Vamsam Music Review

Mohana Movies `Vamsam' is a village love story directed by Pandiraj of `Pasanga' fame. The film is produced by MK Thamizharasu, son of the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi.

Starring in the film and making his acting debut will be Arulnidhi, son of Thamizharasu. Sunaina pairs up with Arulnidhi in this film. Others in the star cast include Ganja Karuppu, Rajkumar, and Anupama.

Music is by Taj Noor who was an assistant with AR Rahman for 14 years. Taj Noor is making his debut as an independent music director in `Vamsam'. Lyrics are by Vaali, Na. Muthukumar, Eknath, Pandiraj. One song in the film is written by Pandiraj and sung by directors Samuthirakani, Sasikumar and Pandiraj. Other singers used in the film are Chinmayi, Mukesh, Manika Vinayagam, Velmurugan, Surmuki, Ananthu, Priyadarshini, Taj Noor and MK Baaji.

The audio release function of the film `Vamsam' was held on July 2 at Sathyam Theatre. Chief Minister Karunanidhi released the audio and actors Vijay and Suriya received the first copies.

1. Mannaadhi Mannaru - Listen here

Singers: Manicka Vinayagam, Velmurugan, Pandiraj

Lyricist: Vaali

"Mannadhi Mannaru" is a village group song. Looks like a situational song, which would introduce the hero. The variations in tempo at different times are striking. Manika Vinayagam is the only audible singer in this song, which is longer than necessary.

2. Marudhaani Poovapole - Listen here

Singers: Mukesh, Surmukhi

Lyricist: Na. Muthukumar

"Marudhaani Poovappola" is a pleasant melody. It gets you from the opening flute itself. Resonating female voice is a delicate difference that is interesting to hear. Mukesh, Surmukhi are very enjoyable. A touch of class is seen in this country love ballad. Pick of the pack.

3. En Nenje - Listen here

Singers: Ananthu, Priyadarshini, Taj Noor

Lyricist: Na. Muthukumar

"En Nenje" is a lively melody with joyous air all through. But it is heavily inspired from Raj Noor's mentor's song `Rangeela Re' from the Hindi film `Rangeela'. The metro song's rhythmic arrangements are beautifully adapted to the folksy ambit by Taj Noor.  Not bad at all.

4. Usure - Listen here

Singer: Surmukhi

Lyricist: Eknath

"Usure" is love pathos of a female lover. We haven't heard this type of female solo many times since the 80s. Surmukhi gives her heart out and holds the pulse until end.  Raj Noor's orchestra in this song sounds live and not from synthesizers.

5. Suvadu Suvadu - Listen here

Singers: Sasikumar, Samuthirakani, Pandiraj

Lyricist: Pandiraj

"Suvadu Suvadu" sung by three popular directors of today has bewildering opening. The short mystifying tune makes it sound like a climax song. As all the three singers have village in their blood, their sounds are convincing.

6. Marudhaani Poovumele - Listen here

Singers: Chinmayi, MK. Balaji

Lyricist: Na. Muthukumar

The style of this a song is that one we would have tried many times in our imaginations. This is a version of earlier "Marudhaani Poovapole" in which Mukesh's lines are sung by Chinmayi and Surmukhi's lines by MK Balaji. A cute version. To be honest all the four singers have done great jobs in these songs. Try for the sheer variation.

All the songs of `Vamsam' are free flowing and filling. Except for the dry "Mannaadhi Mannaru" all other songs are good. Raj Noor is a welcome addition to Tamil cinema. How ever, his life with AR Rahman is also felt at many places. Still he has a range of his own that he has to reiterate with his forthcoming films.