Pannaiyarum Padminiyum Music Review

In an era where rock, hip-hop, jazz and RNB sells like hotcakes, earthen music is often sidelined or forgotten. But Justin Prabhakaran has brought rural music back to the roost in an irresistible album for the upcoming comic flick, 'Pannaiyarum Padminiyum'. With five tracks of sheer melody, penned down by himself and the legendary lyricist Vaali, here's an analysis of why the album is a crowd favourite. Starring Vijay Sethupathi, Jayaprakash and Iyshwarya Rajesh in prominent roles, 'Pannaiyarum Padminiyum' is directed by Arun Kumar, who has roped in the right man for music, Justin Prabhakaran.

1. Enga Ooru Vandi

Voices: Neyveli Sriram, Akhilesh, Allan, Gowtham, Haripriya, Anjana, Yazhini

Lyrics: Justin Prabhakaran

Given that the film is centred around a car, the opening track is a lively earthen number that speaks high of the prized possession of the film - the car. Sung majorly in the voices of Super Singer kids, the song is a lively number narrating the happiness over owning the precious car, which is looked up at by the entire village. Using beats and instruments typical of Tamil flavour, the opening track is bouyant and a bright beginning to the album.

2. Onakkaga Poranthene

Voices: Balram, Sandhya, SPB Charan, Anu Anand

Lyrics: Vaali

This one is a revisit to the tunes that breezed K-town in the early 90's. Using the right mix of topical instruments - tabla, bongos, jingles, mouth organ, violins and keys - this one is a melodious romantic duet. Expressing the melting love for spouse, the song takes the listeners to the gifted lush greens of rural countryside, through a gentle and soothing experience. Reminding us of the warm and comforting melodies of yesteryear K-town chart toppers, the trend has come another round with 'Onakkaga Poranthene'. But surprisingly, the difference between two different set of voices is not strikingly different, and blends with one another with ease into a smooth song.

3. Kadhal Vandhacho

Voices: Karthik, Prashanthini

Lyrics: Justin Prabhakaran

There's love in the air. And what better way to express rapture than a captivating song? 'Kadhal Vandhacho' is about five minutes of love the pristine countryside way. A beautiful duet with innovative and rhythmic tap beats, backing a breezy number, 'Kadhal Vandhacho' is the sweet bell that rings at the arrival of love. Conveying the battling emotions of coy and courage associated with love, sung in the beautiful voices of Kathik and Prashanthini as a sweet conversation, this track is bound to be a crowd favourite.

4. Pesuren Pesuren

Voices: Justin Prabhakaran, Vairam, Pandiyamma, Thayama

Lyrics: Vaali

How does it feel when cupid strikes a man? This is precisely how it feels. Narrating the emotions of a man who falls head over heels in love at the very first sight of his dream girl, 'Pesuren Pesuren' is a melodious number, with a sudden roll of drums right in the middle. Sung predominantly in the voice of the composer, this one also has a unique earthen flavour, complete with colloquial instruments of ethnic Tamil countryside. Playing with the words here is the legendary Vaali - need we say more? The song that begins with gentle strums and keys comes to a calm end with the chorus singing off.

5. Enakkaga Poranthaye

Voices: SPB Charan, Anu Anand

Lyrics: Vaali

Quite like the reprise of 'Unakkaga Poranthene', this one is a slightly shorter duet in the soulful voices of one of the two pairs in the former. Whistling on a melodious start, 'Enakkaga Poranthaye' uses higher bass and echo, making it sound more recent and contemporary. Beats are quite similar to the former, and the rhythm is just the same. However, there is a striking and inviting change in lyrics in the first stanza. Trust the late legend to write nothing less than the best! Similar to the earlier track, yet different in its own unique sense, 'Enakkaga Poranthaye' is a lovely, selfless duet, sung in pure love, adding yet another melody to the album.

With heavy beats and electronic music on a high in Kollywood of late, 'Pannaiyarum Padminiyum' offers the much needed break with the richly soothing feel of southern countryside. Breezy songs, beautiful melodies, simplistic music, impressive lyrics and a comforting feeling on the whole - 'Pannaiyarum Padminimyum' is a compelling book of melodies, anyone would grow instant attachment to. So this is what makes the album a favourite for all.

Rating: 3/5