Gautamiputra Satakarni Audio Review

Movie: Gautamiputra Satakarni  ( గౌతమి పుత్ర శాతకర్ణి )

Producer(s):  Bibo Srinivas (Presenter), Saibabu Jagarlamudi, Y. Rajeev Reddy, Suhasini Panguluri

Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shriya Saran

Direction: Krish Jagarlamudi

Music: Chirantan Bhat

Marked as milestone movie of Balakrishna, the 100th movie, when was announced as a historic movie, I am sure his fans were confused why their hero chose this subject. As things unfolded, they were completely satisfied and now very much into the movie and expecting this to fare well in the Sankranti race. Everything from the movie announcement to the invitation cards even the audio release invitation was completely different. Krish maintained every name is followed by their mother's name. This was widely appreciated by everyone. 

Initially DSP was thought to be the music director but after considering other choices that include Ilayaraja, Keeravani, Krish stuck with Chirantan Bhat who composed for his earlier movie. This gave mixed reaction from everyone, so Krish had an additional responsibility to prove everyone that he made a right choice. So far the teasers and trailers proved that he is in line with his choice.

As usual Krish did not deviate from Sirivennela garu for lyrics department, where he wrote 4 out of 5 songs. One song went to  Sai Madhav. SPB sang one song and surprisingly Udit Narayan is brought back when he is almost forgotten. Shreya Ghosal got to sing 2 songs and rest are filled accordingly.

Satakarni is an unheard name for most of Telugu audience as history tells he is one of the Saalivahana king. When there is not much historic information is not available and not very popular, bringing this story on to screen as 100th movie of Balakrishna is a huge risk that Krish has took. With Graphics at peak already with Telugu Audience, anything less met will not help the movie. Krish sure, is a sincere film maker with passion and the expectations are he would do justice to the movie as well as milestone of NBK. Lets see how songs helped the movie.

1. Song: Ekimeedaa

Singer(s): Udit Narayan,Shreya Ghoshal

Lyricist: Seetarama Sastry

When authentic Telugu words are disappearing from Telugu film songs and replaced with Hinglish words, Sirivennela garu chooses to start a song with the word which 99% of current Telugu audience might have no clue about what it is. It takes only the likes of Sirivennela garu to use such words like "Ekimeeda" (king) in a historic movie which makes perfect sense. Hats off to Krish who stuck with Sirivennela garu for all critical songs.

Chirantan Bhat provides a beautiful melody, the words by Sirivennela garu are perfect, the chorus is good, the rhythm is fine and overall it leaves a good feeling. This is a good start for the album which is already creating all positive vibes so far. A historic movie this kind of song is mandatory and this will pass out with flying colors. This song will takes us back to one of the good old movies of such types.

The following is for extreme music lovers, rest can ignore as this is something that few people like me feel it always when we hear a good song, but when it comes with a pinch of salt added to the sweetness.

Then comes that this is perfect example of what will happen to a very good song that goes could have been better with a better choice of singers. There is no doubt that both are excellent singers with great voices, but I personally feel they dont fit to these type of songs. Udit's voice didn't suit at few words and Shreya's was delicately shriek at some times which didn't help the song at all. People who like these singers and their voice will for sure enjoy the song.

2. Song: Gana Gana Gana

Singer(s): Simha,Anand Bhaskar,Vamsi

Lyricist: Seetarama Sastry

Chirantan Bhat continues the album with yet another good song. This is indeed another better song. Once again Sirivennela gari words are a feast. The singers are better in this song and there is energy, the flow and great emotion added. The interludes are good. The mood for war is brought in. However this song reminds couple of songs. Singers did justice to the words which is good to hear. This will leave audience to get ready for the situation in the movie.

3. Song: Mrignayanaa

Singer(s): S.P. Balasubrahmanyam,Shreya Ghoshal

Lyricist: Seetarama Sastry

Seetaramasastry garu proves for nth time why is the superior lyric writer and why he is the last of that sorts in Telugu Film Industry. This lyric is one such example of his lyrical prowess. SPB singing once again is fantastic. Shreya was weak link in this song, she still doesn't get the accent, pronunciation right even after singing for more than decade in Telugu and words are not clear either. Chirantan Bhat provides a good song, the lyrics add to it. Made in a different style is for sure a good duet for the lead pair. When every chorus is getting listed in the album, the singer who started this song is left out not sure why? Phrase మృగనయనా భయమేలనే is good to hear. Song making in classic style never fails. Chirantan Bhat is on a flow in this album. There is nothing stopping I guess. He got the right platform to show his talent and used it to his best.

4. Song: Saaho Saarvabowma Saaho

Singer(s): Vijayprakash,Keerti Sagathiya

Lyricist: Seetarama Sastry

A movie related to story of historic king will need atleast one powerful song that helps director to elevate the character. This will need great help from lyrics, background score, tune, singers and the mood. Probably this has everything. The Chorus was very powerful, but the lead singer voice could have been more powerful to sync along with others. Having said that this will not appear as a limitation given the chorus and orchestra will take the song to a different level. For sure on screen this will be a visual treat. Sirivennela's words and the pattern is just fantastic. Bahuparaak ...

5. Song: Singhamu Pai Langhinchenu (Kadhaa Gaanam)

Singer(s): Vijayprakash

Lyricist: Sai Madhav

As title mentions this is Story of Satakarni made in a song?  పట్టాభిషిక్తిలు, సుక్తులు , ఇష్టా సఖి  issues like these will be unnoticed I guess. The story narration in the form of the song is fine. The story brings in some anxiety on Satakarni.

Pick(s) of the album: Mruganayana, GanaGana, Ekimeeda, Saaho. 

The narrative song is for more on-screen so didnt add to the list. Chirantan Bhat gave a good album which is perfect fit for the historic movie. Ekimeeda was a beautiful melody with some great words from Sirivennela garu. If not for Udit and Shreya, this would have been one of the best in recent times. Mruganayana is feast for the words as is Saaho. Gana Gana can be heard for the overall energy of the song. Kadhaa Gaanam just suits where it belongs to. Krish comes out with flying colors in the audio department and now its time for on-screen test. Hope he does good and make Balakrishna's 100th movie memorable one to Telugu Audience. All the best for the team

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 :)