Intinta Annamayya - Audio Review

Movie:          Intintaa Annamayya (Telugu - 2013)
Producer:    Yalamanchili Saibaba
Cast:            Revanth, Ananya and Sanam Shetty

Direction:    K. Raghavendra Rao

Music:         MM Keeravani

There is no Telugu person who doesn't know or havent heard Govinda Namam, that same applies to a Venkateswara devotee who doesnt know Annamayya. Such an influence Annamayya has on Telugu person. Intintaa Annamayya is a very apt title for any kind of movie. Yalamanchili Sai who produced "Sri Ramarajyam" came up with yet another movie that will touch many Telugu people's heart. Having his own Yalamanchili Revanth as lead makes this film to be more passionate for him. Introducing any son as hero typically will be done thru a commercial entertainer.

However introducing with a quite interesting concept proves how sensible producer Saibaba is. The story line as told was about a top class western singer who gets influenced and transforms himself with Annamayya's literature and music. There are innumerable such real life stories which are similar who were influenced by Annamayya and dedicated their most of the life towards bringing out Annamayya's work public. There are innumerable singers, philosophers, scholars who were influenced and attracted towards Anammayya's sankeertanas and other works. No wonder about the story line.

The challenge anyone faces while making these kind of movies is that what to be included from innumerous sankeertanas of Annamayya. What to choose to be content of the movie. Too many or less songs will influence the movie. There has to be a real balance on picking the content for the movie.  Its an uphill task to choose from 14900 odd sankeertanas that are available today that were written and composed by Annamayya.

Then comes the challenge for music director, composing any keertanas he/she faces three issues to match the following

1) There are many versions of these keertana's available today and people have heard thru different voices and enjoyed them.

2) Annamayya himself being a vaggeyakara (who can write and  compose ) and who instantaneously wrote these keertanas has specific raaga, bhaava, taala.  

3) Set the expectations of movie lovers by making these songs interesting.

It is such a tough challenge, however on the other hand since there is clue available on how to compose these songs, all music director has to do is to be in line with these compositions, provide another variation, thereby be successful to reach people with the songs but loose his/her identity.

This movie as per story line should contain a pattern which shows the transformation of the western music influenced person to Annamayya's path. So as seen in the songs playlist, we see that transformation. For a moment if story is not known, there is all possibility to assume how come there are different genre songs in this movie. Then singers choice, as per story line it would have been apt for a single singer to sing all the songs that are performed in movie by the lead actor, but we dont see that pattern. Not sure what went thru by the minds of movie team ( Producer, director and music director) to choose different male singers. Its is good surprise not to see many north Indian singers in this album list. Raghavendra Rao and MM Keeravani are good team and there shouldnt be any surprises from this duo as per their earlier works. Their combination earlier produced good music for Annamayya, but failed for Pandurangadu and Ramadasu. Lets see whether Annamayya's magic works again for us or not.

1. Introduction [1:04]   
Artist(s): MM. Keeravani

One minute short and sweet introduction of the movie which gives an idea of what is headed in this album. However nothing can be told about Annamayya in one minute. Such great is the life of Annamayya.

Padakavita pitamaha Sri Taalla paaka Annamaacharya is a phenomenon in Telugu history. His life is miraculously wondeful and fascinates any person who encounters details of his works. Lived more than 600 years ago born in Tallapaka village, he carries a great shoulders to influence Telugu literature by his works. Like any other lifes of sages/rishi's/acharya's his life is full of wonders. He is believed to be a form of Sri Venkateswara himself. Child prodigy by himself one will wonder in his life time how could he write 32000 sankeertanas on Lord venkateswara. This averages to 500 sankeeratanas per year, which means every word came out of his mouth is one or other form of sankeertana. It is fortunate one way that atleast ~14900 are available. His son and grandson made them available for us. One stored his works on talapatras, the other carved them on raagi patras(copper plates)  and stored in sankeertana bhaandaagaram in Sri Venkateswara Temple in tirumala. When this was opened, all we got in invaluable treasure that can be cherished for many centuries.

There are many wonderful stories on how he said all these sankeertanas, which are colloqual form of Telugu where Sanskrit was main language those days. At the age of 16, having such a knowledge of sahityam and music, is really wonder. When Sri Venkateswara comes into his dream, he is all set to create literary wonders during his journey and after to Tirumala. Reading his works and life is a fascinating experience of how blessed he is with Lords grace. His encouter with Raja who asks him to write about himself is another amazing story. His learning Vishistadvaita and then his Telugu Translation of Ramayana, writing 12 satakams on different deity's ( only one is available today ), his tour on south India tells us all the life of greats are similar.

TTD has been trying to bring his works to light by various activities by funding the projects. Many people like Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna, MS Subbulakshmi, Nedunuri Krishna murthy, G Balakrishna prasad, Rallapalli Ananta Sarma Dr Sobharaj, Dwaram Lakshmi, Vedavati Prabhakar and many more contributed significantly to Annamayya's works and shared their joyful experience with us. 

Lets continue one more similar journey of listening to Anammayya.

2. Life Is A Dream [3:36]   
Lyricist: Prudhvi Chandra
Singers(s): Prudhvi Chandra, Deepu, KC

Keeravani has been lately deviating more from traditional music and catering to the needs of so called youthful music demand from the movie makers. His introduction tune of the "Ruler" song from Dammu was proof for that. He continues with this kind of music in this song too. This song is mix of Telugu and English, first half of the line is in Telugu and second half is English, Just to prove that this is techno music and is all for youth and western. Prudhvi Chandra is another kid on the block accompanied by Deepu who is a mandatory singer for Keeravani and KC. All of them bring in required energy for this song. Prudhvi Chandra wrote and sung which is later replaced by Karthik when transformation happens. This song has all eliments of youthful music, the guitar, the beats, the pace, the rhythm, but the tune is all beaten up. If expecting something fresh this song doesnt provide. But voices of all singers try to provide some good feeling.

3. Wanna Tell You Something [3:15]   
Artist(s): Prudhvi Chandra
Lyricist: Prudhvi Chandra

Starts with a simple guitar beats, Prudhvi Chandra continues the same pattern of lyrics, ( half telugu and English) and Keeravani kind of extends the song to make it more simpler. Guitar beats attract to this song. Prudhvi Chandra's off beat voice adds some flavor to the song. Could be a situational song, dont know what this song is for.



4. Narayanaya [4:25]   
Artist(s): Karthik, Ramya Behra
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Not sure who gave introduction to this song. He sounded extra cautious, weak voiced, probably murmuring. Amruta Bhandalu could have pronounced with more stress. Then comes Karthik with Narayana mantram. With this song there ends the western music, the Telugu English fusion lyrics and comes to Annamayya. Probably Karthik is transformed voice of the lead actor. Karthik is known as the better singer in the current, lot proves why he is there. He sings with vigour and energy. His rendering is theoretically flawless. But he could have done better in pronounciation like saying Sobhana moortaye, Dhatreesha, Bhimmani and other words. Ramya Behra supported Karthik very well, though didnt get much footage and identity in this song. Keeravani composes this song with traditional temple bells in the start, slowly fuses the songs to make it more appealing. He made sure the background music is not very loud, flute accompanies in right place, the chorus is good. Narayana mantram brings in ecstasy to whoever says it with vigor and devotion. This song if picturized properly KRR for sure will, should leave a very good feeling once the song is complete. Hope this song lives to that expectation.

5. Venkatadri Samam [6:14]
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam, Karthik, Sunitha
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Longest song in this movie. Its divine to hear SPB sir's voice in traditional telugu songs. However Bhaavamulona baahyamunanduno, didnt sound right. Not sure why Keeravani added that additional tip in the end. May be because of extra gamakam at nanduno, or I got used to this song in traditional singing by MS and others. Also SPB first time sounded different at hari namamu after nanana,,, ( between karthik and Sunita ) is it a recording glitch? There after its a treat from him. Seems like Lead actor is learning music and gets patted in between. Keeravani knows that these songs should sound very pleasant and doesnt deviate from this formula. He also doesnt deviate from his trademark music. In between karthik sounded he sung kannada. Need to hear few more times to get what he sang actually. The beauty of Annamayya's lyrical bliss is all over. Everything with greatness of musical, lyrical values and ending with all dedicated to Lord gives eternal feeling of bliss. Blessed is Annamayya who for sure having for every moment of his life having this feeling and he himself having blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

5. Kamalasana [4:21]   
Artist(s): Bombay Jayashri
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Bombay Jayashri proves what a classical background can make difference to this kind of song. How effortlessly she sings is a treat for music lovers. Keeravani excellently composes song to make it more presentable. This classical composition from Annamayya has beauty all over. The modern age lyricist who are behind prasa, should take a clue here and there from this song. The way he weaves this keertana is just a sample of what Annamayya is about. Thats why people are madly in love with his works. And on top they all are dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and Padmavathi. Its a huge treasure to dig out and find unlimited happiness. Any inspiration to get associated with Annamayya's works will leave one the bliss that is freely available and doesnt come with cost. These kind of movies let people revisit the lost happiness we tend to forget in daily struggles. And third time in a row in this movie songs, Keeravani slowly increases the pace and ends in a higher pitch to leave listeners at that elevated level.

6. Sri Venkatadri Meeda [5:26]   
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Starts with Keeravani humming few words, then SPB with his usual himself, tells us we have yet another treat in line. The beauty of the words leaves one at a great feeling

manchi venna buvvalipudu malasi aaragincha nerche
anchitamuga sree venkatadri meedanu
enchi appalappalanuchu enasi kaagilincha nerche
dincharani puramu meeda divyakantha nu -- nandagopa..

Keeravani I guess just went with the flow of the words without having much to do which helped this song a lot. Then the pace increases and Srinivasa Govinda is attached to the song. The transformation is very nice and SPB Sir's voice leaves us spell bound. We might have heard this many times but every time we hear Srinivasa Govinda it leaves the same feeling. Thats the power.

7. Navamoorthulainatti [2:01]  

Artist(s): Kalpana

Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Annamayya is known to have visited many deities during his South India tour and wrote on those deities whenever he visited. Kadiri Narasimha swamy is one of them. Unfortunately not every such work is available to us. This song is captured from one such keertana of Annamayya. Sung in carnatic classical way again Keeravani ends this song on higher note.

8. Pallukuthenela [3:45]   
Artist(s): MM. Keeravani, Shivani
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Keeravani for sure brings in the feeling but he doesnt bring the voice required for any song he sings. "cha" pavalinchenu is not what it should be pronounced. He adds some additional stress and style which is key. Shivani is good accompanying keeravani. Annammayya's greatness is his words. Keeravani doesnt bring clarity to the words. He is subtle in pronouncing the words so there by loosing the effect. This song female voice is composed to be pathos. Movie will tell why.

9. Chandamama Raavo [3:46]
Artist(s): Karthik
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

As rightly said by Tanikella Bharani during audio release, not many know that "Chandamama ravo" is written by Annamayya. karthik is back after a break. This song is not to the same class and quality of Narayanaya. Chorus and baby who sang did their job. Keeravani experimented in this composition to make it more situational. He fused various elements to make it more movie oriented. Somehow I feel this transition didnt work effectively between chandamama ravo, palumaru utla panduganu. Again one should listen to this song for the lyrical beauty.

10. Yekulajudemi [4:46]   
Artist(s): MM. Keeravani, Shivani
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

I again would have been happy if Keeravani would have avoided singing in this album. parulu taane ani bhavinchu vaadu, he is not clear when he pronounced bhavinchu, again nirmaludai which was intially he not clear. Clarity in voice is very important. But fascination towards Annamayya would have made him sung. But when there are umpteen options available for this song, something has to be different. In the end when Keeravani says Hareee, there is slight issue with the gamaka. Anyways with all these side effects, still we can enjoy this song. Shivani dominates this song and she does very well.

11. Neekesaranu [3:30]
Artist(s): Sunitha
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

At any time I would have preferred Chitra singing this kind of songs. We have seen how she was missed in SriRamarajyam where singers messed up such a long lasting songs. Sunitha is trusted singer by Keeravani but the main issue for singing this songs is that, every emotion has to be explicitly balanced. Even if it is slightly over done or not met, the song goes here and there. Sunitha tends to get carried away by emotions adding that additional feelings which doesnt help neither herself or the song.

12. Ayameva [5:09]  
Artist(s): Karthik, Bhargavi Pillai, Shivani, Prudhvi Chandra
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Annamayya has written most of his works in Telugu. However he has done some in Sanskrit. His major sankeertanas are divided into Sringara and Adyatyam. The Sringara rasa is mostly to praise God and Goddess, and Adyatyam indicating the Vishistadwaitam. He exclusively follows Srivaishnava sidhanta. This song is fusion mix with including both forms of music. Everyone did their job well. Since fusion music this song might not have universal appeal. But movie demands this song, so is done.

13. Telisithe Moksham [4:56]
Artist(s): Karthik, Ramya Behra
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Karthik and Ramya did great job in this song. These two gave their best in this album. Keeravani again choose to compose this in high volume with some action and drama. Medadi has been sound as Meda adi.. I guess some lyrics have been changed a little here and there just to make it easy. Not sure which one is correct.

అనయము సుఖమేడ  - దవల దు:ఖమేడది
తనువుపై నాసలేని - తత్వమతికి
పొనిగితే బాపమేది -పుణ్యమేది కర్మమందు
వొనర ఫలమొల్లవి - యోగికిని

The difference in singing tells how words are sounded in any language, karthik made it sing differently to what is supposed to be శ్రీవేంకటేశ్వరుడు - చిత్తములో నున్నవాడు.

Anyways this song is another good attempt by the singers and Keeravani leaves listeners on high note yet again.

14. Brahma Kadigina Paadamu [1:53]  

Artist(s): Krishna Chaitanya

Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Short and sweet song. Brahma kadigina padame mari. I always feel that Lord Venkateswara got the best out of Annamayya. Lord and devotee have mutually exclusive relationship between themselves. One cannot exist without others. Lord needs to have such devotees, and Devotees should have such God. and we are blessed to have existed to feel their relation.

Pick(s) of the album: How can one pick and choose if there are gems infront of us. Annamayya's works are something to treasure.

Yalamanchili Sai Baba has yet again done a commendable job. What he has done, how he has done is irrelevant. All that matters is how many people he touched, how many get enthusiastic about Annamayya, how many people get attracted towards spending some of the time towards Annamayya, How many who re-visited their association with Annamayya is that matters. Keeravani for sure walked on a tough path, the context has been different though he worked on same person's life earlier but we cannot compare the two works to say which one is great. Knowing the limitations he had in 1997 versus now tells all about this album.

This album once again proves that how sad state our Telugu film music industry is for lack of singers. All these singing talent shows are not able to bring out the real talented singers who can continue the legacy of SPB, KJY, P Susheela, SJanaki and Chitra. I am surprised to see ommission of few singers both for good and bad. I really hope some one in music industry wakes up and fills the gap. I am sure we dont have born talents, divine talents in the industry anymore. With the kind of junk music and lyrics we are hearing lately, this album is refreshing for music lovers ears. Atleast if not we can continue to listen to this movie songs, we can find them in existing Annamayya's albums from persons who dedicated their lifes towards him.

Everyone who listens to this album for sure realizes what are we missing lately in the Telugu music world. Kudos to everyone who made us to realize.