Among the combinations in Kollywood, Vijay-A R Rahman is rather intriguing as the idioms that define the duo are totally different, and twain looked unlikely to meet. To be sure, Rahman had indeed scored music for a Vijay starrer previously. That was the unsung Udaya, a film that was laid low by many problems. Except the eponymous title track (and was certainly beguilingly brilliant), none of the numbers hardly had anything to redeem or remember. Vijay, in the meanwhile, had become the commercial star and this kind of films demanded `a' kind of music, which if it came from Rahman would be disappointing. Rahman's musical methods are believed to suit a different canvas.
So before settling down to listen to the Azhagiya Tamil Magan songs, the feeling was rather mixed, and the belief was that something, or rather someone, had to give. But after a single listen, we are happy to report that Rahman has packaged Vijay's musical needs in a different flavor. But one that doubtless will have the Ilaya Thalapathi's fans dancing in the aisles with gusto. Rahman's genius lies here in the fact that he has not compromised his core constituency.
The six numbers, including a remixed one, carry that unique Rahman stamp ---- rhythmic razzmatazz, quaint harmonies and experimental interludes all creating a symphonic sounds cape.
1 Ella Puzhal
The title track in a mass Tamil movie is microcosmic to the overall genre. It has to have elevating lyrics. It has to have simple but catchy beats. It has to set the tempo for the scrip to feed on. But Rahman here bucks the trend. He provides all the necessary rhythms. He has, in a sense, redefined the `intro song with a tempo that is reflective without being ponderous. Rahman's own vocals - in typical nasal high-pitched twang ---- provide a further newness. The beats are not all-out or in-your-face, but carry forward Vaali's undoubtedly exalting and ennobling ideas in attractive packets of snappy strums and bewitching beats. It is not impossible to imagine what the reaction of Vijay's countless fans whenever the word `thalapathi' is uttered in the lyric.
2 Pon Magal Vandhal
Rahman, among the music directors, had steadfastly avoided the abhorrence of remixes. The one time he had to attempt that, Rahman did the honorable thing of re-tuning it (Thottal Poo Malarum in New), rather than add some high-octane rhythms to the original and preen to the world as if it is indeed a `new original', so to speak. But here settles for the straight forward remix; the only liberty he takes here is a bizarre rap interlude. Aslam has sung with his all his energy, and Embar's rap bit also works. But remixes are not Rahman's.
3) Nee Marilyn Monroe
This is Boys song meeting Anniyan. Both in terms of the musical trope as well in terms of drift of the language. Full of city youth's Esperanto, the words of Na Muthukumar (almost in bilingual with liberal use of `Party', `Saturday night',' scanning') will have the dancing feet tapping incessantly. Benny Dayaland Ujjaini sings with that stylized lilt that such songs are expected to sound. The chorus pattern is interesting and provides a defining staccato feel. The way `Nee Marilyn Monroe' is enunciated is certainly very alluring and provides all the right impact for the song.
4)Valaiyapatti
Imagine a rambunctious Tamil folk madly cohabiting. And now, as if for a lark, throw a bit Carnatic nuggets. What do you get? A song that defies imagination. It takes musical effrontery to conjure such mix n' match song. Rahman's brilliance is in pulling this amazing number, on which explanatory words are ineffective. Naresh Iyer, like a stone waller is being asked to play the pinch-hitting role in c