Two years into filming and one of the most opulent and ambitious projects of Indian cinema, 'Bahubali' is believed and expected to be a turning point in the way we have considered movies, in all these decades. The teaser and trailer trended beyond imagination. How well does the music album match up? Here, we find out.
Song: Irul Konda Vaanil Singer: Deepika Lyricist: Karky
A majestic opening to a majestic album, this female solo delves deep in the royalty of an opulent kingdom, kept in the promise of tender new life. Clashing swords and beaming trumpets blow you off to an era that lived in magnanimous opulence, while the Deepika's fresh voice keeps up with the courage of the royalty, yet uncompromising on the innate demure of women.
Song: Jeeva Nadhi Singer: Geetha Madhuri, Shweta Raj Lyricist: Karky
The second song is a quick cover on life and its struggles, likened to the uninterrupted flow of river, with a solemn aim in its tread. There are no distinct beats in the background, but the weight of the emotion is conveyed at its best in the intricate rendition, backed by bass.
Song: Deerane Singer: Ramya Behara, Deepu Lyricist: Karky
The first duet of the album sings praise of a valiant king, of his prowess and command. Rendered by his lady love, this track is a combination of romantic as well as valour calling. Ramya sings most part of the song. The way it begins with a tantalising hum, and with the pace kept up using an extensive orchestra, this song does not stop at impressing you, but also unfolds a surprise in the last stanza. What keeps the song upbeat is that it effectively combines the feeling of ancient magnificence with the latest trends and jazz.
Song: Siva Sivaya Potri Singer: Vaikkam Vijaya Lakshmi, Maragadamani Lyricist: Karky
As the title suggests, this track is in praise of Lord Shiva. In the thick and deep voice of Vaikkam Vijaya Lakshmi, the song is rendered in colloquial touch, and Maragadamani's voice catches up in equally profound touch, in the following stanza. Drum rolls and periodic beats make for the background of yet another majestic tread.
Song: Pachchai Thee Singer: Karthik, Damini Lyricist: Karky
Yet another duet, this track sounds as though we have transcended a decade backward, for the kind of tune, beats and music. The song opens in a refreshing orchestra of violins, followed by beats and Damini's voice rendering chaste Tamil. Karthik's voice is stimulating as always. With a lilting sweet flow, the song is a pleasant romantic duet.
Song: Manogari Singer: Haricharan, Mohana Lyricist: Karky
This duet sings praise of the woman's unmatched shimmering beauty. Following the exciting and surprising drum beats, Mohana opens the song in her raunchy voice. It is a sweet surprise how the melody in Haricharan's voice syncs perfectly with that of Mohana's. Yey another surprise package in the song is the sheer assaulting, admirably strong arrows of words, making one wonder in the lofty expanse of Tamil as a language; thanks to Madhan Karky for the insight. Adding to the celebration of music is the beautiful tailpiece in veena.
Song: Moochile Theeyumaay Singer: Kailash Kher Lyricist: Karky
A story of kingdoms and no war yet? This song answers the question, complete in its threatening low tones, and trumpet and conch blows. The song opens with the sole normalised portion throughout the track, and transcends into chorus on low notes, backed by bass orchestra. The song on the whole renders a feeling of marching army, complete with its cavalry. Gear up for a smashing warfield experience!
Song: Theeranae (English Version) Singer: Ramya Behara, Adithya Lyricist: Noel Sean, Adithya
The last song actually counts as a bonus. For those of you who sensed the western influence in 'Deerane' earlier, this is a sure treat. Shorter than the pure Tamil version, this track partly carries English lyrics. This track has retained the female portions intact, but for the slight smoothing on every note, and adding a little extra octave, to make is sound more indie pop. The tune of the chorus is also retained, but the lyrics are completely anglicised and are rendered by Adithya, here. With minute variation in background, and cutting down the song's length to a considerable extent, this track comes as a little surprise, at the end of a thoroughbreed period-set album.
This masterpiece from Keeravani has something for the class audience and savours the mass audience too. Splattering magnificence and royalty from start to finish, 'Bahubali' is a niche compilation of out-of-the-box ideas, worshiping music in its own special way.
Rating: 3/5
Verdict: Transforming half hour of enchanting music