In an album starring ‘Lion’ himself, it is a bit of disappointment that there is no hero-elevating song. Even the title song comes with item song like features. Nevertheless, the lyricists (Ramajogayya Sastry, Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar and Srimani) between them come up with versatile lyrics.
The singers’ choice proves right. Watch out for Madhu Balakrishnan, Sweekar Agasthi,Uma Neha, Simha, Sudhamayi, Vijay Prakash,Srinivasa Sarma, Pranavi, Rahul Sipligunj, and Geetha Madhuri.
Anaganaga Astamilo
Artist: Madhu Balakrishnan
Lyricist: Ramajogayya Sastry
Mani Sharma gets the best of his ‘Melody Brahma’ self. In his attempt to give Balayya a melody hit with massy trappings, he mixes musical influences to good effect. Laced with good meaning is Ramajogayya Sastry’s lyrics that don’t come with distorted vocabulary. Madhu gets into an Yesudas mode.
Aisa Ambani Pilla
Artists: Sweekar Agasthi,Uma Neha
Lyricist: Srimani
The romantic duet is complete with hummable quality. If Srimani’s lyrics are usually innovative as they throw up analogies and metaphors, the singers are good in their rendition. Sweekar Agasthi and Uma Neha prove to be meticulous in their rendition. Mani Sharma, in a long time, comes up with a vintage stuff.
Pilla
Artists: Simha,Sudhamayi
Lyricist: Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar
This is a song targeted at all classes of audiences. Mani Sharma, like in Khushi, gets into folksy mode and it works very well. Who else can manage to pull off lyrics imbued in rustic and raw touch better than Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar. Trust Simha and Sudhamayi to get the vocals right. Balakrishna must be looking terrific in the picturization. Watch out.
Akasam
Artists: Vijay Prakash, Srinivasa Sarma, Pranavi
Lyricist: Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar
Vijay Prakash’s vocals are youngish but Mani Sharma’s Midas Touch is sure to make wonders even if the male lead is not a youngster. Srinivasa Sarma and Pranavi add to the melody topping. Bhaskarabhatla’s lyrics come with the flavor of a bygone era even as Mani Sharma punctuates the song with corresponding music.
One & Only Lion
Artists: Rahul Sipligunj,Geetha Madhuri,Pranavi
Lyricist: Ramajogayya Sastry
The song comes at last and it doesn’t disappoint. Rahul Siplingunj is a singer with a knack for being apt for anyone and everyone. Geetha Madhuri is at her vocal ‘hatke’ best here. Rajajogayya Sastry’s lyrics are laced with humour and a bit of double entendre. Mani Sharma doesn’t dish out a memorable item song.
Verdict: Being a much-awaited mass entertainer, ‘Lion’ was expected to fit Balayya’s image as a dashing hero. The musician delivers what was needed, although his output is definitely not among his career’s best works. If one song works for one set, another works for another, but mostly, the album works for all when not heard with high expectations.
Rating: 3/5