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.