'Saakshyam' has music by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, who ropes in singers like Haricharan, Jithin, Aarthi, Madhu Priya, Ranjith, Janani, and Yadhu Krishnan. He brings on board the likes of SPB, Yesudas, Hariharan, Bombay Jayasree and Kailash Kher for a long song. Lyrics are by Ananth Sriram for all the album.
Design Your Destiny
Singers: Harshavardhan Rameshwar, Haricharan and Jithin
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram
Rendered by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, Haricharan and Jithin, the song presents a mix of impactful voices. It's fit to be a hero's introduction song and music director Harshavardhan Rameshwar selects the right mix of voices.
For someone of lyricist Ananth Sriram's depth, the lyrics are a bit underwhelming. Perhaps, he was limited by the film's context, especially in penning the second stanza. Music-wise, it's far from inspiring. There is no dearth of such songs that struggle to create an electrifying effect.
Ishq Karle
Singers: Ranjith, Janani, Yadhu Krishnan
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram
The tempo of the song is fast-paced and fiery. The lyrics fit the bill. They evoke the right romantic feel. Ranjith, Janani and Yadhu Krishnan put up a sexy show, much as the song would have necessitated. Music-wise, the song reminds one of a bit of the 'Jagadam' item song, 'Mu Mu Mudante'.
Soundarya Lahari
Singers: Jithin, Aarthi
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram
The very words 'Soundarya Lahari' remind us of the iconic 'Soundarya Lahari' from 'Pelli Sandadi' (1996). The 'Saakshyam' song is not that romantic bout where the hero goes gaga over an unfamiliar 'Swapna Sundari'. She (played by the cute Pooja Hegde) is very much around, troubling him romantically.
Penned by Ananth Sriram, the song makes do with passable lines. The English-language lyrics are intrusive. Jithin renders the 'pallavi' remarkably well. Aarthi lives up to the demand of the semi-melody. Harshavardhan Rameshwar's output takes its time to grow on the ear. The music gives enough scope for soft dance moves.
Dungu Dungu Dungu
Singers: Padmalatha, Manasi, Ananthu
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram
The Sangeeth song starts off on an expected note. The music director infuses a sense of mass-masala item song moments later. The boisterous feel is kept alive by Padmlatha, Manasi and Ananthu. The singers are complemented by Ananth Sriram's lyrics that capture the celebration of the moment.
Shivam Shivam
Singers: Yesudas, SPB, Hariharan, Bombay Jayasree, Kailash Kher
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram
The song serves as the soul of the album. Revolving around the idea of the five elements acting as the eternal witness, the spiritual song comes with exalting lyrics from Ananth Sriram. Penned in Sanksritic Telugu, the song presents a range of emotions couched in high-brow language. SP Balasubrahmanyam shines with his 'agni' song. If Yesudas is profound, Hariharan is immensely lovable. Bombay Jayasree and Kailash Kher lend the song a much-needed variety. One feels the 'raga' should have been eclectic to sustain the length of the song.
Cheliya Choode
Singers: Harshavardhan Rameshwar, Madhu Priya
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram
Music-wise, there is nothing distinct about this special number. The song has this been-there-done-that feel from the word go. It's noisy and one feels put off after a while. The male singer passes muster and Madhu Priya is OK. Ananth Sriram's lyrics come with some stock ideas.
Verdict:
The album is a mixed package. The 'Shivam Shivam' song is its soul. Music director Harshavardhan Rameshwar receives help from Ananth Sriram's lyrics.
Rating: 2.75/5