Swagatam is the much awaited film from Jagapati Babu. It is his 75th film and has been shot extensively in the colder climes of the US. Like always, he has two heroines in the movie. So, the album too has a mix of songs that suit the storyline which is a story of three lovers. From Veturi to Bhaskara Bhatla, the film has four lyricists, including Kulasekhar and Kaluva Krishna Sai. It is also nice to hear SP Balasubramaniam and son Charan rendering playback for a track each.
RP Patnaik does a remix version of Pancham da's Piya tu ab to aaja and that gives the album a new element. Barring that, the songs fall between the melodious and sad song categories.
Babuji naato raa
Singers: RP. Patnaik, Geetha Madhuri
Lyricist: Kaluva Krishna Sai
It was a trendsetter when RD Burman composed the track for Caravan in 1971. The playback for this Helen's song was given by RD Burman himself along with Asha Bhonsale. Piya tu ab to aaja is one of the most memorable club numbers that we have known. Now, almost after three decades, RP Patnaik pays an ode to the maestro by using his track in Telugu. He cannot resist singing the song himself and so we have RP Patnaik and Geeta Madhuri singing the modern, remixed version of the song. Of course, we will not lie by saying it surpasses the original or comes anywhere nearer, but in its own way it is good enough for an item song.
Manasa mounama
Singers: Karthik, Chitra
Lyricist: Veturi
This song by Karthik and Chitra is one of those passable melodies put in just to add a soft number. The lyrics by Veturi do not elevate it either.
Kotta kottaga unnadee
Singers: Karthik, Chitra
Lyricist: Veturi
RP Patnaik tries a romantic number, but somehow the magic of the song is lost in Madhushree's voice.
Unnannalu haayiga
Singers: Tippu
Lyricist: Bhaskara Bhatla
This is a solo by Tippu. One of those songs about life and living it in the moment and Tippu sings it to the best of his ability.
Okarikokaru
Singers: SPB. Charan, Madhushree
Lyricist: Kulashekher
This one is by SP Charan and Madhushree. Another duet, Charan has a smooth voice, but Madhushree's husky tone is jarring on the ears, instead of giving the song a different touch.
Oohala pate
Singers: SP. Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Veturi
We get to hear the combination of Veturi and SP Balasubramaniam after a long time and it is pleasure to hear Balu anytime. Another solo number, RP Patnaik uses soothing notes for this sad song.
RP Patnaik has done a huge film after a long time and in case you want to check out how his music is now, then add Swagatam to your basket.
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