Balupu (Telugu) - Audio Review

Movie:      Balupu (2013)
Music:      SS Thaman

Director:   Gopichand Malineni
Producer:  Prasad Vara Potluri
Cast:          Raviteja, Shruti Haasan, Anjali

Mass Maharaja Raviteja is low at box office these days, Known as minimum guarantee hero, he is missing that guarantee. He is trying hard to restore his success which is due for long time now and everyone along with him is hoping that he will achieve success with this movie "Balupu". He teamed up with producer Prasad Vara Potluri  under PVP Cinemas banner and directed by Gopichand Malineni and female leads as Sruti haasan and Anjali to get this "Balupu" out of him. Music department owned by SS Thaman which doesnt come as surprise as Thaman with this trendy, youthful music is attracting everyone. Any with Raviteja who expects couple of mass tunes, seems like there is no option for the makers.

One song less than the traditional number of songs of 6, Bhaskarbhatla took the lead writing the songs, supported by Sirivennela and Ananth Sriram. Singers are pretty much the team with whom Thaman keeps working with. Raviteja was made to say couple of dialogs and croon a tune.

Lets see how "Balupu" songs did.

1. Kajalu Chellivaa[3:54]
Artist(s): Ravi Teja, S.S.Thaman
Lyricist: Bhaskar Bhatla

Thaman opens up the album with his trademark song. The beats, tune and singing style everything is exactly same. The only difference is Raviteja added his voice to this song along with Thaman. Bhaskarabhatla to rhyme with Kathi, made the name of Katrina Kaif as Kathirina. Rajamouli with Thaman singing and tune has made him rajamalli. When music director and singer are the same, and these issues exist, we cant help ourselves. The energy exists in the form of beats and Raviteja. The sound levels in the second stanza are low, but doesnt effect the song much. Guti Billa, golikaya kaadedi song ki anarham.

2. Yaevaindho[4:03]
Artist(s): S P Balasubramaniam, Geetha Madhuri
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastri

After greekuveerudu another song with SPB. But somehow this song doesnt appear very pleasant to hear. SPB voice surprising not good when he said "Atu itu tirugutu emayyindo elaa". Something is missing in SPB when he sang this song. His energy levels were low and strained at few places, the beat that accompanied his voice made it worse I guess. Sirivennela's trademark is all there. I really wonder how can he be so consistent in the quality which never degrades. Where is Geetha Madhuri in this song? May be she was the one who was humming at the end. Thaman did his best, but somehow this song doesnt leave a good feeling.

3. Lucky Lucky Rai[3:52]
Artist(s): Naveen Madhav, M.M.Manasi
Lyricist: Bhaskar Bhatla

 

Again Thaman comes up with his standard beats and singing style. He has consistent style of making singers sing. If they sing a line, in starting the voices start with their normal pitch, that gets elevated halfway thru to new pitch and then he adds his effect to the high pitch voice and ends there. His beats are common and he doesnt change most of them as he cannot create new ones. With this pattern every song appears as same. Not sure how can he avoid that feeling for listeners that he sounds the same whenever he does mass song or energy based songs. And in between the songs arent refreshing they remind one or other tune. But lately people are getting more into the name of trendy, youthful music and feel Thaman is best at it. This song is perfect example of the above. Bhaskar Bhatla is Telugu version of Ramajogayya sastry who not as multilingual as the later.

4. Padipoyaanila[3:07]
Artist(s): Suchith Suresan, Megha
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram

Ananth Sriram garu, chedipovadamenti saru, No female will say I am spoiled. Choopu ki Praasa kosam ammayi chedipoyaanilaa analsindenaa? padipoyaanila is breaked into "padipo" with a space then "yaanila". Thaman could have tuned it to sound one word. Then Suchith Suresan was hiding when he was singing, He should have opened up while singing so that he can be heard. Megha did a decent job. The tune that is repeated is catchy and the rest of the song goes fine.

5. Pathikella Sundhari[4:00]
Artist(s): Mika Singh, Ranina
Lyricist: Bhaskar Bhatla

Typical song of Thaman for Mass Raja, Ranina and Mika Singh who are regular singers lately. This song is debated whether its inspiration of one or two Hindi songs. Any insipiration/copy should be unintentional :-). Mika Singh in total in 2013 sang 5 songs (wikipidea) out of which 2 are in Telugu, 2 Hindi and one Marathi. This shows how these singers are making merry in Telugu because of our fascination towards these singers. What we different we get with these singers only the film industry biggies should tell us. Regarding the song nothing much to say.

6. Hello Boys And Girlsu[0:57]
Artist(s): Ravi Teja
Lyricist: Bhaskar Bhatla

The start of the Kajal chelliva was made as separate track I believe. Raviteja's style of dialogs written and sung. Mass raja fans will have fun with this track.

Songs for Raviteja's movies generally are beat and mass oriented. Thaman within his capabilities and rigid pattern, met the expectations of the movie, Raviteja and his fans. Though he is still long way to impress the critics, and change his pattern to impress general audience ( This doesnt matter these days). He is exactly doing what needs to be on top and cater the movie makers needs, there by becoming successful movie music maker. There ends the matter.

Mallela theeramlo Sirimalle puvvu - Audio Review

Movie:      Mallelatheeramlo Sirimallepuvvu (2013)
Music:      Pavan Kumar

Director:   Rama Raju

Producer:  Uma Devi
Cast:          Kranthi Chand, Sri Divya

 

Touted as bold romantic cinema, yet another movie with Malle poovu as title brings curiosity in movie enthusastics. The title is different as is the movie. With SVSC, another sirimalle in title to attract viewers. All new names attached to this movie atleast for me and its my ignorance. The music in trailers generated interest in the movie and music.

 

This album has 10 songs out of which 5 are theme/instrumental. That shows that this album has completely movie situational based songs/music.

1. Matakandani[4:50]
Artist(s): Nithya Santhoshini
Lyricist: Uma Maheswar Rao

Nithya Santoshini a very well known singer starts the album with a slow melody. There is so much clarity in the music makes instantly listenable. Nithya Santoshini steals the limelight, good clarity in words, ఇంద్రధనసు was said so perfectly, which is missing lately. The violin accompanies the female singer so nicely this is one of the decent melodies recently heard. Lyrics are just perfect. Uma maheswara Rao will definetely make a good mark with this movie. Such a nice romantic song, the feel is good makes a feel good song.

2. Nee Needana[3:09]
Artist(s): Pranavi
Lyricist: Uma Maheswar Rao

Song starts with a nice humming accompanied by chorus and veena. Its been a while that we heard this instrument in songs. Another complete female singer song. Seems like the songs are made with a particular theme. Veena brings very good feel. Once again lyrics pretty much suits the mood of the song. Pranavi did a decent job with bringing in right feel and emotions.


3. Alaa Chandamaamanai[1:56]
Artist(s): Karunya
Lyricist: Uma Maheswar Rao

 

Hearing Karunya after a gap. His did complete justice to song and lyrics. His voice is as usual melodious. Unfortunate that this talent is getting wasted with not much chances. Paadi Roju laalini words didnt go well as it was heard paadi (paadi pantalu- cattle related) instead of paata paadatam (singing). It should have been   రోజు లాలి పాడనా instead of పాడి రోజు లాలినే .  I think lyricist was more particular about Praasa as the next line is ends with జాలినే. Anyways all nice and sweet things are always short in life. This song too. Leaves a good feeling and disappoints for being less than 2 minutes. Our fascination towards Moon is once again clear. As the song ends, we get lost in our imagination. This song has one of the decent endings of the songs compared to what we hear lately.

4. Mabbulu Kurise[5:57]
Artist(s): Kranthi
Lyricist: Uma Maheswar Rao

This song is another well made melody. However Kranthi could have been better when she says "santosham" and "samayam" in the pallavi. The interlude is so melodious that this song again will leave us immersed in the song. The songs hops up and down with the lyrics bringing a nice effect. The rhythm reminds of a old song, but it ends there. The hero is lyrics and Kranthi should have elevated the song but she just does her job. Longest song of the movie album. But doesnt feel that it is so long. The song mentions Mallela teeram is visible, which has to do with the movie. I guess this song comes as bits in the movie, thats why this might be such long.

5. Pilla Galula Pallakilo[3:10]
Artist(s): Lipsika
Lyricist: Uma Maheswar Rao

Lipsika Bhashyam from Paadutaa teeyaga, has gone miles ahead in terms of singing. Though she sang a dozen of songs so far, Poola Rangadu gave a bigger share and she is slowly getting there in terms of overall share of female singers. However her voice is still hasnt become commercial which has added to this song. Her voice is still pure, unaltered brings good feel for this song. She does justice to this song. Earlier song has veena, this has flute with simple rhythm. A perfect Telugu song and tune. Uma Maheswara Rao is a perfect fit to be a single card lyricist for this movie. So far he has done perfect job for a romantic movie. His words are simple yet touching.

6. Title (Theme)[2:27]Artist(s): Instrumental
Not just the hero, Who doesnt like Malle poovulu? We all do. This movie team has provided melodious mallepoolu ( swachamaina peratilo poosina malle poolu ) interms of songs and kudos to the team.

7. Antharmukham (Theme)[2:08]Artist(s): Pranavi

నేను ఏ అందమైన మనిషిని కలిసినా నాకు తోడుగా ఒక పాట  ఉంటుంది. కాని తనని చూసినప్పుడు ప్రపంచమే పాటగా అనిపించింది. This sets the mood of the song. The humming continues with this feel.  This dialog and theme tells us that a sensuous movie is in the making. Pranavi is good.

8. Advaitham (Theme)[2:36]Artist(s): Sri Soumya

నువ్వు కావాలనే కోరికలో నన్ను నేను కొల్పొయాను. వెనక్కి తిరిగి చూస్తె నేను లేను, అదే అద్వైతం అయితే ఆ స్తితి నీలో పొందాను. So beautifully written. hats off to the team for bringing such heart touching dialogs and as usual well thought and made. The theme then continues with the same feeling. Visuals should be fantastic for this music.

9. Matakandani (Theme)[2:08]Artist(s): Instrumental

పాట జీవితం కాక పోవచ్చు, కాని పాడటం జీవితం లో చిన్న సంతోషం. ఆ చిన్న సంతోషాన్ని గౌరవించిన మనిషికి ఏమి ఇవ్వాలో అర్థం కాలేదు నాకు నన్ను తప్ప.  This theme is for the song that was sung by Nityasantoshini.

10. Mallelatheeram (Theme)[3:17]Artist(s): Instrumental

లోకం స్వేచ్చ గురించి మాట్లాడుతుంది కాని ఇవ్వదు. తను గీసిన గీత లోనే బ్రతకమంటుంది.  మనిషి అంతే. స్వేచ్చ గురించి వాదిస్తాడు కాని గౌరవిన్చడు. కాని నచ్చిన వ్యక్తి కి నిర్ణయించుకునే హక్కు ఇవ్వటం కన్నా గొప్ప స్వేచ్చ లేదని నమ్ముతాను. The referene to Rama/Sita is inevitable for any pair in any story. The dialog was said perfectly. After a long time a movie is made with some theme music which is equivalent to number of songs and dominate the songs. They should elevate the visuals to new heights if actors support the music. Given the way the album is made it just re-iterates the fact that this is going to be visual treat as well.

 

Pick(s) of the album: Entire Album for Melody, theme based music lovers, who wish to listen to pure Telugu songs..

 

This music certainly impresses the movie lovers as it is well made for the movie. This music displays the mood, theme, emotions rightly for the movie. The lyrics are perfectly written. Singers do good justice to the song. Surprisingly it is all female singers except for one song by karunya who sings a lullaby probably for female lead. So subtle and gentle the songs doesnt strain the ears, few of them touches the heart. The theme music and the dialogs are well thought, said, sung and made. As said many times, any romantic movie should be rightly assisted by music to elevate the scenes and this perfectly does it. The songs and theme music totals to 36 minutes which is almost 1/3 of the movie leaves a good feeling towards the movie. It now depends upon the actors, story teller to reach this music to audience.

 

Om 3D - Audio Review

Movie:        OM - 3D (Telugu - 2013)
Producer:   Kalyanram
Direction:   Kalyanram
Cast:           Kalyanram, Kriti Karbanda,
Music:        K.Sai Karthik, Achu

 

KalyanRam started off his career with a bang in terms of Athanokkade, but ever since then he is struggling to make it huge, though on and off he is tasting minor successes. His passion towards movies never faded away. He is sincere in his attempts and his passion is unquestionable. However there are many factors that kept him away to make it huge. He made a mark in the industry just with his passion.

This movie is boasted as first action 3D film in India. It takes some guts to make such movie and spend so much money on himself in self direction. That shows his love towards movies. Kalyanram's movies werent such huge music hits in his film career although there were decent hits. Manisharma took the major pie from his movies, RP Patnaik, Chakri and Srikath Deva were other directors. This time two persons worked for this movie, K Sai Karthik and Achu, both are yet to make it big. K Sai Karthik recently launched "Paisa", Starring Nani, the movie of Krishna Vamsi.  This album consists of a promo song and a Theme music which reduces the number to four that are routine songs. Lyrics department looks fine. B Subbaraya Sarma Dont think he is the character artist.  Ramajoggayya means there will be a multilingual mass song. Singers are again pretty standard now a days. Baba Sehgal for sure is making a lot in Telugu now a days, not sure whether he gets that many chances in Hindi or not. Anyways lets see how the songs fare for the much interest generated movie.

1. Promo Song[2:40]
Artist(s): Baba Sehgal
Lyricist: B. Subbaraya Sharma

Song on Hero, has to be powerful. However since the lyrics are powerful, the voice and sound of the song should be powerful too. The song starts with a high energy tune, then Baba Sehgal tries to says words which doesnt mean anything for him, but for us it should make sense, unfortunately doesnt. Too much వ్యధ, రొద. His voice is not heard properly, the music overtook the singer and his lack of clarity makes it worse. All it is that we hear some music and with OM in between and ends with the same. Since its promo song, shouldnt matter for movie. Tune wise no issues, but some minute details like providing clarity to words and instruments would have made this song more listenable. 

2. Cheliya[3:27]
Artist(s): Achu, Ramya Nsk
Lyricist: Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry

Any song that has stamp of Sirivennela proves his versatality. Achu's stylish singing can be ignorable. In the sound oriented songs, the lyric is lost. Cant understand even a bit of what Sirivennela has written. Coming to the tune, for sure is catchy, interludes are nice though remind some other song. Again the song lacks clarity, the recording could have been better. This song is much better made. Except for the orchestration and some issues in Achu's singing, this song will work.

3. Right Now[2:59]
Artist(s): Baba Sehgal, Bindhu Mahima
Lyricist: Ramajogayya Sastry

RJS is back with his trademark multilingual lyric. Baba Sehgal singing his part of rap and other stuff. Suddenly beat changes in between, to make it more beat oriented. This song has variety in terms of mix and matching everything as Mama was ordered to do it. The tune, beat, rap and style are changed. Bindu Mahima twisted and turned the words didnt bring the right effect. She said right now, but after that many words are very hard to get. Baba Sehgal did better in this song, may be due to his trademark tune/singing. 

4. Holi Holi[3:30]
Artist(s): Ranjith, Priya Himesh
Lyricist: Kedarnath

This song is highy energetic. The beats and lyrics will bring in holi mood. Priya Himesh seemed to have less energy compared to Ranjith in second stanza, however it is covered by chorus and Ranjith. Highly addictive beats, extremely energetic chorus, electrifying interludes.  Kedarnath filled in some rhyming words. If rightly choreographed and performed the visuals of this song should be a treat. Not sure how Kalyanram will fare in this song.

5. Endukila[4:00]
Artist(s): Haricharan, Chinmayee
Lyricist: Balaji

Good to see Chinmayee in this movie. She is extremely talented and gifted. Her voice aptly suited this song. However like other songs, instruments were loud enough to over shadow the female singer. Haricharan in second stanza was not so pleasant to hear. A soft melody with a slower tempo would have been much better while keeping instruments simpler. But still this song is fine. Movie might add some value to this song.

6. OM Theme[2:22]
Artist(s): Sai Charan, Dinker
Lyricist: Sahithi
Why Lyricist is named as Sahithi for this song when all it contains is "అసతోమ జ్యోతిర్గమయ..." The theme music generally aid the visuals. Unless the visuals are seen, it is very difficult to say whether the theme music made an impact or not. The theme was done alright. Need to see how it fares on the screen.

Pick(s) of the album: Cheliya, Holi Holi, to some extent Endukilaa

Since this is a 3D movie, the focus will be on action and visuals, might not be on songs. However Sai Karthik and Achu need to do a good job for re-recording which is very critical for these kind of movies. Kalyanram got should have been happy with music's output as there were not much expectations. Though there is not much to say about the music which is extra ordinary or to make it big, two decent songs and couple of others might help the music over all. Kalyanram is going to create history when movie releases, Wish the team all the very best for the success of the movie and the hard work they have put in.

Iddarammayilato - Audio Review

Movie: Iddarammayilatho (Telugu - 2013)
Producer:    Bandla Ganesh

Direction:    Poori Jagannadh

Cast:            Allu Arjun, Amala Paul, Catherine Tresa

Music:          Devi Sri Prasad

Allu arjun's first movie in 2013 is Iddarammayalato, directed by Puri Jagannadh. Both worked togather in 2007 for Desamuduru. Allu Arjun had a decent run at box office with Trivikram Srinivas made Julayi, On contrast Puri is not having a decent run with his last two movies, Cameraman Ganga to Rambabu and Devudu chesina Manushulu bit the dust not being upto the mark movies. Then the movie producer Bandla Ganesh is currently the prime producer working with all Top heros and has a latest hit with Tarak. Obviously the expectations are very high on this movie and the release of this is planned to be with maximum screens. This movie seems like underwent many changes, first with Music Director, Chakri who is thought initially was replaced by DSP. Then Tapsee Pannu was signed as second lead, then replaced by Richa Gangopadhyay and finally Catherine Tresa was finalized as second lead.

DSP-Allu Arju combination was always special. DSP scored music for 1/3 of the movies of Allu Arju and all of them pretty much worked very well. However with changing trends in music and people need to see what this combination is upto. With Bandla Ganesh and Puri Jagannadh at commanding position, we are assured that they dont demand good music as Puri's movies never had consistently great music and with Ganesh's background, he doesnt either.

The total 5 songs ( 1 remix ) sounds good, if music is good, we dont have issues, as we can keep repeating listening to same songs. However if the music is not upto the mark, we have one less song to hear and get a relief. One surprise element in this album is Apache Indian. The Goan, who once was very much popular for his one man army music and rap is almost a forgotten name. For a change DSP brought in Apache for Baba Sehgal, our prayers were answered I guess, but Apache is cool surprise. Need to see what he did in this album. I dont remember he sang any Telugu song till now in his career, which is very surprise how when our Film Industry brought every other Bollywood singer, how come they spared Apache.

Anyway 5 short songs, lets quickly see how DSP/Arjun treated us.

01 - Ganapathi Bappa Moriya

Singer(s): Sooraj Jagan

Lyric(s): Bhaskarabhatla

Starting an album with Song on Ganapathi is always treated as a good sign, but it doesn't happen this time. "Nirvignam kurume deva" was strained and stretched to the core that it is totally a big turn off. Bungee jump was heard as Bajji jump. Sooraj had struggled to sing Telugu. The "Ha Ha" in the middle of the song was way way off. Lately without fusion or sneeking in western music into, no song is made. Seems like Hero's introduction song, as this has some tips on what do with obstacles such as mountain, sea and others, basically what is Ganapathy bappa moria is all about. Totally aimed at youth and fans. Success of this song depends upon them. 

02: Run Run

Singer(s): Apache Indian, Sharmila

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

If not Baba Sehgal, its Apache, there is no difference songs all sound the same. ఎదురైనా should be pronounced as ద its ఎడురైన. In english,both are written same. This means no one were present at recording. Anyways, what else can Apache sing? Seems like the rap in between is written by Sharmila. Not sure what is this fancy of making songs with these rap song which makes no meaning other than some thing to appeal youth. As rightly said, గజి బిజీ బుర్రలోన సుడోకు puzzle ఉంటాది. Of course this is the puzzle we get when we hear such songs. There are many ways this song can be done better without getting Ayaasam ( as sounded in between the song ). Running makes one get exhausted. Sure people will feel that they need to got to run to win womans heart instead of wasting time on this song.On other hand DSP tried out different to appeal youth and mass in the name of variety all depends on how fans/youth like this song.

03 - Shankara Bharanam Tho

Singer(s): Mano, Suchith Suresh, Ranina

Lyrics: DSP
As the movie backdrop tells, the introduction is done by foreigners, and the movie story says that this is picturized on Brahmanandam. DSP scores a routine song which is presented smoothly by Mano until, DSP let the dogs out  ( kind of music ). And then mixes and matches the song left and right between Mano and Suchith&Co. This song goes up and down as the song progresses.when DSP asks "Do you want some music", we would like to reply back saying why not DSP only if you only can provide some. :)
 

04 - Top Lesi Podi

Singer(s): Sagar, Geeta Madhuri

Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla
 

Ammayi manasulo abbayi dooresi kita kitale petteste, emaitaadi, manchi beat vastaadi, pichi paata vastaadi.. This is what the words of first line of the song. The chorus made is so different with their fake style and accent, again in the name of the youth. I hate when some one sings with fake accent. However as said in song the good beats didnt come, top lechi poledu, as end result pichi song aithe vachindi. The beats are same old DSP style, the tune is same old same old.

Then Bhaskarbhatla goes with all kinds of comparision all aimed at masses. Sagar is masked by chorus and Geeta Madhuri is different. Purely composed for Allu Arjun's dancing skills and masses, may be some corner for fans. If they enjoy this song makes the mark with them.

05 - Violin

Singer(s): David Simon, Anitha

Lyrics: Viswa, David Simon

  

Complete trade mark tune from DSP who is known for a signature tune in each movie. Glad that he didnt forget what he is capable of. Reminds Ilayaraja type tune. Having said that after the fantastic impressive violin bit rest is business is as usual.The extraa bit end of each "taa" in the name of youth is not very good to listen. Male singer lacks clarity to hear.

Vennello todu avutaa, Varsham lo Needa laaga unta, what kind of imagination it is? Will there be shadow in Rain? Does it mean there is no love existing? Prema anche choopista, means he is going to show the end of the love? Shouldnt the love be endless?  Adding some fancy words doesnt make a song. Not sure what these lyricists are about.

Keeping all these asides, this is a typical trademark song of DSP should be topping charts for a while. Depends upon the how the song goes in the movie.
 

06 - Run Run (Remix)

Singer(s): DSP, Apache Indian

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Apache did what he is famous for during the start of the song, his rap, but then DSP with his odd sounding singing messed up the song. It sounded like he is so reckless singing this song with saritical voice, single handedly messed up the song. The beats, chorus and the rap just didnt work at all as they were really running as high paced rap song. DSP should have taken enough care for this song. Totally wasted effort.

Pick(s) of the album: Violin Bit, Run Run ( not remix )

With changing times, music department in movie making has definetely taken back seat. The priorities of film has changed for sure. Most of the film making is targetted towards youth, fans who are major factors for movie collections. So to ensure commercial success of movie, ensuring they are satisfied is a must. These target audience dont understand what a song is all about some sensible lyrics with hidden meaning/message, excellent singing, melodies or fine tunes, good instumentation/orchestration, nice voices that can be heard repeatedly and so on. All they need is some beats they can tap their feet and some catchy phrases to croon. So the movie makers who dont have enough knowledge making movies are just focusing on the target audience to make money and move on. Lyricists are accompanying in this process dancing to the tunes of these movie makers. This is such a sad state the film industry is now. Truth is always bitter.

DSP and Allu Arjun provided the lowest quality album in their combination. They might have met the expectations of youth, fans and movie requirements, but they didnt meet what they are known for, They for sure disappoint the music lovers. The only advantage that DSP has is he is miles ahead compared to other music directors, but if he starts listening to non-value add producers and directors, he will easily catch up with the rest by coming down to their level which he needs to not let it happen.