Music had always been an integral part of Director Shankar's movies.
There were some skeptics who wondered why he should have gone for a new music composer when there are plenty of tried and tested names around.
But after you listen to Kadhal's songs, you understand the new music director Joshua Sridhar has got the mix (and remix, too) right. Joshua Sridhar, who looks more in the shades of Rahman and Harris Jeyaraj when it comes to using additional rhythm programs, has proved his credentials in his debut venture itself.
The first number in album Poovum Puddikuthu sung by Karthik, Shalini and Tippu, begins on a soft note and gains mass and momentum. It is bracing and brassy all through. Some interesting lyrics also make the song more interesting.
The next in the list is Ivanthan sung by Sunitha Sarathy and seems a fantasy song sung by the heroine on screen. The western influence in the choice of instruments and the orchestration style add luster to the number. The racy effect sounds good on the ear.
To go for newcomer for the theme song calls for extreme guts. And the singer concerned must also be extremely gifted. Haricharan sure is. He repays the faith reposed on him by the music director with some breezy singing. His understanding of the needs of the song is innate and nuanced. The number itself has a mix of folk beats with electric acoustics. Certainly a good theme number.
The pick of the album indeed is Poora Koondu Poora Koondu, a number sung by Suresh Peters, Thippu, Harish Raghavendra, Karunas and Premji. It is huge team singing, and all of them add their bit to it. The song deals in detail about the life of bachelors in mansions at Triplicane. This is a fast peppy number and is sure to become a hit straight away. The additional rhythm programming in the song deserves a special mention.
A soft melodious number is Unakenna Irupean sung by Haricharan. He sure has oodles has talent and is set to go places if he maintains his voice and bring in more modulation and tonal variations to his essential style.
All said, Kadhal is a music album with youthful songs worth listening to. Debutant Joshua Sridhar is a talent to watch.