These days a music director can't get away by just providing melody alone. Or for that matter, his offerings should not be rhythm-based alone. The music director has to strike a balance.
Bharadwaj has done just that in Ayya. He has come with six appealing numbers, and as an icing on the cake has Bharadwaj seemed to slip up in Attagasam. But he seems to have retrieved his lost ground here.
1. Oru Vartha (KK/Sadhana Sargam)
Bharadwaj starts with his usual penchant for melody. Sadhana Sargam and KK are fine bets for that. Both have dulcet voices and combined with some nifty orchestration, the song registers in your heart straightaway.
2. Athiri Pathiri (Janani Bharadwaj)
This is a hip-hop number Pathiri sung by Janani Bharadwaj (daughter of Bharadwaj). With a mixture of western tunes and rural beats, Athiri Pathiri is an experimental song. Though Janani is inexperienced, she comes across as somebody who can be nurtured for the long race. The song itself, with its alluring mix, can become popular among the masses.
3. Ayyaathorai (Bharadwaj/Balram/Raghavendhar)
This is a typical number glorifying the hero. Accompanied by many percussion instruments, this is a loud and larger-than-life song. The choice of singers also gives you a clue about the essential nature of it all. The orchestration is certainly heavy-handed.
4. Suthipoda Venama (Thipu, Madhumitha)
Thippu is a belter. He doesn't hold back on anything. He just gives a wallop. He now seems to specialize in rural numbers. Madhumitha is an apt foil for him. The song has the romantic feel all through. The incorporation of Nadaswaram and Thavil is indeed skilful. The instrumentation is of the highest order.
5. Ayyathorai (Bharadwaj)
It's a sad and a slow number perhaps sung when the hero is in distress. This small brief song has no accompaniment of any orchestra or instruments.Perhaps, it is fit for the screens and the theme of the movie.
6. Thamiraparani Rani ( KK/Shreya Ghosal)
It's perhaps the pick of the album for it is racy as well as melodious. Bahardwaj is one music director who seamlessly includes classical tunes in his numbers. He does that here too with ease and conviction. Shreya Ghosal's honey voice adds value to the number. The orchestration is rich and varied. The choice of instruments is sensational.
Bharadwaj has quite simply delivered. Period.