Tanu Monne Vellipoyindi - Audio Review

Movie:           Tanu Monne Vellipoyindi ( 2014 ) - తను మొన్నే వెళ్ళిపోయింది 
Music:            Chakri 

Director:        Vamsy

Producer(s):  Poorna Naidu Productions, Shreeyas Chitra

Cast:               Ajmal, Nikita Narayanan

Director Vamsy has a unique place in history of Telugu Film. His movies have cult following and is worshiped by many Telugu film lovers, actors and Telugu film fraternity. His unique way of story telling, picturization has made a special place in history of Telugu film making. Not only his special way of writing screen play, the music in his movies have created wonders. 

His association with Maestro Ilayaraja has produced some gems of songs. Their combination is one of the best director-music director association in the history of cinema. They have som much deep understanding that we hear many stories about that. However, after series of wonderful movies, he took a break and started his second innings with "Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru" This movie not only recreated his magic, but found chakri who gave the music that was compared to Vamsy's style of music. This movie went on to become a huge hit and Vamsy gave few more movies, but could never reach the standards once he set for himself. He tried music with Ilayaraja with Anumanaspadam, but there after stuck with Chakri for most of his other movies since his comeback.

What makes Vamsy movies so special is all can be understood when we hear music in his earlier moveis. Just closing eyes and listening to couple lines of any song, one can easily tell that it is from one of Vamsy's movies. That's the impact he created on audience. That is the power of Vamsy. His movie always had outstanding for music, lyrics and quality. However as time goes and things started subsiding, yet each time his movie is released, his fans has some hope to get back to the olden memories at least in the name of the new movie. 

This movie marks as 25th movie in his more than 3 decades of film career. Also this marks as 100th movie of Chakri. 

Praveen Lakms who has earlier written couple of songs for Vamsy's Saradaaga kasepu, got chance to write entire songs for this movie. This movie has 5 songs and one being second version of other song. Lets see how the songs are without any late.

01 – Tholi Choopuke Ne Padipoya 
Singer(s): Karthik, Kousalya 
Lyrics: Praveen Lakma

Karthik and Kousalya start a standard template song of Vamsy's style. This tune is beaten tune. Kousalya strangely during the start itself had to struggle a bit. The chorus, interludes are derived from standard template. Karthik surprisingly sounded dull. Praveen's lyrics are decent. This song will heavily depend on Vamsy's picturization. This will help the speciality that Vamsy has for picturizing the songs. Felt like that this song basically missed the soul and energy.  

02 – My Dear (Version1)
Singer(s): Sudhamayi
Lyrics: Praveen Lakma

Another Vamsy template song from Chakri. Sudhamayi's vocal is added with some special effects. My dear raa, the ending raa is Vamsy's typical style which will help him add his gimmicks in the songs. Praveen has met the standards of Vamsy's songs. He did decent job again. Chakri tried to provide some variations in interludes for otherwise standard song. This song will grow on listeners once movie is released. This song has nothing special to offer but doesn't disappoint. Chakri could have let singer's natural voice to be listened.

03 – Subhame Sumame  
Singer(s):  Karthik, Kousalya
Lyrics: Praveen Lakma

Karthik and Kousalya once again paired up for a rehashed song. Chakri absolutely doesn't have anything to offer other than wrapping up in new cover and presenting to listeners so that it appears new. Praveen again did a decent job. Karthik and Kousalya again are not upto the mark. They could have done better. Vamsy's help is again needed here.

04 – You Are My Love 
Singer(s):  Krishna Chaitanya, Sudeeksha
Lyrics: Praveen Lakma

Chakri offered something different in this song, Not Vamsy's style but this song will help with different set of audience. The young neice of Chakri, Sudeeksha has sung this song. The immature voice is obvious from her age, but singing wise she doesn't have any issues. She with krishna Chaitanya have done a decent job. This song is made different, the trailer shows the female lead is all covered up which marks specialty of Vamsy. This song is catcy, foot tapping, stylish and different. Praveen wore a different cap writing this song.

05 – Nuvvevaro Nenevaro 
Singer(s): Kousalya
Lyrics: Praveen Lakma

This song could be situation based. Has nothing special in this song. Chakri added different things including gangnam style, techno style music, but doesn't help the song. Many things are is lacking in this song. Didnt sound good at all. can easily skip this song.

06 – My Dear (Version 2) 
Singer(s):  Kousalya
Lyrics: Praveen Lakma

Different version of initial song #2, My dear. Kousalya always had special place in Chakri's album by getting major share in the album. Getting that opportunity doesnt help her or the album. She misses energy, power, makes things very simple thus not helping the song much. The problems in original version exists in this song too..

Pick(s) of the album: Tholi Choopuke, You are my love.

This album proves the declining path of music in Vamsy's movies. Chakri couldn't recreate the magic. Singers didn't help Vamsy. Clearly the soul of Vamsy's music is missing from this album. Chakri guess remains as initial wonder who surprised everyone, but over the period of the time he could not sustain. This album for Vamsy's fans will be a huge disappointment, but give the latest times where in general music is on the downtrend, this doesn't come as surprise. Vamsy Sir, we miss your music, but you have given enough for the life, so we will happily live with that, is what his fans feel listening to this album. Now it all depends upon how Vamsy makes this movie whether he still has the magic or not, whether movie becomes huge success or not, time will tell. All the best Vamsy Sir.. 

Emo Gurram Egaravachu - Audio Review

Movie: Emo Gurram Egaravachu ( 2014 ) - ఏమో గుర్రం ఎగురవచ్చు

Music: MM Keeravani

Director: Chandra Siddhartha

Producer(s): Pudhota Sudheer Kumar

Cast: Sumanth, Savika Chaiyadej

Sumanth's latest movie titled "Emo Gurram Egaravachu" is said to be a romantic comedy. He has been low at box-office after two below average movies Raaj and daggaraga dooramgaa. His latest movie is with sensible director Chandra Sidhartha ( Aa naluguru fame ) who earlier made a movie with Sumanth called Madhumasam which was a run away hit. Hope this combination brings in another hit to either of them. Sumanth is seen in a female getup which is been quite a while in Telugu movies. The female lead Pinky Chaiyadej is a Thai actress/singer/model.

This movies takes credit of release a telugu movie first time in Bangkok. MM keeravani composed music for this movie. No introduction is necessary for this name. He is not seen much these days, and its good to see his name again for a non family commercial movie. Chaitanya prasad got major share in lyrics and Keeravani helped writing the rest. Singers are from his standard team. Nothing good/bad surprises. Emo Gurram egaravachu is a phrase that is quite common in Andhra Pradesh. Having this as a title to movie shows what the director is about. Hope this movie made good songs, lets listen and see how they fared.

1. Neelavenini yedipinchina bullabbai

Lyricist : Chaithanya Prasad

Singer : Rahul Sipligunj

Typical Keeravani start of a song. Nice tune to start the album and a song after Vel signature tune. Song slowly picks up the rhythm and instruments add to the song. Interludes are perfect sync with the melody and sets up the mood of the song. Chaitanya Prasad wrote some decent lyrics. Keeravani known for best usage of violin does it again in interlude. However this song doesnt sound fresh, remind earlier songs of Keeravani. The only weakest link is Rahul. నువ్వు ఏడూ మల్లెల ఎత్తు అని ఇష్టం గా మొయ్యన, Keeravani should have taken care of not sounding as "నువ్వు ఏడూ" then the rest. Somehow this song though well made doesn't hit the right chord with listener. Appears something missing.

2. Bharatam pattina naatyam

Lyricist : Chaithanya Prasad

Singer : Rahul Sipligunj

Is this song with Sumanth in female getup? Rahul singing in different tones could be the reason.Another standard feel good song from Keeravani. He made it quite simple and yet got what he want. Chorus, instuments, singer, all helped him in the process. Chiaitanya Prasad didnt go overboard in writing this song, except for couple of words here and there which should be fine. This song should get help on screen. Overall a nice song that can be enjoyed.

3. Salahaalivvoddu

Lyricist : Chaithanya Prasad

Singer : Prudhivi Chandra

keeravani comes up with another signature tune added with satirical lyrics from Chaitanya prasad makes this song good to listen. Prudhivi Chandra did a decent job in singing this song. Bullabbayi ki salahaalivvodu sounds very good. The song has energy, satire and rhythm, added by good interludes, this song comes out from Keeravani's storage box to be well received. Chorus did really good.

4. Bull boy.. What's ur problem.?

Lyricist(s): Prudhivi Chandra, MM Keeravaani

Singer : Ramya Behara

Bullabbayi becomes Bull Boy?? Though the start of the song reminds many other songs, Ramya behara surprises us with her voice modulation. Then after though the tunes are nothing refreshing, she makes a clear mark. Her accent could be demanded by Keeravani. There are some issues in terms of the breaking up the words that sounds different, kattu baatlanni, sounds like cats bats. Ramya is the difference in the song else, it’s nothing much in terms of lyrics and tune.

5. Maid in India

Lyricist : Chaithanya Prasad

Singer : Ramya Behara

Ramya sounds so different in this song that is made up from different songs. Chaitanya Prasad who so far wrote some decent lyrics I guess ran out of imagination or words should have avoided writing some lines like వంగ దీసి గుద్దిన for other than nice song. This is the issue with current generation, they lack consistency. Keervani picked up nice tunes. Ramya again did an excellent job.

6. Bullabbaayini yedipinchina neelaveni

Lyricist : MM Keeravaani

Singer : Revanth

Revanth is always part of the team Keeravani has. He started off well in this extension song of pathos for the song #1 Neelaveni. He strained on higher notes, but other wise this rendering is good. He got the feel and energy. Violin again played major role. Not a standard length song, but Revanth did decent job.

7. Yennisaarlaina

Lyricist : MM Keeravaani

Singer(s) : Ramya Behara, Yamini

Seems like this movie entirely revolves around bullabbayi. Keeravani this time chose a different path to compose this song. Since he wrote and composed the song, both go hand in hand unlike other songs. Again one more short length song, but singers make it good to listen.

8. Boorela buttaloo padda gurram

Lyricist : MM Keeravaani

Singer(s) : Rahul Sipligunj, Prudhivi Chandra, Ramya Behara, Revanth, Yamini & more

Title song. Yemo gurram egaravachu is all that was in this song that is less than half a minute. By the time the song is felt this is complete. May be the signature tune of the movie. Whatever it is it sounded very well. Normally titles of the song are first two words of the song, quite interestingly the titles and songs are different. Definitely a good experiment of Chandra Sidhartha.

Pick{s} of the album: This is a feel good album. Every song has something to offer.

Keeravani lately has been limited to his family owned movies or devotional albums or some entirely different genres that others cannot offer music to those movies. His last major movie that doesnt fall into the above categories is Dammu. This shows how he has cut down movies or no one is offering him movies. This album is a nice feel good album which goes steady with few melodies and some interesting songs.

The only issue and impact that even this album has is that changing tunes are changing telugu words all togather. When music directors like Keeravani himself cannot avoid, this is very difficult for others. Chaitanya Prasad could have been more consistent. Ramya was a surprise. Other singers did decent job, but could have done better. Chandra Sidhartha once again proved why he is sensible director. All the best for the movie.

Uyyala Jampala - Audio Review

Movie:           Uyyala Jampala ( 2013 ) - ఉయ్యాలా జంపాలా 
Music:            Sunny MR

Director:        Virinchi Varma

Producer(s):  Ram Mohan P, D Suresh Babu and Akkineni Nagarjuna

Cast:               Raj Tarun, Avika Gor

Producer of sensible and successful movies Ashta Chamma and Golconda High School, has combined hands with two biggies of Film Industry Suresh productions and Annapurna Studios to offer his latest venture called Uyyala Jampala. The trailer released some time ago was a pleasant surprise not only in the form of content, but also interms of cast. Raj Tarun who is known for youtube viewers for his numerous short films, seeing him as a lead for this movie was very pleasant to see. Then the female lead Avika Gor known for TV viewers for her role in Baalika Vadhu ( Chinnari pellikooturu ) and then with fantastic village back drop, a cute short scene on female lead has instantly caught audience attention. The movie is based on relationship of bava maradalu, which again fascinates Telugu audience. With producers background and sensitivity, the movie is expected to create wonders. Ram Mohan's earlier movies were musical hits too. Ashta Chamma's songs were heard for much more longer time than the normal life of any telugu movie in terms of songs. With all these positives obviously the songs and the movie created interest among viewers/listeners alike. 

Sunny MR made debute in Telugu Film Industry with "Swamy Ra Ra" and this is his second film in Telugu. With his first movie he showed some promise and said he is going to stay here. Need to see how he composed music with such huge expectations for this movie. There are 5 songs in this album and most of the names associated to the lyrics and singing are less heard in Telugu. Himabindu and Deepu lent their voice for a song. Sunny sang a song and there is a Hindi song too which was sung by Arijit Singh. Major pie in lyrics went to Vasu Valaboju again a less heard name.

With all positives about the movie, lets see how music did.

01 –  "Uyyalaina Jampalaina"  

Lyricist: Vasu Valaboju

Singer(s): Harshika Gudi, Anudeep Dev

Uyyala Jampala are such a fascinating words for telugu audience as they have great memories woven around these two words togather. Have to mention the positives of the song before going further as Sunny did a commendable job.  The lyrics are very decent. However the lyrics were not done justice is sad part for the lyricist. Sunny has provided a slow rhythmic melody with interludes are so perfect and the foot tapping rhythm accompanying the song perfectly, appears a great feel good song. The song catches slowly and ends on a great note. All this is based on tune composition. The singers doesn't have problems with singing as such. The title of the movie and song with this is a great start. 

However this song is perfect classic example of the current sad state of Telugu music. A Telugu song is best known for the words and its bhaavam ( meaning ). The melody of words in terms of music is what Telugu song is about. Lately in the name of trendy catchy music, in the name of appealing the audience is going in some direction which is getting beyond control and someone needs to bring it where it belongs to. The singing has been so alien to Telugu that the words has lost the nativity and the meaning is gone for toss. 

This song is well made, but what hurts is the singing. The composition stands out as top class but the tune and words doesn't match there by lost its soul. This song will be good to listen and watch, but audience cannot croon it as words are broken to fit the music. Few examples "నీతో ఊ   గమని "  "ని  చూపులే "  "స్వయం"   "వరం " ,  "న పై  పడే " "న గుండెలో" "న ఊహలో "  "చెయ్ చాస్తే" "చందా మామ", "పొయెదె  ముంది " "రెపంటు" "మ పంటు" "ఉండా  లిగా "  " న పాదమే" "ఎద లా". Once cannot break these words or cut short the words or give space between them. This reverts back the feel that song has created as listener tries to assemble the words. Thats' all about the synatax of the song. Since listeners got used to these type of songs having said all things, this song is done much better and if picturization helps, viewers will forget the issues with the song.

02 – "Lapak Lapak Ayipothundi"  

Lyricist: Vasu Valaboju

Singer(s): Harshika Gudi, Bindu, Deepu

I guess this song is between the lead who want to irritate female lead by pretending that he is in love with some one. A teasing song probably, as the mood of the song says that. This song is a typical Ram mohan types. He is fascinated with vintage music in the contemporary times. In ashta chamma the song "Hello antu pilichi" was so well made song. In that lines, this song doesn't stand out as such but will impress to some extent. Since a situational song this will be enjoyed on the screen. Ram mohan/Virinchi needs to be appreciated for having this type of songs in the movies. This slow melodious song will appeal on the screen. Deepu and Himabindu will take care of issues with words that earlier song had. They did justice to the song along with Harshika. Could be an enjoyable song on screen. People might enjoy this after seeing on screen.

03 – "Nijamga Idi Nenenaa"  

Lyricist: Vasu Valaboju, Rambabu Gosala

Singer(s): Harshika Gudi, Sunny MR

Another vintage song. The start of the song is so interesting, though it doesn't appear fresh once the song starts. The instruments kind of dominate the singer. This style of saying Nijamgaa has been dominant now a days with every other singer. Harshika could have said the words openly, lacks clarity. Sunny once again did great on this song too, except for instruments dominating the singers. The western folk is nicely made for this telugu native song. Chorus is well mixed with instruments. The subtle play of instruments in later half of the songs is also well made. Alaap and instruments were kind of competing at one stage. With small issues, this song doesn't go where it belong to. Could have been well made.

04 – "Mana Bandham"  

Lyricist: Vasu Valaboju

Singer(s): Sunny MR

Pathos needs not only the tune, but the words too and an expression. Except for these two, the song again is well made. Vasu Valaboju has done a good job in lyrics department, keeping everything simple, yet communicative, but its music department wasted the lyrics. Sunny comes out as winner as composer, but fails as a singer. Not in terms of singing the tune in shruti, but in terms of expressing the mood of the song. He needs to realize what nativity means. 

05 – "Der Tak Chala (Hindi)"  

Lyricist: Ashish Pandit

Singer(s): Arijit Singh

Not sure what this song is about in a movie having Telugu nativity as back drop. May be used as a background song for some scenes. Seems an extension of song #4. This song is another nice composition from Sunny, which suits better in Hindi than Telugu. This shows the tunes are not made for Telugu, Tunes are just made and trying to use them where ever possible. Whatever is the history, this song is good to listen irrespective of movie.

Pick(s) of the album: Lapak Lapak, Nijamgaa Idi Nenenaa, Der tak Chalaa

Rammohan clearly misses the magic of earlier movies, if not at-least the initial movie he made. Sunny MR on other hand doesn't have any issues with the composition of songs, but the issue is how they are presented to audience. Sunny MR if he would have taken care of the issues here and there, this album would have done lot better than expected. This album is classic example of changing times, which is not appreciated by traditional music conservatives as it creates fear among them of loosing the glory of the Telugu song. It is very unfortunate that this happened even with big production houses are associated with this movie.

The reason I guess is that either producers/directors are fine with this style of presentation as audience don't care anymore or they are not present at recording to take care of such issues, These are the days when Music director or lyricists are not available most of the time during recording to see whats going on. SPB in one of recent Padutaa teeyaga said that when he sang for Greekuveerudu, the music director gave instructions over phone how to change style of pronouncing the song. Good luck to Telugu songs and Telugu movies. Hope someone will revive as life goes in full circles and until then, this album should not have any issues.

1 Nenokkadine - Audio Review

Movie:     "1" Nenokkadine ( 2014 )
Music:       Devi Sri Prasad

Director:   Sukumar

Producer:  Ram Achanta, Gopichand Achanta and Anil Sunkara ( 14 reels )

Cast:          Mahesh Babu, Kriti Sanon

Prince Mahesh Babu is roaring high at box office despite mixed critic response on Businessman. He is saying that he is number 1 and he is only the one. Working with Sukumar and 14 reels set the bar very high. Fans are eagerly waiting for the audio after breif trailer that made fans frenzy to see their Prince as rockstar. The music bit from DSP set the expectations sky high. Sukumar is known for his fantastic sense of music and his combination with DSP never failed so far in terms of music. DSP surprisingly never worked with Mahesh during his decade long career. Mahesh after back to back movies with Thaman, I guess due to Sukumar, had to work with DSP. 

Mahesh had transformed himself with physical appearance and with him projecting as rockstar, the film is expected as feast to fans. His tweets also support the same. DSP with Sukumar had set a very high standard. As said earlier, there was no equivalent movie interms of music after Arya2 in telugu industry. It might be a exaggerated statement but unfortunately lately the music directors and lyricists have let down the Telugu music to the lowest standards. Let see whether both Sukumar and DSP crossed/met/let down their standards with this movie.

Its all Chandrabose's show in lyrics department. But after listening to songs, it appears either DSP or Ramajogiah sastry might have helped in couple of songs. With theme of the movie being different, the album will probably not appeal broader audience. However if fans and youth are satisfied the music is sure shot hit and Mahesh will take care of the rest. Lets see how the songs fared. There are only 5 songs which means the formula is ignored, may be one of the mood is not required for this movie.

01 – Who Are You
Singer(s):  Devi Sri Prasad
Lyricist:    Chandrabose

The song for which trailer was released and revealed that Mahesh is going to rock. DSP starts this song with electrifying guitar bit, then claps and couple of introduction words in his own singing style followed by question "Who Are You", The supporting beats are going to move fans from their seats and go along with their hero. He provided a great start to the album and great start to the song. His singing was decent given the way he sings until guitar takes over in the interlude. Then DSP didnt add unneccesary shouts in between which makes this song much better to listen. In Interlude there comes the guitar proves DSP has really worked hard for this tune. This song without Hero on screen will probably provide 10% of the feel of the song. DSP provided an electrifying song after a long time. Its been a while that such song was heard in Telugu movies. Lyrics are not upto the standard of the song. Some odd comparisions/question marks, but who cares. Rocking song with rocking hero all that it matters. Even though Chandrabose is weak link for this song, definitely this song will rock and remain on charts for long time. Mahesh who is normally not known for great dance moves unlike his collegues, need to see whether he had something to offer in dance department other than his refined looks, package of physical presence in new rocking style. Whatever it is fans at the end of the song will say once more and while listening the song on the players will go in loop..

02 – HavnTuzo Mogh korta
Singer(s):  Neha Bhasin
Lyricist:    Chandrabose

DSP brings in a different flavor to this song. Havn Tuzo mogh korta seems like Konkani way of saying I love you. This is something female lead behind the Prince and the poster which caused controversy could be picturized as all things relate. Heroine behind hero in Goa, singing Konkani way and saying she is desperate for his style. DSP adds all different styles to this song which should appeal fans and youth alike. Neha Bhasin sang in Telugu mostly for DSP, her noted song was Niharika Niharika from Oosaravelli which is again by DSP. She tries to sing huskily, but that had become over dose with words. Heroine says rockstar nee style ki like kodta, DSP we will hit like button to the style of the song. 

03 – O Sayonara
Singer(s):  Suraj, Manasi
Lyricist:    Chandrabose

After providing feast with first two songs, seems like DSP wanted to take a break. He provided a routine song, but in between he did something better to the song in terms of interludes. The rest of song goes as per routine DSP song. Suraj Singing was not upto mark neither in pronounciation nor in elevating song. He just did his job. Might be this song situation didnt demand much from DSP. Sukumar wanted a different theme for this song. Benefit of doubt to DSP.

04 – You Are My Love
Singer(s):  Piyush Kapoor
Lyricist:    Chandrabose

This song for sure is aimed at youth. DSP once again did perfect justice providing a very good melody. This song somewhere reminds the standards of earlier movie of Sukumar-DSP. However Piyush should have sung better to make this song even much better to listen and feel. DSP provided everything for this song. Any melody lover will get hooked to this song. Sukku-DSP are known for this type of songs. The lyrics could have been more powerful and singing could have been much better. If not for these two issues, this song could have made excellent impact and could have stayed much longer. Even then this song is really well made song by DSP.

04 – London Babu
Singer(s):  Priya Hemesh
Lyricist:    Chandrabose

Sukumar and DSP created sensation in terms of item songs. They created trend across the globe with Aa ante amalapuram in Arya. So obviously there have to be expectations that they have to provide one such song in their album. But this song misses everything and ends up pretty ordinary song. Priya couldnt bring the vigor, energy, seductive effect. Lyrics also didnt support the song well. May be since its Mahesh's movie things might have been done careful. DSP did provide some changes here and there but that changes are not sufficient. 

Pick(s) of the album: Who Are you, Havn tuzo mogh korta, You are my Love.

Since this movies is made of different theme, having certain expectations of standards with the combination involved, it is very difficult for DSP to satisfy everyone. There are three songs which are clear winners and the other two are pretty standard DSP routine songs, This album will not be close to beating the standards DSP/Sukku set for themselves. However expecting every movie at a higher standard will be over expectations from the combination. DSP with this album proved that he needs right combination to bring the right talent in him. He is a rock star by himself and he didn't forget his main strength melody. Sukumar on the other side has been providing good albums and this one also will not let him down. This album appeals youth, fans for sure, However on the other side, there is a certain sect of listeners who are fan of Sukku/DSP combination. This album doesn't satisfy them as they expect the other two songs could have been better, even though they wont get disappointed. Finally what it matters is Mahesh and his fans got what they want,