Amara Kaaviyam (Music)

Amara Kaaviyam marks the return of Jeeva Shankar ( director of Naan ) to wield the megaphone, as this film produced by Arya stars his brother Sathya and Mia George. Music is by M.Ghibran, so let's waste no time in reading more about the album.

Saridhanaa : Singers - Yazin Nizar, Thomson Andrews & Ghibran, Lyrics - Madhan Karky 

Ghibran starts the album with a bang, in the mesmerizing voices of Yazin Nizar, Thomson Andrews and himself. The song begins with a fast-paced acoustic guitar setup where the background music syncs itself wonderfully with the vocals. Later into the song, the tune shifts to a drummy beat with few injections from the electric guitar too. Karky's lyrics are an added asset, as this song climbs onto you in a jiffy.

Edhedho Ennamvandhu : Singers - Haricharan & Padmalatha, Lyrics - Parvathy 

The second song in the album is a slow track, as Haricharan takes the mic for the first time in a Ghibran album. Ghibran opts for a raindrop drum beat in this one, keeping it light at that. Haricharan stamps his class once again, as this is another good number on the whole.

Mounam Pesum : Singer - Chitra, Lyrics - P.Vetriselvan 

Ghibran is always well lauded for his choice of singers, and boy he does surprise you with the Chinna Kuyil Chitra for this one. A lovely keyboard byte kicks off the song and transforms to a heavenly tune along with the flawless vocals. Just when the song hits the high point, comes a strong chorus which takes you into a different world altogether. Three songs into the album and this composer is on a roll already.

Dheva Dhevadhai : Singers - Ranjith & Madhu Iyer, Lyrics - P.Vetriselvan

Ranjith and Madhu Iyer for the fourth track, and it is one of those boxy tunes we are familiar with, from his earlier albums. Though this song brings down the pep by a small margin, it is by no means a bad listen thanks to the heavy chorus which has been well panned out.

Dhaagam Theera : Singers - Padmalatha & Yazin Nizar, Lyrics - Asmin 

The voice we heard in 'Aruvakaaran' is back for the next track in this album, which is a song in pathos for a distanced love. The linchpin of this melody however, lies in the chorus crooned by Yazin Nizar. Padmalatha's compassionate vocals do manage to keep you pinned for this one, which has praise worthy lyrics by Asmin.

Edhedho Ennamvandhu : Singer - Sundar Narayana Rao, Lyrics - Parvathy

If you were looking for this man's voice which was missing so far in the album, it is here in the solo form of the second track. The voice, on the contrary sounds heavier compared to Haricharan's rendition of the same. A good cap on the album, nevertheless.

Ghibran has seriously carved a niche for himself in the Tamil music industry with his earlier albums, and Amara Kaaviyam is for sure, another feather in his cap. He impresses once again with his smart choice of vocalists, interesting interludes and tunes which have the capability to catch your attention at the earliest. Though Amara Kaaviyam does take a while to sink into the listener, it is going nowhere once that is done. Stupendous is the word for this composer, whose next two albums will be for the Ulaganayagan. We are waiting. 

Pick : Saridhanaa

Verdict : Lose yourself into a journey of spellbinding compositions. Precise, poetic and pounding.

4 / 5

Valeba Raja (Music)

After KLTA which had a good run at the Box Office, Santhanam is back with his team for Valeba Raja, which is touted as India's first psycho-comedy. Directed by Sai Gokul Ramnath, Valeba Raja has Santhanam, Sethu and Vishaka Singh in the lead. The audio was launched on the 25th of June, newbie Radhan the music composer. Is this a good debut?

Ennamo Pannura : Singers - Rajan, Ramee, Lyrics - Radhan 

Vaaliba Raja begins with Ennamo Pannura, which is a slow rap number which sounds more like a Sri Lankan song. Rajan's unique vocals along with the rap bits by Ramee work in favor of the song, which has a light kuthu interference as its keystone.

Oru Naal Oru Naal : Singers - Bobo Shashi, Veena Ghantasala, Lyrics - Na.Muthukumar 

Bobo Shashi, the son of Murali from the Sabesh-Murali duo croons this one along with Veena Ghantasala. The trump card in the album, Oru Naal Oru Naal is a swanky romantic number with influential lyrics by Na.Muthukumar.

Vaa Madhi Vadhana : Singers - Blaaze, Mukesh, Lyrics - Karky

Truly a fast-paced rap number with Blaaze and Mukesh on the mic, this song has clear lyrics about the confusions in love, written by Karky. Though the song has an engaging tune, the music goes overboard towards the end leaving the song jarring.

Nadukadalula : Sung and written by Gaana Bala

Gaana Bala is back! Albeit the intent being good to bring out all the recent famous numbers in one song, the loud tune along with Gaana Bala's vocals dont gel together, the end result being infuriating.

Ice Cream Penne : Sung and written by Arjun, re-arranged by Charles Bosco

A remix of the first song in the album, the final track in the album has vocals by Mumbai based artist Arjun. Re-arranged by Charles Bosco as the tracklist says, this song works too in its own ways.

After opting for Thaman in KLTA, Santhanam seems to have changed tracks and gone for a new composer in Radhan. His gamble has payed off, as Valeba Raja is a superb commercial fare. Except for that one Gaana Bala track, all the songs are highly listenable, making it an enjoyable album on the whole. 

Pick : Oru Naal

Another talented composer goes up on stage. Ritzy stuff from Radhan.

3 / 5

Madras (Music)

Pa.Ranjith who impressed one and all with Attakathi is back with his next film - Madras. Starring Karthi and Catherine Tresa in the leads, Madras is a rustic action movie set in a Chennai backdrop. Santosh Narayanan composes the music for this film, what's new here?

Chennai Vada Chennai : Singers - Hariharasudhan, Meenakshi Iyer, Oor Side Artists Vocal Group, Lyrics : Kabilan

The album begins with a song devoted to Madras and the hero's gang. Santosh Narayanan opts for an electronic dubstep base, which stays put for the whole song. The phrase which goes 'Enga Ooru Madras Idhukku Naanga Dhaane Address-uh' is a scream at first, but goes off track as it gets repetitive towards the end. Kabilan's lyrics speak highly about the hero's gang and their activities.

Kakidha Kappal : Singer - Gaana Bala, Lyrics - Gaana Bala

A love failure track rendered by none other than Gaana Bala, as he works with the lyrics as well. Santosh makes use of string orchestrations along with a basic drum beat to span things out. Template Santosh Narayanan track.

Kaali Love Theme : Performed by the Studio Orchestra of Sydney ft. Pradeep Kumar

Short and sweet tune for Karthi's love track in the film. Does what is expected of it.

Naan Nee : Singers - Shakthishree, Deekshitha, Lyrics - Uma Devi 

Just when the album is progressing at a middling speed, Santosh Narayanan pulls the rabbit out of the hat. Divine is the word for this song, set to the beautiful vocals of Shakthisree Gopalan and Deekshitha. A splendid track on the whole, it talks about the love angles from a girlish perspective.

Agayam Theepidicha : Singer - Pradeep Kumar, Lyrics - Kabilan

If it was Aasai Oor Pulveli in Attakathi, it is Agayam Theepidicha in Madras. A slow track which climbs onto you, it is aided by some concerning lyrics from Kabilan. Pradeep Kumar's rendition leaves no stone unturned, as he is flawless in his parts, even with the acoustic guitar. Minimum instrumentation to maximum effect.

Irandhidhava : Singer - Gaana Bala, Lyrics - Gaana Bala

Gaana Bala returns for one last time in the album, where he croons a gloomy track which leaves the album dangling at its exit. Something necessary for the film, but certainly not for the album.

Although Madras unfurls the massy side of Santosh Narayanan, the composer seems to be still bound to his comfort zone. The instruments used and the choice of singers seem repetitive in all his albums, and innovation is a word of discussion here. Both the slow tracks work in favour of the album, which is otherwise conventional. 

Pick : Naan Nee

Verdict : Dwells into a different side of Santosh Narayanan, but it isn\'t totally bright out there.

3 / 5

Sarabham (Music)

With his previous release keeping the cash registers ringing, CV.Kumar brings out the audio of his next release - Sarabham. Starring Naveen, Saloni and Naren in the main cast, it is directed by Arun Mohan. Music is by Britto Michael, who earlier composed some hit tracks for Sundattam. Let's see how this one has fared out.

Pudhidhai Oru Iravu : Singers - Andrea, Britto Michael, Lyrics - GKB

Andrea's trendy voice kicks off the album on a breezy album. The composer Britto Michael himself grabs the mic alongside her, as his Yuvan-ish voice does aid the song become a good listen on the whole. The interlude which is loud and jarring could have been cut down a little.

Bodhaiyil Padhai Maarum : Singers - Anthony Dasan, Britto Michael, Lyrics - Kurinji Prabha

Nothing much to say about this track, which stays pedestrian. Anthony Dasan's does a Gaana Bala cameo here along with Britto Michael again. Opening up, this tune sounds like a quicker version of the first, sans the loud interlude.

Neram : Singer - Usha Uthup, Lyrics - Kurinji Prabha

Usha Uthup induces her divine flavour into this song, which is composed on a grand scale. Britto's talent is in full flow here, as both the vocals and the interludes compliment each other very well. Not a potential chartbuster, but surely one where the composer has carved his mark. Kurinji Prabha has injected much more care into the lyrics, unlike the other songs.  

Sarabham Theme : Singer - Rabbit Mac @ Psycho Unit

What starts off like a WWE entrance bit sways towards one which will perfectly fit the tone of the film. Rabbit Mac from Psycho Unit holds responsibility of the vocals, as this gets engaging when the chorus goes Sarabham!! A fitting theme to end the album.

Sarabham is neither a good nor a bad album. Britto's casual numbers which struck a good tone amongst the youth in Sundattam, is missing here. The composer seems to have worked towards the theme of the film and as a result, goofed up on what he is capable of. A hunky-dory album, with two good tracks.

Pick : Pudhidhai Oru Iravu

Verdict : Britto's second outing is a cat on the wall.

2.5 / 5

Yaan (Music)

The Jiiva - Harris combo returns after two hit albums Ko and Endrendrum Punnagai, for Yaan which is an action thriller directed by Ravi K.Chandran. Harris' track record shows that he has provided good tracks for films in this genre, let's see how this one has fared out.

Hey Lamba Lamba : Singers - Devan Ekambaram, Divya Vijay, Lyrics - Vaalee

The album begins with a peppy medley, sung meticulously by Devan Ekambaram. His voice fits perfectly to the lively feel of the song. Though the song boasts of a catchy hum, the interludes which include the usual rap bits from Harris fall flat, thereby taking away the essence of the number. Vaali's lyrics too, go unnoticed in this one.

Aathangara Orathil : Singer - Gaana Bala, Lyrics - Kabilan

Talk about experimentation. Harris picks Gaana Bala to croon a ghetto track, and the result is overwhelming. Aathangara Orathil is one of those very few innovative tracks from the composer. The rap portions in the mid do seem forced, and should have been cropped out.

Latcham Calorie : Singers - Arjun Menon, Chinmayi, Lyrics - Pa.Vijay

A techy romantic track is staple in his albums, that slot has been filled with Latcham Calorie. Arjun Menon and Chinmayi seem to be the right choice for the mic, thereby providing a fitting Harris typical.

Nenje Nenje : Singers - P.Unnikrishnan, Chinmayi, Pravin Saivi, Lyrics - Kabilan

Nenje Nenje is the next track, a pathos number highlighted by P.Unnikrishnan's vocals. Crafted with a heartening tune, this one keeps you hooked to it. Kabilan's lyrics aren't the best in the book, but something to fill up with.

Nee Vandhu Ponadhu : Singers - KK, Bombay Jayashree, Ramya NSK, Megha, Lyrics - Thamarai

KK, Bombay Jayashree, Ramya NSK and Megha. A superb choice of singers coming together for the last track, which draws the curtains in style. An engrossing techno beat, with flawless vocals along with the Arabian chorus do make Nee Vandhu Ponadhu one of the best tracks in the album. Special mentions to Thamarai for making her words catch our attention even in a fast number.

Once again, Harris Jeyaraj decides to stay within his comfort zone and deliver good music. With little innovation, he takes this album through effortlessly with his usual instrumentations and choice of singers except for the surprise element in Gaana Bala. Just like his other works in the recent past, Yaan will keep you hooked for a while, and then buzz away. One just hopes it stays put till the movie hits the screens. 

Pick : Aathangara

Verdict : Stock disc material from Harris Jeyaraj, peppered with a jolt.

3 / 5

Kochadaiyaan

Performance Capture Technology. Last seen in films such as Avatar and Tintin, it is now brought to our lands at the helm of Soundarya Rajnikanth and her team, in the name of Kochadaiiyaan. One cannot ask for a better lead for this first than the Superstar, as the sea of his fans get to see their hero in yet another tone.

Kochadaiiyaan is the epic saga of a commanding leader of the same name, and his legacy settling scores with the opponents. The movie begins (in ARR's voice-over) with Rana's ( Rajnikanth ) heroics, unveils its twists about a late chief ( Rajni again ), and brings itself to its final stage with a bang, ending in style.

Since this is a photo-realistic film, the performances had to be carried out within 4 walls, and that has been executed to near perfection by the veterans onboard. Rajnikanth's trademark style and mannerisms are recreated to an extent, as one notices that the maximum amount of graphical attention has been awarded to the Superstar. Thalaivar's voice is magic, and that is one reason why it is so heartening to watch him in any format possible. Performance wise, the artists have fit their bills, yet we ponder over how their natural expressions (especially the eyes) have not been brought out onscreen. Deepika in particular, is a joke.

The characters are captured in unique angles, with a special mention going to the fight scenes. Editing by Anthony is crisp, as he had to ensure the right cuts at the right places to avoid drags. Costumes are well etched, colorful and bright. Fight choreography is a lynchpin in a movie of this genre, and that has been taken care off in good proportions. Not to forget Resul Pookutty's realistic sound design, especially his work at the war scenes deserves an applause.

AR.Rahman's music plays a pivotal role in the film, as his BGM induces goosebumps at many places, thereby pushing the film to the next level. Claps to his sounds in Deepika's stunt sequence and the Shiva Thaandavam snippets. The songs have been picturised with fancy ideas, yet act as speed breakers in the second half.

If Rajnikanth is the Superman onscreen, it is KS.Ravikumar who stands in those shoes behind the screen.  His paperwork is top notch, specially the screenplay which possesses very few dull moments. Though the story isn't a big bash, it is the screenplay which is well balanced with romantic, senti and thrill-filled happenings along with enough and more mass moments for the fans to cheer about. Soundarya's direction is apt, and the duo must be lauded for their creative ideas at many instants. Had this been an actual film, it would have touched the skies.

Kochadaiiyaan is by far a new attempt in Indian Cinema, and credit goes to the humongous crew for this film, which carves a new benchmark. However, the animation is a big flaw for the film, as it cracks a crater in its final show. Spare a thought since it's the first time, and go watch this spectacle for it does speak of some superb popcorn entertainment. 

Verdict : A grand parade led by the terrific Thalaivar, brought down by the animation.

3.5 / 5

Mundasupatti (Music)

Mundasupatti is the next offering from CV.Kumar's banner, which has been bankable till date. A comic film derived from a short film of the same name, Mundasupatti is directed by D.Ram. Music is by Sean Roldan of VMP fame, how are the songs this time?

Ambala Singam - Sean Roldan and Haricharan

Sean Roldan begins with this unique intro song, which is backed by a powerful chorus. He scores on the vocals too, as they are in perfect tandem with the orchestrations. A good start to the album.

Idhu Enna - Haricharan

Haricharan seems to be the apt pick for this song, as he brings in a wondrous feel along with the calm instrumentations. Sean hits rock bottom with the interludes, which are mysterious in their own ways.

Kadhal Kanave - Pradeep and Kalyani Nair 

Getting deeper into the album, and Sean has more goodies in store. Kadhal Kanave, with charming vocals by Pradeep and Kalyani Nair is another soft romantic track with a superb violin twist stitched to it. Lyrics here are noteworthy, this song is a beautiful listen on the whole.

Killadi Oruthan - Anthony Dasan

Anthony Dasan's hard vocals make Killadi Oruthan a loud and frisky number. Although the song has praiseworthy instrumentations, it is one of the dark ones in the album.

Rasa Magarasa - Rita, Anthony Dasan and Sean Roldan

Sean Roldan grabs the mic once again with Rita and Anthony Dasan alongside him. Rita shifts gears to village-ish voice modulations, as Sean is perfect with his high and low pitch crooning once again. Though similar to a recent hit song, this track is a great listen until its abrupt end. The solo version is on the same level too.

Uchiyila Udhichavane - Vivek Narayan

This is complete Tamil folk, a track solely for the film. Quick cap to the album.

Sean Roldan, surely is a huge bag of talent. Every song in Mundasupatti is unique in its own ways, at the same time providing the rural flavour. The orchestrations and sounds are well carved out, as the album is a good balance of potential chartbusters and film centred songs. A convincing album, to say the least.

Pick : Kadhal Kanave

Verdict : Novel stuff from Sean Roldan, once again.

3.5 / 5