Bahubali Audio Review

Movie: Bahubali ( బాహుబలి )

Producer: Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni (Arka Media)
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Ramya Krishna 
Direction: SS Rajamouli
Music: MM Keeravani

Boasted as the costliest movie that India has ever produced, after many years of gap, SS Rajamouli is coming with this magnum opus "Baahubali" which will be in two parts. The hype for this movie has reached sky, that was never seen before for any movie till date. A multilingual movie which will create records just for getting released in sheer number of theatrical releases this movie will have. Also the cost of movie is anywhere between 125 crores Indian Rupees to latest told by director which is 250 crores for both parts of the movie. We are hearing different numbers for cost, but director himself declared its 250 crores so have to believe him. There by with that number, making the costliest movie ever produced. SS Rajamouli has got Prabhas committed to this movie a top hero not having a release for two years is a huge risk mainly when he is in prime of his career. The story and Rajamouli's brand would have made Prabhas committed for this movie. 

The cast and technicians are huge for this movie. Most fantastic names in the field coming together is like a fascination coming true for any movie lover. When this kind of team comes together with the graphics team that is again best. no one will expect anything lesser than wonder. This is the sheer reason for the expectations going high for the movie. The marketing strategy using social media also worked wonders for the team so far. However on the flip side, able to meet this expectation is going to be huge uphill task tor the taskmaster like SS Rajamouli. He has so far lived to the expectations. 

However the film has been getting criticized for all the work so far done by netizens as they could find a original source. Even in Audio Satyaraj took the avatar video of trailer as example to set the expectations that for now its hollywood to tollywood, but in future it would be other way round. 

The cast is again best possible fit for the movie. Prabhas, Rana, Tamannah, Anushka, Ramyakrishna, Satyaraj, Nazar, and many more make this a treat to watch just for the cast. However whether the cast can sustain the expectations is a question that will be answered as the movie gets released.

Music for the movie composed by MM Keeravani. This type of epic movie will need huge support from Music department. Rajamouli and Keeravani are good team. They understand each other very well, so there will not be any issue with that. However the challenge is to not only meet the grandeur of the movie, but also should meet the nativity of different languages. This will be a huge task for the movie. Some songs if they didn't recompose, will be an issue in the other languages. This will be interesting to see how they have met this challenge. Keeravani has set of lyric writers whom he will go with and set of singers whom he will not deviate from. This exactly happened to this movie too.. For Magadheera, the songs werent so good compared to movie, but once the movie was hit, the songs caught up with movie and became hit. Need to see whether the same happens for this movie too or the movie and music will get independent success without depending upon each other. There are 8 songs with Dheevara getting an English version, so technically its 7 songs. I expected more songs or clips for this kind of magnanimous movie, but the team might have had different plans.

Lets see how did audio fare for this movie.

1. Mamatala Talli

Singer(s): Satya Yamini

Lyrics: K. Siva Sakti Dutta

Keeravani's father wrote the lyrics of this song. Paalkadali is something probably written keeping Tamil release in mind. In Telugu it should be Paala Kadali in Tamil it becomes PaalKadal. As I said before the lyrics and tunes have to meet multilingual releases. The song takes from a slow pace to high voltage keeping pace constant. Then the voltage switches back and forth. The tune is not new or fresh. The instrumentation makes this song different. By breaking Mamatala talli and then odi baahubali, the meaning didn't get conveyed. Not sure what was the reason for this break. Odi baahubali doesnt make sense. Guess this song is when the baby born named bahubali. This kind of powerful songs should get right breaks for the meanings, but the tune and lyrics were out of sync so failed to get the emotion right. The saving grace is instruments and this added by picturization will be at peak. But individually the song fails to strike the right chord.

2. Jeevanadi

Singer(s): Geeta Madhuri

Lyrics: Inaganti Sundar

If this song is as the credit says by Geeta Madhuri, then she did well. Her voice normally doesn't appeal but at this voice modulation, she sounded lot better. It is very hard to believe that it is her voice though. Short length song is situational so again depends on Rajamouli. Songwise no issues and singing wise singer did well enough.

3. Dheevara

Singer(s): Ramya Behara, Deepu

Lyrics: Ramajogiah Sastry, K Siva Sakti Datta

Ramajogiah sastry and Siva Datta worked together to make this song. Keeravani's trust for Ramya always works. She is just fantastic. Somehow Deepu voice was not grand enough for this song. The chorus with Siva datta's words were just treat for listeners. I am sure Rajamouli would have done just fantastic picturization to which which his cult fans will go gaga over this song. Mainly during the chorus part. Except for Deepu for no reason became weak link in this song, this song is instant hit. This song just for the Dheevara part will be hit for sure.

4. Sivuni Aana

Singer(s): MM Keeravani, Mounima

Lyrics: Inaganti Sundar

The percussion arrangements has been good so far in this album. This song starts with Siva tandava Stotram not sure the song is not related though to the rest of the song. Inaganti Sundar wrote the situational song. Keeravani composed the tune very well to carry the right emotion of the song. But his singing is completely off. His high pitch was shriek, his voice didn't have enough depth, not enough clarity in pronunciation, his voice didn't suit the song at all. Not sure why he chose to sing this song. He has unintentionally ruined the song I believe since he might not have found the right singer to sing this song, he chose to sing himself. Why he didn't try SPB not sure. SPB would have elevated this song to next level. This song is for sure is a good song, but would have been a lot lot better song for sheer power of siva tandava strotram, tune, beats everything is better except for Keeravani. So bad..

5. Pacha Bottesi

Singer(s): karthik, Damini

Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

A pretty routine song.  వేయి జన్మాల tune has messed up adding extra deergam which is not required. Tune is also not refreshing. Damini when she started singing, the words were not clear. పిల్ల గాడా  నీతో has become "పిల్ల  గాడానితొ". Need more hearings to understand the words. Not sure when they make such a grand film they miss some minute details in lyrics or singing by singers. And with Keeravani at the helm. May be they got tired with correcting singers. Ananth Sriram as usual did justice to his name/brand. I thought Keeravani rehashed few tunes is the very reason for not getting a fresh feel. This song reminds me of the song that was not very hit before Magadheera album later on went on to become hit regarding the fate of the song. This might become hit later on who knows.

6. Manohari

Singer(s): Mohana Bhogaraju, Revanth

Lyrics: Chaitanya Prasad

This sing appears to be made for Tamilians. The tune has Tamil nativity. The song appears to be made so that music director's job is easy. Revanth did very good job. His voice sounds so better. Compared to the other songs, this song has more energy and vigor. Revanth carried right expressions in this song very beautifully. Mohana did just fine. Listening to Veena after a long time. I get fantastic feel when I hear this instrument which is almost getting lost with modern music directors who live on electronic sounds and instruments.

7. Nippule Swasaga

Singer(s): MM keeravani

Lyrics: Inaganti Sundar

Inaganti Sundar is lucky to get major pie in lyrics department in SSRM family movie. Is this song prelude of the war? I guess so. Then its a perfect fit for the situation. The words are good, singing by chorus is good, the beats have the intensity, tune has the feel of the situation, given the war situation then this song will just elevate the scenes so well that this is what Keeravani is know for and is expected to do. What keeravani has sung could have been a different bit song by itself. And this song could have started from Maahishmati.. This would have been perfect. Once again Keeravani's voice was feeble. This kind of songs need heavy voice with great depth. Anyways movie will cover it up.

8. Dheevara ( English Version )

Singer(s): Ramya Behara, Aditya

Lyrics: Noel Sean, Aditya

I guess this song is made to meet international audience. After listening to the first version of the song. This song doesn't appeal as much as the initial version. If heard for the first time, this song will appeal. For who heard the first one already, they can skip this version, but Dheevara portion of this song makes one to hear this song as well.

Pick(s) of the album: Dheevara, Manohari, Nippule Swasaga.

Knowing the background of the movie, the story, the expectations are set for this album. People will not be ready to accept if this is not grand. This album some how makes one feel that it lacks that magnanimity feel. This album will have more variety of moods, situations so getting a song fit into this kind of movie is very difficult and at the same meeting unknown expectations is also very tough task. The album is ordinary when there is a comparison to the cost of movie, other wise its just fine. The background music for this movie will have to be right,whether songs are fine or not is something required for normal movies which will drag audience to movie because of songs. However this kind of movie already reached audience. Music only set the expectations probably more, so with this album, they will not have such problems/ Having said that songs will not meet the expectations just for lacking grand feeling might not be a problem for the movie as such. Cant imagine any current music directors who can do justice to this movie other than Keeravani. The song for the baby born to bahubali could have been more powerful, then Sivuni Aana if not for keeravani would have been better. 3 songs are pretty normal. Which leaves 3 out of 8 songs and of which one is English version. So going by number 2 out of 8 is not what audience will want. Statistics apart. this movie is all set for Telugu movie goer to be proud for having such huge film become reality. All the best for the team for having spent innumerous sleepless nights to get something the team dreamt to make their fascination to reality.

Lion Audio Review

Movie: Lion ( లయన్ )
Producer: Rudrapati Ramana Rao
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Trisha Krishnan, Radhika Apte 
Direction: SatyaDev
Music: Manisharma

After roaring success with "Legend", Nandamuri Balakrishna is coming with "Lion" that is slated to be released in May 2015. He is using the same title in English though. Simha seems to be proven lucky to Balakrishna. Need to see whether it makes any difference if it is in English. This film is produced by Rudrapati Ramana Rao under SLV cinema banner. Nandamuri Balakrishna, Trisha, Radhika Apte are in the lead roles. The Movie is directed by debutante Satyadev. Music is handled by Mani Sharma.

The trailers shows yet another action movie from Balakrishna with heavy dialogs aimed at masses. "కొంతమంది కొడితే స్కానింగ్ లో కనపడుతుంది, కొంతమంది కొడితే xray లో కనపడుతుంది, నేను కొడితే హిస్టరీ లో కనపడుతుంది." , "నేను చెయ్యి చాచినప్పుడే షేక్ హ్యాండ్ ఇవ్వాలి చనువిచ్చా అని చంక ఎక్కితే చుట్టాలు చూడటానికి skeleton కూడా ఉండదు" and many more. These kind of dialogs will make his fans go crazy for sure and set the expectations. 

Manisharma who is limited to BGM only these days is providing music for this movie. He scored great BGM for Temper and SVSC. He made many to think why he is not getting chances than the mediocre music we hear these days. The Mass Melody Brahma has always been a perfect fit for Balakrishna Movies scoring roaring hits. The movie team should be appreciated for being confident on Manisharma and giving him another chance. He scored good music for his last movie "Basanti". However this didnt get noticed due to fate of the movie. Lets see if NBK, his fans got what they want from Manisharma the synonym for Mass Melody.

This album consists of 5 songs. Ramajogaiah and Bhaskarabhatla  has written two songs each and Sreemani wrote the other one. This proves that these songs will be out and out mass songs as the lyricists are known for that. The surprise in singers list comes as that Manisharma didn't use many of his standard singers, instead couple of new singers were given chance..

1. One and Only Lion

Singer(s): Rahul Sipligunj, Geeta Madhuri, Pranavi

Lyrics: Ramajogiah Sastry.

One male singer, two female singers. Nari Nari naduma murari in the song is a feast for Balakrishna fans. Two heroines with Lion(NBK) in between and a dance number what else can they ask for? Along with the Hero having confusion to whom he has to look and touch, the audience will have the same confusion regarding which side they have to take when two beauties call them. It will be double dhamaka. ( as per song ). Manisharma provided a template of the mass song from his earlier versions to be on safe side. The interludes appear as heard somewhere. Pranavi and Geeta Madhuri didnt sound right as a combo, even though they were good when heard individually. Rahul was perfect for the song providing right energy. This song is a safe start for Manisharma. Just to prove that he is not out of touch for mass songs.

2. Aakasam

Singer(s): Vijay Prakash, Pranavi, Srinivas Sharma

Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla Ravi Kumar.

Manisharma trademark song. The female singers sounded very well in the start of the song when they said Dol Baaje. Manisharma provided a beautiful song that he is known for. His instrumentation is good, the rhythm suited well. Vijay Prakash, Srinivas sharma sounded different at different times in the song, not that it is an issue, but consistent voice could have been better. Second interlude mixing khawali, hindustani was a good fit in the song. Bhaskarbhatla wrote a template song for this type of song nothing significant to note. Overall a feel good song. This will for sure click on the screen too, given NBK 's screen presence.

3. Pilla ( super )

Singer(s): Simha Sudhamayi

Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar

This song is perfect proof of what Manisharma is about. Perfect mass song. This song cannot get any better even though made from modification of yesteryear song. Sudhamayi sounded far better than Simha, who had to struggle at high pitches. But he provided the required energy in the song. Aptly singing in right places. He tried to sing like North Indian singer though. Bhaskarabhatla I guess has written this song within no time as it meets his skill set. Masses will embrace this song very well and of NBK provides his usual stuff, sky is limit.

4. Aisa Ambani Pilla

Singer(s): Sweekar Agasthi, Uma Neha

Lyrics: Sreemani

Yet another Manisharma trademark mass song that moves everyone and make them enjoy. Even though the song is not a refreshing tune, with the auto tuners and electronic sounds that have become songs, this song will be refreshing in that front as being different. Violin is a favorite instrument for many music directors including Manisharma. Sreemani is latest song writer, so he uses router/wi-fi in the song. The tune that accompanies "Aisa" is cool to listen. 

5. Anaganaga

Singer(s):Madhu Balakrishnan

Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

This song stands tall in term of composition, lyrics and singing in this album. This song is what is Manisharma about. A perfect melody with mass elements. Ramajogaiah after a long time writes a song with minimal foreign to Telugu words (except for chorus). This song is about Krishna, obviously the Bala Krishna. Jai Jai krishna Govinda Hare, Radhe priya gopala hare. is fantastic trademark of Manisharma. He reminds the song from Okkade, though there is no relation to these songs. Just the composer piece. Second interlude sound a little different, not sure what was the problem. Madhu Balakrishnan if we can ignore couple of places did fantastic in this song. This song is instant winner. Not sure how this will be picturized in the movie, but I am sure its going to be a feast for fans. Atleast music lovers will have fun until then.

Pick(s) of the album: Anaganaga, Aisa Ambani Pilla, Pilla(super). 

The rest of the two songs are for Manisharma and NBK fans.

This movie misses couple of powerful songs, or ferocious songs, Goes slow and provides perfect feast for masses. One melody and rest being mass songs, perfect fit for Balakrishna and his fans. Manisharma with every album he gets proves he is not supposed to be forgotten. An out and out mass album with a melody, fans cannot ask more. Manisharma kept his trademark songs intact and provided what exactly is required for the movie. He rocks in BGM anyways, so he has done his part for this movie. Now the rest depends upon the movie director and NBK to see where the movie goes. Getting this type of music itself is hard now a days, other wise music lovers will demand more from Manisharma. Since he himself is getting chances very rare, this would be more than enough for his fans until his next movie comes. They can hear to this album again and again, no issues with that.

OK Bangaram Audio Review

Movie: OK Bangaram (ఓకే బంగారం )
Production: Mani Ratnam ( Madras Talkies )
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Nitya Menen 
Direction: Mani Ratnam 
Music: A. R. Rahman 
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

O Kadhal Kanmani in Tamil has become OK Bangaram in Telugu which is a romantic comedy. Maniratnam after making Kadal ( Kadali ) which was a failure at box office is coming up with this movie that casts Mammooty's son Dulquer Salmaan and Nitya Menen. This movie lead pair was finalized after rejections from many other actors/actress. Finally these two got set as the lead pair. As usual Manirathnam cannot get music done other than AR Rahman, after departing from Ilayaraja. Rahman did provide music for Kadali, but got lost in Telugu due to lyrics got messed up big time and the failure of the movie added up. This movie started only in October last year, but was shot within less time frame. Even Rahman had to compose a song within less time frame to enable shooting of the song. 

After debacle of Kadali, Maniratnam this time gave lyrics of the entire movie to Sirivennela garu. In Tamil Vairamuttu wrote the entire lyrics except for one song which was written by ARR and Maniratnam himself. With ARR, Maniratnam and Sirivennela garu, the expectations on this album were so high that fans cannot accept anything less than super treat. Total 9 songs with one Islamic song

1. "Raara Aatagaada"  

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

Singer(s): Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam, Darshana, Shashaa Tirupati

Rahman agrees that Song sound takes priority in his music than the words. Sometimes words go for toss with the tunes. As the sound is the one that immediately catches attention. This song has that signature written all over it. Typical Rahmanish tune which strikes the right chord with the audience. Adding Maniratnam's feast this song should rock. Rahman gives a great peppy, energetic song. Perfect song for today's youth. Probably becomes most sung song in coming days. Vechi Unnara gets repeated and is just perfect. In contrast to it the rap gels with Vechi Unnara very well.

 

2. "Aye Amayika"  

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

Singer(s): Karthik

Without Karthik there cannot be an album from ARR. This song once again proves the power of Karthik singing such songs.  The lyrics are again fantastic. "Nee mounam kooda naa pere ande" "Tittamma Tiya teeyaga" Only Sirivennela gaaru can write such words. A predictable pattern from ARR in this song, but there are places where he takes this song to different level. A fantastic melody from ARR. Sirivennela garu rocks again in this album. He is asset to the album. We cant ask anything more than this.

3. "Maayedho Cheyyava"  

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastri

Singer(s): Karthik, Shashaa Tirupati

Its not ChChaeyyava or Chayyavaa, Its Cheyyava.. Anyways ARR covers that up with a different pattern which is all together different and sounds good. The rhythm is entirely fresh, Shashaa should have been better. Karthik as usual rocks. Rahman does entirely different tune adding lot of freshness to the song. Just like that whispered all the way sounds really cool. Karthk sings less in the song but overall completely refreshing tune from ARR.

4. "Mental Madhilo (Male)"  

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

Singer(s): K. Krishna Chaitanya, Jonita Gandhi

Last movie of Maniratnam was kadali where the lyrics were awfully bad and was not expected from the likes of Maniratnam. Guess Maniratnam might have realized the mistake and look at the lyrics of this song and what difference it can make to the song. This song sounds lot better than even Tamil version. Hats off to Sirivennela garu for such a lovely lryics for lively song. Mental madilo, gantala sadito, tuntari layalo OK ani chelaregali.. Emi chelaregaru saru,, really hatsoff.. Repoddu, maapoddu, ee poddu, naa poddu, em kaadu le choodu chaalleddu kangaaru,  veyyella sankellu veyyala bandhaalu, manakela aa poru OK naa bangaaru ( matching title of movie), for a tune already made, what else can be written matching the story of the movie and the tune. Krishna Chaitanya did a fantastic job ofcourse in the tune some accent was artificially made which is not a big deal with the things that the song gives us. Youth will perfectly embrace this song and will remain on the charts for the rest of the year. ARR's pattern in making of the song is predictable, but the lyrics makes the difference. BTW is it LaiLa or Lai Le? 

 

5. "Yedho Adaganaa"  

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

Singer(s): Shashaa Tirupati, Sathya Prakash

Being global what ARR can bring to the table, this song is perfect example. He mixes various styles and brings us a fantastic cock-tail. Not deviating from classical but yet carefully adds different colors to bring a rainbow which is a treat to us. In Telugu few places the lyrics and tune dont correlate, but since that lasts very few seconds, wont be noticed much. For example, first time adagana is broke into pieces where singer couldnt keep the flavor of the word. But ARR covers every small issues with his brilliant instrumentation. The male singer was perfect. The female voice was as usual unique the trademark of ARR. He finds voices that suits his tune so well that some times same singers wont sound well outside. Another great treat from ARR for the variety he provided in this song. 

 

6. "Neetho Alaa"  

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

Singer(s): Karthik, Darshana, Maria Roe Vincent

Rahman has been inspiration for such songs that starts like this, but not everyone is ARR. Thats the difference. ARR proves his class with this song. An anthemic song which is composed fantastically. What a variety, what kind of mix, this is really a great composition from ARR. This could set the mood of the movie. When lyrics are added to this song by Sirivennela garu, the song becomes top class. Techno classical mix that stands tall in recent ARR compositions.

 

7. "Mental Madhilo (Female)"  

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

Singer(s): Darshana

Darshana is with ARR from Guru days, where she sang few songs in Hindi, which were super hit. Her famous songs were "Mayya Mayya" from Guru, Vaaji Vaaji from Shivaji,  "Pappu Cant Dance Saala" from "Jaane Tu Ya Naa Jaane". She was lively, energetic supported by ARR with instruments. Its a tough contest for listeners to figure out which is better of male/female versions. Both are out of bounds and perfect ARR brand song. Darshana did sing so easy and casually that even tough places in song sounds so normal. "Mental Madi" is perfect synonym for Mind. Its always active and mental for sure. 

8. "Manase Theeyaga" 

Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

Singer(s): K. S. Chithra, Dr. Narayan

I was not expecting an album from ARR without SPB or Chitra atleast. This song gave me a great excitement when it started as a classical song with classical notes in between. Sirivennela gari words are just mind blowing, not just fantastic. ARR the best user of flute gets once again best of it. Chitra madam's exceptional singing is a fantastic treat to listen with combination of beautiful words weaved with magical tune of ARR. Cannot say more and more of this song. Only to listen. Its been a long long long time that these type of songs were heard. ARR just took us a decade back when he used to give such songs. That ARR who got die hard fans and now seems that he is retrospecting. Mani and ARR are magic. 

9. "Moula ya salli wa sallim"  

Traditional

Singer(s): A. R. Ameen

Islamic song, sung by Ameen, who is son of ARR. He is just awesome. Not sure which path he will take when he turns adult. ARR uses the existing song which means Muhammad is the prince of the world. The original is modified little bit here and there to sound lot better and in Ameen's voice this song sounds so touching and naive. This song has so many versions sung by different singers. Not sure what could be the occasion in the movie. But introducing this song it can be proved that devotion and music has no barriers as long as it touches the heart. 

Pick(s) of the album: Entire album

ARR fans have a complaint in recent times that he is lost in UK and lost his touch to compose for Indian songs. However with this album he re-assures that is not lost, he is coming back and on the way to Chennai. He didn't forget Kandukondein Kandukondein times. This album sees a little bit of old ARR, a little bit of new ARR, a little bit of Global ARR. But still he remains the ARR that everyone loves. Maniratnam realizing his mistake with Kadali took care the lyrics department with Sirivennela garu. Sirivennela garu did just fantastic that his fans will go gaga over it. This trio rocks and hope they work togather again and again to provide such treat. Wish Madras Talkies all the best for this movie.

RudramaDevi Audio Review

Movie: Rudrama Devi ( రుద్రమ దేవి )

Director:  Guna Sekhar

Producer(s): Guna Sekhar

Cast: Anushka, Krishnam Raju, Nithya Menon, Allu Arjun,Rana Daggubati, Prakashraj, Others
Music: Ilayaraja

Gunasekhar known for his passion for recreating magic with sets be it okkadu or Arjun, creating movies like choodalani undi or sogasu chooda tarama, comes up with first Stereo 3D movie of India called "Rudrama Devi". He says the reason for making this movie is the passion of the story of Rani Rudrama Devi which everyone in Andhra Pradesh reads about. The passion made him spend 60-70 crores to make this film and add best technicians to this movie in music, lyrics editing, photgraphy, art and other departments. He is also casting Krishnam Raju, Rana, Allu arjun and many more actors in this movie along with Anushka.

A historic movie always needs much grandeur and Gunasekhar is said to have not compromised at all for the movie. He took long enough time to make this movie and worked innumerous hours to see the product thru, He completely dedicated along with his family for this movie just to see his passion come through the screen and make it to theaters. Finally he sees light and releases audio on two days 3 songs at Visakhapatnam and 3 songs in Warangal where Rani Rudrama Devi ruled. The audio release function was made as public function and the support he got from crowd would have made sure that he will get enough support with the movie from Public. For sure there is lot of sentiment for Rudrama Devi and if the movie is well made to reach viewers then all the hardwork Gunasekhar has put it will get what it is due.

Ilayaraja who completed 1000 movie mark, lately with Shamitabh showed why he is considered as GOD of Music. His fans will take 1000 more movies if he can give. With such a grand movie, none other than Ilayaraja can do justice to the back ground score. This kind of historical movies need support from music department a lot to carry right emotions. And Gunasekhar did right thing to rope him in. That would be one less worry for him. Then he did other best thing is to add Sirivennela garu as single card lyricists. And currently no one can do better justice other than Sirivennela garu. Having said that all Gunasekhar has to do if all have a choice is to pick right singers. However this shows Kailash Kher, Sadhana Sargam, Shreya Ghoshal, Baba Sehgal. Last devotional movie of Ilayaraja, SriramaRajyam, singers have messed the songs big time. Hope these singers do some justice to the songs.  Total six songs, out of which one bit song, two duets, one item song and the rest is situation based. Lets see how songs fared. 

1. Mathagajame
Singer(s): S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Kailash Kher, Chitra, Chorus
Lyrics: Seetharama Sastri

What a grandeur to start this album with this song. Ilayaraja after SriramaRajyam got another movie to show his grandness. Then comes the weakest link, Kailash kher who makes us feel to stop the song right there. However the chorus saves for a minute until SPB enters. This song is better to hear without Kailash Kher. If there is a way to replace his voice with another singer, I prefer to do that. His voice fades out in front of SPB. His voice is like a mouse in front of an elephant. Not sure why he was chosen of million singers out there?  Without Chitra and SPB this song would have been waste. Chorus has tamil flavor in interlude. I was guessing this song should have some historic flavor, but Ilayaraja chose a different route which was just fantastic. Sirivennela garu wrote lyrics matching the tune but felt at some places the lyrics didn't match the tune. Like  "Jyothalanaga", "Eka sila", "Saati Leni" and others. But this song has grandeur both in terms of tune and lyrics. Sirivennela garu seems like did lot of research before writing this song. Lot of facts written as one liners. This song leaves a mixed feeling singers wise, but for lyrics and tune can be heard without a doubt.

2. Auna Neevena
Singer: Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam
Lyrics: Seetarama Sastry

A beautiful melody that is as per Ilayaraja's trademark. The only lucky thing is Hariharan. Sadhana was not her usual. Sadhana Sargam is preferred singer of Ilayaraja for her sweetness in the voice, but this song didn't work better, due to "alien to Telugu" sounding accent of Sadhana at places. Ilayaraja's violins are complete magic, no matter how many songs we hear, no matter how many times we hear, they put us in trans with that smooth flow. Janma ayyano, did not sound right. If I were Gunasekhar, would got this song recorded back with Chitra or even Chinmayi. The reason is that this song sounds great, so just getting over ambitious to preserve such songs and not to loose repeated hearing like his old songs. This song just because of Sadhana Sargam doesnt have long life.

3. Choosukovo Teesukovo
Singer(s): Baba Sehgal, Chitra
Lyrics: Seetarama Sastry'

An item song within all limits. Sirivennela proves how an item songs can be written without writing the words directly. Ilayaraja shows his magic with perfect rhythm and his famous chorus in between with different strange words. This song might sound out dated for the latest listeners, but this song cannot be any better. Chitra proves how can she sing any type of songs changing the way she sings normally and fits perfectly to the tee. Sirivennela by saying "guppetlone guttu pattukovoyi", says everything. Baba Sehgal limited to saying few words in between is perfect as he doesn't bring in any new issues. A nice cute little song that one can enjoy.

4. Song: Punnami Puvvai
Singer: Shreya Ghoshal
Lyrics: Seetarama Sastry

Shreya Ghoshal singing was dull and energy less. Inspite of singing for more than decade in Telugu, she doesn't sound right in Telugu. Cant even say words like "Hrudayam", "bhandanalu" "Viharistunna" properly. Shreya was a wrong choice for this fantastic song. Chitram Madam would have taken this song to the place where it belongs to. Shreya was feeble, nervous, cautious and on top of that she has numerous issues with pronunciation. Ilayaraja in past got good support from singers, but not any more. Even if he is giving few best tunes, singers are wasting it. Given Sriramarajyam movie too, this was the huge issue that those songs didn't have long life. Same thing with this album too. Sirivennela garu as usual rocks for this otherwise great song wasted by Shreya Ghoshal. 

5. Allakallolamai
Singer: S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
Lyrics: Seetarama Sastry

We would have heard many of these type songs, but listening to this song now again, we will know the greatness of Ilayaraja, SPB and Sirivennela garu and clearly understand what we are missing in Telugu songs lately. If I can say in one word, regarding what we are missing, I would say "Everything". Just couple of minutes is enough to make us feel a world of these legends. They again and again prove how lucky we are to be able to listen to these greats. Sirivennela garu the way he calls Rudaramadevi when things are worst is a treat to listen.

6. Anthahpuramlo
Singer: Chitra, Sadhana Sargam, Chinmayi, Chorus
Lyrics: Seetarama Sastry

Chitra and Chinmayi, along with Sadhana Sargam, I guess this song belongs to the poster that was released with three heroines. Ilayaraja proves again and again he is the king of melod, inspite of 1000 odd films he still can give music that has no bounds. Sadhna Sargam sounds odd in these three singers as her accent is clearly audible which doesn't go with the flow of the song. It will be difficult to figure out who is best Sirivennela or Ilayaraja. Who beats who. Whatever the context, the winner is audience to get this song. Gunasekhar might have planned a visual treat on screen for audience. Singers are irrelevant in this song. Not sure how sirivennela garu get those words. So fantastic. Just has to listen to enjoy.

Pick(s) of the album: Allakallolamai, Choosukovo, Antahpuramlo, Avuna Neevena

Once again Ilayaraja provides a treat to music lovers and his fans. However the singers if have done better would have best album in recent times, with all songs hit. However couple of songs stand below par just because of bad choice of singers. Once again it proves that there are no quality singers available in the industry to sing Telugu Songs. Gunasekhar did his best to rope in Ilayaraja to this album and he got more than what he want. Also BGM King is getting support from London Philharmonic orchestra for the background score for the movie. This is a great news for music lovers, which will tell us how grand the BGM is going to be. Hope Gunasekhar keeps the story in tact and doesn't deviate to appeal audience, yet still makes this movie watchable to get grand success he is waiting for. All the best for "Guna's Teamworks"