Balakrishna die-hard fans swear by his dance and the `steps'. And any star would always want to keep his constituency of fans happy. So Balakrishna unfailingly produces those exuberant `steps' to satisfy his followers. Naturally, the songs in his follow a typical pattern --- plenty of fast-paced rhythms and enthusiastic usage of percussion.
Mani Sharma has kept up that spirit for Allari Pidugu. The songs are typical Balakrishnanish, to coin a term.
1) Dikki Dikki
The start is a vedic chant. From there it is straight shift to a `rappish' mantra and then follows a typical rhythm-infested tune. Karthik and Chitra try their best to extract the best out of this `shakathon' song. The lyrics are pretty puerile (the first two words are a good example). To compound things, the inclusion of some Sanskrit words can grate the purists. The problem is the song tries to be too many things all at once. Mani Sharma also seems to have over-tried for this number.
2) Mallelona Illeyarra
Chitra and Karthik again. And the stuff is also similar. A robotic rhythm intermixed with some funky and jazzy instrumentation. The inspired middle part orchestration saves the song from being an absolute disaster. The two singers once again underline their undoubted talent.
3) Chinuku Laga
Rhythm pads, rap rendition, and husky take off --- you get the drift, nah? Well, the song is good and indifferent --- all simultaneously. For a rhythm number, the vocals are pretty soft and stylish. Both Suchitra and Ranjith are pleasing and sing with obvious relish. The downside is the utter predictability of it all. Yet, you pardon it for the essential lilt. The instrumentation is also passable.
4) Maa Subbalachamma
For S P Balasubramaniam it must have been a difficult song. For, how many times he must sung seemingly soft numbers? The orchestration is sweet but the hackneyed run of the tune spoils it all. Even SPB's undoubted versatility and Sunitha's promise don't lift the song to any great heights. But to be fair to Mani Sharma, he has used his instruments with care and style.
5) Ongolu Gittharo
Mass beats and energetic cadences give the song a promising start.Mahalakshmi is full of raw enthusiasm. And SPB is as ever is his flawless self. Despite the heard-before feel, the song does make you snap your fingers in agreeable rhythms.
6) Nede Eenade
Rocking rhythms and the dulcet voice of Sreevardhini redeem this number to a great extent. Mallikarjun also adds his mite. The duo is quite at home singing this simple melody.
Mani Sharma, on the whole, seems to have played safe. He has also not overdone that rhythm thing --- a failing in Balakrishna's previous films.