For adventure seekers, fantasy fans and Vijay fans alike, here comes good news in the form of 'Puli'. With a crew fabled for their energy, here is how the tiger is taking its posture, in all readiness to strike big.
1. Yaendi Yaendi
Singers: Vijay, Shruti Haasan
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
The little teaser was enough to get us all inquisitive and restless about how the entire album will be. The trump card of the album is a breezy romantic duet. The innovative variety of ways a guitar could be strummed to melody, is all clubbed in one track, for an enthralling experience. Voices of Vijay and Shruti have been blown with a blithe and debonair, for a lilting experience. As is clear from the teaser, this song does not attach distinct significance to beats, in the beginning, but does gather volume with the standard tapping. However, the difference in beats for the title verses from that for the other lines, is palpable, but not glaring. All said, this song is a harmonious symphony of guitar, flute and drums - a perfect recipe for a good beginning.
2. Jingiliya
Singers: Javed Ali, Pooja AV
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
This song is in contrariety to the accord set by the first song. This duet is one with a tribal feel. Opening on beats and blows are in line with notes that are indigenously associated with tribal feeling, the song also includes gibberish chorus to complete the feeling intended. This song is romantic number which begins in praise of the lady love, and goes on to become mushy. The tune is maintained on the same pace, while changes are impressed by the variety of instruments, especially in case of the signature tunes. Start to finish, the song is straightforward but on a new genre.
3. Sotta Vaala
Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, MM Manasi
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
This duet is a naughty romantic number. Opening on typically folk style instruments, and continuing to clap along in a countryside romantic feel, this song is about the naughty exchange between the hero and heroine. The signature music sounds retro in parts. The rendition is rather straightforward, contrary to what might be in the list of expectations when it is Shankar Mahadevan. Nonetheless, the song is racy and energetic on the whole. A mushy romantic number, which falls under the category of a typical duet, makes its mark in the choice if instruments. The creative signature tune and the curious choice of instruments for the same, are a thoroughly enjoyable audio experience.
4. Mannavanae Mannavanae
Singers: Sooraj Santhosh, MLR Karthikeyan
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
The fourth track in the album is a surprise package. This is a song that introduces all the lead characters, adorning each of their positives and potential, sung in their own perspective. What has traditionally been of only poetic importance, has now been adapted for the mass audience too, in a style that is simple and easy to grasp. The song opens in a female voice, singing praise of the one that she sees as her hero. But the mood of the song is quick to change when the hero retorts that he unstoppable and free as a bird, while his powers are contested by confinement. The third stanza is a duel between two equally able men, with strong yet different ideologies. Another specialty of the song is its quick change over many a genres - from South Indian to Persian - in the few minutes.
5. Enga Makka
Singers: Mano, Priyadharshini
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
This track is one that launches the hero. And thus a horse whinnies and lets in trumpet blows, followed by beats. Mano opens the song calling out to people. The song is descriptive of a guardian angel, and thus, is upbeat throughout. The uniqueness of the song is that it is on a standard crescendo, and doesn't droop at any point. Priyadharshini's voice sings praise of the hero, between stanzas. There is a distinct change in tempo between two stanzas, where other instruments are given greater credence. The lyrics are motivating and hit the bull's eye. This inspiring track wraps up, calling out to the hero, and then in blowing trumpets.
6. Manidha
Singers: Tipu
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
This song is a sharp contrast from the previous track. Although this also reassures about the hero, this is more about setting the ground for a war. This is more a lyric-centric song than tune-centric, as the essence is conveyed in the verses, on a thread of motivating music - typically gentle, yet bolstering faith and gathering power. Creative usage of strings in the signature between stanzas, sets the ground for a welcome change in booming tones. The song speaks of the power and capacity of the mass; lyrics in some parts are rather strong. The song ends in humming chorus.
The album in all is racy but only in parts. The energy, which is typical of DSP seems to have dipped in his snoopiness for choice of instruments, orchestrina of genres and classic melodies. However, most part of the album sounds just for situational numbers. Let's catch the complete action on screen.
Rating: 2.75/5
Verdict: Motivational in parts