J. Nandini Arts `Pensingam' is a film based on M. Karunanidhi's novel "Surulimalai". It stars Meera Jasmine and Telugu actor Uday Kiran in the lead roles. Ramba, Karthika, Vivek, Rohini, Manorama, Kovai Sarala, Santhanam and Ganja Karuppu play other roles. Laksmi Rai and Larencce are also there in the film for an item number.
`Pensingam' is a story of a women IPS officer who fights against male chauvinism. The film has six songs which are set to music by Thenisai Thendral Deva. M. Karunanidhi has also penned a lyric for the film. Vaali, Vairamuthu and Pa Vijay have written the other songs. There is also one song of Paa Vendhar Bharathidasan.
Bali Srirangam has directed this film which is produced by Arumuganeri S P Murugesan.
The audio of `Pensingam' was released by M. Karunanidhi on May 1 in the presence of Kamal Haasan and others. The movie will hit 152 screens all over Tamil Nadu on June 28.
1. Poo Pookkum - Listen here
Singer: Sadhana Sargam
Lyricist: Vairamuthu
Looks a heroine introduction song like that of you had for Revathi or Nadhiya in the 80s. The heavy chorus and instrumentation has a deep north Indian feel. In Sadhana Sargam's voice the feel is stronger. The lyric is very philosophical and touches you more when you realize it is for a female protagonist and not a male hero. Most elements of this song are not new and often heard before. In spite of all the song is hummable and scream the power of woman.
2. Aaha Veenaiyil Ezhuvadhu - Listen here
Singers: S P. Balasubramaniam, Chitra
Lyricist: M. Karunanidhi
You get hooked to this song right from the first nadaswarm and tabla. The imagery in the lyric let your imagination fly. Deva touches classical rarely and when he does he surprises you. Chorus here is handled deftly. Very pleasing Sur, Tal orchestration and the intermittent alaaps are tranquillizers. Another great thing in this is pure Tamil lyric which is melodious. SPB and Chitra reiterate they are the best of the current lot. Worthy of leading any chart. Pick of the pack.
3. Kalyanam Agaadha Penne - Listen here
Singers: S P. Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Bharathidasan
A short rendition calling women to stand up for their rights and values they believe in. Revolutionary words of Bharathidasan have been put to a tune. SPB emboldens the song.
4. Silsilla Sisilla - Listen here
Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Anuradha Sriram
Lyricist: Pa. Vijay
A typical Deva kuthu exemplified by the masters Shankar Mahadevan and Anuradha Sriram. It's fast, furious and peppy. This is the item song picturised on Larencce and Lakshmi Rai. There is also a rap bit in the middle that adds a current touch. Pa. Vijay's lyric is rhythmic and will hold for a while. We like it.
5. Nee Sonnaal - Listen here
Singers: Hariharan, Madhumitha
Lyricist: Vairamuthu
If `Aaha Veenaiyil Ezhuvadhu' was an orthodox duet this is contemporary and very engaging. Energetic instruments usage by Deva. No rocky efforts. Hariharan and Madhimitha have come good. A neat song.
6. Adi Adi - Listen here
Singer: Naveen
Lyricist: Vaali
Ah.. Deva cannot stay away from his trade marks. A `pucca local' song which is really fast. Instruments dominate and no body bothers. That's all there.
`Pensingam' songs will surprise you if you have had an image conceived on the film as a whole. Almost all songs are worth a listen. The variety of the songs in this album is also a surprise. Deva has used the right singers for the right kind of songs. The only oddness (but passable) is that a few songs have a Lakshmikanth-Pyarelal flavour.