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" 

Jil Audio Review

Movie: Jil ( జిల్ )
Director:  Radha Krishna

Producer(s): Vamsi Krishna Reddy and Pramod Uppalapati (UV Creations)

Cast: Gopichand, Rashi Khanna, Posani Krishna Murali, Srinivas Avasarala and others

Music: Ghibran

Gopichand the villain turned hero is continuing his streak at box office. After his last success movie loukhyam, he is trying to break his path by coming with a different movie name. Most of his movies title ended with "am" but this one comes by a surprise. Going with a debutante director is also another surprise. UV Creations have produced some successful movies earlier. This will be their third movie after "Mirchi" and "Run Raja Run", both movies being successful movies. They also distributed few movies, so not very new to movie industry. The might have found something in Gopichand to get into a movie with him. Gopichand is known for action movies, this title suggest something else. The guess is that this movie could be a romantic-action entertainer.

Gopichand is looking entirely different in trailers and teasers, so this movie has sure set some expectations. Ghibran is a surprise name in this album. The reason might be the success of Run Raja Run and the producers being the same. Ghibran who debuted in Tamil industry in 2011 after composing many jingles in many languages. He comes in with a high profile background in music with a graduation in London Trinity College, and in Singapore. When he debuted in Tamil, he got many awards and accolades. He is also working for Kamalhasan for Uttama Villain and Viswaroopam 2. That itself tells about his talent.

Looking at the play list, obviously there are 5 songs with interesting song titles. Two songs repeating the same word three times. Definitely not Gopichand's type of songs. They suggest complete dance numbers, which Gopichand hasnt done great in that area. Lyricists atleast there is RJS who is fit for these type of songs and Srimani is becoming another clone of RJS writing similar multi lingual lyrics to appease movie makers. Srijo and Krishna kanth are lesser known names in this lot. However the most concerning fact is that there is not even a single Telugu name in this play list. Which is very unfortunate and something the movie industry should think of. Composing is a different cup of tea, not many music directors in Telugu are out there, but singers definitely are. In such case, all these music talent shows will be waste of time. Some one should make a serious note on this, whatever reason this is happening should be fixed.

Now lets see how Ghibran scored in this album.

1. Man on Fire

Singer(s): Yazin Nizar, Bianca Gomes

Lyrics: Srimani

Man of Fire, sure Gopichand is the man on Fire at box office. Riskullo nuvvunte nee rescue veede, Bang Bang. Vegam lo second ni datenta speedunna vaade, Bang Bang I think this type of songs it will be very difficult to get the words from singers. In explaining the hero, Srimani wrong something which I guess hardly anyone can hear, few words like siren sounds like Sirunni.. Anyways these are singing issues. Gopichand gets one of the best electrifying song of his career thru Ghibran. Somewhere in between I thought there is a similarity to Bond theme, which might suggest something of the movie. Ghibran is straight to the point in this song saying how the album is going to be. Yazin tried his best, but a tough song to sing, so he tried that's all he did. Bianca Gomes was ok. Ghibran is Bang on..

2. Jil Jil Jil

Singer(s): Yazin Nizar, Shalmali Kholgade

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

The start of the song proves how appealing traditional music will be, how touching and pleasant it will be to heart and ears. A nice guitar starts the song and then it hands over to violins, to set the stage to a higher plane, but there after is not consistent being not related to the start. Causing a probable disappointment to the listeners. Yazin Nizar sings somehow doesn't match, his accent could be the cause of the problem and female singer also does the same. Some times it appears to be sarcastic. If this is intentional change over between the song, to change the gear, then should be justified in the movie. If not then then there is a problem. Singers could have done a little better with the singing, else this song could have been perfect from Ghibran. A stylish song with lots of variations, which shows the potential of the music maker. RJS did his usual best.

3. Swing Swing Swing

Singer(s): Blaaze, Sangita Santosham

Lyrics: Srijo

This song should be an instant winner. Ghibran grabbed the right nerves of the pub goers and dance floors. This song is perfect for them. Complete techno song with electrifying music. Youth will embrace this song like never before. DJ's will have to get used to playing this song for a long time. However the energy is not consistent throughout but that will do. Sugaree Jaharee is a good phrase used in the movie. Not sure how Gopichand will make justice to the song. The trailer doesnt show much for viewers to shake their feet. But the song will do for sure.

4. Emaindee Vela

Singer(s): Clinton Cerejo and Sharanya Gopinath

Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

Another youth targeted song. Singers had their own issues singing this song. Ghibran provided another electrifying song. The chorus in interlude is just awesome to hear. The merits of the song goes to Ghibran but all the issues goes to singers if for any reason this song is not liked. This song is made the way is completely new to Telugu Listeners. But global listeners will feel, how come these type of songs heard in Telugu. A new trend for sure. Not sure whether this change is good or bad, but people who like this genre of songs will embrace. Others might not like it.

5. Pori Masala Pori

Singer(s): Nivin Bedford, Sharanya Gopinath

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Started in high pitch, this song then gets the beats that are too energetic. Again singers got confused what to sing as this has different flavors so they have issues. Nivin's voice is different and unclear at times. Complete different genre song made by Ghibran. He proved that where ever one goes around in the world, when the beats are Indian, the kick of the song is entirely different. (Pori Masala Pori ). Once again not sure how this song suits Gopichand. Gopichand should have a great surprise planned for all of us for sure. 

Pick(s) of the album: Man on Fire, Swing Swing, Emaindi ee vela. Jil Jil for the classical piece.

Gopichand surprised us for sure with this album that came completely out of the blue. This album consists of a new genre songs, that will be embraced with a sect of listeners who will go crazy on this songs. Not sure if this album appeals everyone. Completely energetic, electrifying, techno based album. Dont know what will Gopichand and RadhaKrishna did with this album in the movie. Ghibran was right bang on with this album to show case his talent and say that he is here to stay long. Its refreshing to see a new talent in the industry which is bored to listen sub standard repeated songs and songs that make listeners to go to google and search what is the original of it. Hope it adds to the movie. 

This album however pokes Telugu Film industry with two questions

1. How to bring good quality singers to Industry.

2. How to make sure that those will be from Telugu. 

S/O Satyamurthy Audio review

Movie: S/O Satyamurthy ( సన్ అఫ్ సత్యమూర్తి  )

Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Director:  Trivikram Srinivas

Producer(s): D. V. V. Danayya and S. Radha Krishna on Haarika & Haasine Creations 

Cast: Allu Arjun, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sneha, Adah Sharma, Nithya Menen Upendra and Rajendra Prasad

Trivikram Srinivas Delivered industry hit Attarintiki Daaredi with Pawan Kalyan. After that he is pairing up with Julayi "Allu Arjun' again. The expectations are so high on this movie that it is rumored that this movie made pre-release business of around 56 crores. Samantha after Attarintiki Daredi, got a chance to work with Trivikram again and need to see whether her lucky charm works for the success of this movie too. DSP came back to Allu Arju after missing Racegurram, where Arjun went to other music director. Trivikram and DSP combination always was successful in terms of music and this will be tested again for the similar result. 

This movie casts lot of actors/actresses Allu Arjun, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sneha, Adah Sharma, Nithya Menen Upendra and Rajendra Prasad, Brahmananda, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Rao Ramesh and many more. This sets stage for a perfect family drama which has become a default expectation from Trivikram, a clean family entertainer with his trade mark dialogs and good music containing telugu traditional values. Hope this movie continues with the same trend. 

Stylish Star Allu Arjun has come a long way in his career from "Gongothri" days. He took time for his journey but now has his own mark. Surprised to see that he is already 15 movie old in industry. His movies are always musical hits except one or two, and his association with DSP has been fruitful. Some songs stood very tall and remained as best in their combo. They rarely disappointed with their combination and with Trivikram added to the list, hope the album will be a treat.

A special mention for MS Narayana, who completed shooting for this movie before his unfortunate demise. Seems like there was a dilemma for the movie unit regarding what to do with the scenes. However it is glad that they retained the scenes and Sivareddy dubbed for MS. It will be heartening to see MS on the screen.

The album lists 7 songs, singers are pretty standard of DSP. Lyrics are shared between Sirivennela, RJS, DSP and Srimani. DSP has been writing occasionally He has got the nack of writing catchy lyrics, adding youthful words to it. However in this movie, he wrote 3 of 7 and rest shared between the other lyricists. As the name suggests for lyrics, the songs will be known for what type they are, the mood, the content based on the lyricist name attached to it. The item song is written by DSP.

Lets review the songs...

1. Chal Chalo Chalo

Lyrics:  Ramajogayya Sastry

Singer(s): Raghu Dixit, Suraj Santosh, Rita

Typical Trivikram philosophy before start of the song and the usual RJS starts with the multi lingual lyrics adding some philosophy of the life. DSP adds energetic tune with high current voltage. The beats are good the melody in interludes is there again a standard DSP's trade mark. The Song sounds DSP all the way, he let others sing instead of himself, which is good. The singers did their job, the instruments did their job. RJS also added quite sensible lyrics even though in different languages. The second interlude picks up a little pace, but the pattern is pretty much same after that.

2. One & Two & Three

Singer(s): Sooraj Santhosh

Lyrics: DSP

Another peppy energetic, familiar song in the name of One two and three. Sooraj and DSP provided electrifying song. Sooraj didnt have to be sircastic singing this song. He could have sung it normally. A short song that lasted less than three minutes. This time DSP's turn to throw some philosophy on to us. I guess its all Trivikram's effect. DSP seems to have a backup for himself, if he doesnt have offers in terms of music department, he can shift to lyrics department as he did better than many of the professional writers out there. The song seems to be a dance floor song made for Arjun.

3.  Seethakaalam

Singer: Yazin Nizar

Lyrics: Srimani

DSP's trademark song with melody touch. Youth targeted song. Yazin Nizar is another name in the singers list. Did what he is supposed to do. Srimani got a powerful song in Trivikram's earlier movie, but this one is just a routine song. He writes something defining alphabets in his own terms for this song. A soft smooth song, supported well by Yazin. There is not additional hungama in this song, the rap is also simple. Shades of bommarillu song is there somewhere in between. I guess when these days the entire songs are repeated many times, having a shade is fine. A fine song that grows on..

4. Super Machi

Singer(s): DSP, Shravana Bhargavi; Saakhi: Magini Manimaran

Lyrics: DSP

The start of the song appears to be sweeping the floor sounds(though it does sound different), as shown in the audio release. An old lady with Tamil words by Magini Mairaman sounds very well. Then comes the non-stop singing for couple of minutes before the catchy phrase "Super Machi" starts. This song is pretty much appealing and DSP's words within limit for this song, adds right dimension to it. This song brings back the Item song famous DSP. Some rehashed words in between doesn't matter. Highlight of the song is non-stop singing and DSP's lyrics. Even though he sings this song, he doesn't sound odd. As usual he adds all kinds of energy with instruments. Seems like a definite on screen hit is on cards. How Arjun, Trivikram created the song on screen has to be seen. This song is going to be on charts for sure.

5. Come to the Party

Singer(s): Vijay Prakash

Lyrics: Sirivennela Seetharama Shastry

The title of the song and Seetharama sastry garu doesnt match. I thought some thing happened that the name and song got changed. Aryabhattu garu kanipettina "Zero" - this line will go wild on internet. non-Mega fans will like this song a lot. Seems to be a sarcastic song or a teasing song. DSP just gave another routing song. This song proves the versatility of Sirirvennela garu. He makes merry in the song. Vijay Prakash was energetic and expressive for otherwise a routine song.

6. Jaaruko

Singer(s): Sagar, MM Manasi

Lyrics: Srimani

Sagar gets a song to sing in DSP's album. Not sure why he doesnt get chances else where? He is fine than many of the singers out there. May be he is fit for only few songs that suit the style of DSP. Manasi and Sagar are fine and no issues in their singing, this song is not bad though, but somehow doesn't grow instantly. May be will take some time or might be enjoyed on the screen. "Selfie" term is latest buzz word so Srimani uses in this song. Selfish ki Selfie nuvvu, movie might explain what it is.

7. Vacchadu

Singer(s): Javed Ali

Lyrics: DSP

Seems like hero elevation song. Javed Ali singing ensures he has issues so that we can identify that he has sung this song. DSP does this song in a different way modifying a old song. However this song is an instant winner for fans, just because of the way this is made. DSP again excels in lyrics than making the song. Javed didn't have to an extra stress on Vachadu. Other than that this song should be fine. Movie oriented song, fans might enjoy this song more as Trivikram might use the song for elevating Arjun.

Pick(s) of the album: Super Machi, Chal Chalo Chalo, Seethakalam, Vachadu

Allu Arjun and DSP combination works as DSP once again providing what Allu Arjun needs. However even though this album has everything the wow factor is missing. There are couple of songs that DSP provided but since the expectations will be great on this combination, it will be extremely difficult to meet the challenge. On the other hand, Trivikram's album will have one or two songs with good lines of lyrics, that is also missing here, however his impact is clearly seen in the lyrics as they are fine. Over all a decent album that will get elevated if movie gets success.