Devi Sri Prasad is in an unenviable situation. He has composed the songs for the films two arch-rivals --- Lawrence and Prabhu Deva. Naturally, the comparison between the two films would be there.
Though the films may be of different genres, the comparison would be there. On the face of it, Prabhu Deva seems to have got the better of tunes from his man. Mass songs were loud and too dance oriented, but in this film there has been a good mix. There are some nice blend of romantic numbers with typical dance songs. The rhythm and blues song and the Jassie Gift song are absolute standouts.
1 Chandrullo Unde Kundelu
Shankar Mahadevan proves that he is a master in the higher ranges. This slow number, which has some intermittent dialogues, has a dream-like quality and is redolent of dark wintery nights. It is difficult to fall instantly in love with this song. But in the fullness of time, it catches hold of you. The instrumentation has also an alluring appeal.
2 Ghal, Ghal, Ghal
This is straight out of S P Balasubramaniam's alley. He infuses all the right romantic pathos in this song. He sounds the way he should. But the rhythm is almost old-fashioned. Yet, the orchestration is otherwise okay. Nice song, but somehow lacks the generic appeal. The chorus in background is haunting.
3 Niluvadhamu Ninu Epudaina
Karthik begins slowly but comes into his own pretty fast. His voice stands the rigors while Sumangali, who is emerging as a talent to watch, gives him good company. The song itself is a bit confusing --- in that it is fast-paced in some places, but inexplicably slows down in some other places. In the event, it is difficult to slot the song in a particular genre. The
Goa-festival type chorus also doesn't fit into the totality of the song.
4 Padam Kadalanantunda
Nothing extraordinary about this bit sung by Sagar. It is about hero's love for the heroine. The pathos comes through. But little else is there.
5 Adire Adire
It is difficult not to like Jassi Gift's voice. It is unconventionally vocal. His style, honed in church choir, has a strange resonance. Its masculine appeal is also quaint. Listen to this song, you know why Jassi Gift is so popular in South these days. Though he is constricted in style and range, he is good in his zone. In this number, along with Kalpana, waltzes ever so easily. The catchy rhythm and peppy feel all make it a song for the charts. Pick of the lot, by a long stretch.
6 PariPoke Pitta
This is another mass song. However, the orchestration is not on the expected lines. It offers something new,and Mallikarjun and Sagar have the vocal training to deliver the stuff.
7 Something Something
A sublime R & B type song. The tones of the 60s and the beats of Beatles come alive as the hard-working Tippu belts this zinger of a song with verve and vivacity. The western influences in the song are obvious. But all the same it is enjoyable and you feel like breaking into a twist dance. the joi de vivre in the number is certainly infectious. The orchestration, especially towards the end, is also inspired.
Devi Sri Prasad, the most happening music director in Tollywood, has managed to come out of his rhythm fixation in this album. He has tried something different from his usual stuff. Thanks heavens for that.