Baahubali 2 Audio Review

Movie: Baahubali 2 - The conclusion (బాహుబలి - 2 )
Producer(s):  Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni
Cast: Prabhas, Anushka, Rana, Tamanna, Satyaraj 
Direction: S. S. Rajamouli
Music: MM Keeravani

Touted as one of grandest movie ever made in Indian Movie history, Baahubali is going to conclude with this movie. The anxiety created with part 1 regarding why kattappa killed Baahubali, this movie will have the answer for the question. 450-500 crores in making is not something usual in movie Industry. The expectations set with Part-1 the second part is going to be really tough to meet it. And Rajamouli is known for creating expectations and meeting them. Everyone is expecting that the same will happen for part 2 as well. 

The entire team of Baahubali have dedicated their prime time of their lives for this movie and sure they should be happy about it. This movie doesn't need any introduction, so lets go to the songs. Keeravani said this would be the last film, but hope not. Can any one get this kind of chance of providing music to such a grand movie and at the same time meet the expectations? The music for Baahubali-1 got mixed responses initially, but when the movie released, the songs were liked probably like never before. Keeravani got huge applause for the BGM given the way he elevated the movie with the background score. So the expectations will be nothing less than that for this movie too. This time Keeravani wrote 3 songs of the 5 songs that album had. The album provides completely situational songs unlike first album. So listeners should be cautious about the expectations they set before listening to the album. Lets see how the songs are. 

1. Saahore Baahubali
Singer(s): Daler Mehndi, Mounima, Keeravani
Lyrics:  Shiva Shakti Datta

I wish Daler Mehndi was limited to saying Bhali Bhali raa bhali. The Chorus was perfect, the beats are just awesome. The song is at a different level as long as the music plays and Chorus is singing. Daler Mehndi's voice didn't suit Telugu saying of Gaganale chatram pattali.. Heyssa Rudrassa type of words in Bahubali 1 of Dheevara song also were fantastic and this magic repeats here also. Mounima suddenly took it to a different mood indicating the situation in the movie. Keeravani breaking words to say pulakarinchindi gaa to pulakarin + chindigaa, is something probably to make the tune to fit into multiple languages. Guttal Mittal also same I guess. Pidikita pidugul patti minchu kind of ending words are for sure the same reason. Then Keeravani comes with his singing. In BB1 he sings Sooni Aaana instead of Sivuni Aana, Now he sings Shivuni ( షివుని) instead Sivuni ( శివుని). Keeravani rocks tune wise and for the situation to be, there cannot be anything better. Siva Sakti Datta writes in the tune limitation his best and the elevation of the song should definitely be all together to a new level given Rajamaouli's history of making. A very good start for the album. 

2. Hamsa Naava
Singer(s): Deepu & Saahithi/Sony
Lyrics:  Chaitanya Prasad

This song reminds of earlier songs of Keeravani at place. But the beats will take away the feeling. They are powerful. Why Saahithi has to say Raajja at one place and Raaja at others? Kind of short length song. Probably a short sweet duet between the leads of the movie. Chaitanya Prasad wrote the lyrics in the situations of the movie using the right words in line with other songs. The interludes are grand. Deepu kind of becoming standard singer for Keeravani, did his best. Singers are better in this song and they make us listen to this song. A simple and sweet song ignoring the similarities. 

3. Kannaa Nidurinchara
Singer(s): Sreenidhi, Sri Soumya
Lyrics:  MM Keeravani

Keeravani wrote the song which is kind of surprising listening to the words. kanna is for Krishna and the situation for this movie related to krishna is something interesting. However singer doesnt sound that its my Krishna, ( నా "కన్నా" they sounded నాకన్నా ) . Unless sang properly this will sound completely different and meaning will change all together. These type of songs should be clear in expression to carry the right meaning, here is where the singers failed. They dont carry the right meaning of the lyrics unfortunately. Tune and lyrics are good but the song fails to impress due to this reason. Krishna means flute and this is effectively used in the song. Maa Dhavaa,, Yaa dhavaa, again an issue,  they are one words. These generation singers are obviously lacking Telugu Knowledge, when the lyricist, music director cannot explain the context, they cannot emote better. 

4. Dandaalayya
Singer(s): Kala Bhairava
Lyrics:  MM Keeravani

Again the song is written by Keeravani. This has the tune in continuation of BB1 in interludes when Chorus is singing. A song that will perfectly suit the situation in the movie. Keeravani should get full of accolades for making this song which will help Rajamouli a lot. Another short situational song. Kala bhairava did sound good and better. The song starts silently, with less instruments in support, then the chorus continuing the mood, with lead singer getting back and forth, then the take off happens. The music already gives the hints and that is what it should do. The interlude until the Yedhalo oka palkadali tune comes is just perfect as one can get. A totally situational song and will perfectly elevate the emotions.

5. Oka Praanam
Singer(s): Kaala Bhairava
Lyrics:  MM Keeravani

Another situational song. Keeravani and Kalabhairava just did what is required. Movie will tell why this song is required for what situation. Keeravani playing dual role, glad that he didnt sing this song by himself. Given that first movie Keeravani contributed more in singing, here he contributes more in lyric writing. Which is one way good. Again there are some clues to the movie from this song and the lyrics. 

Pick(s) of the album: Sahore, Dandaalayya, Oka Praanam

When there are two parts of a movie, the comparisons will be in place between the music of the two movies. However the songs were made differently for each part based on the content of the movie. So as long as comparisons play the role, the liking of the albums vary. However one should keep in mind that the songs in this movie are seeming purely situational and these will be enjoyed in the context of movie. For Bahubali -1 the initial feedback wasn't that very good it was mixed response, but once the movie is released, the songs were embraced like never before. I would suspect the same with this album too. No one other than Keeravani would better understand what is required for the movie and provide what is required.

On a different note, Keeravani has announced about his retirement post Bahubali, the conclusion. I hope he would not do that in reality and continue providing the music. His contribution to Telugu Film Music industry cannot be undermined and this should be the last movie for his career. Even if it is so, there can be no movie grandier than this to think of retirement. Whatever his decision is, wish him all the very best and bow with respect for all the music he has given past few decades. I dont want yet to say, we miss him. Hope Keeravani Sir continues ......

Update: Keeravani garu announces that he will note retire and will keep working on selective projects. 

Cheliyaa Audio Review

Movie: Cheliyaa ( చెలియా )
Producer(s):  Maniratnam
Cast: Kaarthi, Aditi Rao Hydari 
Direction: Maniratnam
Music: AR Rahman

Maniratnam after OK bangaram, is coming with a love story that stars Kaarthi and Aditi Rao. Kaarthi is a known face for Telugu Audience and his last movie with Nagarjuna (Oopiri) was well received. Maniratnam recently making movies that gets simultaneously released in Telugu as well. This movie named as Kaatru veliyidai is dubbed as Cheliyaa in Telugu. Kaarthi dons a combat aircraft pilot, is said to have taken intensive training to make himself fit for the role. He looks so different in this movie. Maniratnam has written, directed and produced this movie under Madras Talkies production.

Ever since Maniratnam left Ilayaraja for AR Rahman, he is stuck with him. ARR and Maniratnam share a different bonding like Ilayaraja and Vamsy, where the best songs/albums come out of the combination. Maniratnam learnt a lesson from Kadali movie audio in Telugu, where the feedback would have reached him to make him work with Sirivennela Seetaramasastry for OK bangaram. He continued him for this album too. Given ARR, Maniratnam, Sirivennela, the album has definitely created enough buzz and couple of tracks released earlier to audio release proved that. Lets see how this combination worked.

01 – Allei Allei

Singer(s): Abhay Jodhpurkar, Chinmayi

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama sastry

When Sirivennela garu is single card lyricist for this audio, the Telugu version automatically dragged attention. Many ARR's albums were wasted just because the lyrics were not upto mark for the tunes. Maniratnam after kadali learnt a good lesson and for OK bangaram worked with Sirivennela and this album proves why Mani should keep working with Sirivennela. "Allei Allei, naa jataguvva jattai allei allei.. Naa chirunavvaa Jallai allei.." Aasa aaganande, Swaasa aadanande Niluvettu praanam nilavanande". He never seizes any oppurtunity to bring in beautiful words into any tune. ARR said that he got feedback that Telugu songs sounded lot better than Tamil, we all know why. Abhay Jodhpurkar did ok, he could have done better at places high pitch.( veeleleni pantam vadili, manmadha baanam). He was comfortable in his comfort zone, but struggled at times. ARR's beauty comes with guitar and Chinmayi's humming. His slow tune sets the perfect mood of the song. Abhay lacks clarity in few words, which would have elevated the song, which he didn't. ARR, Chinmayi, Sirivennela garu however takes this song to make us weave around the song. 

02 – Hamsaro 

Singer(s): Arjun Chandy, Haricharan, Jonita Gandhi

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama sastry

This song reminds few other songs. The style is typical. There are few issues in singing. Pichi Patti, (పిచ్చి పట్టి) not pati(పటి).. Again Poyindemunde(పోయిందేముందే),, not breaking the word to mean poyinde munde(పోయిందే ముందే).. Why Kalisoche vela(వేళా) was song as kalisoche Vala(వలా)? ARR never takes care of words in Telugu. This has been long lasting problem in his Telugu versions. The same doesnt happen in Tamil. Very unfortunate. Hamsa ro (Swan ro ) or Hamsaro ( something to do with name in movie). Coming to Song, yet another beautiful song, Lyrics are yet again strength for the song. Many words are beautifully written. Is it Haricharan that says dont worry? Very typical sounding of those English words.

03 – Maimarupaa 

Singer(s): Shashaa Tirupati

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama sastry

This song shows the strength of ARR. His arrangement of the song. ARR's Telugu songs comes with a different unique accent, which is clearly identified like this song. 

మైమరుపా.. మెరుపా.
నిన్నిలా నడిపిందెవరో తెలుసా...!
ఎదలో నిదరే చెదిరే కబురే చెవిలో పడదా..!
అల్లరిగా నిన్నల్లుకునే వన్నెల వలనే కనవా...
సరిలే అనవా, సరదా పడవా...

ఈ మంచు ఆమనిలో కుహుహూ అనవా...!?

Can anyone believe this is a Tamil dubbed song? That too with difficult to write tunes for the likes of ARR? Even though there are singer related issues added to the way she says the words, this song still mesmerizes the listeners mainly due to the way the song progresses. Shashaa Tirupati could have done much better to elevate the song. Thats where yesteryear singers were successful, where they made songs extraordinary. 

04 – Morethukochndhi 

Singer(s): AR Raihanah, Tipu, Nikhita Gandhi

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama sastry

Its long time that ARR did this type of song. A simple melodious folk song. Added to the lyrics, this song goes places. ARR during initial days he composed lot of beautiful such songs. But later on he moved on to different genres, but he is still best at those type songs and his fans will still wait for such songs. This song has the Tamil flavor in the tune, but the words written by Sirivennela garu takes that away with the use of words like Divittam. There was a song in movie Dagudumootalu that was in 1964, I guess then again now. ( Divvi Divvi Divittam Nuvvante Naakishtam ). A mass song written and made so classically. Only possible for ARR and Sirivennela garu. Repeating of Kalyani Bagunde nee baani was in sync with the song. This song will be listened in loops. Sirivennela garu said he had laid out a condition to Maniratnam that he will write lyrics independently deviating from the original for OK bangaram we know the output. Same could have happened here. Felt sorry for singers and ARR who didnt understand the word "ఎట్టాగే దాన్నాపుట" Meaning how to stop it. "దాన్ని ఆపుట . They sang something else. Also ("కొరుక్కు"  నాట్ "కోరుక్కు ) Anyways the pallavi is like this. Sums it all. Telugu Leading lyricists who complain that there are lot of limitations so they write the way they write, should learn from this song, how words like Lolaaku and others are used to enhance the song. 

మోరెత్తుకొచ్చింది బూరెత్తి ఊదింది ఊరంతా మోగింది దివిట్టం..

గోరెట్టి గిచ్చింది గోలెంతో పెంచింది లోలోన మా మంచి ముహూర్తం.. ఇంకెన్నాళ్ళ పాటు దాస్తావు గాని అగ్గంటి ఆ గుట్టుని.. నే జాగ్రత్త చేస్తాగా నా చేతికిచ్చేసి చల్లారిపో రమణి... నన్నల్లుకుంటే గానీ వల్లకాదు అంది నీ ఇబ్బంది..!

05 – Tango Kalalo 

Singer(s): Hriday Gattani, Tanvi Shah

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama sastry

Once again ARR proves he is a great arranger of the song, He takes time for perfection and this song proves that. The Tango can sound so different is the magic from ARR. Having said that the singer takes away the magic of ARR with his singing. Mainly the mismatch of the Telugu singing to the tune. The song has sheer brilliance in the composing, but that feeling probably is lost. A dance number in movie should make it a feast by Maniratnam style taking. If one can bear the singing, this should be heard indeed for ARR.

06 – Jugni 

Singer(s): AR Rahman, Tejinder Singh 
Rap Vocals – Rajakumari, Shikara

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama sastry

ARR doesnt hesitate to have different language songs in which the movie is made. This song is in Punjabi, sung by Tejinder Singh, where ARR keeps saying Jugni, Juguni with Rap filled in the song. Once again this is perfect song that proves the strength of ARR in making the song. As with ARR and unlike other songs in this album, this will grow as one listens to the song. Also since in Punjabi, this might not immediately appeal to South Listeners. However this song showcases ARR's arrangements once again. This song should be listened without comparisons. The beats are very powerful. The drums sound just right. Juguni will be addictive after a while. Keep listening.

Pick(s) of the album:  Morethukochindi, Allei Allei, Jugni, Hamsoro. 

ARR, Maniratnam combination have give lot of wonders earlier, whether this album is inline with those wonders? Tough to say. As long as this is not compared with earlier combination, this is definitely a good album, that sounded lot better in Telugu compared to earlier albums. Maniratnam knows that he has to stick with Sirivennela if he needs to sell his album in Telugu. I hope some day ARR will take enough care in Telugu words as he does in Tamil so that these songs by themselves make mark without going back to Tamil. The feedback he got that Telugu songs sounded much better is for sure true. Mani's Love stories should still have the magic and hope this movie gets the deserved success. 

katamarayudu - Audio Review

Movie: Katamarayudu ( కాటమరాయుడు)
Producer(s):  Sharath Maraar
Cast: Pawan kalyam, Shruti Haasan, 
Direction: Kishore Kumar Pardasani
Music: Anup Rubens

Pawan Kalyan after a big failure in the name of Sardar Gabbar Singh, is coming back with Kaatamarayudu a remake of Tamil film Veeram. The making visuals, his attire, the sword and many others created a great buzz among the fans. The Tamil movie has Tamannah as female lead, vs Shruti Haasan in Telugu. DSP composed music for Veeram, whereas this time Pawan chooses Anup to compose music for this movie. This film also followed the latest trend - the Pre-release function even though in similar format as audio function, the songs were released one by one setting the hype and mood of the fans. 

This movie is set to be released as Ugadi special on 24th March, with premieres a day before. Pawan's movies doesn't need any introduction about the movie, as everyone is up-to date on the movie and its information. The entire audio is now released and it has 6 songs with a love theme instrumental as additional track. RJS, Ananth Sriram, Bhaskarabhatla share the songs along with Varikuppala Yadagiri. Lets see how songs fared.

1. Song: Mira Mira Meesam
Singer: Anurag Kulkarni
Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

This song I guess is the first one to release. The songs supposed to start on high note based on expectations on the song, didn't do that, so falls flat. The words said in the starting of the song is reason for that. However Anup then compensates that issue  with a good Mira Mira Meesam and the lines follows were also good, then after pallavi, the way the next lines were made and sung was not very appealing. Probably this might be the reason that even though this was the first song to be release didn't catch up as much as it should have. Chiguru vagaru pogaru kind of the words and the kara kara kandalu, churuku saruku are used just for rhyming like space filling words for the tune. The trailer shows that its a massive song and the beats are powerful enough to match the trailer visual. Panche the way it is said denotes distribution not the dhoti. Overall this song is that leaves mixed feeling upon listening, but should definitely a feast on screen.

2. Song: Yelo Yedarilo Vaana
Singers: Dhanunjay, Malavika
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

The start denotes its kind of extension to the first song. Somehow felt this song was sung dull. Dhanunjay sounded very pale and lacked energy. Ballem Paakuto puvvula banaala pai gelichedi ela? was content for a great laugh. Not sure what was written and what was sung. Comparing the hero with Maharshulu and Veerulu is quite contrast. Movie should solve this puzzle. Anup should have chosen a better singer for the tune he made. The interludes are good and different. Lyrics by Ananth Sriram are decent. The tune for the song is also good. Overall a decent song would have been great if singer would have made a little more contribution. 

3. Song: Laage Laage
Singers: Nakash Aziz, Nutana Mohan
Lyrics: Bhaskarabatla

Nutana Mohan should replace Shreya Ghosal permanently in Telugu Filmy Music. Inspite of singing for more than decade Shreya neither can pronounce properly in Telugu nor she sounds Telugu in most of her songs. Except for her voice, there is no reason to listen to her and people not caring other issues is pathetic. Telugu singers not being able to sing in Hindi is pretty much reason for madness of Telugu movie makers for other language singers. Nutan was simply fantastic with her voice. 

Then the contrast comes in the form of Nakash Aziz, his voice is not a natural fit for this song. His NaaTyam shows why he is not fit. Some sarcasm is in built in the voice. Not sure what was the line at "Emaatram kudure undadu premato "raanaam"?? These days these issues are only for serious music lovers. Most of the listeners stopped caring about them. However this song sounds for sure a better. A decent song from Bhaskarabhatla as he deviated from his mass songs and gave a decent song to Pawan and his fans already embraced it. Anup should have give more space to Nutana than limiting her to croon couple of lines. 

4. Song: Emo Emo
Singers: Shreya Goshal, Arman Malik
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

We just talked about replacement of Shreya and here she comes. Every movie we are hearing a new singer name. And 99% of them are non-Telugu. Not sure whats the fetish of non-Telugu singers, which none of the other languages would do as much as we do. This is something movie makers should think. Arman Malik type singers are definetely good singers but the songs they sing in Telugu doesnt sound Telugu. Perfect example is chandaaa mama, instead of chandamam.. As I said Shreya cannot say many Telugu words. Adhrushtam, Chantodu, artham, are few of them. Pretty shameful for a singer singing more than a decade in Telugu. This shows purely lack of hard work and sincerity in efforts. Yet another decent song from Anup. This album is more focused on soft melodies except for the title song. This is good. 

5. Song: Jivvu Jivvu
Singer: Dhanunjay
Lyrics:Varikuppala Yadagiri

I wish Pawan would have himself sang this song like Katamarayudu in Attarintiki daaredi Or some one like mandu babulam by Kota. This song is a situational song with mass touch and beats. Kallu compound songs aimed at masses probably and it will reach them. 

6. Song: Love Theme
Instrumentation with Love theme as denoted. A very short audio clip. 


7. Song: Netha Cheera
Singers: Sai Charan, Sahithi
Lyrics: Bhaskarabatla
Additional Vocals : Simha

Singers voice doesn't match the level of beats. Found the voice levels of singers are very low. Is it intentional? Not sure. Nayikaa/Nayakaa repeats for every line based on who sings. Bhaskarabhatla now comes with a mass song. Anup adds the beats required to the tune he came up. This should be an effortless song to make for Anup. Enta has become Entaa. Most of the tunes made these days for sure are messing up words and then singers are adding up to it. Why makers dont take enough care I am not sure. This happens only in Telugu and doesnt happen in other languages. Some one from TFI should really look into it. 

Pick(s) of the album: Laage Laage, Mira Mira Meesam, Emo Emo

For most of the movies by Pawan kalyan, the music was provided by Devi Sri Prasad. After Gopala Gopala Anup Rubens gets another chance to compose music for Pawan Kalyan. This is a very great oppurtunity for Anup to take the album to a differnt heights, so that his future with Pawan and others will be decided. I cannot say Anup provided extraordinary music, but for sure this is a decent album. Three songs sound good and the rest are not bad. The songs were not in a particular pattern and I guess they must have catered the situations in the movie. Pawan's movies always had great music and this one doesn't let him down. His fans are waiting to recover from SGS and hope this movie is a good comeback and will satisfy the fans.