Friday, December 29, 2017

Jai Simha Audio Review

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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


Thursday, December 14, 2017

Agnyaathavaasi Audio Review

Movie:              Agnyaathavaasi ( అజ్ఞాతవాసి )
Producer(s):    S. Radhakrishna
Cast:                 Pawan Kalyan, Keerthy Suresh, Anu Emmanuel, Aadhi Pinisetty and Boman Irani
Direction:         Trivikram Srinivas
Music:               Anirudh Ravichander


After Attarintiki Daaredi, Pawan and Trivikram are getting together again. Pawan who didnt have good success after AD, so fans are eagerly waiting for this combination again. On the other hand, Trivikram had success with A Aa with Nithin. This movie is casting two heroines Keerthy Suresh and Anu Emanuel, apart from other supporting artists. Pawan/Trivikram combination always worked so they cannot go wrong. Anirudh, who is known to Telugu Audience many ways, is first time entering Telugu Industry directly. There are 5 songs of which one is classical, one song written by Sirivennela garu and the rest by Srimani. 3 songs are sung by Anirudh himself and he surprised many as the songs got released.

Trivikram always had been successful with the audio in his movies, lets see whether he managed to maintain same or not.

Based on the changing trends of releasing songs, the review also will take its path. Will update the page as the rest of songs get released. It is said Pawan Kalyan will sing another song and release it on 31st December.


1. Dhaga Dhaga Mane
Singer(s): Anirudh Ravichander
Lyrics: Srimani


Power star movie should have a powerful message oriented title song or a lead song. So far most of his films have followed this trend. The album seems to start with that. Anirudh singing this powerful song himself and lyrics are by Srimani. He uses some powerful words to explain the character of the lead in the movie. Trivikram seems to be working with Srimani after Srimani's song in Attarintiki Daredi. This song goes in a continuous flow that sometimes the lines get sung without reasonable pause. This has caused some confusion with instruments getting louder. Anirudh's voice was contrast to the words or tune. He showed strain in saying words instead of flowing freely. This makes the song less appeal. The Tune was good, the power was there, but the mix of voice, words, tune didnt get well making it miss something. However it meets what is needed for Powerstar powerful song requirement. Could have been better.

2. Baitikochi Chuste
Singer(s): Anirudh Ravichander
Lyrics: Srimani


This song released more than just a month ago, got 7 million views tells the range of this song and power of the star. Anirudh composes this song so youthful that Powerstar cannot be youthful than this. Bayatiki vachi chooste 3 o clock was totally different start that no one would have thought this kind of song would be fit for Powerstar. It comes as pleasant surprise sounding so youthful. Need to see how Trivikram weaves his magic over this song. However 12B route is famous in Chennai, not sure how this is related to movie or Telugu states. The Vadapalani route is so famous for any bus goer in Chennai. The first stanza has mismatch in lyrics and tune/singing until "FM lo evaro paadite" There after its fine. Anirudh provides many surprises in this song, first singing by himself, on first hearing doesnt sound like it fits Pawan Kalyan, then the way the tune and lyrics goes are totally refreshing for Pawan. Next the guitar was so pleasant through out the song that this cannot get any better. Srimani uses some good phrases like " FM lo evvaro paadithe, Vollantha endhuko voogene". However there is some connectivity issues for the lines "Nuvvunna kitiki ye vaipo vethiki, WhatsApp chesthava, Mabbulni kadhipi mohamaata petti, Chandhrudni thesthaga" probably movie has to tell. Anirudh Singing in Telugu has its own issues, but doesnt matter for the tune he gave and was so refreshing to youth, that the fans who mostly are youth will embrace this song like never before.


3. Swagatham Krishna
Singer(s): Niranjana Ramanan
Original Lyrics: Oothukkadu Venkata SubbaIyer

Trivikram has a habit of bringing old popular/not so popular songs/kirtanas in his movies. I am sure there will not be any person who is familiar with Carnatic music who havent heard this rendered by KJ Yesudas. His version was so adorable, that people say Krishna will come running to him even though he is not allowed to enter any temple. His version has so much devotion to it. In AD, Trivikram uses MS Subbulakshmi sung version of a keertana, and here he uses similar song. He used the Swagatam Krishna for the teaser released recently. For sure it was a surprise. This kruti is so much lovable by music lovers and when they heard it was a pleasant surprise. Now coming to the rendition, Niranjana has gone perfectly to the core that she made no mistake as directed by Anirudh. She didnt loose the classical touch, yet met the requirement from Anirudh/Trivikram. She had the Tamil flavor of rendition but thats fine. Any given day music lovers will love any version of this song as long as it doesnt deviate from what they have been hearing. The flavor was intact so they will go all for it. The ending was cinematic which was intended.


4. Gaali Vaalugaa
Singer(s): Anirudh Ravichander
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry


This song was released on December 10th. The lyrics of this songs are just treat to listen. There are many phrases that Sirivennela garu writes that mesmerizes the listeners. Anirudh even if he would have read the lines this would have become a hit. Having said that Anirudh adds his own flavor to make this so youthful. Once again he injects a new fresh feel to the song that people will instantly embrace it. Even though the entire credit goes to Sirivennela garu for this fantastic lyrics, Anirudh too did his own job in a different way to appeal the fans/listeners. Any situation Sirivennela garu comes up with brilliant upamanalu, that it still puzzles many, how he can manage this that too not letting down his own standards, yet with so simple not so complicated words. Some try to write heavy lyrics, but cannot bring this effect that Sitaramasastry garu brings. This song will have more to talk on lyrics than singing and composing as Anirudh had some issues with few words like Nuvvilla, instead of Nuvvilaa and then extensions like Koraa, churaaa. Also he was not able to match the tune to the beauty of lyrics. He compensates with interludes by adding good interludes, nice accompanying guitar and beats that gel well. Overall yet another refreshing song from Anirudh, need to wait for more. Third song from Anirudh himself singing in this album.


5. AB Yevaro Nee Baby
Singer(s): Nakash Aziz, Arjun Chandy
Lyrics: Srimani

This movie has two female leads. This song is something related to both and the male lead as the song says "Oka vaipu cyanide, oka vaipu uri taadu" "Naari Naari Naduma muraari etu nee daari ". Then yevaro nee baby.. Srimani is projecting the leads as troubles obviously, then movie will decide what is about. Is AB the name of power star in the movie? The words in the song should make it interesting watch on the screen. The singing might have been more expressive and better. Dhaari for daari kind of mistakes could have been avoided when Trivikram is at help. This is some differently made song with all youthfully written words and sung by Naakash, Arjun. Probably more focus would have been made on singing then would have been better.

Pick(s) of the album: Gaali Vaalugaa, Bayatiki vachi, Swagatam krishna

First time when Anirudh's name popped up there were many questions, when DSP gave so much musical hit for Attarintiki Daredi, why Trivikram was deviating from DSP. When the first song came out, it was interesting and different and the second song nailed it. Even though Anirudh sang both songs, one for variety and the other for Sirivennela garu were instantly hits and liked by every one. However many had doubts that how Anirudh's voice will suit Pawan Kalyan. Then the teaser impressed everyone with the classical song, but also the refreshingly looking Pawan Kalyan that the fans embraced the album. Now that the album is out, it is refreshingly different, that Anirudh's made an impressive debut in Telugu Film industry. Getting such an opportunity to work with Power start/Trivikram Combo, happens only once in a while and Anirudh seems to have used it effectively. Trivikram/Pawan's combination never failed so far. hope this one will see the same result, given that audio met the expectations.

Hello Audio Review

Movie:              Hello ( హలో )
Producer(s):    Nagarjuna Akkineni
Cast:                 Akhil Akkineni, Kalyani Priyadarshan
Direction:         Vikram K Kumar
Music:               Anup Rubens

Akhil Akkhineni after making a disastrous debut with Nithin as producer and VV Vinayak as director, Nagarjuna took it as challenge to re-launch Akhil and the result is the movie called Hello. Nagarjuna this time gives the task to his close to heart movie maker Vikram Kumar, the maker of Manam.  Vikram Kumar takes this oppurtunity to debut the daughter of Priyaradarshan, Kalyani as casting her as female lead opposite to Akhil. The movie is said to be a romantic action thriller, the kids in the teaser and the action series of Akhil indicates the same. Anup Rubens who worked for Manam too once again joins hands with the Producer director team to re-create the magic. Akhil also lends his voice to a song with rest of the 5 songs  goes to different singers. Vanamali and Shreshta combination writes two songs. Chandrabose who got many awards for song in Manam writes the critical song in this album. Lets see whether Anup recreates the magic or not. 

1. Hello
Singer(s): Armaan Malik
Lyrics: Vanamali, Shreshta

Album starts with Title song, Hello for many things. There are two lyricists Vanamali and Shreshta.. Not sure what each of them wrote. Probably the lyrics are written by Vanamali and Shreshta the rap part. The start of the song is typical of Anup Rubens. Armaan Malik sings pretty decent, except for extending the words like enta, chota, jaada, chenta, . The interlude before the rap also is typical of Anup Rubens. The rap didn't gel very well with the song, also the ending also was not good.  This comes as an obstacle to the free flowing song with a good feel. Anyways thats what youth wants. The second interlude alaaps are good. Anup as usual provides a feel good song to end it abruptly. 

2. Anaganaga Oka Uru 
Singer(s): Sri Dhruthi
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Chandrabose after Manam, comes up with another song. Kids chorus singing song is an asset. The lead singer was ok, but chorus dominates very strong. Seems like the story in backdrop when the screen play goes. This song is longer than normal standard song length. The orchestration is strong to set the mood of the situations. However felt that Anup rehashed the second stanza. Once again Anup plays is feel good seems like this is the motto of the album. Kids to a commendable job. I liked the chorus better than other elements of the song. The piano ending was also good. Overall another feel good song by Anup, well sung by kids. 

3. Thalachi Thalachi
Singer(s): Haricharan
Lyrics: Vanamali

The starting of song is standard signature style of Anup, we can recognize that this is his song. Lately Haricharan hasn't impressed much the listeners, but this song he seems to be fine. Another nice feel good song in this album. Vanamali tries to elevate the scene with his lyrics. So far Anup's instruments selection and using them in right place has been good in this album. The interlude says so. This song has Anup's style written all over. whether its instruments, making singers sing, the tune, the interludes all say its Anup. Once again a song that has length more than standard 2 stanza song. Yet another feel good song.

4. Yevevo
Singer(s)s: Akhil Akkineni, Jonita Gandhi
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Akhil turns singer. He said he took 3 months to get this song right. Not sure whether this is required for him at this stage of his career. His singing should draw a mixed reaction from the listeners as it will take few hearings to get used to the song. He is for sure not a professional singer, but he did lot better than what one would expect out of him. He started off well but then looses track to comeback again to where he started. He was able to bring in the feel in this song and this is much better. One good thing is that he didn't take use of auto-tuner, Which is commendable. On the other side, Jonita who is a professional singer, sounds nothing much different to Akhil, so Akhil has nothing to worry about. Anup relies mostly on electronic instruments and piano. So the pattern is seems to be fixed, the motto is feel good and everything is fit into that format. This song again is pleasant to hear and impresses for various reasons. 

5. Anaganaga Oka Uru (Female Version)
Singer(s): Shreya Ghoshal
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Shreya Ghoshal never impresses me with her Telugu in-spite of singing so many years. She still has lot of issues singing the words. The kids are much better. Somehow this song too doesn't impress me. Given a professional singer she had to do lot better than kids, which she was not able to. The command over the words was missing, the expression was missing overall she misses to elevate the song to next level. She was not comfortable either. Chitra garu would have been so apt for this song, not sure why music directors fail to choose right singers, instead choose to down play their songs with wrong choices. The movie seems like the friendship started in the childhood turns to love as they grew. The teasers so some hints and the wordings too. The tune creates a great feeling, but words doesn't match the feel. This song is outclassed by the kids version. I prefer kids version than this version. Movie needs this song version, but we have a choice while listening. 


6. Merise Merise
Singer(s): Haricharan, Srinidhi Venkatesh, Shruthi Ranjani
Lyrics: Vanamali, Shreshta

Again its a combination lyricists. Two lyricists, three singers make this song. Backdrop of this song seems to be connected to some marriage. Didnt feel singers are comfortable singing this song. Haricharan too was not at this normal. The female singer is feeble. Not the singer comes once a while. ముళ్ళు  is different to ముల్లు . Anyways these are like picking non-existing issues of these days. Singers fail to impress with this song. Rest all fits to the format of the movie, so Anup keeps this song to fit into his format. This song might sound better on screen. 

Pick(s) of the album: Hello, Anaganaga oka ooru ( kids version ),  Talachi Talachi, Yevevo.

Anup has fixed that he needs to give a feel good album as he did for Manam. Nagarjuna and Vikram too might have demanded for the same. So the end result was a totally feel good album. Anup/Nagarjuna/Vikram kumar combination once again provided a feel good album after Manam. Hello is said to be a romantic action thriller, but the songs provide the romantic side of it. Which should be fine. Nagarjuna has taken utmost care in this movie and the songs prove that. Hope the rest of the departments too come out the same as audio.  

MCA Audio Review

Movie:              MCA ( మిడిల్ క్లాస్ అబ్బాయి )
Producer(s):    Raju, Shirish, Laxman
Cast:                 Nani, Sai Pallavi, Bhumika
Direction:         Sriram Venu
Music:              Devi Sri Prasad

Nani probably is the only Telugu Hero who is running on a high success note. Most of this recent films did very well at box office and also few of them are critically acclaimed. His latest project paired up with Dil Raju's team obviously has created a lot of buzz among the Telugu audience. Directed by Venu Sriram, this movie casts Bhoomika and Fida fame Sai Pallavi. Venu Sriram's earlier movie was with Sidharth, Oh my friend. After that he didnt have any movie, and Dil Raju producing a movie with him is something to note. This movie is slated to be released on 21st December, followed by Nagarjuna's Hello starring Akhil. So this movie has to be really good to sustain at box office. 

DSP was roped to compose music for this movie. This album consists of 5 songs. Srimani gets major pie writing 3 songs and the rest shared by Chandrabose and Balaji. Singers are standard from DSP's team, making no mistake, Sagar sings one song. Shravana Bhargavi gets to sing probably after a long break. Lets see how the songs are from DSP.

1. MCA 
Singer(s): Nakash Aziz
Lyrics: Chandrabose


The album starts with title song, Chandrabose starts the song with explanation of what Middle class abbayilu is about. Its a routine fare for DSP. Nakash Aziz's expressions could have been better at times. These kind of songs demands expressions, but Naakash just goes flat. Chandrabose brought in Middle class families issues rather than middle class abbayila issues. Few things what he wrote doesn't fit for abbayilu, its for families. As usual he was more on praasa. The song doesn't impress on first hearing, as DSP goes on template mode. Naakash doesn't provide any add on to the song. So probably this will be impress when seen on the screen or repeated hearings. 


2. KOTTHAGA KOTTHAGA 
Singer(s)s: Sagar & Priya Hemesh
Lyrics: Srimani


Sagar needs to get a song in DSP's albums. Seems like DSP again goes out in template mode, takes one out of his standard templates and provides variations to make this song. Kshanam oka nimisham, nimisham ganta is beaten phrase that Srimani uses. Interludes are better in this song. The song if a little bit slower tempo would have been more pleasant I guess. Somehow this song too doesnt impress on first hearing. Probably the already heard feeling might be the reason. Sagar and Priya did their job. Priya could have focused on pronunciation a little bit more.


3. FAMILY PARTY 
Singer(s): Jaspreet Jasz 
Lyrics:  Srimani


Its a family party song, also seems like out of DSP's standard routine fare of song. Srimani tries to provide situational lyrics which describes the scenes in the movie. Something to do with party at home in replacement of going outside and partying. Not sure whats the song about, but the words gets lost in singing and tune. Ille was sounding like Illai.. The beats create energy for sure. 


4. YEMAINDHO TELIYADU NAAKU
Singer(s)s: Karthik & Deepika V
Lyrics:  Srimani

Srimani like DSP tries to reuse standard phrases of expressing love. Peru paata, prati varsham chinuku, Deepika doesn't sound like a right combination to Karthik. DSP who tries to provide melody in his albums struggles to get the right one so far. The beats accompanying the song intermittently also doesn't suit well. It sounds alien to the song. Except for Karthik, there is nothing much to get from this song. Srimani writes routine song, so is DSP. Deepika was not fit for this song in combination with Karthik. So far its not upto DSP's standards of songs. All appear routine songs including lyrics.


5. YEVANDOI NANI GARU
Singer(s)s: Divya Kumar & Shravana Bhargavi 
Lyrics:  Balaji


Its been a while that Shravana Bhargavi sang in Telugu. Seems like another situational song. Once again played safe by DSP. Singers expressions also doesn't help the song, could have been better. Nothing much to say about this song. As seen in the teasers, Nani is also called as Nani in the movie. So this song goes on Nani obviously. However what is this song about should be seen on the screen. 

Pick(s) of the album: Not sure what to pick, nothing really impresses.

Seems like DSP played safe by providing template songs. Not sure whether the movie didn't demand different tunes or the situations in the movie didn't require different songs. Not the DSP who gives at-least 3 out of 5/6 good songs and rest as routine songs. Here he didn't do that even. Not sure whats the reason, normally he helps the movie with his songs, but probably first time, he needs help from the movie. These songs if movie is hit should get noticed. Hope DSP will be back next movie/year.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Mahanubhavudu Audio Review

Movie:              Mahanubhavudu (మహానుభావుడు)
Producer(s):     V. Vamsi Krishna Reddy
Cast:                Sharwanand, Mehreen Pirzada
Direction:         Maruthi Dasari
Music:              SS Thaman


Sharwanand is always clashing with biggies during the festival season. Last time he was colliding Chiru and Balayya, yet scored a hit. Now its among Mahesh babu and Tarak. And his fans hope this one to do the same. Maruthi after super success with Bhale Bhale magadivoi, did Baabu Bangaram and didnt meet the same result as Bhale Bhale magadivoi. Now he is coming up with combination of Sharwanand naming the movie Mahaanubhaavudu along with Mehreen Pirzada. He roped in Thaman for music which was surprising as lately Thaman is not seen much compared to what he used to be. Probably Thaman has to blame himself for that. However whether this would be a comeback for Thaman or whether he offered routine music, is what everyone interested to know. The initial songs that were released gave a pleasant surprise for sometime before web media went to explore further. But his fans were so happy to see the kind of songs from Thaman. Now since the album is released, lets see how they did. The comparisons with other big albums will be there among fans, but that will not really help any one. 


1. Rendu Kallu
Singer: Armaan Malik
Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

Starts with a nice melody, guitar beats accompanying the tune, but when the singer starts singing it appears it is heard somewhere. As usual Thaman doesnt keep us forgetting his style. Nannu Lagesaye, Oopiraapesaaye, the way he makes singers sing doesnt deviate from his standard template. His style of song making is to make sing in high pitch, stop the singing add instruments to it. So as long as he follows this pattern, the songs will be same. Meghana Meghana and words before and after are slow rap? The tune at times when saying this dominates the words. At one place the voice is not heard. Probably recording could have been done better. First interlude sounds better than the start and the rap. Rendu Kallu Rendu Kallu the way its said is not very pleasant. Krishna Kanth got "Rendu Kallu" and weaved song around that. Armaan Malik as usual got confused with lyrics and makes this song so so.. However this song can be heard for 2nd stanza inspite all these issues. Also I can say this is a decent start for the album. This song appears to be deliberately made a normal song, which otherwise would have been a better song. 

2. Mahaanubhavudu
Singer: Geetha Madhuri, MM Manasi
Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

When this song was released, people got pleasantly surprised looking at the name on this song that this was from Thaman. However immediately people found the source of the song that it was from a KV Mahadevan's composition.  Thaman's fans supported him, saying that he only got heavily inspired from the original source. Questions were, Did he copy, Answer was No, Did he Program it?? Answer was yes. Every song in the album label has a special mention as Programmed & arranged by Thaman S. This is what probably he did for this song. He got the base and then programmed it to different song. Excessive stress on each word to add "Ehhh" makes this song not very pleasant to hear. He also unnecessarily accompanies the singers with instruments at many places this doesn't go well. 

"Dont you wanna come and get me now" is for sure well done and well sung. Coming to singers, One has to understand the word "Mahaanubhaavudu" to sing it well or fit into the tune well. I dont think neither the singer nor music director did. Manasi and Geetha Madhuri combination worked well. Geetha Madhuri had few minor issues, but that gets suppressed by the interludes arranged by Thaman. Again Thaman lacks the skill of making an extraordinary song. He himself limits the song by inducing some small issues into the song. Else this song has every capability to be one of the decent composition from Thaman, even though its heavily inspired or copied. 

3. Kiss Me Baby
Singer(s): Thaman S, Manisha Eerabathini
Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

Thaman singing this song is very unfortunate. He is no professional singer by any means and he sounds so amaeturish in this song. He misses notes in few places. At some places its not singing its reading and added to his not so good voice. Not sure whether its intentional or not. Thaman doesnt forget the auto tuner to this song probably to coverup his mistakes. Manisha doesnt get enough footage, but her presence is felt. He brings in template rhythms, adds in different sounds to make this different. Manisha is Paaduta Teeyaga Product who was a finalist in USA version. Glad to see that she is getting oppurtunities to sing for movies. Even though she is limited in this song and her voice is not really heard. If not Thaman, this song might be heard once or twice. For now this can be easily ignored. 

4. My Love is Back
Singer: Rahul Nambiar
Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

Once again back to typical song making style of Thaman. This song is not so refreshing as others. Appears to be rehashed. Not sure why Thaman is comfortable making songs at this pitch. Not every song can work in that range. Even singers will never be comfortable. Probably thats why he uses AutoTuner. Krishna Kanth got 4 of 6 songs. However he doesnt make much impact. As none of the song stands out in lyrics. Probably this is what the best he can do for the tunes or situations provided to him. Rahul Nambiar as usual lacks the right saying words. The way "My love is back" is definitely heard somewhere. One routine song from Thaman. Not sure what is the back drop of the movie. Thaman at times took classical route along with his routine style of song making. He is good at making song sound stylish with all modern sounds brought into the song, and voices sounding alien to Telugu. Youth are getting caught to this and this style is appealing them. Probably this will catchup with Youth. 


5. Bhamalu Bhamalu
Singer: Nakash Aziz
Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla

Once again Bhaskarabhatla gets to write a song which he is made to be known as good at. The phrase, Pony tail vesukunna domalu, probably fits the situation. Nakash Aziz had the required energy to sing the song. One mass song, with added rhythms, patterns, rightly programmed and arranged by Thaman, this song should appeal on screen than off-screen. This song some how appears as other music director style of composing not typical style of Thaman. Not sure why. But it appeared better. 


6. Eppudainaa
Singer: Swetha Pandit
Lyrics: Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry

Sitarama sastry garu writing a song is anyday better to listen. Even for a routine commercial song, he makes his mark and difference to others. However Thaman has taken no care making this song, neither the singer. She was not comfortable at all singing this song. Her voice was not in comfort zone. This is where Thaman misses to either choose right singers or compose to the singers comfort level. What ever one adds to the song, if singer is not pleasantly heard, the song goes to drain. This shows the capacity of composer and the difference between one who understand the lyrics and who doesnt. Just adding a good tune doesnt help. Her voice is fragile which didnt suit the song. Thaman doesnt fail, in making this song but arranging the song is where he fails. Anyways lately not many understand these issues, so it will appear fine to them. There is no complain about this song other what is said before. Unnecessarily he adds additions to already feeble voice which messes up the overall feel of the song. Having said that Thaman composes this song very differently keeping aside his routine hat. He should be commended for that. 

Pick(s) of the album: Mahanubhaavudu, Eppudainaa

The last album which Thaman made an impact was Jabardast, where he stayed outside his routine stuff and provided different music. Its took so much time to comeback and offer such stuff again. Earlier it was Nandini Reddy who made the impact and probably its Maruthi's turn now. Whatever it is, he still has issues here and there, which needs to be fixed. Else he will have to fade in and fade out like what happened to him lately. Also a music director shouldn't wait for director to make an impact on him. Anyways this album is different to what Thaman usually offers and it should help the movie a lot. 

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Jai Lava Kusa Audio Review

Movie:             Jai Lava Kusa (జై  లవ  కుశ )
Producer(s):   Nandamuri KalyanRam
Cast:               N.T.Ramarao(Tarak), Raashi Khanna,Nivetha Thomas
Direction:     K. S. Ravindra
Music:             Devi Sri Prasad




After Janata Garage becoming phenomenal, Tarak tried to start few films with different directors, but eventually they all ended up paving way to this film by K.S.Ravidra ( Power fame ) and rest all went behind either being shelved or delayed. Kalyanram took Social Media route to announce the film and the initial teaser which marked some fantastic eye-expressions from Tarak became viral and raised expectations towards the movie to a different level. Then the teasers followed or the songs released didn't deter the initial feeling that movie created with fans and viewers. 

This movie is all set to be released on 21st September right when Dasara season starts. With Sypder around the corner, this has as much as the vacation to grab the viewers to the movie. All it needs is to meet the expectations that the teaser has set. DSP was roped to provide music. Tarak's earlier combination won many awards in the music department, singing and lyrics department. As usual fans expectation is that this movie will offer nothing below that. Chandrabose got major pie in this movie getting 3 of 4 songs and the remaining song went to Ramajogayya. Chandrabose is not see lately as much as he used to. So he should have given his full to write the lyrics. 

Lets see how the songs go.


1.Raavana
Singer: Divya Kumar
Lyrics: Chandrabose


Chandrabose after long time writes lyrics to a movie. He gets a major pie in the movie, which is surprising. As usual he invents words with hard to find meanings from the overall sentence or song. DSP and Divyakumar didn't take care of the words, as their focus was more on the rigorous tune and aggressive singing. Satruseshana (it should be Satru Saasanaa), Simhasana, Jai Jai Jai, Ramanagara pattanala, sakala janaakarshaka Chandhrabose should have some hidden meaning in many such words. Svairavihaara is one word. There is no Svaira vihaara. Thats words side. Now the tune, this is for sure agressive and electrifying. If one forgets about the words and what it means, This song is definitely foot tapping, catchy and instant appealing. One would keep saying Jai jai Jai. Satrusaasana is not said properly as the singer would have no idea what it means. 

2. Tring Tring
Singers: Jaspreet Jasz & Ranina Reddy
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry


Ramajogayya as usual writes casual no sense lyrics for a routine commercial songs. He is very good filler to tunes as he is multilingual and he gets his job done effortlessly. DSP comes with a routine template song for this situation in the movie. Probably sensible lyrics ended with Sitarama Sastry garu, who even for a casual commercial duet comes up with something to think about. Of course this generation got used to tune and since no one cares about the lyrics anymore, lyricists are making merry. Jaspreet Jasz's voice is somehow not appealing for Telugu songs. He sounds sometimes sarcastically different. Ranina Reddy does her part . Overall a routine song that needs help from movie.


3. Nee Kallalona
Singer: Hemachandra 
Lyrics: Chandrabose


Lately Hemachandra's singing is not up-to mark. Something happened to his voice over the period of years and he is at times not comfortable singing few lines. He is not himself. Not sure what happened to his singing otherwise a very good singer. Having said enough of the singer, this song should come into the typical quota of good songs DSP offers. Asura Asura bhaga bhaga, was rendered well by Hemachandra. The rhythm added a lot of weight to that. However later the way the same words are said is typical style of DSP where he adds nasal type style to the words. Initially Hemachandra disappoints but later on picks up well with the base voice and ends well. Could have done better.

4. Dochesta
Singer: Nakash Aziz
Lyrics: Chandrabose


Lava, Kusa, a movie title about these and a song about Ravana, suddenly we come hearing about Krishna. Even though it appears totally unrelated as per the title and songs so far, only movie should resolve the connection. mullu annitini Erestaa, this is not E  restaaa.. There is no gap between them. Rangula maatuna rangaalanni is something to note of Chandrabose. When its all about Dochestaa, and the character is assuring I will steal, why in the end everyone has to ask please steal is the question movie should answer if not Chandrabose. Chandrabose added cute Krishna, naughty krishna kind of phrases not sure why? Is it Venna Krishna or Enne Krishna?? Anyway another routine song from DSP. Nakash sounded more like Sagar and the singing style with extra feelings and expressions are typical of DSP. This songs seems an absolutely situational song with many questions that needs to be answered by the movie. This song has the rhythm, catchy words, will grow on repeated hearing. 

Pick(s) of the album: Raavana, Nee Kallalona

DSP came up with a safe venture for this movie. Not sure whats the movie genre is about and why only 4 songs in the album compared to standard 6 is something that movie should answer. With other movies around the corner one from Mahesh, there will be competition and this album will not be in competition to anyone as it played safe. Except for Ravana that will hit listeners instantly others have to grow on multiple hearings. Movie will have to help the songs not the other way round. Hope that will become reality. 


5. Swing Zara
Singer(s): Neha Basin, Devi Sri Prasad

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

After the jukebox is released Lahari, this song was released as a single but the jukebox is not updated. This is probably the latest trend that movie makers are following to keep the buzz around the movie until it hits the release date. This song has an additional attraction as Tamannah Bhatia performing dance to this song in the movie. There is a sentiment going around with the fans that the movie that Tamannah plays a guest appearance, the movie was successful at the box office. Keeping aside all these lets see how the song fared. Whether added value or didn't make any difference. This song is sung by Neha and DSP. Lyrics say that the song will be performed by the lead who is bad. DSP did good saying the stammering words. However matching Tarak would be tough, seems like Tarak mastered the stammering when the trailer was released. Normally when any person stammers, they wouldn't repeat the word again, they would continue. This was done perfectly by Tarak. This song is pretty much routine so called item song. But the difference is that it is situational as the words say. DSP and Neha did well with singing, and DSP did well with the song even though it appears routinel, he added enough variations in between to sound different. I guess they did save the best till the end. 


Saturday, September 9, 2017

SPYDER Audio Review

Movie:             Spyder (స్పైడర్ )
Producer(s):   N. V. Prasad,Tagore Madhu,Manjula Swaroop
Cast:               Mahesh Babu,Rakul Preet Singh,S. J. Surya
Direction:       AJ Murugadoss
Music:            Harris Jayraj

Lyrics:            Ramajogayya Sastry

AJ Murugadoss has a tremendous track record from Tagore to Ghazini to Thuppaki. He is teaming with Mahesh and SJ Surya who plays antagonist (a director by himself) in this bi-lingual film called Spyder.( not Spider ) as its a Spy Thriller. This movie is slated to be released on 27th September to cash in Dasara vacation crowd. As per the latest trend the songs are released one by one and finally the jukebox getting released with an event. This probably brings more cash to producers and also the publicity. So far its working well.

Mahesh babu's fans are eagerly waiting for this thriller as they are in need of a success after latest debacle in the form of Brahmotsavam. They are hoping that their hero will bounce back with this film.

Being a bi-lingual film, obviously 
as Murugadoss has earlier worked with Harris Jayraj before, he was roped in to provide music again for this movie too. Ramajogayya Sastry got a single card for this movie as he wrote all 4 songs. This album as as many as songs and one theme track. Lets see how songs did.  


1) Boom Boom
Nikhita Gandhi

Seems like title song. Everything about the lead character.  Only if one can understand what Ramajogayya Sastry wrote and what Nikita Gandhi sang. Some rhyming words here and there and some repeated words here and there, the lyricist figured out this can make a hit song. This song appears like a break song not in the terms of tuning, but the sentence broken into pieces to make it sound different. Song sounds alien to Telugu, but Spider is not. Harris Jayraj provides electrifying interludes to compensate the issues of the song so far. Hogwarts is an imaginary school of witchcraft ( Singer sounded like Hogwards ) . This contradicts what is said that hero can do so far. Or its hinted that Hero is a witch in this movie or he has some powers like Harry Poter? Movie will tell. Tayyarai (తయ్యారై), The singer sounded it like తయ్య రాయ్.  No need to wonder, these kinds of issues are to be ignored in this album. Lately when few movies are made multi lingual the issues in songs is clearly visible like this one. Bottom line, they sound alien to Telugu. But that shouldnt deter the listeners mainly fans. They could just go for the tune Harris provided, which will appeal to them. 

2) Ciciliya Ciciliya
Hari Charan & Sakthi Shree


This song sounds different right from the start. Goru Vecha is not two different words. Not sure when singers will understand Telugu songs. Each word have its own meaning. Lyricists like RJS claim that they take utmost care to see words are said right, but we dont see the effort at all. Harris infuses the tap dance style in between. Then get backs to the original style. Sakthi Sree when singing the first charanam after Haricharan lines, sounds odd. " naa deha desam nee sparsa kosam, nee chilipi mosam its OK mousam" BTW what RJS did to write these lines, defined the words kosam, mousam and added desam?? Crazy.. The interludes are done differently by Harris. The word cicilia and the instruments attached to this word are good to listen. Pandora poolu, This song has mix of many styles of music, rightly mixed and it sounds good. And the ciciliya is catchy and gets hooked instantly to listeners. However Ramajoggayya sastry known for bringing in the catchy phrases that youth can get hooked up uses many such phrases, but overall what they mean to the song is really what people look for and its hard to find something in these lyrics other than filling up with some catchy phrases. Like Pandora Puvvulu, gunde window, pedavanchu samaram, chekumuki muddulu,  Individually these are technically right, but how they make upto a complete sentence into a meaningful lyric is a question. Having said that, this song is catchy and will catch-up instantly. 

3) Haali Haali
Brijesh Tripati Sandilya, Harini & Jogi Sunitha


Putchakaya, putchakaya, what a start of the song. This song reminds few other songs. Not sure this is intentional. Atleast in first charanam, it appears like rehash. The surprise element of this song is that both singers couldn't say "Chunni" they said Chuni. There has to be same lyric provided to both songs or the origin of the issue might be same. Ramajogayya Sastry garu, when criticized by MM Keeravani, justified that people are not making them write good lyrics so they are not able write to inspite of having abundant talent. This song needs one more justification from the lyricist. This song not only sounds alien to Telugu, the words used are too funny. There is a saying that the choice of words defines the standard of the lyricist. He has a fetish on "Dindu". Earlier in Kabali as talagada and now as dindu.. :) :) Coming to singers, they made this song sound as much as non-native as they can. Purely the lyrics have to be ignored if one has to like this song. Which is not possible while listening Telugu song, so better to listen to Tamil version if one likes the tune. Not to bring in any new controversy, but this is unfortunate fact, as the way singers sang, its better that way instead of feeling different after listening to song in Telugu.


4) Achcham Telugandam
Pravin Saivi, Christopher Stanley & Sathya Prakash


Acham Telugandam the way it is said, people loose interest on Telugu. A lyric that has other than this word, doesn't have anything beyond that as this is typical Tenglish words. One can learn different measuring instruments from this song. This goes with that formula of explaining these instruments to measure different things. Not sure why to write the song as Acham Telugu beauty when nothing  sounds Telugu in this song. Probably song is little Telugu when Satya Prakash sings this song. Confucius, mysterious, gorgeous, Obscurus. Sounds like an English person's reaction watching a Telugu lady. Seems like Lyricist has referred to lot of Harry porter literature before writing these songs. Forced accent and details of instruments will not make this song appeal. But not sure these days anything on repeated hearing is working. This might too.

5)  Spyder On Mission
Harris Jayaraj

Theme music nothing much to say. Something related to title music and short bit. 

Pick(s) of the album: Ciciliya Ciciliya


This album is for sure not an instant hit. Might grow on repeated listening as with all latest movies. Harris tried to provide different music. People might get it as a different album. However this song miserably fails on lyrical department and also singing department. These two being critical departments probably let down Harris Jayraj, not sure whether he had choice to choose different persons in these departments. This movie has enough craze in fans and non-fans not sure how they embrace these songs. Probably movie will change the fate of these songs. Since its bi-lingual, people can try different route too. However Harris Jayraj has very limited success rate in Telugu as a whole, sometimes even though music worked, the movie failed miserably, sometimes even though movie worked, his music didn't work. Hope this movie will be the later scenario.