Vidyasagar and Karu Palaniappan share an excellent rapport. It was evident in the songs of the director's maiden venture Parthiban Kanavu. The two have come together in Sivapathigaram and seem to be continuing their good run.
If songs in Parthiban Kanavu were inspired by Classical Carnatic music, folk songs have been the source of inspiration for Vidyasagar in Sivapathigaram. An earthy feel prevails all through. Vidyasagar has introduced few folk singers through the album.
There has been criticism from various quarters these days against the standard of lyrics in Tamil songs. Hats off to lyricists Pa Vijay and Yuga Bharathy, who have done their best to glorify Tamil culture and heritage through the songs.
In a nutshell, Sivapathigaram songs are worth listening to.
Mannarkudi Kalakalaka (Manickam Vinayakam, Rajalakshmi, Chinaponnu)
A racy song with an earthy tune and peppy beats. Catchy lyrics and equally appealing tune are the highlights of the song. Manickam Vinayakam, with his open-throated voice lends the song a masculine feel. Vidyasagar's choice of instruments deserves a special mention. Chinaponnu and Rajalakshmi add certain dignity to the number.
Kalluri Sallaikul (Karthik, Jack, SunithaSarathy)
The odd man out in the album. Western percussion and rocking beats find place all over the song. Comes with it additional rhythm and heavy beats. But unlike other contemporary songs, which are influenced by western music, Vidyasagar has allowed the lyrics to dominate the music here. An energetic Karthik in the company of Sunitha Sarathy fits the bill well. Karthik always gives out the essence of the tune brilliantly. Here also he is true to type.
Kolaivalinai Edada (Rahul, Kathir)
A popular song of `Puratchikavi' Bharathidasan, it describes about a youth's anger against the evils in the society. With newcomers Rahall and Kadhir belting out with fervor and flavor, Vidyasagar has opted for a racy tune with heavy instruments accompanying it. Interestingly Rahul's voice bears similarity to Kamal Haasan's. Full of inspirational words, Vidyasagar lets it float and fill our system.
Chithraiyil Enna (Karthik, Swarnalatha, Malayamma)
Begins with a soft folk song rendered by Malaiyamma. It is followed by a soft romantic duet. Vidyasagar, who is popular for soft melodies, does a good job here too. Music flows quite freely with Karthik and Swarnalatha, showing glimpse of her vintage form, go in same pace all through. The instrumentation by Vidyasagar does the trick here.
Porathiruchu Kalam (T K Kala, Saindhavi, Jayamurthy, Mahalingam)
A typical folk song, which is commonly sung during function in villages. Yuga Bharathy's lyrics, which reflect the lifestyle in villages, have been given life by Vidyasagar's neat musical score. The music composer has succeeded in taking the listeners to the rural villages through the song. Perhaps after Ilayaraja, the use of folk songs in Tamil films almost came to standstill. Vidyasgar seems to have filled the void now.
Adi Chandira (K A Gunasekaran, Mahalingam, Palanichamy, Muthusamy, Gunavathy)
It is a mix of songs that are commonly sung in the koothu (street plays) in villages. The highlight is that Vidyasagar has gone ahead with singers, who had been rendering such songs in several street plays especially in villages before. He has retained the essence of this form of music but has given a new dimension to it by giving it additional beats.
Attrai Thingal (Madhu Balakrishnan, Sujatha)
Carrying the Kan