After a long gap, Karthikraja is back with some brisk scores. A talented music composer, Karthikraja is still awaiting a major break which may propel him to stardom. Naalai has all the essential ingredients to provide him the right start towards achieving the same.
A mix of fast and melodious numbers, the songs of the movie has got the blend right
Karthikraja, unlike his brother Yuvanshankar Raja, seems to be inspired more by Indian classical music and uses them at appropriate places to create a new flavour.
Kattabomman ( Tippu)
A brisk number with a rocking and groovy music. Tippu is at his best rendering with his ususal grace. With the right fusion of percussion and the heavy instruments, the song grows on you like cold on a damp morning. The lyrics glorifying friendship is worth a special mention.
Naalai Indha kalam (Tippu, Karthik)
This is the title song and appropriately soothing and melodious. Karthikraja seems to have been inspired by his father Ilayaraja's tunes of late 90s in coming out with this number. An alapana in between adds sheen and enhances the essential appeal. Giving more space for lyrics, Karthikraja has used very few instruments. Karthik certainly is in fine form. And in comparison, Tippu, who is constricted in his range, comes short.
Idhu Maya Logam (Ranjith, Tippu, Malgudi Subha)
The rocking number in the album. A typical fast and a peppy song with a vibrant Malgudi Subha vocalizing, there is an enigmatic appeal. Karthikraja, who hitherto known for his melodious stuff, has come out all guns blazing. Seemingly inspired by the folk tunes of coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karthikraja has added some quaint touches. Ranjith is in fine fettle. Set for the chart-busters, surely.
Arai Adi Thorathil (Ranjith, Rita)
A song inspired by western interplay of instruments with guitars and the drums dominating all through, this again underscores the ability of Karthikraja. He gets the mood and momentum right. He also lets the strength of the singers (Ranjith and Rita) get ample amplification.
Oru Matram (Karthik)
A romantic song, it has soft music with catchy lyrics accompanying them. This is right of Karthik's alley, and also Karthikraja's. Both have an intuitive flair for melody and lily. And it shows brilliantly in this simple number.
All in all, the other Raja too seems to have arrived.