Ghibran is one of the most exciting composers in Tamil cinema, but he hadn’t got all the acclaims like his peers do because of the script he decides to involve. Barring his first movie, ‘Vaagai Sooda vaa’ rest of his efforts went in vain. Though the ardent music lovers are in synch with his masterful compositions, many felt that he needs a ‘star’ to spread his brilliance across all the sections. Kamal has seen the potential in Ghibran, and signed him for three movies back to back. Let’s see what Ghibran did for the Kamal’s ambitious effort in detail.
Love ah Love ah – Kamal, Sharanya Gopinath
The album opens up with a song for the contemporary age. Ghibran makes use of heavy western elements to deliver a blazing song. A good listener might identify a jarring effect throughout the song, but that’s done on purpose. The composer usually dishes, many flavors in the interludes and he doesn’t disappoint here as well. The second interlude is one of the highlights in the song where the drums take the center stage to delight our ears. Kamalhassan as usual played with his words, ex – ‘Perithaana Velaikku.. Pillayar Suzhi Thaan Muththam’.
Kaadhalam Kadavul Mun – Padmalatha
After the humdinger opening, Ghibran shifts down the gears to provide a Hindustan classical. The track boasts a serene prelude and this could well be the song for the 18th century episode. Padmalatha has rendered some gems for Ghibran in the past (Aruvakkaran, Edhedho Ennam Vandhu, Dhaagam Theera) and this one will be the ultimate turning point in her career. Like a swing, she shuttles between the highs and lows of the track beautifully with minimal effort. “Mogathai Sollida Mozhiyum Oru Thadai Aagumo”
Verses like above stamps the versatile nature of Kamal.
Uthaman Arimugam – Kamal
The album goes on to offer the traditional Viilluppattu here, with a track which we have heard already with regards to the art. Kamal throws some sarcastic punch lines (Arasiyalvaadhi Unmai Sonnadhuppol Adhisayam Kanden). Ghibran deviates from the base genre and raises the tempo for a while and takes a mild break to let us guess what will be the rest of the song. The chorus deserves a special mention for elevating the mood of the song/story.
Sagavaram – Kamal
By this time, we get to understand that the album is not the regular run-of-the-mill kind and the protagonist is trying to convey a story in every track. This one starts off with the swords clashing and Kamal starts to plead to a king and explain him why there is nothing worse than being immortal. He aptly conveys the same to us as well (Sagavaram Pol Sogam Undo). The Sofia Symphony offers a never heard experience. The ‘Chenda Melam’, Drum Beats, ‘Kombu’ (Kerala Instrument) treats us big time.
Iranya Nadagam – Kamal
You might have heard this story during your school days, but when it gets transported with Kamal’s vocals the magnitude of the story gets multiplied. The trailer of this movie too carries the glimpses of this track. A truly majestic prelude sets the tone for the track. The instruments let Kamal take the foreground, but it stays in synch with the song. The song does send out invigorating vibes, especially the ‘Mruthyunjaya Ho’ part is terrifically done. The symphony part, which includes the violins, piano, and drums are kept, making their way one by one to deliver an international substance.
Mutharasan Story – Kamal
Version 3.0 of Viilluppattu – Kamal renders this one with the help of a glorious chorus team. Though we just hear the audio, the composer’s effort might create various illusions in front you. This story got all the elements to be a perfect stage play and it will be a treat to watch on the big screen. The WOW factor in this track to see the western instruments played along with the traditional Indian instruments to create a magical fusion.
Uthaman Kadhai – Kamal
One more masterful composition from Ghibran for the final story. An enthralling episode of Symphony strikes again and the composer uses the stop and start once again to create the goosebumps. The chorus part in the teaser has made its presence here for a while and gets merged with the central theme. Sofia Symphony wields one more supreme composition.
Uthama Villain Theme – Instrumental
Ghibran throws the ‘Uttama Villain’ theme at the end to end the OST on a high. The vibrant violins added charm to the already known ‘Baga Baga’ chorus rendering to aggrandize the theme.
Guru Sishyan Theme – Instrumental
Ghibran weaves his magic again to offer a very soothing listen. Those who are deprived of sleep can put this one on loop for a while. An emotional composition is evident all over the sound arrangement.
Father & Daughter
A theme tailored to suit the pathos. It seems that the composer wanted to strictly put his attention none other than the Violin and the visual might do the justification for that strategy.
Uthaman & Karpagavalli
A scintillating melody is what we get to hear after a sad one. The piano + violin sweeps us completely. The theme hits the high point when it required to.
Father & Son
A single section of chorus travelling in three phases to build momentum at the end to accelerate the glorious ‘Mruthyunjaya Ho’.
Letters From/To Yamini
The composer has shown his prowess once again with the string instruments with a brilliant sound arrangements to offer an emotional piece.
Dr. Aparna The album officially comes to an end with one more spellbinding theme, which could have been composed to narrate a story in the movie.
Pick(s) of the album – Kaadhalam Kadavul Mun, Sagavaram, Iraniya Nadagam, Mutharasan Kadhai.
Verdict: With a strong team, Ghibran has shown what he is capable of. A remarkable OST, which will stand tall for years to come.
Rating: 4/5