Wazir Music Review

Movie: Wazir

Cast: Farhan Akhtar,Amitabh Bachchan,Neil Nitin Mukesh,Aditi Rao Hydari,John Abraham

Director: Bejoy Nambiar

Music director: SHantanu Moitra,Ankit Tiwari,Advaita (band),Prashant Pillai,Rochak Kohli,Gaurav Godkhindi

1.Tere Bin-Sonu Nigam,Shreya Ghoshal,Hamsika Iyer

Shantanu Moitra strikes with the very first song of the album. Composed on the lines of Piyu Bole from Parineeta, this soulful melody is instantly addictive right from the beginning. Shantanu weaves a classical tune, giving it touches of tabla, lilting guitar strums and piano notes. You can expect only magic when the lead singers are Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal, whose velvety voices are honey to the ears, while Hamsika Iyer amply backs them up with her swara humming. Easily the best of the whole lot!

2.Tu Mere Paas-Ankit Tiwari

Ankit Tiwari steps in with this scintillating melody which has an Aashiqui 2-ish and a Rahman-ish touch to it. The composer's passionate voice flows mellifluously along with the melodious tune which moves like a slow love ballad. The unplugged feel of the number is the best aspect of it. Though the tune might not get into your nerves on the very first listen, it will surely act as a slow poison!

3.Maula-Javed Ali

Who else can do justice to a Sufi number than Javed Ali? Right from the aalaap in the beginning till the end of the song, it is his show all the way. Be it the crescendo touches or the gamaka-filled portions, he excels in every portion of the number. Since it is a situational number, it might not go down well with casual listeners. But Sufi  lovers would surely cherish this track for a lifetime. Pure divine!

4.Tere Liye Mere Kareem-Gagan Baderiya,Prashant Pillai

Here comes yet another situational number which may appear at a crucial point in the film. Prashant Pillai composes a catchy tune with racy rhythm arrangement and some international instrumentation. Gagan Baderiya and Prashant Pillai render this number with all their energy. It would do well along with the visuals.

5.Khel Khel Mein-Amitabh Bachchan

Though this isn't actually a song, the recital of the lyrics in the baritones of Amitabh Bachchan makes it a motivational listen. This one is an awesome classical-western fusion woven by Advaita (band). The violin bits along with the upbeat rhythm makes it a piece that is not to be missed, especially if you are a true experimental music lover.

6.Atrangi Yaari-Amitabh Bachchan,Farhan Akhtar

Beginning with ebullient guitar strums, this song on friendship is composed by Rochak Kohli and crooned by the lead actors Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. The jovial tone of the singers and the carefree nature of the tune makes the number a heartwarming listen. The tune paints an overall happy mood to the song which can be listened on repeat mode. Enjoyable!

7.Wazir Theme-Instrumental

A thumping theme composed by Gaurav Godkhindi brings the album to a fitting finale. This instrumental piece carries the true essence of the movie. The symphonic arrangement, exhilarating percussion section and chord progression are quiet haunting and indicates the dark element in the film.

Verdict:

Wazir consists of songs that are ultimate melodies and situational ones. If you are a true music buff, you'd be able to enjoy this contemporary multi-composer soundtrack which is sans any commercial element.

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Tere Bin,Tu Mere Paas,Maula,Atrangi Yaari

Top 20 Hindi Songs of 2015

While the albums as a whole might have not been exceptionally good in Bollywood, a few numbers from the soundtracks have been experimental, innovative and engaging. Let's take a look at the 20 songs that defined Bollywood in 2015.

20. Mera Naam Mary (Brothers)

Music director: Ajay-Atul

Singers: Chinmayi Sripada

19.Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Prem Ratan Dhan Payo)

Music director: Himesh Reshammiya

Singers: Palak Muchhal

18.Malhari (Bajirao Mastani)

Music director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Singers: Vishal Dadlani

17.Gerua (Dilwale)

Music director: Pritam Chakraborty

Singers: Arijit Singh,Antara Mitra

16.Naach Meri Jaan (ABCD 2)

Music director: Sachin-Jigar

Singers: Benny Dayal,Shalmali Kholgade,Siddharth Basrur,Rimi Nique

15.Sooraj Dooba Hai Yaaron (Roy)

Music director: Amaal Malik

Singers: Arijit Singh,Aditi Singh Sharma

14.Jeena Jeena (Badlapur)

Music director: Sachin-Jigar

Singers: Atif Aslam

13.Janam Janam (Dilwale)

Music director: Pritam Chakraborty

Singers: Arijit Singh,Antara Mitra

12.Tu Hai Ki Nahi (Roy)

Music director: Ankit Tiwari

Singers: Ankit Tiwari

11.Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan (Roy)

Music director: Meet Bros Anjjan

Singers: Meet Bros Anjjan feat. Kanika Kapoor

10.Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai (Tamasha)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Mika Singh,Nakash Aziz

9.Bezubaan Phir Se (ABCD 2)

Music director: Sachin-Jigar

Singers: Vishal Dadlani,Anushka Manchanda,Madhav Krishna

8.Aayat (Bajirao Mastani)

Music director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Singers: Arijit Singh

7.Banno (Tanu Weds Manu Returns)

Music director: Tanishk-Vayu

Singers: Brijesh Sandhilya,Swati Sharma

6.Hamari Adhuri Kahani (Hamari Adhuri Kahani)

Music director: Mithoon

Singers: Arijit Singh

5.Matargashti (Tamasha)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Mohit Chauhan

4.Deewani Mastani (Bajirao Mastani)

Music director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal

3.Mohabbat Buri Bimari (Bombay Velvet)

Music director: Amit Trivedi

Singers: Neeti Mohan

2.Sun Saathiya (ABCD 2)

Music director: Sachin-Jigar

Singers: Divya Kumar,Priya Saraiya

1.Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Arijit Singh,Alka Yagnik

Special Mentions:

Pinga (Bajirao Mastani)

Music director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal,Vaishali Mhade

Wat Wat Wat (Tamasha)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Arijit Singh,Shashwat Singh

Jalte Diye (Prem Ratan Dhan Payo)

Music director: Himesh Reshammiya

Singers: Anwesshha,Vineet Singh,Harshdeep Kaur,Shabab Sabri

Old School Girl (Tanu Weds Manu Returns)

Music director: Krsna Solo

Singers: Kalpana Gandharv,Anmol Malik

Behroopia (Bombay Velvet)

Music director: Amit Trivedi

Singers: Mohit Chauhan,Neeti Mohan

Aaj Ibaadat (Bajirao Mastani)

Music director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Singers: Javed Bashir

Ishq-E-Fillum (Shamitabh)

Music director: Ilaiyaraaja

Singers: Suraj Jagan

So, what are your special favorites? Comment below!

Top 20 Tamil Songs of 2015

The Tamil songs that rocked 2015 were a melange of melody, folk, duets, kuthu, western, jazz and fast paced numbers. Some were simple yet elegant while others were experimental and innovative. Let's take a look at the songs that defined Kollywood in 2015.

20.Yaendi Yaendi (Puli)

Music director: Devi Sri Prasad

Singers: Vijay,Shruthi Hassan

19.Roja Kadale (Anegan)

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

Singers: Shankar Mahadevan,Chinmayi Sripada,Sunidhi Chauhan

18.Rasathi (36 Vayathinile)

Music director: Santhosh Narayanan

Singers: Lalitha Vijayakumar

17.Don'u Don'u (Maari)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander,Alisha Thomas

16.Dandanakka (Romeo Juliet)

Music director: D.Imman

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander

15.Aaluma Doluma (Vedhalam)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander,Badshah

14.Loveaa Loveaa (Uttama Villain)

Music director: M.Ghibran

Singers: Kamal Hassan,Sharanya Gopinath

13.Enna Solla (Thanga Magan)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Shweta Mohan

12.Kaara Aattakkaara (OK Kanmani)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam,Darshana,Shashaa Tirupathi

11.Thangamey (Naanum Rowdy Dhaan)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander

10.Oh Oh (Thanga Magan)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Dhanush,Nikita Gandhi

9.Yeya En Kottikkaara (Papanasam)

Music director: M.Ghibran

Singers: Sundar Narayana Rao,Malavika Anilkumar

8.Neeyum Naanum (Naanum Rowdy Dhaan)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander,Neeti Mohan

7.Unakenna Venum Sollu (Yennai Arindhaal)

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

Singers: Benny Dayal,Mahathi

6.Mersalaayitten (Ai)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander,Neeti Mohan

5.Aye Sinamika (OK Kanmani)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Karthik

4.Pookkale Satru Oyivedungal (Ai)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Haricharan,Shreya Ghoshal

3.Kannala Kannala (Thani Oruvan)

Music director: Hiphop Tamizha

Singers: Kaushik Krish,Padmalatha

2.Dangamaari Oodhaari (Anegan)

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

Singers: Dhanush,Marana Gana Viji

1.Mental Manadhil (OK Kanmani)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: A.R.Rahman,Jonita Gandhi

Special Mentions:

Ennodu Nee Irundhaal (Ai)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: Sid Sriram,Sunitha Sarathy

Isai Veesi (Isai)

Music director: S.J.Suryah

Singers: Chinmayi Sripada

Adhaaru Adhaaru (Yennai Arindhaal)

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

Singers: Vijay Prakash,Gana Bala

Mazhai Vara Pogudhae (Yennai Arindhaal)

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

Singers: Karthik,Emcee Jesz

Idhayathai Yedho Ondru (Yennai Arindhaal)

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

Singers: Chinmayi Sripada

Thodu Vaanam (Anegan)

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

Singers: Hariharan,Shaktisree Gopalan

Kattikida (Kaaki Sattai)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Anthony Daasan,Manasi,Anitha

Kaadhal Kan Kattudhe (Kaaki Sattai)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander,Shaktisree Gopalan

Karuppu Nerathazhagi (Komban)

Music director: G.V.Prakash Kumar

Singers: Velmurugan,Maalvika Sundar

Vaaya Veera (Kanchana 2)

Music director: Leon James

Singers: Shaktisree Gopalan

Naan Aval Illai (Masss Engira Masilamani)

Music director: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Singers: Karthik,Chinmayi Sripada

Thoovaanam (Romeo Juliet)

Music director: D.Imman

Singers: Vishal Dadlani,Sunitha Sarathy

Silukku Marame (Paayum Puli)

Music director: D.Imman

Singers: Divya Kumar,Shashaa Tirupathi

Mutham Kodutha Maayakari (Trisha Illana Nayanthara)

Music director: G.V.Prakash Kumar

Singers: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Yennai Maatrum Kadhale (Naanum Rowdy Dhaan)

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

Singers: Sid Sriram,Anirudh Ravichander

Malargal Kaettaen (OK Kanmani)

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Singers: K.S.Chithra,A.R.Rahman

Kadhalaam Kadavul Mun (Uttama Villain)

Music director: M.Ghibran

Singers: Padmalatha,M.Ghibran

Hey Umayaal (Urumeen)

Music director: Achu Rajamani

Singers: Vijay Yesudhas

Do you have any special favorites? Comment below!

Top 10 Bollywood Albums of 2015

***********This list includes only the movies that were released in 2015, even though some of the albums were released in 2014**********

Bollywood had less musically rich albums compared to 2014. While in 2014, I had a tough time in choosing the ten best soundtracks, it was a cakewalk for me to choose from the albums of 2015. There were too many multi-composer soundtracks which degraded the essence of Bollywood music. But music directors like A.R.Rahman, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Amit Trivedi soared high with their albums and elevated the Hindi music scenario.

10.Dil Dhadakne Do- Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

The superhit combo S-E-L brought out an engaging soundtrack with Dil Dhadakne Do. It had the rocking title track, the soulful Phir Bhi Yeh Zindagi and the foot-tapping Punjabi number Gallan Goodiyan which turned out to be chartbusters.

9.Katti Batti- Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Katti Batti too was another winner from S-E-L. The numbers Sarfira, Sau Aasoon and Lip To Lip were a runaway hit with the youngsters while the heartrending melody Ove Janiya took the entire album two notches higher.

8.Tanu Weds Manu Returns-Krsna Solo,Tanishk-Vayu

This multi-composer soundtrack was an instant winner. The chartbuster track Banno was on the air for a long time while the soothing melodies like Mat Ja Re, Ho Gaya Hai Pyar and O Sathi Mere catered to melody lovers. There was also a complete English number Old School Girl, which came in two versions.

7.Dilwale-Pritam Chakraborty

Though Pritam had no memorable releases in 2015, this one soundtrack was enough to zoom him back to his top position. The love anthem of the year Gerua found its place in this album while numbers like Janam Janam and Daayre were pleasing to the ears. The album also contained foot-tapping numbers like Manma Emotion Jaage and Premika.

6.Roy-Ankit Tiwari,Meet Bros Anjjan,Amaal Malik

Who can ever forget the anthem of every girl Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan? It was Meet Bros Anjjan biggest hit number ever. Amaal Malik brought out an unanimously enjoyed number Sooraj Dooba Hai Yaaron while Ankit Tiwari rocked the album with his heartrending melodies like Tu Hai Ki Nahi and Boond Boond.

5.Bombay Velvet-Amit Trivedi

Though the film was a miserable failure, Amit Trivedi brought out one of the most innovative soundtracks of the year. Completely based on jazz music, this album contained some notable numbers like Mohabbat Buri Bimari (Neeti Mohan Version), Ka Kha Ga, Naak Pe Gussa, Behroopia and Darbaan. Easily can be quoted as the best of Amit Trivedi!

4.Hamari Adhuri Kahani-Mithoon,Jeet Ganguly,Ami Mishra

This soundtrack was not just an album, it was an experience. It was replete with soulful melodies like the title track Hamari Adhuri Kahani, Hasi (both the versions) and Yeh Kaisi Jagah. Though the movie was a box office dud, the songs are still being played in almost all the radio stations.

3.ABCD 2- Sachin-Jigar

That one song which dominated this album and broke all its records was Sun Saathiya sung by Divya Kumar and Priya Saraiya. The composer duo Sachin-Jigar couldn't have asked better than this soundtrack which was a mixed bag of sounds. The superhit numbers were Bezubaan Phir Se, Naach Meri Jaan, Happy Hour, Chunar and Hey Ganaraya. 

2.Bajirao Mastani-Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali brought out the true essence of Hindustani classical music and traditional Marathi music with this fantastic soundtrack. Classically rich numbers like Aaj Ibaadat, Aayat, Albela Sajan and Mohe Rang Do Laal were critically acclaimed while the soulful melody Deewani Mastani was an instant winner. The album also contained dance numbers like Malhari, Pinga and Gajanana.

1.Tamasha-A.R.Rahman

This was a masterpiece from the Mozart A.R.Rahman. No one could have ever composed such an experimental soundtrack which pleased and elevated the senses of music lovers. If Matargashti, Wat Wat Wat and Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai were quirky and peppy tracks, numbers like Tum Saath Ho, Safarnama and Tu Koi Aur Hai served as chicken soup for the music thirsty soul. Chali Kahani can be quoted as the most innovative number of the year, since it is hard to categorize the various genres blended into this awesome song. Hail ARR!

Special Mentions:

Ishqedarriyaan-Jeet Ganguly,Jaidev Kumar,Bilal Saeed

Brothers- Ajay-Atul

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo-Himesh Reshammiya

Top 10 Tamil Albums of 2015

***********This list includes only the movies that were released in 2015, even though some of the albums were released in 2014**********

Musically, the year 2015 was an incredible year for all music directors. While top notch musicians like A.R.Rahman, Harris Jayaraj and Anirudh rocked the charts with their soundtracks, a bunch of new and promising composers like Santhosh Kumar Dhayanidhi, Ron Ethan Yohan, Leon James, Hiphop Tamizha and Sean Roldan too dominated the music scenario with their innovative albums. Here is the list of top ten albums that made the year musically rich:

10.Thanga Magan-Anirudh Ravichander

This was a short and sweet soundtrack from Anirudh. Melodious numbers like Oh Oh and Enna Solla turned out to be chartbusters, while the song Tak Bak catered to urban youngsters.

9.Urumeen-Achu Rajamani

Composer Achu Rajamani hit the bull's eye with this album which contained scintillating numbers like Hey Umayaal and Siru Nadai. The surprise factor of the album was, even the reprise versions of these tracks were a runaway hit.

8.Romeo Juliet-D.Imman

Though Imman had lots of releases in 2015, only one could make it to the list of top ten. The single scorching number Dandanakka sung by Anirudh elevated this album to a chartbuster status. The album was also a hit for its innovative number Idharkudhaane Aasai Pattai sung by Vaikom Vijayalakshmi and the melodious number Thoovaanam sung by Vishal Dadlani.

7.Anegan-Harris Jayaraj

After a long time, Harris Jayaraj had brought out an album that was enjoyed as a whole. The terrific kuthu anthem of the year Dangamaari Oodhaari found its place in this album, while romantic tracks like Roja Kadale, Aathaadi and Thodu Vaanam were instantly likeable and topped the charts too.

6.Kaaka Muttai-G.V.Prakash Kumar

Though this was a short soundtrack, each and every number was a gem in itself. G.V.Prakash belted out exhilarating numbers like Sel Sel, Karuppu Karuppu and Manjaave Kanjachu which were well received by the listeners.

5.Yennai Arindhaal-Harris Jayaraj

Once again Harris Jayaraj struck with this exuberant album which was home to the chartbuster dance number Adhaaru Adhaaru. The immensely popular Mazhai Vara Poguthe and the melodies Unakenna Venum Sollu and Idhayathai Yedho Ondru lingered in the minds of the listeners for a long time.

4.Uttama Villain-M.Ghibran

This was such a classic album from M.Ghibran that it has achieved a cult status over the months. Right from the peppy Loveaa Loveaa to the classical Kadhalaam Kadavul Mun to the Rahmani-sh Saagavaram to the traditional play Iraniyan Nadagam to the excellent pieces of instrumentals, Ghibran came out with a sureshot winner.

3.Naanum Rowdy Dhaan-Anirudh Ravichander

This was an unexpected album from Anirudh which was melodious, innovative and pleasing to the ears. Numbers like the jazzy Thangamey, breezy Neeyum Naanum, Yennai Maatrum Kadhale and Kannaana Kanne were heartwarming and stayed on the charts for a long time.

2.I (Ai)-A.R.Rahman

'Ai' turned out to be a blockbuster album of 2015. The A.R.Rahman-Shankar combo worked wonders through songs like the quirky Mersalaayitten, the melodious Pookkale Satru Oyivedungal & Ennodu Nee Irundhaal and the rocking Aila Aila & Ladio. The songs were runaway hits and rocked the entire music industry.

1.OK Kanmani-A.R.Rahman

And there came the most endearing album of the year in the form of OK Kanmani. This soundtrack proved that there is no one to beat the A.R.Rahman-Mani Ratnam combo ever. The album contained every genre of songs and catered to every mood of the listeners. Some of the chartbusters were Mental Manadhil, Kaara Aattakkaara, Aye Sinamika and Parandhu Sella Va, while numbers like Malargal Kaettaen, Naane Varugiren and Theera Ulaa were critically acclaimed.

Special Mentions:

Papanasam-M.Ghibran

Maya-Ron Ethan Yohan

Inimey Ippadithaan-Santhosh Kumar Dhayanidhi

Indru Netru Naalai-Hiphop Tamizha

Thani Oruvan-Hiphop Tamizha

Isai-S.J.Suryah

Hope the year 2016 will be musically rich as well! :-)

Aranmanai 2 Music Review

Movie: Aranmanai 2

Cast: Siddharth,Sundar.C,Trisha,Hansika Motwani,Poonam Bajwa

Director: Sundar.C

Music director: Hiphop Tamizha

1.Party With The Pei-Hiphop Tamizha,Kharesma Ravichandran

The horror film soundtrack kickstarts with a high voltage number. The song is replete with digital sequences, upbeat rhythm, eerie ghost sounds and EDM loops. Topped with the effervescent voices of Hiphop Tamizha and the quirky Kharesma Ravichandran, this one is sure to be a hit with the dance floors.

2.Maya Maya-Kailash Kher,Padmalatha

A light folkish duet is up next. Hiphop Tamizha indulges an innovative blend of orchestration containing rustic sounds as well as modern elements. The number is perfect for a listen on a trip along the roads of a village. Kailash Kher's voice has an earthy tone to it while Padmalatha's sweet voice is soulful. This track might appear as an intro song for one of the female leads. A pleasant number!

3.Poraada Poraada-Hiphop Tamizha

Hiphop Tamizha zooms back to his comfort zone with this cool number. The track progresses on a soothing tone with it's lovely lyrics, EDM sounds, electronic Nadaswaram loops and racy rhythm arrangement. Hiphop Tamizha croons like a lovestruck guy. A simple romantic number that is instantly likeable!

4.Kuchi Mittai-Anthony Daasan

This track is a typical kuthu number that is prevalent in almost all soundtracks of these days. What is surprising is that it doesn't sound like a Hiphop Tamizha number. Anthony Daasan does justice with his rendition while the rhythm is foot-tapping. But there is nothing innovative in this one and it ends up as the weakest track of the album.

5.Amma (Amman Song)-Hiphop Tamizha,Malathi Lakshman,Anthony Daasan

Kollywood has seen lots of Amman songs in the past. But listening to one after a long time is refreshing. It's a challenge for Hiphop Tamizha to compose this number, but it ends up as a good product with the powerful vocals of Malathi Lakshman and some energetic devotional beats. This track may appear towards the end of the climax and might scorch the screens with its visuals.

6.Aranmanai 2 Theme-Instrumental

The theme of Aranmanai 2 begins like a typical horror theme with eerie humming and the haunting sounds of rocking chairs. But soon it veers off into some screeching rock mix and once again falls into the horror category with the ghostly humming. Overall, the theme stays true to the genre of the movie.

Verdict:

Though there is nothing much to experiment in this album, Hiphop Tamizha does a fair job in composing a good genre-specific soundtrack.

Rating: ***

Picks:

Maya Maya,Poraada Poraada