First the gripe: The cassette doesn't carry the songs in the order that is printed in the inlay card. Secondly, there is one song about which there is no mention at all in the card. This shows that not many take songs from Vijayakanth's movies seriously as he has an action-hero image.
In Neranja Manasu, Vijaykanth goes back to his rustic image and the songs too reflect that.
In the cover of the cassette, Karthik Raja, the music director, has a mug shot of his. And he looks much like his father used to in his formative years. The resemblance is not in the physical sense alone.
Karthik Raja has shown enough flair and finesse to coming up with a cute village-flavored music. There is more than a touch of Ilayaraja in many songs. That is the strength as well the weakness of the album.
1. Pathu Po
A wonderful and soulful piece by Shreya Ghosal. It is a simple song and Shreya does not complicate it. The orchestration is not funky but sticks to the basics. In many places, the song reminds you of early-day Ilayaraja.
2. Tharisa Kedakkura
Sung by Karthik Raja himself, it is again back to Ilayaraja as Karthik has the same nasal intonation of his father. But the tune is also straight out of the attic.
3. Muthukulichu.
There is no mention of this son in the album. The male voice is Unni Krishnan's and the female voice is unidentifiable. But it is lively and has the leitmotifs of village life. Moreover, there is joy in the song.
4.Vattakarupatti
Again a rural tune that Ranjith and Ishwarya Narayanan belt out with gusto. But there is nothing extraordinary.
5.Tharisa Kedakkura
This time, Manjari sings this song and her voice is sweet. Though she has to measure up at higher octaves, she sure has a good future.
6.Nadum
Sung by Sriram and team, this is not so much a song as some high-pitched declamation.
7.Kelappu Kelappu
The title song and invokes all the qualities of the hero in glowing terms. Thippu is adequate in this number.
On the whole, there is little expectation in the market to this album. And that may save this album.