous tune flawlessly and K.V. Mahadevan's composition is still a huge hit with classical music lovers. 

Moving on to Ilaiyaraaja's compositions, there are famous songs composed in Sankarabharanam raga. His earliest number in this raga was Indha Minminiku Kannil Oru from the 1978 Kamal Hassan starrer Sigappu Rojakkal. This sensuous romantic melody has Sankarabharanam playing hide-and-seek in many lines. Then came the popular song Germaniyin Senthen Malare from the movie Ullasa Paravaigal. Once again, this was a chirpy romantic melody in the evergreen voices of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki. K.S. Chitra's ultimate song Kuzhaloodhum Kannanukku from Mella Thiranthathu Kadhavu is a quintessential example of Sankarabharanam. Mamavukku Kuduma Kuduma from Punnagai Mannan is a foot-tapping number with traces of this raga. Another peppy song is Pudhu Mappillaikku from the 1989 hit Aboorva Sagodharargal, which is an innovative composition. There have been intricate fusion compositions like Poove Ilaiye Poove from Kozhi Koovuthu (sung sonorously by Malaysia Vasudevan) and Pudhucheri Katcheri from Singaravelan. 

Ada Veetukku Veetukku and Pacha Malai Poovu from Kizhakku Vaasal are songs with a folksy touch. Vachikkava Unna Mattum from Nallavanuku Nallavan, Podi Nadaiya Ponavare from Kadalora Kavidhaigal and Per Vechalum Vekkama from Michael Madana Kamarajan are totally folk numbers which are based on this raga. The ever-popular song Kanmani Anbodu from the Kamal Hassan movie Guna is a wonderful example of Sankarabharanam. Two beautiful songs from the movie Chembaruthi have this raga as their base - Nila Kaayum Neram and Pattu Poove Mettu Paadu. Ilaiyaraaja has composed a heart-melting pathos Thene Thenpandi Meene from the movie Udhaya Geetham.

A.R. Rahman has also used Sankarabharanam in his very first composition Chinna Chinna Aasai from Roja. Neethan En Desiya Geetham from Paarthale Paravasam begins with Sankarabharanam and steers towards Hamir Kalyani and Behag. Music composer Deva has adopted this raga for the beautiful melody Pulveli Pulveli from Aasai. 

Other amazing songs in this Sankarabharanam raga from Tamil Cinema:

1. Aadungal Paadungal from Guru

2. Alapol Velapol from Ejamaan

3. April Mayile from Idhayam

4. Dhillubar Jaane from Kalaignan

5. Maalai En Vedhanai from Sethu

6. Malayala Karaiyoram from Rajadhi Raja

7. Paadi Va Thendrale from Kokkarako

8. Apdi Paakuradhellam from Ivan

9. Singaara Pennoruthi from Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam

Check out other ragas and their Tamil songs here:

1. Abheri Raga

2. Charukesi Raga

3. Mohanam Raga

4. Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani Raga

5. Gowri Manohari Raga

6. Sindhu Bhairavi Raga

Song of Bharat - Bharat Ane Nenu Song Review

'Bharat Ane Nenu' is an upcoming political thriller directed by Koratala Siva. It has Mahesh Babu and Kiara Advani in the lead roles. Produced by DVV Entertainments, this movie has music by Devi Sri Prasad. The first single from the movie, tentatively named 'Song of Bharat', was released recently. The lyrical video of the song went viral within a few minutes of its release. Even the hashtag #SongOfBharat was trending on Twitter for a long time. Here's the review of the song:

DSP has churned out an inspirational title track that is sure to top the charts for a long time. With a constant rhythm and minimal orchestration, this number scores high on the political quotient. Ramajogayya Sastry's lyrics reflect on the hero's political motives, aims, goals and responsibilities. Since Mahesh Babu is playing a Chief Minister, this is the perfect title track for him.

The singer David Simon's vocals are apt for the slickness that the song requires. He sounds like DSP himself at some places. The repetitive catchprase 'Bharat ane nenu...' and 'This is me...' hook the listeners to the song instantly. Though a bit lengthy, it can play out well along with the visuals.

Kudos to DSP for creating such a catchy motivational song! Listen to the song here:

12 Harris Jayaraj Albums That Have Versatile Songs

Harris Jayaraj's albums usually have foot-tapping numbers with simple tunes that become instant chartbusters. Though he is known to repeat his templates and create songs that are familiar to his previous compositions, there are few albums which are quite different from the rest. These albums have versatile songs and cover all types of musical genres. Some of these albums have also gone to win many awards. Here are top 12 Harris Jayaraj Tamil albums that have versatile songs in them:

1. Minnale

This was the debut movie of Harris Jayaraj and he won the Filmfare Best Music Director award, due to the tremendous response for this album. This album was a mixed bag of melodies and peppy songs. The sensuous Vaseegara, the heartrending Venmathi Venmathi and Iru Vizhi Unadhu, the foot-tapping romantic melodies Hey Azhagiya Theeye and Ivan Yaaro, the westernized introduction Oh Mama Mama, and the themes Nenjai Poopol and Maddy Maddy became instant winners upon the album's release.

2. 12B

Right after Minnale, the soundtrack of this movie too became immensely successful. Be it the catchy Love Pannu and Sariya Thavara or the mellifluous Poove Vaai Pesum or the celebratory Jothi Neranchava or the quirky Mutham Mutham, all the songs became chartbusters and were aired repeatedly. Even the themes and background scores from this became popular upon the movie's release. Harris's signature style was stamped on all the songs from this album.

3. Lesa Lesa

This was another enthralling album with the right mix of melodies and peppy numbers. There were some remarkable numbers like Edho Ondru, Lesa Lesa, Muthal Muthalai and Aval Ulaga Azhagiye. Even the underrated song Enai Polave Kaatru became a rage among college-going girls of those days. Listen to this critically acclaimed album, if you are a newcomer to Harris Jayaraj music.

4. Kaakha Kaakha

Harris Jayaraj ventured into composing for action thrillers with this movie. However, this album had catchy romantic songs and it was devoid of any dashing hero entry numbers. Songs like Uyirin Uyire, Oru Ooril and Ennai Konjam Maatri became instantly successful, while the romantic Ondra Iranda and the stylish Thoodhu Varuma grew on listeners as days passed by. Kaakha Kaakha won him his second Filmfare Award. Beginning from this movie, Harris Jayaraj-Gautham Vasudev Menon combo went on to do many cop movies together.

5. Anniyan

Director Shankar joined hands with Harris Jayaraj for the first time in this movie. The album became immensely popular for its versatile songs. It contained semi-classical numbers like Iyengaru Veetu Azhage and Oh Sukumari, contemporary songs like Kannum Kannum Nokia and Kaadhal Yaanai and the folk number Andangakka Kondakaari. All the songs topped the charts and lingered in the playlists for a long time.

6. Ghajini

This was the third movie for which Harris Jayaraj won a Filmfare Award. The romantic duet Suttum Vizhi Chudare broke all the records and topped the charts for many years. Along with this song, other peppy songs like Oru Maalai, Rahathullah, Rangola Ola and X Machi also became instant hits. Though all the songs had western tones, each one differed in terms of style and composition. This album stays as a personal favourite to many till today.

7. Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu

On his second collaboration with Gautham Vasudev Menon, Harris Jayaraj brought out an album that had various genres in it. Two successful numbers Paartha Mudhal Naale and Manjal Veiyil brought accolades to this album, while the modern songs Karka Karka and Neruppe catered to new generation youngsters. The mellifluous romantic song Uyirile became a sleeper hit among music lovers.

8. Unnale Unnale

This can be termed as the best versatile album of Harris Jayaraj in his entire career. It had some refreshing romantic songs like Unnale Unnale, Mudhal Naal Indru and Vaigasi Nilave. The uber-cool intro song June Ponal is still aired in many radio stations on a daily basis. Other peppy numbers like Ilaimai Ullasam and Hello Miss Imsaiye also became successful. The bit song Siru Siru Uruvugal gained popularity after the film's release.

9. Vaaranam Aayiram

This album was the turning point in Harris Jayaraj's career. It achieved groundbreaking success upon its release. Harris also won his fourth Filmfare Award for this album. Some of the memorable numbers were the romantic melodies Nenjukkul Peidhidum (and its western equivalent Oh Shanthi) and Mundhinam Paartheney, the foot-tapping numbers Adiye Kolluthey, Yethi Yethi and Ava Enna Enna, and the mellowed semi-classical romantic song Annul Mele. You can also ignore other albums, but don't miss this one.

10. Engeyum Kaadhal

After two stereotyped albums Ayan and Aadhavan, Harris Jayaraj delivered this breezy album which contained some heartwarming love songs. Though the movie didn't do well, all the songs turned out to be chartbusters. Some of the popular numbers are Nenjil Nenjil, Dhimu Dhimu, Thee Illai and Nangai. Songs like Lolita and Engeyum Kadhal (title track) became famous along with the visuals. This is the perfect album you should listen, if you are a hardcore romantic.

11. Irandaam Ulagam

Harris Jayaraj went into a dry spell after Engeyum Kaadhal and brought out soundtracks that weren't too impressive. However, he bounced back with this underrated album, which had experimental songs in them. It had some mellifluous romantic songs like Kanimozhiye, En Kaadhal Thee (with classical touches) and Mannavane En Mannavane. The love failure number Pazhangkalla, sung by Dhanush, became an anthem for many youngsters. There were also a couple of numbers which didn't appear in the movie - the experimental Raakozhi Raakozhi and the fast-paced melody Vinnaithaandi Anbe.

12. Anegan

Probably this can be said as the last commendable album from Harris Jayaraj that had versatile songs in it. Released in 2015, the songs from this album went on to become chartbusters. Especially the scorching dappankuthu number Danga Maari Oodhari broke all the records and is a chart-topper even now. The fast-paced romantic duet Roja Kadale also gained popularity along with the mellifluous pathos Thodu Vaanam, the folksy Aathadi Aathadi, the spiritual Deivangal Inge and the stylish YOLO. 

Check out 14 must listen albums of Yuvan Shankar Raja

Baaghi 2 Music Review

Movie: Baaghi 2

Cast: Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani

Director: Ahmed Khan

Music director: Sandeep Shirodkar, Arko, Mithoon, Gourov-Roshin, Pranaay Rijay

1. Mundiyan - Navraj Hans, Palak Muchhal

Recreating a sensational Punjabi song is a tough job. Especially if the execution is haywire, the song would turn out to be a damp squib. However, Sandeep Shirodkar does a commendable job in remixing the popular Mundian To Bach Ke bhangra song and giving it an excellent contemporary touch. Singers Navraj Hans and Palak Muchhal also do justice to the number with their playful vocals. Chartbuster!

2. Ek Do Teen - Shreya Ghoshal, Parry G (rap)

Here comes yet another remix version of the evergreen song Ek Do Teen from Tehzaab. This song is touted to be an item number featuring actress Jacquelin Fernandez. With some high-on-energy beats, this remix version is foot-tapping and is sure to stay on the charts just for its popularity quotient. Though Shreya Ghoshal puts in her best efforts, somewhere midway her rendition falls short. Rap by Parry G also doesn't make any impact. This Sandeep Shirodkar rehash would work well with the visuals.

3. O Saathi - Atif Aslam

Beginning with a lilting lullaby-like humming, this mellifluous romantic ballad is sure to mesmerize every music lover. This song scores high on the breezy quotient with its simplistic tune and minimal orchestration. The entire number lies on Atif Aslam's shoulders, whose flawless rendition flows like honey in the ears. Dulcet guitar strums and flute loops punctuate throughout the song and elevate its lovely mood. Instantly likeable track from composer Arko!

4. Lo Safar - Jubin Nautiyal

Mithoon gets into his composer mode with this refreshing love song. The ebullient guitar strums play throughout the background and set the overall mood of the song. Heartmelting flute sections in the interludes accentuate the romantic feel. Jubin Nautiyal's voice oozes with melody and he croons with elan. Though the song has an oft-repeated template, it is sure to find a top place in the charts and linger in your playlists for a long time. Beautiful!

5. Soniye Dil Nayi - Ankit Tiwari, Shruti Pathak

A cacophony of flute and strings open this number along with a lovely chorus. The song then veers off into a soulful duet with some foot-tapping beats and a reverberating effect that would calm the listener. Ankit Tiwari and Shruti Pathak yield the megaphone with ease and their mellowed rendition makes this number even more amazing. The electronic guitar section in the second interlude provides the ideal break before continuing the breeziness of the number. Perfect for lovey-dovey evenings with your loved one!

6. Get Ready To Fight Again - Pranaay, Anand Bhaskar, Jatinder Singh, Siddharth Basrur, Big Dhillon

Right from the word go, this theme song has some energetic techno beats and electro dance music that is perfect for a situational number. There's nothing new in the tune, except the jubilant voices of Jatinder Singh, Siddharth Basrur, Pranaay, Big Dhillon and Anand Bhaskar. This short theme track will do better with visuals.

Verdict:

This multi-composer soundtrack is high on melody and feel-good songs. These songs are sure to be played repeatedly in the upcoming days. Listen to this album for those sweet melodies and give the remixes a try. 

Rating: **** (4 / 5)

Picks:

O Saathi, Lo Safar, Soniye Dil Nayi, Mundiyan