Rangasthalam Audio Review

Movie:            Rangasthalam ( రంగస్థలం )
Producer(s):  Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Sankar, Mohan Cherukuri

Cast:              Ram Charan, Samantha Akkineni,Aadhi Pinisetty,Jagapati Babu

Direction:      Sukumar
Music:            Devi Sri Prasad

1. Yentha Sakkagunnaave
Singer: Devi Sri Prasad
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Sukumar has always been top notch director for selecting right songs for his movies. And saying DSP as his soul, both sync so well that whenever they are in such sync, the output will be these type of songs. This song can easily be said as one of best made songs in recent times, whether its in musical sense or lyrics wise. However any brand new singer whose voice is like the voice who sang the starting alap of the song "Seetamma vakitlo sirimalle chettu" type voice would have made this song live for ever. 

DSP has got the right mood of the song, but he has lot of limitations either singing, or pitching or expressions. The starting guitar beats are perfect setting either for the song or the pitcurization. The beats and guitar go hand in hand for a while and DSP start is also very good. The problem comes only when he elevates the pitch. The chorus sounds a lot better. Not sure why Chandrabose writes everything in slang except for "sakkagunnave", I expected "Enta sakkangunnave". At some places, DSP was not able express properly. Actually even though his comparisions are fine, he reminds me of Vairamuttu, he is known a lyricist with formula. Like Kannuku kaatuka andam song, he finds one phrase and with that formula, he keeps writing which all are beautiful. Just as a coincidence, I felt Chandrabose followed the same route. Not to limit this song, but the entire song is comparison on the same lines. 

Very few songs these days touches the heart. May be due to loud noise, repeated tunes, singers messing up entirely or bad lyrics with mixing other languages. This one sure does. Reason is tune and lyrics are written close to Telugu nativity. The second interlude for example is perfectly made. Just imagining the beauty of Godavari, or a village and listening to the interlude makes one feel nostalgic. The beats that accompanying the interlude are so soft that doesn't disturb the feel. This is what all DSP and Sukumar are about. Chandrabose had to just cater there needs to get fame for himself. He easily recovered some damage of his image with this lyrics. While listening to this song and enjoying, if each time the listener thinks that how this song sounded without DSP, thats not their fault. Just saying :) :) 

2. Ranga Ranga Rangasthalaana

Singer: Rahul Sipligunj
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Rangasthalam is the stage for drama. Our life is nothing but drama, where we dance to the tunes of destiny. On a bigger canvas, yes we all are artists performing our characters in the drama directed by director called the invisible Supreme Self. Chandrabose again gets the formula based lyrics by telling each instrument we use is coming from one or other God/Goddess. Basically telling we are not capable of acting on our own and we cannot control anything in this world. For enacting this drama, yes we dont come prepared. We just be there and everything happens on its own. That has been told very well in the song. And no bigger drama is there without reference of Ramayanam and MahaBharatam. However "padi talalu unnavadu Ravanudu, chedu talapu leni vaadu ramudu", comparison doesn't sound very well. 10 heads doesn't mean one will have bad thoughts. Chandrabose might have gone with praasa for tala, talapu. A different comparison would have clicked very well. But who cares. The references are nicely tied up in this song. Chandrabose succeeds in that aspect. Also vinapadettu kaadu, kanapadettu kottandi, is very apt for the movie, where lead is more comfortable seeing than hearing. Well said. 

DSP continues his magic with this song taking help from Rahul instead of singing himself. Again the beats are perfect, the singing is much better. Rahul mixes the slang at some places and non-slang at places written by Chandrabose, very well. The interludes are typical village beats. More heard in southern part.  This song gels well for a stage play scenario, the dungroo is heard in few hindi songs, but thats ok, it goes well too. 

3. Rangamma Mangamma
Singer: M M Manasi
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Now comes the typical DSP, who is best not only at melodies, but these type of songs. This song will keep everyone on toes. Chandrabose goes back to what he is known best for. Oorko bettaduuuuu, is typical DSP style of extending. Manasi's voice kind of suited the style of the song. The song aimed at masses as the lyrics say so. Sometimes Chandrabose doesn't write it with inherent meanings. Of-course he reaches his goal though. The complains from female lead can be told with subtle meanings but Chandrabose has a different style of writing such songs.  DSP weaves magic in the song, with his typical style of tuning this song. This song will be another feather in cap for DSP. He made is so appealing to mass, that they will embrace it right away.

4. Aa Gattununtaava

Singer: Shiva Naagulu
Lyrics: Chandrabose

When there is a confusion among people that colludes to choose between the right and wrong, this songs comes into picture. This is typical way of explaining people in villages how to make right choice. Chandrabose even though goes the formulatic approach, he uses that effectively to explain what is in offering between the good and bad, so that it will be easy to understand.  However he uses words Baddamu, just for Abaddam, even though its not opposite like other words. Kallu ki virugudu majjiga, Chandrabose might have meant, if you get drunk and spoilt there, we can set you right with offering butter-milk. Which means even if you are spoilt, we have ways to fix you. Shiva Nagulu shows the prowess what a folk singer can offer. The authentic voice is real strength for this song. The folk song always brings the electrifying power. Its pretty sure this song will remain close to the listeners.

5. Jigelu Rani

Singers: Rela Kumar, Ganta Venkata Lakshmi
Lyrics: Chandrabose

This song brings back the DSP the perfect item song maker. His initial days of item songs were just fantastic, mainly the ones that were offered to Sukumar. He finally gets there after loosing that track. This song is not perfect singing wise, but this is what required for these type of songs, as it sets the mood of village atmosphere, the recording dances, where the song doesn't matter, the atmosphere is more important. The song sets it perfectly. Chandrabose too goes back to his specialty area, writing these kind of songs with great skill. Rela Kumar did very well compared to Venkata Lakhsmi. However she brings the rustic nativity that gels well with song. In the name of different sounds of singers, people go else where. This album proves how singers like Siva Nagulu, Rela Kumar, Venkata Lakshmi can bring authentic Telugu sounds which the industry is missing past decade. 

Pick(s) of the album: Entire album

Its been a while that one had offered a complete hit album. DSP/Sukumar did couple of times, but lately DSP has reduced his offerings to 50% unlike his initial days. This album is hit in entirety much before the movie released and post release this just got better. Hope DSP/Sukumar continue their contribution to music world like this as long as they make moves either together or individually. Hope DSP re-records Enta Chakkagunnave with some different singer just to see how it sounds different. 

Naa Peru Surya Audio Review

Movie:            Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India ( నా పేరు సూర్య నా ఇల్లు ఇండియా )
Producer(s):  Sirisha Lagadapati,Sridhar Lagadapati,Bunny Vasu,Sushil Choudhary,K. Nagendra Babu 

Cast:                 Allu Arjun, Anu Emmanuel, Arjun Sarja, R. Sarathkumar
Direction:         Vakkantham Vamsi
Music:              Vishal-Shekhar

1. SAINIKA

Singer(s) : Vishal Dadlani

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

Seems to be designed as a powerful song. Obviously about the hero. However just shouting will not make a song powerful. These kind of songs needs Shankar Mahadevan kind of singers who can emote very well. Vishal Dadlani misses that power of singing. Vishal Shekhar are known for many hits, but they probably didn't understand the importance of Telugu songs and their difference of making. This song starts powerful, but the singing there after doesn't match the start. The reference of Illu, Dillu, and so on are just for rhyming, thats again a turnoff. Lyricists should stop this unnecessary efforts on praasa, should give importance to tell the theme in a better way. The beats are power packed. The importance of soldier is unmatched and anything said about them will be short. And if lyricists just tells it short, then doesn't appeal much. As lately the songs having same problems, this song too lacks good singing and powerful lyrics. The focus was elsewhere, for a song that had to be an instant hit. This song fares somewhere between.

2. LOVER ALSO FIGHTER ALSO

Singer(s) : Shekhar Ravjiani 

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

I am lover also, fighter also, this what movie is all about probably. A fighter who has a side of love angle. Also was said differently and emotes funny side. Shekhar himself sang, not sure why. He sings ok except for the Also part. The beats are reused probably. Again lyricist puts effort on praasa, "chinna godave, sanna godave sallabadave". The funny side is RJS always uses household items in his lyrics. Like Talagada, Pattakara, now lighter. He wants to be close to people to remind these items which are part of life I guess. To remove darkness, get lighter. His creativity is always different in writing lyrics. So close to this generation. Vishal-Shekhar goes fine with tune, but he should have avoided singing. There are so many singers out there, who would have done better job. 

3. BEAUTIFUL LOVE

Singer(s)  : Armaan Malik, Chaitra Ambadipudi

Lyrics : Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry

Taking detour, this song is made as a soft melody. Armaan Malik and Chaitra brings the emotion to listeners. Not sure the music makers got the meaning, that they made this song different to the rest? This is where lyricists have to take a cue కనుబొమ్మ విల్లు తో విసిరేవు ఏవిటో  సూటి గా నాటు గా సుమ శరం ("kanubomma villu to, visirevu evito, sooti gaa naatu gaa suma saram"), Listeners want to listen these kind of phrases more and more, so that they get a feeling to listening to a real song. Not the lighters and household items. Lyricists bring this kind of great feeling of what magic words can do, All in simple words. Thats why Sirivennela garu remains as someone whom current generation of lyricists can never dream of coming close to. The song leaves a nice romantic feeling both singers were able to do justice to song and also it appeared Vishal-Shekhar got the flavor of the song. A song that is well made, written and sung and instantly haunts the listener.

4. SONG : MAYA SONG

Singer(s) : Arijit Singh, Ramya Behara 

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

Arijit Singh needs no introduction. The magic in his voice is known to everyone. Ramya Behara with her beautiful voice adds the required flavor to the song. She brings the native feeling what Arijit couldn't. Good thing is Arijit gets to start the song, but his Telugu was not that good, so he gets to sing in Hindi/Telugu mix. Jara Dekhlo and then the folkish tune gels very well. It will be a surprise that Vishal-Shekhar could pull this off being non-native. Of course music has no barriers. Arijit's Maaya sounding was deviated from rest of the flow of song, but rest quickly catches up. This song mixes two different flavors very well. How singers can make the difference can be seen clearly in this song. As a Telugu Listener, I will have problems with non-Telugu Singers, but here its that Arijit sings mostly Jara Dekhlo and in those lines so this song should go very well with audience. 

5. YENNIYELLO YENNIYELLO

Singer(s) :  Malavika 

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

A fighter who goes to border, when he comes back to family, it should obviously a festive time. Seems like this is same scenario. A short song made to celebrate the hero's home coming. This song is again very well made. Krishna is universal and the tune is just made around Krishna and yasodha. Malavika did very well and this song probably makes people sentimental. Short and sweet song. 

6. IRAGA IRAGA

Singer(s) : Rahul Sipligunj, Mohana Bhogaraju

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

The album closes with probable item song. Rahul and Mohana does the needful. The "iraga" beats indicates in all. The pace of saying iraga iraga, and there after for sure should be treat to Allu Arjun fans as it gives a great scope to showcase his dancing talents. This song should be in lines of the earlier movies. but this has much higher pace than earlier songs. Hope the fans will enjoy this song on screen than offscreen. Vishal-Shekhar just gave the hero and fans what they want. For sure this will be a treat. 

Pick(s) of the album: Beautiful Love, Maya, Yenniyello

Vishal-Shekar combo has been successful combination, they made many hit movies won many awards. This is their second film in Telugu after Chintakayala Ravi. Even though its a surprise to rope them, they did justice to the movie by providing the required music and offering good music to the movie. 3 songs and an high paced item song would be more than to ask. The other two songs could have been better made, but they should also be working well with fans. Overall they for sure have offered the fans a different album and music lovers couple of songs that keep them haunting. They might get more continuity going forward. The only complain might be the title song could have been made better to make it a complete album. Anyways all the best for Allu Arjun's team. Music wise they are good. 

Bharat Ane Nenu Audio Review

Movie:              Bharat Ane Nenu ( భరత్ అనే నేను  )
Producer(s):    DVV Daanayya 
Cast:                 Mahesh Babu, Kaira Advani
Direction:         Koratala Siva
Music:              Devi Sri Prasad


1. Bharat Ane Nenu (The Song Of Bharat)
Singer(s): David Simon
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

The Title song is the starting of the album. Ramajogayya wrote as usual some Tenglish lyrics. DSP composed a good tune, probably he should have kept it as theme music instead of a song. When the tune got translated to the song, it lost the intensity due to lack of good lyrics and singing. David Simon had too many issues singing this song. He didn't have the good feel/depth that is very much needed for this song. The tune really has a good intensity Unfortunately, the song doesn't have. Simon sounded having pretty much lack of energy. On the top he didn't say few words there by lost the heat. He sounded like singing a pathos. Ramajogayya could have written even more powerful lyrics that matches the rigor of the song. A powerful tune wasted by lyricist and singer. Could have been a lot better. 

2. I Dont Know
Singer(s): Farhan Akhtar
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Farhan Akhtar is really a surprise element for this song. Not sure out of all the singers that are available DSP had to choose Farhan Akhtar. He is neither successful singer neither a popular singer. Not sure when Ramajogayya will stop writing these kind of not so notable lyrics. These kind of lyrics will never take him anywhere other than fetching him some money. Farhan sounds a lot like DSP. Its hard to believe that its Farhan sang the entire song. The style of singing is exactly same as DSP. Again the tune is youthful and peppy. DSP scores on the tune side, but looses again in this song on the other fronts of the song. The tune is entirely different and should go very well, except for the singing and lyrics. Farhan didnt show any difference other than sounding like DSP.

3. Vachaadayyo Saami
Singer(s): Kailash Kher,Divya Kumar
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

When a powerful character is defined by the writer, there has to be a song on the character saying how he can do lot of justice to people. They got to sing in praise of him. Not sure whether this song is for that kind of situation or not. Kailash Kher is noted to sing these type of songs. People are used already to his voice for these type of songs. The chorus accompanied nicely to the voice of Kailesh Kher. However Divya Kumar  was kind of turn off for this song. He kind of took the graph down after some one hearing the voice of Kailash Kher. His Telugu is not good either. Not sure why DSP roped in him in this song. Farmers and their dreams fulfilled by lead character. Something related to the situation in the movie. Yet another time DSP didn't fault on the tune, this time one singer could have been better. Good song, but leaves an incomplete feeling. RJS writes a situational lyric, but didnt add any depth of thoughts. So the lyrics doesnt bring in any factor, but never know, this song might get some recognition than expected. 

4. Ide Kalala Vunnadhe
Singer(s): Andrea Jeremiah
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

DSP I guess this time took routine route, and made this song effortlessly. Andrea renders the song as demanded so there are no surprises. RJS too took a routine route like everyone. This song probably in movie too will be used to give lead female some space which the trailer doesn't show any. A routine song.. 

5. O Vasumathi
Singer(s): Yazin Nizar,Rita
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Yazin Nizar who shot to fame with his song in Kumari 21F of DSP, gets a chance to sing this song. He does fine. He brings in what is required for the song without any issues. Rita who again is standard singer of DSP, too does fine. Earlier song was by female lead, this one by both, trying to get along together. DSP composes the tune that has rap in between which is nothing by Prasa kosam yasa by RJS. Overall a decent song with good rendition and catchy tune.

Pick(s) of the album: Vachadayyo Saami, O Vasumati, Bharat Ane Nenu ( probably )

DSP has been grabbing all grand projects and proving that there is no one on par with him when coming to deliver for major projects. There is a reason for that and he maintains that for most of the movies. He is always close to many directors that he understands the requirements of what the story tellers might want. Probably this is the success mantra of him. Directors like Sukumar who feel DSP is soul of him, when comes to music, probably their combination proves it. Koratala Siva and DSP have been successful in their combination until now and this one might not be as good as their earlier combinations when heard separately from movie, but for sure DSP/Koratala might be on same page meeting each others requirements. I have been telling for so long, that Telugu Film Music Industry needs good singers who can sing in Telugu very well. Many albums like these are clear indications of that requirement. And on top the music directors in the name of new sounding, are going behind some not so famous or really not required singers to make them sing the songs. This is totally unwarranted. Hope the movie makers make some good Telugu Sounding Songs, as this is Telugu Film Industry. Even Lyricists once in a while if they write some thoughtful songs in Telugu, some will take notice of them. Else its just run of mill.. 

PS: Lately due to being extremely busy and since I couldn't get the time that I need to write reviews, Missed many albums after my last review ( Jai Simha ). I hope I will catch up with those as I get time. Appreciate all of your continuous support for this blog. Your support keeps my passion up and running. :) 

Jai Simha Audio Review

Movie:              Jai Simha ( జై సింహా )
Producer(s):    C. Kalyan 
Cast:                 Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nayanthara, Natasha Doshi, Haripriya
Direction:         K.S.Ravikumar
Music:              Chirantan Bhatt

Balakrishna is on a roll completing films at a great pace. Even after completing 100 films his pace didnt come down. After GPSK, even though Paisa Vasool didnt collect any paisa, his make over was appreciated. Now he is back working with C Kalyan and Ravikumar for this move, which was started in August 2017 and will be ready to release for 2018 Pongal. Krish and Chirantan Bhat worked with Balakrishna for GPSK and now Chirantan Bhatt is working with NBK again with this movie. The audio of Balayya's movies depends mainly on the type of movie and the directors and always been catering to mass. However for the first time this has indicated that the music is going to be different. Lets see how different this album is. 

1. Ammakutti Ammakutti Andhamantha Ompake
Singer(s): Jaspreeth Jasz, Geetha Madhuri 
Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar

Not sure how Jaspreeth Jasz is getting so many chances to sing.. His voice sound different but not to be repeatedly hearing voice. Probably this is what is lately needed. Geetha Madhuri sounded different in this song, but still long way to go as she lacks consistency in the song. Probably the addons she got made her sound better and where she song alone sounded different. Some place she just drops down sounding odd. The words and tune go hand in hand targeted towards fans and mass. Many phrases used are totally typical for Balakrishna. This song can be called as template Balakrishna Song.  Aggipetti guggipetti aata lo dimpake, ekkupetti kanti choopu dinchake are typical phrases patented to him. Pure Balakrishna type song which is probably aimed at fans.

2. Anaganaga Anaganaga Andhala Lokam
Singer(s):  Vijay Yesudas 
Lyrics:  Srimani

This song stands out in the album. Vijay's rendering, Srimani's lyrics stand out. Its a quite contrary that these kind of melodies are offered to Balakrishna. This can be said as one of the finest package in recent times for Balakrishna. The Chorus and Vijay were in perfect sync in explaining probably the hero of the movie. The interludes are perfect, the rhythm, pace all are set perfectly and the mood is elevated by Vijay Yesudas with his close to perfect rendering. Srimani is maturing as lyric writer day by day. His thought process is too. This lyric is quite fantastic, says he is no more a timepass lyricists. He might threaten the leading lyricists and provide a healthy competition to them. Chirantan Bhat blends in chorus and Vijay very well, that the song gives a very good feeling when we hear that. The song is so simple yet powerful. A song that can be repeatedly heard, this is very rare these days. Where everyone related to song contribute perfectly. We see either singers messing up song or lyricist or music director. This song is not one of them, A rarity.. Keep it in a loop while hearing.

3. Jai Simha Theme Song
Singer(s): Vivek Hariharan, Noel Sean, Aditya Iyenger
Lyrics: Noel Sean

Theme song, trying to be powerful, but doesn't end up that way. They wanted probably an electrifying song, but ended up loud in terms of orchestration, chorus and singing. Narasimhudu Kadile ugrasimhudu,, indicates the furious balayya,, A short theme song probably threatening enemies to run away as the powerful Hero is coming.. Song for onscreen than offscreen.

Priyam Jagame Anandhamayam
Singer(s): Revanth, Ramya Behara
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Revanth and Ramya behara the names indicates that this song should be a good song as both can elevate the song. But they get a little contrast tune to what they can do comfortably. So they dont sound that great. Revanth's voice is changed a bit to fit the tune and Ramya is somewhere lost most of the song. Even when she sings, she doesnt sound herself. The tune is ok, but not that effective. The song title should have been different, not always the start of the song needs to be the title. The interlude again is in contrast the feel of the song. The pace is different too. Overall a song that gives a mixed reaction. RJS writes some routine love duet song. 

Yevevo Yevevo Cheppalanipisthundhi
Singer(s): Shreya Ghoshal, Revanth
Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar

Tuned in old hindi style is another surprise from Chirantan Bhatt.. Shreya Ghoshal inspite some pronunciation issues sounds very well as some parts are in Hindi. At some occasions her voices doesn't feel comfortable, yet impresses with her voice during hindi words. Revanth who come at a later stage in the song also perfectly gels into the song. For first song Obviously the choice is Bhaskarabhatla but he writing this song is good thing happened to him. He writes better lyrics than earlier song and fits the song very well. Chirantan takes listeners to yesteryear times and yet appears not so old but refreshing. This is why old time melodies still were able to sustain inspite of many years. Shreya could be same as open as she was singing Hindi as Telugu. Then this song would be much more better. Overall the mood, the setting and flavor is different that this can be enjoyed thoroughly.. Not the kind we get to listen for NBK so often. Chirantan should be commendable for making this song for NBK.

Pick(s) of the album: Anaganaga Anaganaga Andhala Lokam, Yevevo Yevevo Cheppalanipisthundhi, Priyam Jagame Anandhamayam ( to some extent )

This is an unexpected album for Balakrishna and his fans. Balayya is branded for mass songs and powerful songs, but not the soft melodies. This album is total flip from what Balayya's movies offer in the form of audio. Who ever is responsible for this change should be commendable. Chirantan Bhat offers a refreshingly different album and scores well with it.