Sadhanai (meaning achievement) is a movie directed by a nine-year-old boy Kishan. Believe it or not, the young kid has shown great promise.
Wonder what the music composer Prem Kumar would have felt sitting with a young boy for composing? However the songs in Sadhanai reveal not just the music composer's liking for 'catchy' tunes but also the kid's (Kishan's) music knowledge.
S P Balasubramaniam, Chitra, Madhu Balakrishnan among others has rendered their voice for the album, which is quite different from the usual film numbers. The lyrics have a purpose and so is the music.
Though not a 'flashy' album, it is commendable for it serves a cause.
Mudiyum (S P Balasubramaniam)
A typical S P Balasubramaniam number. The versatile singer lends grace with an 'open throated' voice. The song begins haltingly, the cadences are measured. Soon enough, the tempo builds up. Prem Kumar has opted for soft beats to create a desired effect on the listeners. The lyrics are catchy as it is aimed at evoking self-confidence among the listeners. The use of guitars in the middle is attractive.
A AA E E (Chitra, Manickam Vinayakam)
A soft song which preaches on the need to send children to school. With Chitra in her full flow and Manickam Vinayakam, in his unqiue timbre, the song makes a brisk beginning. Prem Kumar deserves a pat for coming out with a tune which would attract children. The song describes the life of eminent men like C N Annadurai and A P J Abdul Kalam and their zeal to update their knowledge.
Ranga Un Mele (Sathyanarayanan)
Young boy Sathyanarayanan shows lot of spunk and talent. It is set as a song sung by school children and is about the pranks being played by children. Sathynarayanan is equal to the task.
Prem Kumar has allowed the lyrics to dominate the music. Tablas and dholaks are predominantly used. It is more like a song heard when watching cartoon shows on television channels. Sure to grab the attention of young children.
Suriyanani Oliyay (Madhu Balakrishnan)
A soft pathos. Begins on a dull note with not many instruments. But Madhu's voice encompasses everything. The song describes the life of a rag-picker who goes on to join school after developing a passion for academics. The song reminds one of Ilayaraja's trade mark 'pathos' songs of early 1980s. Prem Kumar has relied very much on tablas in this number too. Madhu Balakrishnan is the modern-day Yesudass --- full of rich tonal modulations.
Veyilum Thoopralum (Chitra)
A bit song, which instills confidence in the life of abandoned street children. Accompanied by a chorus, Chitra renders this song with her usual ease.
Good effort by all.