KATHTHI SONGS REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: Lyca Productions 
Cast: Vijay 
Direction: AR Murugadoss 
Screenplay: AR Murugadoss 
Story: AR Murugadoss 
Music: Anirudh Ravichander 
Background score: Anirudh Ravichander 

Kaththi is an upcoming commercial pot-boiler starring, Vijay and Samantha in the lead. The latest musical sensation Anirudh has composed the songs for this A.R.Murugadoss directorial. 

Pakkam Vanthu

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, ‘Hip Hop Tamizha’ Aadhi

Lyrics: Hip Hop Tamizha

A hip-hop track which becomes addictive after few listens. An out and out party-mix track high on Aadhi's lyrics and Anirudh's love-filled singing. The folk breakdown and fastening of the rhythms towards the end are genre' justifying in this new pub anthem in making.  

Paalam

Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Shweta Mohan

Lyrics: Madhan Karky

The majestic Shankar Mahadevan exemplifies the grandeur of the setting with his powerful voice dealing a carnatic-folk song here. Anu-pallavi of the song is just musical brilliance. Celebration and unity are symbolized with the joyful group singing and approach of the tune.

Kaththi Theme

Singers: N/A

Lyrics: N/A

Urumi melam is the soul of  Kaththi theme. A quintessentially mastered electronic track majorly headed by programmed Santoor, synth effects and some Bagpipers. With the sounds of swords clashing and guns clocking, Kaththi theme is tailor made for Vijay with all the huffs and puffs.  

Selfie Pulla

Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Vijay

Lyrics: Madhan Karky

The super singer Vijay is at his best possible form. A potential blockbuster substantiated by programmed shehnai, foot-tapping rhythms and guitars on full distortion. The most beguiling song of the year is READY! What are you guys waiting for ? 

Bad Eyes

Singers: N/A

Lyrics: N/A

Using the water splashes to set the rhythm of the track is totally unique and experimental. Thathkaaram on the Flute, scintillating Sitar fills and bhols fused with electronic beats give a whole new feel to this instrumental piece.

Nee Yaaro

Singers: KJ Yesudas

Lyrics: Pa. Vijay

How blessed is this generation to still have access to the golden voice? Yesudas renders a soulful pathos song with so much emotion. This one is bound to linger in our ears for a long time, if the visuals are matched. Guitars establishing the ragam right at the start of the song shows Anirudh’s maturity. Mild Kanjira strokes and mellifluous flute in-between are levitating. The composition also exposes the melancholic side of the delightful carnatic raaga Shankarabharanam at places.

Aathi

Singers: Anirudh, Vishal Dadlani

Lyrics: Yugabharathi

Open stringed guitars welcome us to this catchy R n B song with Vishal Dadlani's crispy voice placed on a groovy rhythm. Interludes and the rap portion going along the rhyme scheme are typical Anirudh killers. The composer proves yet again that he is blessed with the ability to identify the pulling factor of a simple tune and use it to the fullest 

MEAGAAMANN SONGS REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: V Hitesh Jhabak 
Cast: Arya 
Direction: Magizh Thirumeni 
Screenplay: Magizh Thirumeni 
Story: Magizh Thirumeni 
Music: Thaman 
Background score: Thaman

Meaghamann is an upcoming action drama film starring Arya and Hansika in the lead roles. Music for the film is composed by S.S.Thaman

Meaghamann

Singers: M.M. Manasi, Monisha

Lyrics: Madhan Karky

The album marks its beginning with a power packed techno styled composition. The vocals open the doors for a track high on energy and intensity. The bass work is quite impactful.

Yaen Ingu Vandhaan

Singers: A.V.Pooja

Lyrics: Madhan Karky

Backed by Pooja’s earthly voice, the mild percussions set the stage for a groovy melody with yesteryear orchestration. The laid back string section and mellowed bass guitar make their presence felt with groovy jazz interludes.

Yaaro Yaaro

Singers: Megha

Lyrics:

A contemporary styled philosophical track arrives next with heavy House mix layers intermixed with electric guitar.

Meaghamann Theme

Singers: M.M. Manasi, Monisha

Lyrics:

The album arrives to a finale with the theme track high on percussions and solid drum base.  While the track attempts to bring good energy, it sounds monotonous as it progresses by.

SIGARAM THODU MOVIE SONGS REVIEW

'Sigaram Thodu' Songs review:

Direction: Gaurav 

Cast: Monal Gajjar, Sathyaraj, Vikram Prabhu 

Music: Imman 

Production: UTV Motion Pictures 

Sigaram Thodu is an upcoming film starring Vikram Prabhu and Monal Gajjar as the lead. Written and directed by Gaurav Narayanan of Thoonga Nagaram fame, the movie is bankrolled by UTV Motion Pictures.

* Anbulla Appa

Singers: KJ Yesudas

Lyrics: Yugabharathi

The legendary singer K.J.Yesudas comes back with this father sentiment song. Who else better than him to sing on human emotions? A soulful rendition that has everything in it to become big. With traces of the Carnatic raga Charukesi, Imman gets out of his usual string session and comes up with a different pattern.

* Pidukuthe

Singers: Jithin Raj, Shreya Ghoshal

Lyrics: Yugabharathi

Imman always saves his best melodies for Shreya Ghoshal and she as always enthralls us with her mighty voice. This trademark Imman melody is no different. Usage of pan-flute in interludes in the midst of string section is a good attempt. 

* Takku Takku

Singers: Anthony Dasan, Varun Parandhaman

Lyrics: Madan Karky

Good Lyrics, catchy rhythm and blues, apt singing and simple beats, what else does a hit number require. Though the song sounds a little derivative, it still progresses into your heart.

* Scenu Scenu

Singers: Aranarai Natraj, Tha Prophecy

Lyrics: Gaana Bala

The song follows the same template of 'Oodha Colour Ribbon' from Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam. Gana Bala’s enticing lyrics lifts the song though he hasn't rendered his voice. Natraj makes quite a mark with his singing.

* Sigaram Thodu

Singers: Benny Dayal, Santhosh Hariharan, Snigdha Chandra

Lyrics: Madan Karky

A Pacy energetic number that looks programmed to complement the visuals. Usage of Nadaswaram in the background is done wel.

Frix Rate:

 (3/5)

ANJAAN SONGS REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: Siddharth Roy Kapur, Subash Chandra Bose 
Cast: Brahmanantham, Manoj Bajpai, Samantha, Soori, Suriya, Vidyut Jamwal 
Direction: Lingusamy 
Screenplay: Lingusamy 
Story: Lingusamy 
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja 
Background score: Yuvan Shankar Raja 
Cinematography: Santhosh Sivan 
Dialogues: Brindha Sarathy 
Editing: Anthony 
Art direction: Rajeevan 
Stunt choreography: Silva 
Dance choreography: Brindha, Raju Sundaram 
Lyrics: Kabilan, Madhan Karky, Na Muthukumar, Viveka 

Anjaan, one of the highly anticipated films of this year, features Suriya and Samantha in the leads. Written and directed by Lingusamy, the film is jointly produced by Thirrupathi Brothers and UTV Motion Pictures. Music is by Yuvanshankar Raja.

Bang Bang Bang

Singers: K.G. Ranjith

Lyrics: Madan Karky

Yuvan has a bombastic winner of a chorus which makes the cut for a pretty electric intro song for the hero. The other sections of the tune simply plod along building a wait for the chorus.

Oru Kan Jaadai

Singers: Benny Dayal, Shweta Pandit

Lyrics: Viveka

Benny Dayal is in fine form in this love song that sits well in the rock category. Yuvan leaves his signature with colorful electro fills all over this well arranged tune.

Ek Do Teen

Singers: Andrea Jeremiah, Suriya

Lyrics: Na Muthukumar

Suriya's involvement will give this suggestive tune a lot more reach than it would have otherwise received. Overall a fun song which the actor seems to have enjoyed taking a stab at.

Sirippu En

Singers: M M Manasi

Lyrics: Viveka

A cabaret styled tune where Yuvan works underneath the middle eastern melody to make things more interesting. But the lyrics and the singing presents itself as bit too generic.

Kaadhal Aasai

Singers: Sooraj Santhosh, Yuvanshankar Raja

Lyrics: Kabilan

A sufi styled melody which does serve as a reflection of Yuvan’s current phase. However there are familiar old traits of the star composer, such as the high register singing and the uplifting chorus which is quintessential Yuvan.

MAAN KARATE SONGS REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: P. Madhan 
Cast: Hansika, Siva Karthikeyan, Vidyut Jamwal 
Direction: Thirukumaran 
Screenplay: Thirukumaran 
Story: A. R. Murugadoss 
Music: Anirudh Ravichander 
Background score: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematography: Sukumar 
Dialogues: A Senthil Kumar 
Editing: A Sreekar Prasad 
Art direction: Raja Mohan 
Stunt choreography: Dhilip Subbarayan 
Dance choreography: Brinda 
Singers: Anirudh, Benny Dayal, Deva, Paravai Muniamma, Shruti Haasan, Sivakarthikeyan, Sunidhi Chauhan 
Lyrics: Madan Karky, RD Raja,Gaana Bala, Yugabharathi 
PRO: Riaz 
Distribution: Escape Artists Motion Pictures 

Maan Karate is an upcoming Anirudh musical that stars Sivakarthikeyan and Hansika in the lead. With the story written by A.R.Murugadoss, the film is directed by Thirukumaran.

Maanja

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics: Madan Karky

The album begins with a laid back track having groovy rhythms and relaxed vocals by the composer Anirudh Ravichander himself. Despite the mellowed orchestration the track makes a lasting impact on the listener with the rightful presence of saxophone, sitar, piano ,bass work and appearance of strings and rap lyrics. The usage of thavil in a modern track is a typical Anirudh signature while Madan Karky is at it again with his innovative best in presenting the local flavour.

Darling Dambakku

Singers: Benny Dayal, Sunidhi Chauhan

Lyrics: Yugabharathi

A peppy number arrives next with extremely funky guitars while the lead vocals are in out and out folk style. The vocalists Benny Dayal and Sunidhi Chauhan pull it off flawlessly with their energetic singing. The rhythm is power packed with lot of fun moments involving timely flute and multiple layers of bass work. The appearance of Sitar in the first interlude is another asset of the track. 

Un Vizhigalil

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, Shruti Haasan

Lyrics: RD Raja

After a journey to the folksy world, it is time for a progressive melody in the voice of Anirudh and Shruti Hassan. The track is an experimental fusion between Carnatic and Western Classical having a plethora of instruments such as piano, strings, violin, and some good bass sections. The solo violin in particular which appears throughout the track is a sure shot highlight. While Anirudh sings in higher octaves, Shruti Hassan’s lower octave singing complements the track perfectly. However, the excessive westernized accent in her singing could have been avoided. 

Royapuram Peter

Singers: Paravai Muniamma, Sivakarthikeyan

Lyrics: RD Raja

The signature Anirudh massy track arrives next with power packed rhythm section and the track is equipped with humorous lyrics. The fade out effects for the rhythm are used in rightful moments. The minimal appearance of electric guitar makes sure its effect is felt throughout the track. However, there are no changeover moments which could have made the track even more entertaining.

Open The Tasmac

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, Deva

Lyrics: Gana Bala

The funkiness continues with a track packed with groovy rhythm and competent singing by the lead singer, Gana King, Deva. The guitars do their job blended with House music touches over the Tabla rhythms. The track has total entertainment packed within 4 minutes.

Darling Dambakku (Reprise)

Singers: Kalpana, Nivas

Lyrics: Yugabharathi

The folksy song of the album arrives again in the form of a reprise with voices of Nivas and Kalpana. However, the unfaltering rawness which is needed for a folk song is missing in their voices. It is needless to say that the former version fares better than the reprise. The orchestration isn’t different from the original.

JIGARTHANDA SONGS REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: Kathiresan 
Cast: Lakshmi Menon, Siddharth 
Direction: Karthik Subbaraj 
Screenplay: Karthik Subbaraj 
Story: Karthik Subbaraj 
Background score: Santhosh Narayanan 

Jigarthanda is an upcoming drama featuring Siddharth and Lakshmi Menon under the direction of Karthik Subbaraj. The film is a Santhosh Narayanan musical.

Kannamma

Singers: Antony Dassan, Rita

Lyrics: Muthamil

The vocal sample of Antony Dassan which greets may be the first access point for the listener but it’s true signature highlight is hidden behind the vocal veils in the form of a terrific digital dressing that shows up during the vocal hook. A recall of the synth-pop from Soodhu Kavvum but a more intricate and expansive this time around.

Ding Dong

Singers: Arun Raja, Mose

Lyrics: Arun Raja, Mose

Funky bass work from Naveen over a drum track that fits the groove loosely, adding to the unsettling motive of the track where even the piano notes wear a violent personality. Arun Raja’s Tamil verses are delivered straight from the gut, while Mose is fluent with his rhymes. Though not exactly catered for staple radio demands, it certainly is creatively conceptualized and executed with a level of craftsmanship.

Pandi Naatu Kodi

Singers: Antony Dassan

Lyrics: Antony Dassan

Again the booming low end of the bass is vivid and grabs your attention along with the rhythm section and the crazy horns. The way Antony Dassan’s buoyant vocals are arranged over this pot boiler of a tune gives the kuthu genre a fresh new twist.

Dhesayum Ezhandheney

Singers: Meenkashi Iyer, Santhosh Narayanan

Lyrics: Pradeep Kumar

After being subjected to a relentless creative assault by Santhosh Narayanan in the opening three tracks the listener is treated to a gorgeously arranged melody with cascading strings that fill your earspace. The composer is surely growing from strength to strength scoring such symphonic sections.

Baby

Singers: Santhosh Narayanan

Lyrics: Muthamil

A seriously funky jam with a cool snaky vocal melody, offering a great sing-along moment, that sounds borrowed from the classic era of Tamil film music but is now married to the swagger of celtic blues. Santhosh as a singer is admirably reckless within limits, and a special mention to the composer for throwing in a rare bass solo on this one. 

Jigar

Singers: Pradeep Kumar

Lyrics: Pradeep Kumar

The build up is obvious early on with the haunting piano lines setting the mood. The simple scratchy beats feature only to offer the spawning electronic effects its rightful prominence. Pradeep Kumar ad-libs his way on key to count for the vocals. Mildly intriguing. 

Thanda

Singers: Instrumental

Lyrics:

A sludgy slap bass line opens up to welcome some beautiful but ominous guitar work, combining with intermittent bursts of percussions to create an unnerving track which really calls out strong to be taken seriously.

Hoo Haa

Singers: Santhosh Narayanan, Sean Roldan

Lyrics:

A supremely enjoyable Morricone styled western spaghetti tune featuring some delightful whistling and neat acoustic string arrangement while the guitar solo is flashy at best. 

Ottam

Singers: Santy's Jazz Band

Lyrics:

With its warm sound featuring harmonies and restrained musical showmanship, the jazz here is more Steely Dan than Coltrane or Davis. Opting to go for a more accessible jam like this over a freestyle display may well serve as a good introduction for those who might be interested in this genre. But it’s hard to fathom this sort of composition paired with the track title ‘Ottam’ !

CUCKOO MOVIE SONGS REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: Fox Star Studios 
Cast: Dinesh, Malavika 
Direction: Raj Murugan 
Screenplay: Raj Murugan 
Story: Raj Murugan 
Music: Santhosh Narayan 
Background score: Santhosh Narayan
Cinematography: PK Varma 
Editing: Shanmugam Velusamy 
Art direction: Ramalingam 
Dance choreography: Sheriff 
Lyrics: Yuga Bharathi 
PRO: Nikkhil 

Cuckoo is an upcoming film featuring ‘Attakathi’ Dinesh and Malavika and is directed by debutant Raja Murugan. Music for the film is by Santhosh Narayanan.

Manasula Soora Kaathey

Singers: Divya Ramani, RR

Lyrics: Yugabarathi

The opening passage that sounds like throwback to the classic Raja-era infact serves well as a good misdirection to the actual sound of the album – an alluring acoustic experience. With very complementing vocals from RR and Divya Ramani, the song organically unravels itself over an acoustic arrangement where the muted approach acts as the perfect foil for instrumental highlights such as the entry of the slide guitars and the cuckoos of the flute which heighten the sensory appeal. 

Potta Pulla

Singers: RR

Lyrics: Yugabarathi

The song appears to possess the personality of a folk tune but is dressed up far too elegantly with a symphonic arrangement to distinguish its roots. RR’s singing adds to the immersive listening experience and so does the excellent flute segments, particularly during the outro.

Agasatha

Singers: Kalyani Nair, Pradeep Kumar

Lyrics: Yugabarathi

The consistency of the mesmeric sound continues as Kalyani’s freestyle singing makes for some fine counterpoints with the backing strings. The chorus is charming on its own but at its best when the vocals come together in harmony. Yugabarathi’s lyrics are equally admirable on this track. 

Kalyanamam Kalyanam

Singers: Andony Dasan, Hema

Lyrics: Yugabarathi

Folk injected with traces of funk with the vivid synth and bass sound. While the nadhasawaram presents a celebratory side the track is largely quite somber in nature, and Santhosh Narayanan balances both moods quite deftly. Folks specialist Andony Dasan, stepping out of his comfort zone in places, is seen pushing his range and coming through with a strong performance.

Kodayila

Singers: Kalyani Nair, Pradeep Kumar, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi

Lyrics: Yugabarathi

With the magnificent chorus revealed early on, Santhosh Naraynan takes the listener through some enticing segments backed by emotional verses, before returning once again to Vaikom Vijayalakshmi’s glorious passage of ‘Ponna janmathula senja thavamo’ towards the end. The ability to create such an aura with such few instruments certainly spells Santhosh at his very best.

Enda Mapla

Singers: Dhee, Gana Bala, Sathish

Lyrics: Gana Bala, RK Sundar

A jazz styled template for Gana Bala featuring some nifty piano work and clever backing vocals arrangement that fill up the spaces as Bala sings/speaks his way through. The cheeky lyrics in the second half of the tune featuring some of the popular songs are a fine use of wit, considering that the characters are blind.

VELAIYILLA PATTATHARI SONGS REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: Wundarbar Films 
Cast: Amala Paul, Dhanush, Samuthirakani, Saranya Ponvannan 
Direction: Velraj 
Screenplay: Velraj 
Story: Velraj 
Music: Anirudh 
Background score: Anirudh 
Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, Dhanush, S.Janaki 
Lyrics: Dhanush 
Cinematography: Velraj 
Dialogues: Velraj 
Editing: M.V.Rajesh Kumar 
Distribution: Yash Raj Films 

Velaiyilla Pattathari is an upcoming film starring Dhanush and Amala Paul in the lead roles. The film is directed by debutant Velraj and the music is composed by the talented Anirudh Ravichander.  It is incidentally the 25^thfilm for actor Dhanush. Here is an exclusive audio review of the album:

Velaiyilla Pattathari

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics: Dhanush

The album begins with a bang landing the listener into the world of hard rock and turntablism. The vocals are power packed and the electric guitars take the front seat for the composition. The rap styled singing blends brilliantly with the hard rock orchestration making it a winner!

Poo Indru Neeyaga

Singers: Dhanush

Lyrics: Dhanush

In contrast to the heavy sounding first track, a fantastic lilting melody from the earthly voice of Dhanush graces the listener next. The beautiful strings and guitars add to the brilliant composition and the vocals by Dhanush work wonders with unfaltering honesty. The interludes are woven prodigiously with layers of symphony and string section with ease.

Sunrise (Theme)

Singers: Instrumental

Lyrics:

A wonderful instrumental theme with great harmonica and string section woven perfectly for the listener’s ears. Though the duration is short it makes a fantastic impact on the listener.

Uthungada Sangu

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics: Dhanush

The lilting mood of the album continues with another breezy melody in the voice of Anirudh himself. However, the breeziness blends with power packed chorus and supporting electric guitars making it an enjoyable listen. The lyrics give the song a funky touch and the interludes are interestingly done with electronica blended with kuthu beats and nadaswaram- typical of Anirudh’s compositions.

Ey Inga Paaru

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics: Dhanush

The slight melancholic mood from the previous track launches to a fun loving track laden with power packed orchestration and great usage of nadaswaram yet again. Anirudh’s casual singing adds great value to the composition featuring an interesting blend of rhythm section and bass guitar.

Smiling with The Pain

Singers: Instrumental

Lyrics:

A melancholic instrumental track replete well with violin, piano, string section and mellifluous treble sections. The track carries with it a beautiful soul of the album and progresses like a great musical journey.

What a Karavad

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, Dhanush

Lyrics: Dhanush

An out and out mass song with paced up rhythm section gives the much needed local flavor to this album. The track is essentially a rhythm based song and Anirudh pulls it off with easy confidence.  Dhanush adorns his poet hat and leaves you with some lines to ponder over as he and Anirudh sing well in unison. The usage of trumpets and dance mix techniques works well for this track. The spoken word segments should make for interesting viewing on screen.

Amma Amma

Singers: Dhanush, S.Janaki

Lyrics: Dhanush

The album comes to an end with a heart wrenching composition sung by Dhanush. The orchestration is flawlessly done suiting the mood of the track. Despite the ‘Moonu’ de-ja-vu it generates, the track pulls off with flying colors. It is a pleasant surprise to listen to the veteran singer S. Janaki’s voice in the track, giving it an earthly touch. What a voice !