Shatamanam Bhavati Audio Review

Movie: Satamanam Bhavati (శతమానం భవతి )
Producer(s):  Dil Raju ( Sri Venkateswara Creations )
Cast:Sarvaanand, Anupama Parameswaran
Direction: Vegesna Satish
Music: Mickey J Meyer

A movie slated to release for Sankranti time frame, along with two big movies like #150 and #GPSK is considered normally as a huge risk taken by any movie maker. Unless they believe in story and cast, releasing it on that time frame the risk can be taken only by the likes of Dil Raju under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations. Shatamanam Bhavati title as such for a movie really raises the bar. 

Sarvanand has been looking great with his past movies and he raised the expectations of the movie thru the teaser. This movie also  stars  Anupama Parameshwaran, Prakash Raj and others. The music is composed by Mickey J Meyer and directed by Vegesna Satish.

Given the names attached this movie might maintain low profile but it sure is impressing movie goers with various factors. The backdrop of the movie and the cast is something to look for. Mickey J Meyer known for feel good songs also adds to the movie. Singers wise there are many names attached to this album. Lyrics are handled by Srimani and RJ Sastry. Dil Raju production has given many musical hits in the past and has been consistent in music department. So this album shouldnt be any different. Having SPB sing one song is definetely a huge surprise for this album. 

Lets see how this album did.

Song: Mellaga Tellarindoi
Singer(s)(s): Anurag Kulkarni, Ramya Behara, Mohana Bhogaraju
Lyrics: Srimani

Starts pleasantly with a good alaap and then the start is in sync with that. However the feel doesnt continue may be due to the singer the way he sang. Mickey reminds his earlier song in chorus, having said that the chorus is noisy and out of sync with the lead. Srimani brought in a good feel of the festive village. Ramya Behara somehow didn't sound herself in this song. She is normally pretty good, not sure what is the reason. Mickey even though lacks freshness in the song in entirety, keeps the pleasant feeling intact, which will make the song go along with listeners. However singers could have done a lot better. 

Song: Shatamanam Bhavati
Singer(s): Chitra, Vijay Yesudas
Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

Satamanam Bhavati as the title song of the movie, This is one powerful blessing that every elder gives to younger ones. Mickey doesn't deviate from his template tuning. This song reminds his many other songs. RJ Sastry reminds a song from Apadbandavudu, and Mickey Reminds us of Bapu garu probably for the words and style of making the song even though they are not related. The two words brings in a great feeling whenever heard irrespective who says it. Vijay Yesudas is not heard lately teams up with Chitra garu both are treat to listen. Again Mickey tries to focus on making the song pleasant to hear. Just tags along with words that RJ Sastry wrote. But adding a little freshness to the song would have made this song to a new level. Doesnt mean this song cannot be enjoyed. Chitra and Vijay provide the feast that Mickey would have added to them.

Song: Naalo Nenu
Singer(s): Sameera Bharadwaj
Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

This song goes simple as it is. The singer is just ok. Could have done a lot better. Probably she is not right fit for the song. Her voice has no problem, but expressions, saying words could have been better. Allestunnavo, "s" became silent when Sameera says it. A routine song probably run off mill from RJ Sastry garu. Mickey's motto in this album is to provide feel good songs I believe.

Song: Nilavade
Singer(s): S.P.Balasubramanyam
Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

SPB garu after a long time in a commercial movie? Comes as a pleasant surprise. Though the songs, guitar beats, rhythm patterns are from Raja Sir, Mickey made some subtle changes to own this song. Anyday a song from SPB Sir is always welcome. How he weaves magic to the song is unbeatable. We got atleast 1000 singers after SPB who are singing songs in Telugu, but no one could elevate a song like him. He makes many times a pretty ordinary song work like a charm with his voice. This tune possibly a rehash but that doesn't deter or take away anything as long as SPB is at the helm. Probably this album is just worth for this song. This song shows his command over few areas in singing, expressions, saying words, free flow singing, even at this age this song comes effortless. Take a bow SPB sir. We should owe to whoever made SPB sing this song. 

Song: Hailo Hailessare
Singer(s): Aditya Iyengar, Rohith Paritala, Mohana Bhogaraju, Divya Divakar 
Lyrics: Srimani

Gobbiyallo, Gobbillo, are the patent words for Telugu and these words can not go wrong. This song is yet another attempt to explain the beauty of Sankranti, Not sure whether any one can bring the greatness of the festival in words. This is a feeling and only one can feel it explaining is a difficult task. Having said that the team could have a made an attempt which can be felt on the screen as the song suggests. The song is fine and probably when on screen people wouldn't mind about song and lyrics and flow with the artists bringing the glory of the festival. Mickey does just fine.

Pick(s) of the album: Nilavade, Shatamanam Bhavati, Hailo Hailessare

Seems like a pure love story for family audience is on the cards. Sarvanand and Anupama Parameswaran seems to be promising movie goers a refreshing experience watching this movie. Dil Raju who is known for producing sensible movies once again probably keeping upto it. Mickey also just met his standards as feel good songs provider, did justice to that name thru this album. Only missing factor for people who expect more on the music side is a little pinch of freshness. But that wouldn't be a big complaint as songs for sure leave a good feeling. Given the backdrop, these songs will for sure help the movie. Wish the movie team the very best to fare well given two big movies releasing around same time and they get their own space in the time.

Dhruva Audio Review

Movie: Dhruva ( ధ్రువ )
Producer(s):  Allu Aravind (Geetha Arts)
Cast: Ramcharan, Rakulpreet, Aravind Samy
Direction: Surendar Reddy
Music: Hiphop Tamizha

Ramcharan and Rakul Preeth are starring togather once again in their latest movie Dhruva which is the remake of Tani Oruvan(Tamil). Ramcharan's last film didnt perform well at box office and his earlier film was an average fare. So he is trying to play safe with remake of a successful film. This time this movie is made by his own Geetha Arts banner produced by Allu Aravind. Directed by Surendar Reddy, this film has set few expectations as his last movie was successful. Ramcharan is reported to have a special makeover for this movie. Rakul Preeth is playing as female lead once again with Charan. Aravind Samy will be seen on Telugu screen after a long time.

HipHop Tamizha duo consisting of Adhithya "Adhi" Ramachandran Venkatapathy and Jeeva R have become famous with their earlier movies and single track album. Their BGM for Tani oruvan got great accolades. Retaining them for Telugu version made sense as their work will be retained. The songs are limited surprisingly to 4 as per movie and this might be one of the shortest commercial movie album in recent times. Total album length is 13.31 meaning the songs are also shorter than standard length. Chandrabose wrote 3 songs and Yadagiri wrote one song. Singers varied probably the names not heard much/familiar in Telugu. The songs are released directly into the market without an audio function.

Let see how the songs fared in this shortest album.

1. Dhruva Dhruva

Singer(s) : Amit Mishra

Lyrics : Chandrabose

As the song title suggest this should be the title or introduction song. Supposed to be an energetic song, but it lacks the energy probably singers are the reason. The accent derailed the song's energy. Chandrabose knows how to accumulate words for these kind of songs, so he does his job pretty easily. The song goes pretty average. The interludes appear better in the short song that ends without much feel. 

2. Choosa Choosa

Singer(s) : Padmalatha, Sniggy

Lyrics : Chandrabose

Hrudayam seems to be very tough word for many singers. Padmalatha couldnt bring much effort to the song. Once again the interludes outshine the singers and song. Nuvvunna Choti is a lyrical mistake or singer mistake not sure. A different style of song. But singers didnt elevate the song, made it as a pretty ordinary song. Why do singers bring in fake accent I dont understand many times. Not much in this song too.

3. Pareshanura

Singer(s): Padmalatha, Vishnu Priya

Lyrics : Yadagiri

Once again a different type of song, fusion type to mix different styles of music. The blending somehow doesnt appeal. Neither the words are strong to get noted. Once again the singers didnt impress. Probably this is situation based, even though doesn't appeal as a song, it might do better on the screen.

4. Neethoney Dance

Singer(s) : Hiphop Tamizha, Nikitha Gandhi

Lyrics : Chandrabose

A song for Ramcharan, probably to satisfy his fans who knows about his dancing skills and wait for it. Dance song for Ramcharan is mandatory and this should fulfill. However singers should have been different as once again they fail to bring in the energy. Hiphop Tamizha has a different flavor, but how does it impress the fans is the big quesiton this album poses. This songs are completely different to what normally Telugu audience would listen.

Pick(s) of the album: Pareshanuraa

I guess Hiphop Tamizha probably catered differently to Telugu Audience, just did what they are good at. This album as said before poses a question with different type of flavor, whether it fits the image of Ramcharan and expectations of his fans. The album might not be in the traditional, as the original was successful for different reasons, this might be the same case for Telugu movie too. Geeta Arts normally takes good care of music for their movies, but this album probably might have confused them too regarding which route they need to take. This album is for sure different to the routine music we hear. Whatever the outcome of the movie or album, the huge concern for the singers in the industry still needs to be addressed with lot of urgency.

Nirmala Convent Audio Review

Movie: Nirmala Convent (నిర్మలా కాన్వెంట్ )
Producer(s): Nagarjuna Akkineni, Nimmagadda Prasad 
Cast: Nagarjuna Akkineni, Roshan Meka, Shriya Sharma
Direction/Story: G. Naga Koteswara Rao
Music: Roshan Saluri

Many eye brows raised when Nag announced that he will be part of a movie that involves all teenagers, a tender love story. The name of the director of this movie came a little bit late. The name as GNK Rao ( G Naga Koteswara Rao) was never been heard of. He directing this movie came as a surprise. Srikanth's son Roshan was announced as lead, people were quickly relating to this movie as one more Seetakoka Chiluka that was synonymous to a teenage love story at those times. However that movie produced one of the best music in the film history. The songs till date were heard with passion and reverence.

Nagarjuna and Nimmagadda Prasad jointly producing this movie is something phenomenon for a debutant director GNK Rao. Unless he had a convincing story this would have not been possible. Nagarjuna in couple of interview said that he was so impressed when he was narrated the story which he felt he never heard such a tender love story. He was passionate about being part of this movie. Then GNK Rao approached Srikanth narrated to the wondering Srikanth to finally say that they want to rope in his son Roshan who was immediately excited to be part of this movie. This movie comes with a tag line as Fresh Pure love story. 

Nirmala Convent is a school that many people can correlate to. This school would have been part of many people whose life started with this school or at some point of their lives. So adding this title to a movie to a teenage love story is something notable. Whether the name has really anything to do with the movie story or not is something we will have to wait and see. 

So going with a strong story line/script, everyone were roped in and the coincidence is that this movie has all sons. Roshan Saluri, Son of Koti as music director,  AR Ameen son of AR Rahman singing kotha kotha Bhasha, Sidharth Mahadevan, son of Shankar Mahadevan singing a song in this movie, and then finally the lead Roshan son of Srikanth. 

Ananth Sriram is single card lyricist. However one song was attached to Chandrabose along with Ananth Sriram. Not sure whether this was intentional or some typo? The song doesn't sound that it needed two lyricists. Audio release confirms that this is written by both.

Lets see how all debutantes did...

1. Kotha Kotha Bhasha

Singer(s): AR Ameen, Chorus

Lyrics: Ananth Sriram

This song is touted as debut song of AR Ameen. He is know to Telugu Audience thru his earlier song which was termed as dubbed devotional song. That song was situational song, so the promoters of the movie marketed this as debut song of AR Ameen. Being song of AR Rahman, getting these kind of opportunities wont be big deal, but the had exactly same qualities, the naive and tender voice. The tune is perfect suited for Ameen and he did perform with no issues other than pronunciation of few words. He had the energy, the tune was apt, and the chorus is foot tapping, catchy and attractive. The words Like MU, KU, TU were very well sung. These words are strength of the song. Having said that, at such a tender age, do they have to talk about KU, HU, NU and all?? They dont appear apt for the age. Not sure whats in story, felt these should have been avoided in song with a kid. The subject of the movie is a tender love story, probably thats what is the justification of these words. Roshan Saluri did decent in the first song which was selling point of the album and the movie. This sure attracted people towards the album and created some anxiety about the movie when it was released. 

2, Emo Evaritho

Singer(s): Sidharth Mahadevan

Lyrics: Ananth Sriram

Sidharth Mahadevan, son of Shankar Mahadevan who is singer composer by himself is part of this song. He got good recognition in Hindi. Paivade telchutaadu manakem teliyadu roo.. A typical Shankar style of singing. Sidharth sings effortlessly, but he has typical north Indian singer issues. Not matter how good they sing, they bring in an accent or some issues along with them in the songs. Some minute corrections would have made this song more listenable. Ananth Sriram being a single card lyricists cannot be any positive to the album. Few lines are really good in this song as well. Manasu tella kagitali nee munde egurutayi emo rayamani, gaali ki chediri okkate migulutundi, daani paine raayamani. This probably gives some hints about movie. Roshan Saluri made this song more energetic than other songs. Probably trying to be more youthful. 

3. Okkosari Oo Muddu

Singer(s): Srikanth, Damini

Lyrics: Ananth Sriram

Roshan now takes melody route and he did well. This song has shades here and there of few songs, but that doesn't stop to hear the song. This is another well made song. This song leaves a good feeling. Mainly when lovers are involved many will connect to such songs. Ananth Sriram writes lyrics that suits perfectly to the tune and the story. Roshan had some sparks here and there in the song which is welcome from a new comer. Probably music is in his family that is reflecting. Damini is limited to saying few words, background/chorus, but Srikanth did his job fine. A song that ends well and leaves a nice feeling.

4. Mundhu Nuyya Venaka Goyya

Singer(s): Kailash Kher

Lyrics: Ananth Sriram, Chandrabose

This song the way it start with yesteryear music, and when Kailash Kher starts the movie, leaves in confusion whether this is a pathos or satiric comedy. As usual Kailash voice perfectly suits the song, not not his Telugu. Bakka Palacha, Tassadiyya, Gelupu kosam and such words are not well said. Instead of sad feeling at times we feel "Neersam". Not sure whether he was perfect fit for this song. Roshan Saluri on the other hand did a decent job in remixing the yesteryear song into modern times. This song leaves a mixed feeling.

5. Kotha Kotha Bhasha (Nag Mix)

Singer(s): Akkineni Nagarjuna

Lyrics: Ananth Sriram

Nag in couple of interviews told, till date there were only complaints about his voice being weak and he was suggested to work on it. He even got suggestions that not to shout, say loud dialogs as the voice didnt suit those dialogs. Having heard otherwise about his voice all these days, when some one asked to sing he jumped on the opportunity and grabbed it. Obviously this is the best song for him. This song lyrics are written initially for kid, tune is simple with catchy and repetitive words which perfectly suited him. He had no trouble at all singing and probably he should seriously think this line of career too in his upcoming movies. :) A senior artist singing will definitely add as a positive to the movie. And this did more than that as we can enjoy his singing. 

Picks of the album: Kotha Kotha Bhasha ( both versions ), Okkosari O Muddu, 

Coming from a Music family that is synonymous with Telugu Film Industry Music, Roshan Saluri looks promising. This album doesn't look as first album at all. With so much background it is obvious that he might have mastered few areas. He provided much required support to the movie. Roping him is for sure looking fresh in terms of music, as people are looking for a new name. Roshan Saluri needs to be careful of not getting influenced by few songs, ensure to have his own style, and if consistent the opportunities will be endless, else he will be written off like many others. The movie makers can relax on music and need to wait for how the movie will fare. All the best to the young team lead by a director making debut with all youngsters. Of course Nag is ever Young :) 

Jyo Achyutananda Audio Review

Movie: Jo Achyutananda ( జో అచ్యుతానంద)
Producer(s): Korrapati Sai
Cast: Nara Rohith, Naga Shourya, Srinivas Avasarala, Regina Cassandra
Direction: Avasarala Srinivas
Music: Kalyan Koduri

Nara Rohith, Naga Shourya, Avasarala Srinivas, Sai Korrapati, Varaha Chalana Chitram is pretty deadly combination as it looks for a movie lover. These people based on their past movies are sensible movie makers. Srinivas Avasarala who surprised everyone with Oohalu gusa gusalaade with his capabilities and sensibility, is all set to direct another movie with similar team with couple of names modified. He told many times that he is into direction and he proved what he is worth of with his first movie. Hope he repeats his magic with his second movie too, which most of the directors failed to do so. Second movie has been alluding a hit for all those directors. Naga Shourya is getting more and more dependable. Nara Rohith has been selecting good subjects and he is getting another good one probably. 

Kalyan Koduri has created a space for himself in the Telugu Film Music world. Even though it is limited, he is king of it. He worked with many small movies and helped those movies with his music. He worked with Srinivas Avasarala and gave a super hit music with their earlier combination. And this time there is no exception, the expectations are already set. The only surprising factor to this album is that lyrics are all written by Bhaskarabhatla who is known for out and out mass songs. This name and other combination doesnt sound right unless we listen to the album. 5 Songs out of which one song has two versions so technically 4 songs which always been the case with this combination.

Lets see how the combination met their expectations, how they sticked to what they are known for.

1. Aakupachhani Chandamaamalaa
Singers : Karthik, Ramya Behara
Lyrics - Bhaskarabhatla

Kalyani Koduri started the album with his trademark style of the song making. Karthik starts it so pleasantly. This reminds his Aithe Song, not that it is the same, but style. He slowly takes us along with his variations. The song is absolutely fine until he changes the scale in between. Keeravani in the audio release said that his brother did a fine job in Major scale, where as he was surprised how DSP has become so successful doing songs in Minor scale. Instead of shouting, these songs even though in major scale are pleasant to hear. In whatever context he said, this song at places is not. Its not comfort zone for Ramya Behara and it didn't appear pleasant at all. Bhaskarbhatla even though writes a different lyrics unlike his stamp using some good phrases, the words are not said or heard enough like the word after angel, Minuguru laa, and few such words. Having said that this is all about aha bagunnadi, and ee paata bagunnadi.

2. Suvarna Suvarna
Singers : Simha
Lyrics - Bhaskarabhatla

Suvarna is being popular with Film fraternity these days. Nuvvu Yedikelte aadikosta Suvarna, kind of songs effectively use the name Suvarna. No exception here too. Simha sounded different to his usual and he is good within his limitations. He could have done better atleast at four/five places to make the song lot better. A typical Bhaskarabhatla song and Kalyan Koduri did just fine in this routine song. The instruments and vocal go hand in had. Appears like tune is beaten but Kalyan made it sound different. The Chorus is just fine, but aha is just heard many times.

3. Oka Lalana (Male Version)
Singers : Shankar Mahadevan
Lyrics - Bhaskarabhatla

One more song for Shankar Mahadevan after Janata Garage. He is famous for these songs for his effortless singing. He does it so easily that he shows his true strength in the song. Background so nicely sung, that it will leave a feeling that this song is just suited for Shankar Mahadevan. Kalyani Malik, Shankar, Bhaskar delivered one of the pleasant songs that we haven't heard such songs lately. Sheer brilliance of un-tampered original voice. This album is worth just for this song. Everything worked just perfect, the tune, singing, lyrics and the feeling. Cant complain much on this song as these kind of songs are rare these days so I will keep the issues apart and keep listening to the song :) 

4. Jyo Achyuthananda
Singers : Sree Kalyanaramana, Smita
Lyrics - Bhaskarabhatla

A typical Kalyani Malik style of song. This is his signature style of tune composing. Is it Jyo or Jo in the title of the song? Bhaskarabhatla who is known for complete mass songs, shows other side of his face in this album, reason ademito teleedu kaani bagundi. Sai Korrapati, Varahi are known for good music and lyrical values and they deliver it. We need more such film makers to re-introduce the strength and power of Telugu songs and voices as they are presented in original.  Singers are just fine. People who like this style of song making will embrace this song. 

5. Oka Lalana (Female Version)
Singers : Harini Rao
Lyrics - Bhaskarabhatla

When the same song is sung by two singers, it will be difficult to stop comparisons and the job of music director would be very difficult to make listeners hear both versions. Each of them should have their own merits else listeners will ignore one of them. In movie situation might help the song but while listening if anything changes, then listener has choice to skip it. Here Harini Rao's rustic voice is unique for the song. but cannot say it left the same feeling that Shankar left on this song. Kalyan Koduri did what he is supposed to. It would be listener's choice whether they would like to hear both or stick to one. Given these type of challenges, Kalyan Koduri excelled always, but probably not in this case. The only thing listeners should do is not to get influenced by other version and listen to this song as it its, and it will for sure make listen more and more. May be Harini Rao is not right choice for this song when compared to Shankar. Given her excellent hindustani background that suits this song, she might be obvious choice, but her pronunciation probably is the reason for something lacking in this song.

Pick(s) of the album: Oka laalana, Akupachani, Jo Achyutananda

Kalyani Koduri, Varahi, Sai Korrapati, Srinivas Avasarala has already proven about their sensibility in songs of their movies. They deliver yet again another time without if seen without comparisons. If comparisons are drawn they will be looked different. Its proven fact that the movie makers can influence the output of the movie music album, but they dont do it. Only few movie makers were able to do it, and they do it consistently. However their percentage is very low. They even influence lyricists like Bhaskarabhatla to show their different side of face which will be refreshing to see. He might be dying to get such chance and he utilizes it. He need not write great lyrics, but this should be enough. Listening to original voices of singers, and singers who can sound Telugu is all what is needed and this album has it all.