There is one common thing between Andhra's food and its films- spiciness. And 'Magadheera' is the mother of all masala films the Telugu desam had ever produced.
If trade sources are to be believed, this Ramcharan Teja-Kajal Agarwal starrer is the biggest hit in Telugu as it grossed nearly Rs 118 crore, making it the only film in Tollywood to collect more than Rs 100 crore.
So expectations are naturally high when the movie, directed by S S Rajamouli and music composed by Maragdhamani, is set to speak in Tamil, as 'Maaveeran'. With the audio getting formally launched a couple of days ago, here we present a song-by-song look.
1. Ponnana Kozhi Ponnu - Listen here
Singers: Ranjith, Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: Vaali
If it is 'Podhuvaga en manasu thangam...' for Rajinikanth, it's 'Bangaru kodi petta...' for Chiranjeevi. So there is no wonder in this 'Gharana Mogudu' song getting a new touch for the Megastar's son Ramcharan Teja. Coming to the Tamil version, Vaali's youthful lines, in the company of effervescent voices (courtesy Ranjith and Janaki Iyer), make one to tap the foot, if not to dance. Maragadhamani has repeated the magic. A bubbly opening to the album.
2. Vandinathai Summa Summa - Listen here
Singers: R Jeyadev, Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: Vaali
A boy chases girl number, rendered by R Jeyadev and followed by Janaki Iyer, 'Vandhinathai Summa Summa...' impresses us immensely. Folk and Western instruments have been blended well, while violin is apt. It is a light, kind of contemporary song with a nostalgic interlude in between.
3. Aasai Aasai - Listen here
Singers: R Jeyadev, Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: Vaali
More sensual and ostensibly a duet in a different circumstance, 'Aasai Aasai...' has that sound that seems to belong to a bygone era. And we could understand the reason, as this is partly a period-film. Jeyadev and Janaki compliment well the lines of Vaali in a song that takes one to the era of the kings.
4. Pidichirukku - Listen here
Singers: R Jeyadev, Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: ARP Jayaram
A trendy number, this song is about a lover admiring the love showered by the sweetheart. Jeyadev and Janaki Iyer are at it again, adding certain zing to the number. Maragadhamani is always credited with knowing the pulse of the audience and he proves it here.
5. Pesavey Pesatha - Listen here
Singers: Manicka Vinayagam, R Jeyadev, Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: ARP. Jayaram
South Indian Daler Mehndi Manicka Vinayagam, by joining hands with Jeyadev and Janaki Iyer, presents a peppy number, which should apparently be an item song. The song is energetic due to the high pitch but at the same time maintains a medium pace despite being a dance number.
6. Kadha Kadha Kadha Kadha - Listen here
Singers: R Jeyadev, Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: ARP Jayaram
The song speaks about the story of 'Maaveeran' and the team behind it. If our guess is right, it should appear when the 'end card' is rolling on screen. Lyricist Jayaram has faithfully lived up to the original lines with Jeyadev and Janaki Iyer doing what Maragadhamani expected out of them. A fast number again.
7. Vandhaney - Listen here
Singer: Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: ARP Jayaram
Women are more emotional than men, they say. This song perhaps tries to prove this point. Janaki Iyer's voice expresses well the feelings of a girl in love. Maragadhamani has tuned the song so that those who are and who were in love would be reminded of their romance. A soothing melodious song.
8. Veera - Listen here
Singer: Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: ARP Jayaram
A warrior and his war is described by his ladylove, in a soft and touching voice. Janaki Iyer has conquered completely 'Maaveeran' album and her rule continues in this small, yet sweet number too.
9. Unai Serndhidavey - Listen here
Singers: R Jeyadev, Janaki Iyer
Lyricist: ARP Jayaram
With interludes from 'Aasai Aasai...', this one is again a more than one minute number, which throws light on the affection of a man on a woman, even after births. Jeyadev's voice, with Janaki Iyer's humming in the background, gives a different experience.
'Maaveeran' songs, on the whole, is a mix of peppy, soft, contemporary and stylish numbers. It's like tasting mouthwatering dishes at a hotel in the heartland of Andhra Pradesh.