Music Review (Telugu): Rajugadu
Music Composer: Gopisundar
Rabbaru Buggala Ramachilaka's monotonous sound has very little to offer except for the Vedala Hemachandra's vocals and the catchy title hook. Hemachandra's pedestrian lyrics also doesn't help the staggering tune. Arere Arere is another mediocre tune made passable by an engaging flute solos and Sai Charan's energetic vocals. Gopi Sundar's trademark tunes Rendu Kallu Ninda and Sarasaku Ra work magically. The songs have Gopi Sundar's stamp all over it. The former song is filled with lavish violin portions while Ramya Behara gets to croon magical charanam verses. Though Sarasuku's prelude portions are middling, Mohana Bhogaraju's whispery vocals make this one an worthy listen. The anupallavi has an unremarkable similarity to the composer's Paravasame from Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu. However, the song is an incredibly enjoyable listen from the composer. Gopi Sundar rounds up the soundtrack with the festive celebratory song Devatalara Devatalara and the track fizzles out sooner after an engaging start.
Verdict: Gopi Sundar turns out to be too predicatble and uninteresting in his latest Raju Gadu.
My Rating: 7/10
Pick of the Album: Sarasuku Ra, Rendu Kallaninda
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Hindi): Bhavesh Joshi Superhero
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi
Amit Trivedi channels his Udtaa Punjab mode in Hum Hain Insaaf and the songs works despite being the lingering hangover form the soundscape to Babu Haabi and Naezy's vocals. The rap portions work brilliantly and the title hook is adequately catchy stuff from the composer. Chavanprash's soundscape and the average tune is prodded by Divyakumar's splendid vocals. However, the song fizzles out sooner and turns out to be monotonous listen even though few nifty guitar riffs by Sanjoy Das. Amit Trivedi reserved the best song of the soundtrack to himself. Tafreeh works magically with the steady progressing tune and the hypnotic rhythm adds charm to the beautiful tune. Look out for the brilliant mixing in the interludes and Amit Trivedi aces the singing part effectually. The composer ends the track with the punctuating rock sound lead by Rhythm Shaw's fabulous guitar solos. Amit Trivedi delivers another winner with the serene tuned Qasam Kha Ali and once again the enchanting rhythm along with Papon's magical vocals makes this one works.
Verdict: Though the soundtrack falls few notches below the Vikramaditya Motwane-Amit Trivedi combo, two tracks standout in this Amit Trivedi's latest album.
My Rating: 7.5/10
Pick of the Album: Tafreeh, Qasam Kha Ali, Hum Hain Insaaf
P.S: You can listen to the songs in Youtube.
Music Review(Tamil): Goli Soda2
Music Composer: Achu Rajamani
Pondatee, seems to be the kind of music churned out by Leon James and the peppy breezy tune sung by the composer Achu itself. The guitar-laden track is listenable and the arrangements are adorned by Ranjith's Sitar in the first interlude. Though Mani Amuthavan's lyrics sound force fitted, Achu's singing and Buoyant tune make this one listenable.Kelambu is the hackneyed anthemic rousing grungy track with the hardly memorable tune and apart from Steve's effectual guitar score, the track has little to offer. Deepak, Mahalingam, Jitin Raj and Sreeraj deliver fine within the limited scope of the tune. The track relies largely on the punchy percussions and few nifty guitar solos.Yaaro Vandhu is another track sung by the composer itself and the short melancholy track fails to stick to the listeners. The track is mostly situational one and gains a lot from the pensive lyrics.
Kannamma is on the lines of Pondatee where the breezy tone of the song and the stylish rendition by the string of singers lead by Praveen and Nishitha Menon. The interludes with the iPad synth are extremely catchy stuff which flows in tandem with the overall tone of the song. Achu ends the soundtrack with the racy theme track led by effectual Gautham Vasudev Menon's voice over. The theme track is loaded with the techno synthesised sounds which gives the haunting soundscape for the thriller.
Verdict: Golisoda 2 is definitely better soundtrack than it's prequel but the album lacks instant catchy songs. despite occasional brilliance from the talented composer.
My Rating:7/10
Pick of the Album: Kannamma, Pondattee
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Malayalam): Kaamuki
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar
Kurumbi, song about mischievous daughter, sung perfectly by the child prodigy Sreya Jayadeep and the average tune is propped up by Sumesh Parameswar's brilliant bass line. The title hook is catchy enough and the singer makes this one work easily. Gopi Sundar delivers his best in the heady maapilla paatu styled Sowhrudam and the song instantly takes me back to composer's Kizhakku Pookum from Anwar. Mithun Jayaraj and Sithara Krishnakumar nails the tune with their pitch perfect vocals with ample support from the chorus. The title hook is an incredibly catchy stuff from the composer and Mithun's sargams along with Sithara's vocals makes this one an wonderful listen. Gopi Sundar delivers another breath taking melody with mild Quawalli touch to the tune and an undeniable highlight is Jossy Alpy Sax and loved the way the transition between Sumesh's classically played guitar leaves way for wonderful Sax. Divya S Menon steals the show with her mesmerising vocals.
Verdict: Gopi Sundar's short 3 song soundtrack is enjoyable and the two melodies standout with ample things to love.
My Rating: 7.5/10
Pick of the album: Sowhrudam, Neeyam Sooryan
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Telugu): Mehbooba
Music Composer: Sandeep Chowta
Oh Priya Na Priya's highlight is the resonating vocals of Pragya Dasgupta and the rousing Mehbooba phrase which composer puts into good effect. The arrangements are intriguing with the tinge of haunting soundscape and the charanam melody is an irresistible one. Naa Pranam also features minimalistic arrangements, riding on Varijashree Venugopal's vocal prowess. The dark gloomy interludes continue with this track and it's a delight to listen to the singer's improvisations in the charanam. In Saiyaan, Sandeep Chowta brings in a wonderful mix of Sufi tune in the backdrop of fantastic guitar riffs and ensures that title hook is a catchy one. Ambika Jois aces the unconventional tune effortlessly and loved the way composer employed the traditionally tuned prelude. Pragya Dasgupta comes back with another engaging song, Pichi Pichi ga with the folksy twist to it. Sandeep Chowta's arrangements are top notch especially magical plucked strings in the first interlude and the rhyming lyrics. Oh Priya Na Priya's instrumental version comes as Soul of Mehbooba and it's a blissful listen with the violin solos. Look out for the gorgeous charanam portion of the tune played out with the violin and the track reaches crescendo once the string section kicks in. Aa bhi Jhaa starts with the serene sarod prelude and the minimally arranged sombre tune features kickass guitar riffs in the interlude. Pragya Dasgupta and Sandeep Batra are pitch perfect with their vocals.
My Rating: 8/10
Verdict: Sandeep Chowta's Mehbooba is a refreshing album from the composer and I haven't followed up the composer's previous work, but this one is filled with pleasing tunes.
Pick of the Album: Oh Priya Na Priya, Pichi Pichi ga, Saiyaan
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Tamil): Kaala
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan
Semma Weightu is an almost tweaked version of Veera Thurandhara and the gangsta rap works like charm despite Kabali hangover all over the track. HariharaSudhan and Santosh Narayanan ace the rendition with ample support from the rapper Dopeadelicz throwing in Marathi rap. The 80's rock sound and the synth accompanied by Jhanu Chanthar's electric guitar riffs make this one an enjoying listen. Thanga Sela's generic mass friendly tune propped up by Shankar Mahadevan's singing and the tune is strictly average one from the composer. Naveen Bass line towards the first interlude is a nice touch from the composer in an otherwise average song. Katravai Patravai is the soundtrack's highlight and the infectious energy along with the whistles easily makes Kaala's Neruppu da. The adrenaline rush around the 'Unnayum Mannayum Vendru Vaa Nee' elevates the track multifold. Arunraja Kamaraj does his best with his sprightly singing and Rajinikanth's dialogues make this one easily the best song in the soundtrack. Kannamma's melody has Santosh Narayanan written all over it and the immersive melody is aced by Pradeep Kumar as always and it's a delight to listen to the singer's improvisations. Vishnu Vijay's pensive flute in the first interlude and the niftly done minimalistic guitar strums set the tone for the song. The tune gets Acapella version by Ananthu sounds much better with the few nicely done touches like whistles on the backdrop of rain splatter sounds and the singer's earnest rendition.
The remaining half of the soundtrack is where Kaala didn't work. Urimayai Meetpom starts well with the resonating vocals of Vijay Prakash but soon the track turns into an average Quawaalli - Gaana mix. Keba's guitar strums have been brilliantly employed amidst the Ganapathy and Venkat's tabla. Another interesting aspect is Arivu's lyrics and it's interesting to analyse with the backdrop of TamilNadu's political scenario. Apart from Karthik Devaraj's haunting synth work and Logan's lyrics, Poraaduvom doesn't make the cut despite Dopeadelicz's rap portions. Theruvilakku is background material which may work well with the visuals but not as a standalone track. Nikkal Nikkal is another track which warrants listen for Logan and Dopeadelicz lyrics while the tune is in Meyaadha Maan's territory. Lyricist Vivek turns into the singer with this song.
Verdict: Santosh Narayanan, once again sticks to the director's requirement without yielding to the Rajini's film. However, the lingering feel of the Kabali's soundscape bogs down the listener's enthusiasm.
My Rating: 8/10
Pick of the Album: Kattravai Pattravai, Kannamma, Semma Weightu
P.S You can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn .
Music Review(Telugu): Mahanati
Music Composer: Mickey J Meyer
The title song's opulent grand score matches the movie's grandeur despite having the modish outlook. Mickey J Meyer's tune easily breezes through despite treading along the familiar route while the composer peppered the background with the rich string sections supported well by Anurag Kulkarni's engaging rendition.Aagipo Baalyama's theatre play sound is a delight to listen and Mickey J Meyer effectively sets the soundscape for the track with ample support from Paul Raj's Tabla. Ramya Behara aces the rendition despite sounds like a lot of processing has been done with her vocals, however, the brilliant atmospheric sound and Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry's lyrics makes up for those minor grouses.
Mickey J Meyer hits the right note in a highly likeable song in the soundtrack Mooga Manasulu. The breezy soundscape accompanied by expansive string sections adorned with Phani Narayana's Veena in the first interlude makes this one an immersive listen in the soundtrack. Shreya Goshal is pitch-perfect with her vocals supported by once again Anurag Kulkarni. The consistent rhythm in the background adds the nice touch to the dreamy song.In Sada Nannu, composer goes completely classical one and Charulathamani elevates the level of the song with her brilliant rendition and the captivating tune is made more beautiful by Jugalbandi between Ravi Shankar's flute and Phani Narayana's Veena in the first interlude. The improvisations by the classical singer make this song even more gorgeous and the Kalam natinchi hook continue to linger in the listener's mind even after the song ends.The soundtrack ends on a poignant note with Chivaruku Migiledi penned by Srivennela Sitarama Sastry while sung effectually by Sunitha. The composer gave mild waltzy soundscape to the moving track in the album and the composer utilized the chorus sounds, effectively to set the mood of the track.
Verdict: Mickey J Meyer's expansive soundscape and the elegant tunes makes this album one of his best soundtracks. After Yevade Subramanya, Nag Ashwin once again extracts the best from his composer.
My Rating: 8/10
Pick of the album: Mooga Manasulu, Sada Nannu, Chivaruku Migiledi.
P.S You can listen to the songs in Youtube.
Music Review (Tamil): Mr.Chandramouli
Music Composer: Sam CS
Kallooliye instantly reminds of the composer's underrated album Kadalai and Sam CS's vocal processing further cements the similarity to Kannukulla Vandhu from Kadalai. However composer makes up for that with the trendy and cool arrangements in the background with ample support from Swagatha Krishna in the second half. Kandapadi is an intriguing and imaginative musical concoction where rustic vocals of Guna meets the Jazzy world. Apart from the free-flowing tune structure, there is a lot to like in the arrangements starting from brilliant Nathan's clarinet solos in the prelude to playful keys and violin solos in the interludes.
Yedhedho Aanene takes time to sink in the minds of the listeners especially with the Pallavi and the unsettling soundscape, but Sam CS makes it work with the stunning Ilayaraja'esque charanam portions. Though Sam CS's does a decent job with respect to vocals, Chinmayi steals the show with her pitch-perfect rendition and the arrangements by the composer continuous to be captivating one especially the Carnatic guitar strums in the first interlude.Sam CS ensures that the most pedestrian track in the album also has few interesting elements to it and Raajadhi Raja falls into the category. The tune starts with interesting playful tone but turns out to be awkward hodge-podge tune bits which fail to turn into an enjoyable song. Ranjith's vocals being the only highlight in an otherwise passable song.Theeradho Vali's piece de Resistance is absolutely Manonmani's Sarangi solos which sounds almost as another singer along with Haricharan. Sam CS sets the haunting soundscape for the melancholy and the lead singer sounds fabulous and it's a delight to hear the singer's improvisations along with the Sarangi bits.Mr.Chandramouli's waltzy soundscape is gorgeous and the composer adorns the tune with the beautiful strings section by Chennai Strings orchestra and the Kamalakhar's melodica in the prelude. Brinda Sivakumar, Sister of Surya debuts as a singer and does the decent job with respect to vocals supported by the composer himself.
Verdict: Sam CS is on a roll and though Mr.Chandramouli lacks an instant appealing tracks, the composer's tunes and arrangements are definitely intriguing and enjoyable.
My Rating: 8/10
Pick of the Album: Yedhedho Aanene, Kandapadi, Theeradho Vali.
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Telugu): Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India
Music Composer: Vishal-Shekhar
Sainika treads on the path as expected with Vishal Dadlani handling the vocals and Ramajogayya's jingoistic lyrics to prod the hero introduction song. The song may work well with the visuals but unfortunately, the tune is strictly average one with few nifty guitar solos by Meghdeep Bose in the interludes. Lover also Fighter also is another decent track with Shekar Ravjiani's questionable Telugu dictions irks consistently. The tune is marginally better and the title hook sounds absurd with the auto tuning in the lead vocals. Tapas roy's strokes in the first interlude are the only takeaway from the passable track.
Beautiful love is the breezy track which works easily despite sounding more like a Hindi song may be because of Armaan Malik involvement and the tune flow. However, Armaan Malik and Chitra Ambadipudi ace the romantic ballad effectually while composer duo's gentle arrangements backed by Meghdeep Bose's guitar work to its favour. Arijit Singh gets featured in Telugu song for another Bollywood composer other than Sunny MR and the tune is tailor-made for the lead singer vocals.The folksy chorus sounds to be the bit dissonant with the main tune, however, Ramya Behara makes those portions easy to sail through. Vishal- Shekhar adorns the arrangements with an impressive usage of Kazoos and string sections.Yenniyello is the song stays true to the native soundscape without any Bollywood flavour and Malavika aces the singing portions effectively with ample support from the chorus.Iraga Iraga is another mandatory mass number and the track sounds to be straight out of DSP's stock tune.Rahul Sipligunj and Mohana Bhogaraju's sprightly singing being the solo highlight in an otherwise perfunctory song from the composer duo.
Verdict: Vishal- Shekhar's return to Telugu cinema after Chintakayala Ravi is strictly average one and the album lacks the native touch despite occasional sparks in the arrangements.
My Rating:6.5/10
Pick of the Album: Beautiful love, Yenniyello, Maya
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Hindi): Raazi
Music Composer: Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Ae Watan has an undeniable Mirzya vibe in the chorus portions and the serene blissful tune sung wonderfully by Arijit Singh. SEL did a commendable job with respect to arrangements especially the soaring string portions accompanied by punctuating consistent percussions. The highlight of Dilbaro is tapas Roy's Rabab and uncredited Sarangi solos while Harshdeep Kaur delivers the folk tune with her impeccable vocals supported by ever reliable Shankar Mahadevan in the second half. After Binte dil, Arijit get similar vocal range track song in the title track Raazi and the singer aces it while SEL adorns the background with ample support from Tapas Roy and Arshad Khan's Esraj. Composer uses the Agar Dil phrase to create the tripping effect throughout the song and the under played esraj solos towards the end is a nice touch from the composer trio. The serene tone of Ae Watan's male version is replaced by much buoyant Sunidhi Chauhan version with Shankar Mahadevan Academy's chorus portions. Once again composer's extract the best from Tapas Roy in terms of arrangements.
Verdict: After a hiatus in 2017, Shankar Ehsaan Roy delivers their best to Meghna Gulzar's Raazi and the melodies are enchanting and makes me go back to their Mirzya soundtrack.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Pick of the Album: Raazi, Ae watan(both versions)
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Malayalam): Aravindante Athidikal
Music Composer: Shaan Rahman
Kanne Thaai Malare is trademark Shaan Rahman melody aced by the whispery vocals of Vineeth Srinivasan. Composer layers the melody with the minimal arrangements dominated by keys and the soundscape instantly takes the listeners back to his Thattathin Marayathu days. Rasathi's ARR'esque melody accompanied by Josy Alappuzha's flute and Cochin strings arrangements makes it a pleasant listen. Liya Susan Varghese's sargams and native percussion elements are enchanting and the Rasathi loop is an instant catchy one despite Vineeth Srinivasan's edgy vocals especially in high pitch portions. Anne Amie gets another brilliant song Anandhame for Shaan Rahman after Edhu Meghamaari in Kochava Paulo Ayyappa Coelho and the singer's pitch-perfect rendition makes this an enchanting listen. She is becoming my recent favourite singer in Malayalam industry especially after Kilivathilin from Pullikkaran Staraa. One wishes that composer could have churned this one as the full-fledged song instead of less than two minutes one. Endhe Kanna's exotic sounding arrangements and Megha Josekutty's mellifluous vocals is another undisputable winner from the composer. Shaan Rahman ends the melodious soundtrack with the fast pacing melody (and also devotional one I think going by the lyric, though not sure) Kripaakari Devi sung by mithun Jayaraj and the chenda rhythm is the nice touch by the composer despite sounds to be the synthesised one.
Verdict: Shaan Rahman once again proves his mettle with the melodious soundtrack of Aravindante Athidikal.
My Rating: 8/10
Pick of the album: Anandhame, Rasathi, Endhe Kanna
P.S You can listen to the songs on Saavn.
Music Review(Malayalam): Kammara Sambavam
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar
Njano Raavo's melodic punch and the violin solos are irresistible with Ilayarajae'sque soundscape in the interludes. Haricharan Seshadri aces the rendition while Divya S Menon gets the finest Kannane tune intermittently and the lady aces it like pro. Azhikullil has more mod outlook compared to the period in which the film is set and the jingoistic tune is strictly average except for the buoyant usage of trumpet and brass band. Karthik and Divya S Menon did adequate job in terms of vocals. Anjaandu Bharikkan is another pedestrian sprightly tune prodded by Murali Gopi's energetic rendition and foot tapping arrangements.
Verdict: Njano Raavo is an undeniable highlight of the short soundtrack from Gopi Sundar.
My Rating:7/10
Pick of the Album: Njano Raavo
P.S You can listen to the songs in Youtube.
Music Review(Telugu): Bharat Ane Nenu
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad
Bharat Ane Nenu's consistent rhythm in the background takes me back to Sunny MR's Okkariki Okkaram from Dochay and surprisingly the song didn't turn anthemic. It's a great respite that the song of this genre stays relatively low and the modest techno beat sounds along with the David Simon's vocals makes this one an engaging listen.Farhan Akhtar's terrible vocals aside, I don't know's tune strictly resides in the Devisriprasad's territory and the composer relegated the singing to Farhan Akhtar and the tune sounds tailor-made for the composer itself. The only solace being the easy-going buoyant trumpet and brass sounds adorned generously throughout the track.
Vachaadaayo Saami is the most generic template song which he usually reserves for Kailash Kher and Divya Kumar. The tune is hardly interesting and sounds highly pedestrian track from the composer and the background is filled with the terribly outdated mix of varied percussions and chorus.Andrea Jeremiah owns the Ide Kalala Vunnadhe and the singer aces the rendition in an impressive manner. Devi Sri Prasad throws engaging synth dominated rock sound throughout the album while the singer takes care of the rest to elevate the song with her stylized vocals. O Vasumathi's Pallavi portions bear the composer tag completely, however, the song turns better towards the charanam portions despite the rap being the complete letdown. Yazin Nizar and Rita able to make this passable song bearable.
Verdict: After an impressive Rangasthalam, DeviSriPrasad sticks to tried and tested tunes for Bharat Ane Nenu and the tracks are strictly average one from the composer.
My Rating:6.5/10
Pick of the Album: Ide Kalala Vunnadhe, Bharat Ane Nenu
P.S you can listen to the songs in Saavn.
