Greeku Veerudu - Audio Review

Movie:          Greeku Veerudu (Telugu - 2013)

Producer:    D.Siva Prasad Reddy

Cast:            Nagarjuna, Nayanatara, Meera Chopra, Bharat Reddy
Direction:    K. Dasaradh
Music:         SS Thaman

 

South Indian Manmadhudu, Nagarjuna Starrer Greeku Veerudu is an upcoming Indian Telugu film written and directed by K Dasaradh. Dasaradh and Nagarjuna's combination Santosham was run away hit both music and movie wise. This movie had excellent songs both tunes and lyrics. Nagarjuna sports a trendy moustache has become a phenomenon with his fans. Nayanatara plays female lead and supported by Meera Chopra and Bharat Reddy. Nagarjuna's earlier movies Sai baba, Dhamarukam, Rajanna provides a wide range of genres, and he is having great time with movies lately and he is enjoying as if it is his prime time. Dasaradh on the other had is going slow by doing limited movies, had done around 5-6 movies ever since he made Santosham.

On the other hand Thaman is running jet speed high signing and completing movies. If we forget about the quality, variety, melody and class compositions, he is on high. He is the only consistent music director who provides the same exact music every movie and inspite of all quality issues he is having, he is still on the high. That indicates the changing times of Telugu film music. Lets see whether he maintains his consistency or disappoints by providing refreshing quality music. Being master of re-use and inspiration, known for putting less effort making the music, need to see how much effort he had put in this movie.

This movie offers 7 songs. Actually can say 6 1/2 songs as last song length is ~1.5 minutes. Singers are pretty much the same, standard Thaman's troupe except for couple of surprises in the form of SPB and Mallikarjun. Singers like Jaspreet Jasz, Suchitra, Daler Mehndi, Baba Sehgal missing from singers list is a refreshing change. Apart from this Sirivennela has two songs and Anant Sriram has one. I guess that is mainly because of Dasaradh's choice. Sirivennela wrote an excellent song "ne tolisaariga kalagannadi" for Dasaradh in Santosham composed by RP Patnaik remained as the best composition from RP. The rest of lyricists are routine. Let's see whether Dasaradh tried to recreate the magic or Thaman dominated this and made Dasaradh option less.

1. I Hate Love Stories [3:34]   

Artist(s): Naveen Madhav, Ranjith 

Lyricist: Krishna Chaitanya

Heard Naveen in earlier movies, The moment we hear the start of the song, we can exactly tell the music is from Thaman. Thaman doesn't deviate an inch from his template music. His techno singing voices, false high pitch, sounds from keyboards accompanied by different sounds from chorus, high volume background music, rap in interludes everything is pretty standard.  Ranjith doesnt sound like himself and Naveen hardly sings. I think after few movies, Thaman uses his technology avoids all singers and might produce movies with a single voice all sound same avoiding some cost to producer. In earlier days either tape would have weared out or LP record used to get damaged. In this digital world unfortunately nothing such happens so that we can be spared out of this torture.

2. Ne Vinnadhi Nijjamena [3:29]   

Artist(s): Ranjith, Rita 

Lyricist: Balaji 

For a moment I thought the first song is still continuing. Ranjith is all togather different from first song to this song. The variety Thaman offers is the apply the techno effects to Rita instead of Ranjith. Thaman Sir, kudos for your experimentation. This song doesn't appear refreshing, reminds many tunes and songs. The song ends abruptly which is another style by Thaman.

3. O Naadu Washington [4:49]   

Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam 

Lyricist: Sahithi 

Thaman is fond of his own music, the starting reminds a slight variation of his own song. SPB Sir proves how a pretty ordinary tune can be elevated by his excellent voice. I thought Thaman would add sound effects to SPB Sir's voice, he disappoints me not doing any tampering to his voice. Instead he makes him sing high pitch here and there. Since it is by SPB we are forced to like this song. Thaman should realize what a singer's original voice could make difference to the song. He leaves pretty much the song as it is just keeping it simple, which makes a lot of difference.

4. Ee Parikshalo Thannaku [3:25]   

Artist(s): Haricharan, Vandana 

Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastri 

Thaman doesnt deviate his pattern of music. Not sure why. Seems like he tries to weave music around few things. This song is perfect example of that. Vandana is another singer added to innumerous singers that TFI is getting. Pathos always has to be on high pitch. Haricharan tries his best to sing naturally but didnt succeed much. Vandana's voice lacks clarity and had to work hard to listen Sirivennela's lyrics. On the other hand Haricharan too made the job tough. Thaman's background music is loud, chorus is feeble didnt bring good effect that is required. Overall leaves a mixed feeling about this song.

5. Yevvaru Leranni [4:38]   

Artist(s): Mallikarjuna Rao 

Lyricist: Vanamali 

Seems like Mallikarjun is a forgotten singer in TFI, not sure who remembered and brought him back. He made a Telugu song sound Telugu. However the tune is pretty ordinary. Like reading the song rhythmically and with tempo. Thaman added some music here and there. Vanamali who messed up lyrics of kadali, is much better this time. In the end seems like Thaman forgot to say cut or didnt not edit the song properly ended on a odd note. Not sure why Thaman spared Mallikarjun from his techno voices, keeps his voice untouched.

6. Ossina Bangaram [3:24]   

Artist(s): Hemachandra, MM. Manasi 

Lyricist: Ananth Sriram 

Hemachandra and Manasi are pretty ordinary in this routine song. Thaman again produced template music. Nothing refreshing, no variety, same singing style, Chorus, interludes, beats are pretty much same. Rechipo nichavante has to be single word, Nichavante is tough to understand what it is..

7. Maro Janmae [1:48]   

Artist(s): Rahul Nambiar, Rita, Bindu, Parinka 

Lyricist: Balaji 

Mukka, Mikka, Makka whatever it is , 4 singers hardly do anything other than too much twists and singing turns.

Pick(s) of the album: O naadu washington, Ee parikshalo ( benifit of doubt )

KJ Yesudas once during a stage show, said that it takes a lot of hard work to become a singer or music director and talent. Not every one can think they become singer or music directors. However the way Thaman is creating music makes everyone feel comfortable dreaming that they can too become music directors.  He defies KJ Yesudas statement. 

 

Thaman owes a lot to his grand father who gave life to many artists in the industry and now they in turn are giving offers to him by showing gratitude to his grandfather. Every social networking sites is full of praises for Thaman, its no wonder Thaman is feeling more comfortable doing the same template music. It only proves that Telugu people lost taste of  music and are getting comfortable with whatever is offered to them.

There is no comparision of Dasardh/Nagarjuna combination earlier movie Santosham, this music doesnt offer much for Dasaradh. Its upto him to make his movie hit.

Intinta Annamayya - Audio Review

Movie:          Intintaa Annamayya (Telugu - 2013)
Producer:    Yalamanchili Saibaba
Cast:            Revanth, Ananya and Sanam Shetty

Direction:    K. Raghavendra Rao

Music:         MM Keeravani

There is no Telugu person who doesn't know or havent heard Govinda Namam, that same applies to a Venkateswara devotee who doesnt know Annamayya. Such an influence Annamayya has on Telugu person. Intintaa Annamayya is a very apt title for any kind of movie. Yalamanchili Sai who produced "Sri Ramarajyam" came up with yet another movie that will touch many Telugu people's heart. Having his own Yalamanchili Revanth as lead makes this film to be more passionate for him. Introducing any son as hero typically will be done thru a commercial entertainer.

However introducing with a quite interesting concept proves how sensible producer Saibaba is. The story line as told was about a top class western singer who gets influenced and transforms himself with Annamayya's literature and music. There are innumerable such real life stories which are similar who were influenced by Annamayya and dedicated their most of the life towards bringing out Annamayya's work public. There are innumerable singers, philosophers, scholars who were influenced and attracted towards Anammayya's sankeertanas and other works. No wonder about the story line.

The challenge anyone faces while making these kind of movies is that what to be included from innumerous sankeertanas of Annamayya. What to choose to be content of the movie. Too many or less songs will influence the movie. There has to be a real balance on picking the content for the movie.  Its an uphill task to choose from 14900 odd sankeertanas that are available today that were written and composed by Annamayya.

Then comes the challenge for music director, composing any keertanas he/she faces three issues to match the following

1) There are many versions of these keertana's available today and people have heard thru different voices and enjoyed them.

2) Annamayya himself being a vaggeyakara (who can write and  compose ) and who instantaneously wrote these keertanas has specific raaga, bhaava, taala.  

3) Set the expectations of movie lovers by making these songs interesting.

It is such a tough challenge, however on the other hand since there is clue available on how to compose these songs, all music director has to do is to be in line with these compositions, provide another variation, thereby be successful to reach people with the songs but loose his/her identity.

This movie as per story line should contain a pattern which shows the transformation of the western music influenced person to Annamayya's path. So as seen in the songs playlist, we see that transformation. For a moment if story is not known, there is all possibility to assume how come there are different genre songs in this movie. Then singers choice, as per story line it would have been apt for a single singer to sing all the songs that are performed in movie by the lead actor, but we dont see that pattern. Not sure what went thru by the minds of movie team ( Producer, director and music director) to choose different male singers. Its is good surprise not to see many north Indian singers in this album list. Raghavendra Rao and MM Keeravani are good team and there shouldnt be any surprises from this duo as per their earlier works. Their combination earlier produced good music for Annamayya, but failed for Pandurangadu and Ramadasu. Lets see whether Annamayya's magic works again for us or not.

1. Introduction [1:04]   
Artist(s): MM. Keeravani

One minute short and sweet introduction of the movie which gives an idea of what is headed in this album. However nothing can be told about Annamayya in one minute. Such great is the life of Annamayya.

Padakavita pitamaha Sri Taalla paaka Annamaacharya is a phenomenon in Telugu history. His life is miraculously wondeful and fascinates any person who encounters details of his works. Lived more than 600 years ago born in Tallapaka village, he carries a great shoulders to influence Telugu literature by his works. Like any other lifes of sages/rishi's/acharya's his life is full of wonders. He is believed to be a form of Sri Venkateswara himself. Child prodigy by himself one will wonder in his life time how could he write 32000 sankeertanas on Lord venkateswara. This averages to 500 sankeeratanas per year, which means every word came out of his mouth is one or other form of sankeertana. It is fortunate one way that atleast ~14900 are available. His son and grandson made them available for us. One stored his works on talapatras, the other carved them on raagi patras(copper plates)  and stored in sankeertana bhaandaagaram in Sri Venkateswara Temple in tirumala. When this was opened, all we got in invaluable treasure that can be cherished for many centuries.

There are many wonderful stories on how he said all these sankeertanas, which are colloqual form of Telugu where Sanskrit was main language those days. At the age of 16, having such a knowledge of sahityam and music, is really wonder. When Sri Venkateswara comes into his dream, he is all set to create literary wonders during his journey and after to Tirumala. Reading his works and life is a fascinating experience of how blessed he is with Lords grace. His encouter with Raja who asks him to write about himself is another amazing story. His learning Vishistadvaita and then his Telugu Translation of Ramayana, writing 12 satakams on different deity's ( only one is available today ), his tour on south India tells us all the life of greats are similar.

TTD has been trying to bring his works to light by various activities by funding the projects. Many people like Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna, MS Subbulakshmi, Nedunuri Krishna murthy, G Balakrishna prasad, Rallapalli Ananta Sarma Dr Sobharaj, Dwaram Lakshmi, Vedavati Prabhakar and many more contributed significantly to Annamayya's works and shared their joyful experience with us. 

Lets continue one more similar journey of listening to Anammayya.

2. Life Is A Dream [3:36]   
Lyricist: Prudhvi Chandra
Singers(s): Prudhvi Chandra, Deepu, KC

Keeravani has been lately deviating more from traditional music and catering to the needs of so called youthful music demand from the movie makers. His introduction tune of the "Ruler" song from Dammu was proof for that. He continues with this kind of music in this song too. This song is mix of Telugu and English, first half of the line is in Telugu and second half is English, Just to prove that this is techno music and is all for youth and western. Prudhvi Chandra is another kid on the block accompanied by Deepu who is a mandatory singer for Keeravani and KC. All of them bring in required energy for this song. Prudhvi Chandra wrote and sung which is later replaced by Karthik when transformation happens. This song has all eliments of youthful music, the guitar, the beats, the pace, the rhythm, but the tune is all beaten up. If expecting something fresh this song doesnt provide. But voices of all singers try to provide some good feeling.

3. Wanna Tell You Something [3:15]   
Artist(s): Prudhvi Chandra
Lyricist: Prudhvi Chandra

Starts with a simple guitar beats, Prudhvi Chandra continues the same pattern of lyrics, ( half telugu and English) and Keeravani kind of extends the song to make it more simpler. Guitar beats attract to this song. Prudhvi Chandra's off beat voice adds some flavor to the song. Could be a situational song, dont know what this song is for.



4. Narayanaya [4:25]   
Artist(s): Karthik, Ramya Behra
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Not sure who gave introduction to this song. He sounded extra cautious, weak voiced, probably murmuring. Amruta Bhandalu could have pronounced with more stress. Then comes Karthik with Narayana mantram. With this song there ends the western music, the Telugu English fusion lyrics and comes to Annamayya. Probably Karthik is transformed voice of the lead actor. Karthik is known as the better singer in the current, lot proves why he is there. He sings with vigour and energy. His rendering is theoretically flawless. But he could have done better in pronounciation like saying Sobhana moortaye, Dhatreesha, Bhimmani and other words. Ramya Behra supported Karthik very well, though didnt get much footage and identity in this song. Keeravani composes this song with traditional temple bells in the start, slowly fuses the songs to make it more appealing. He made sure the background music is not very loud, flute accompanies in right place, the chorus is good. Narayana mantram brings in ecstasy to whoever says it with vigor and devotion. This song if picturized properly KRR for sure will, should leave a very good feeling once the song is complete. Hope this song lives to that expectation.

5. Venkatadri Samam [6:14]
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam, Karthik, Sunitha
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Longest song in this movie. Its divine to hear SPB sir's voice in traditional telugu songs. However Bhaavamulona baahyamunanduno, didnt sound right. Not sure why Keeravani added that additional tip in the end. May be because of extra gamakam at nanduno, or I got used to this song in traditional singing by MS and others. Also SPB first time sounded different at hari namamu after nanana,,, ( between karthik and Sunita ) is it a recording glitch? There after its a treat from him. Seems like Lead actor is learning music and gets patted in between. Keeravani knows that these songs should sound very pleasant and doesnt deviate from this formula. He also doesnt deviate from his trademark music. In between karthik sounded he sung kannada. Need to hear few more times to get what he sang actually. The beauty of Annamayya's lyrical bliss is all over. Everything with greatness of musical, lyrical values and ending with all dedicated to Lord gives eternal feeling of bliss. Blessed is Annamayya who for sure having for every moment of his life having this feeling and he himself having blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

5. Kamalasana [4:21]   
Artist(s): Bombay Jayashri
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Bombay Jayashri proves what a classical background can make difference to this kind of song. How effortlessly she sings is a treat for music lovers. Keeravani excellently composes song to make it more presentable. This classical composition from Annamayya has beauty all over. The modern age lyricist who are behind prasa, should take a clue here and there from this song. The way he weaves this keertana is just a sample of what Annamayya is about. Thats why people are madly in love with his works. And on top they all are dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and Padmavathi. Its a huge treasure to dig out and find unlimited happiness. Any inspiration to get associated with Annamayya's works will leave one the bliss that is freely available and doesnt come with cost. These kind of movies let people revisit the lost happiness we tend to forget in daily struggles. And third time in a row in this movie songs, Keeravani slowly increases the pace and ends in a higher pitch to leave listeners at that elevated level.

6. Sri Venkatadri Meeda [5:26]   
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Starts with Keeravani humming few words, then SPB with his usual himself, tells us we have yet another treat in line. The beauty of the words leaves one at a great feeling

manchi venna buvvalipudu malasi aaragincha nerche
anchitamuga sree venkatadri meedanu
enchi appalappalanuchu enasi kaagilincha nerche
dincharani puramu meeda divyakantha nu -- nandagopa..

Keeravani I guess just went with the flow of the words without having much to do which helped this song a lot. Then the pace increases and Srinivasa Govinda is attached to the song. The transformation is very nice and SPB Sir's voice leaves us spell bound. We might have heard this many times but every time we hear Srinivasa Govinda it leaves the same feeling. Thats the power.

7. Navamoorthulainatti [2:01]  

Artist(s): Kalpana

Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Annamayya is known to have visited many deities during his South India tour and wrote on those deities whenever he visited. Kadiri Narasimha swamy is one of them. Unfortunately not every such work is available to us. This song is captured from one such keertana of Annamayya. Sung in carnatic classical way again Keeravani ends this song on higher note.

8. Pallukuthenela [3:45]   
Artist(s): MM. Keeravani, Shivani
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Keeravani for sure brings in the feeling but he doesnt bring the voice required for any song he sings. "cha" pavalinchenu is not what it should be pronounced. He adds some additional stress and style which is key. Shivani is good accompanying keeravani. Annammayya's greatness is his words. Keeravani doesnt bring clarity to the words. He is subtle in pronouncing the words so there by loosing the effect. This song female voice is composed to be pathos. Movie will tell why.

9. Chandamama Raavo [3:46]
Artist(s): Karthik
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

As rightly said by Tanikella Bharani during audio release, not many know that "Chandamama ravo" is written by Annamayya. karthik is back after a break. This song is not to the same class and quality of Narayanaya. Chorus and baby who sang did their job. Keeravani experimented in this composition to make it more situational. He fused various elements to make it more movie oriented. Somehow I feel this transition didnt work effectively between chandamama ravo, palumaru utla panduganu. Again one should listen to this song for the lyrical beauty.

10. Yekulajudemi [4:46]   
Artist(s): MM. Keeravani, Shivani
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

I again would have been happy if Keeravani would have avoided singing in this album. parulu taane ani bhavinchu vaadu, he is not clear when he pronounced bhavinchu, again nirmaludai which was intially he not clear. Clarity in voice is very important. But fascination towards Annamayya would have made him sung. But when there are umpteen options available for this song, something has to be different. In the end when Keeravani says Hareee, there is slight issue with the gamaka. Anyways with all these side effects, still we can enjoy this song. Shivani dominates this song and she does very well.

11. Neekesaranu [3:30]
Artist(s): Sunitha
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

At any time I would have preferred Chitra singing this kind of songs. We have seen how she was missed in SriRamarajyam where singers messed up such a long lasting songs. Sunitha is trusted singer by Keeravani but the main issue for singing this songs is that, every emotion has to be explicitly balanced. Even if it is slightly over done or not met, the song goes here and there. Sunitha tends to get carried away by emotions adding that additional feelings which doesnt help neither herself or the song.

12. Ayameva [5:09]  
Artist(s): Karthik, Bhargavi Pillai, Shivani, Prudhvi Chandra
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Annamayya has written most of his works in Telugu. However he has done some in Sanskrit. His major sankeertanas are divided into Sringara and Adyatyam. The Sringara rasa is mostly to praise God and Goddess, and Adyatyam indicating the Vishistadwaitam. He exclusively follows Srivaishnava sidhanta. This song is fusion mix with including both forms of music. Everyone did their job well. Since fusion music this song might not have universal appeal. But movie demands this song, so is done.

13. Telisithe Moksham [4:56]
Artist(s): Karthik, Ramya Behra
Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Karthik and Ramya did great job in this song. These two gave their best in this album. Keeravani again choose to compose this in high volume with some action and drama. Medadi has been sound as Meda adi.. I guess some lyrics have been changed a little here and there just to make it easy. Not sure which one is correct.

అనయము సుఖమేడ  - దవల దు:ఖమేడది
తనువుపై నాసలేని - తత్వమతికి
పొనిగితే బాపమేది -పుణ్యమేది కర్మమందు
వొనర ఫలమొల్లవి - యోగికిని

The difference in singing tells how words are sounded in any language, karthik made it sing differently to what is supposed to be శ్రీవేంకటేశ్వరుడు - చిత్తములో నున్నవాడు.

Anyways this song is another good attempt by the singers and Keeravani leaves listeners on high note yet again.

14. Brahma Kadigina Paadamu [1:53]  

Artist(s): Krishna Chaitanya

Lyricist: Annamayya Keerthanas

Short and sweet song. Brahma kadigina padame mari. I always feel that Lord Venkateswara got the best out of Annamayya. Lord and devotee have mutually exclusive relationship between themselves. One cannot exist without others. Lord needs to have such devotees, and Devotees should have such God. and we are blessed to have existed to feel their relation.

Pick(s) of the album: How can one pick and choose if there are gems infront of us. Annamayya's works are something to treasure.

Yalamanchili Sai Baba has yet again done a commendable job. What he has done, how he has done is irrelevant. All that matters is how many people he touched, how many get enthusiastic about Annamayya, how many people get attracted towards spending some of the time towards Annamayya, How many who re-visited their association with Annamayya is that matters. Keeravani for sure walked on a tough path, the context has been different though he worked on same person's life earlier but we cannot compare the two works to say which one is great. Knowing the limitations he had in 1997 versus now tells all about this album.

This album once again proves that how sad state our Telugu film music industry is for lack of singers. All these singing talent shows are not able to bring out the real talented singers who can continue the legacy of SPB, KJY, P Susheela, SJanaki and Chitra. I am surprised to see ommission of few singers both for good and bad. I really hope some one in music industry wakes up and fills the gap. I am sure we dont have born talents, divine talents in the industry anymore. With the kind of junk music and lyrics we are hearing lately, this album is refreshing for music lovers ears. Atleast if not we can continue to listen to this movie songs, we can find them in existing Annamayya's albums from persons who dedicated their lifes towards him.

Everyone who listens to this album for sure realizes what are we missing lately in the Telugu music world. Kudos to everyone who made us to realize.

Baadshah (Telugu) - Audio Review

Movie: Baadshah (Telugu) - 2013

Music: SS Thaman

Director: Srinu Vaitla

Producer: Bandla Ganesh

Cast: Jr NTR, Kajal

Srinu Vytla is on a dookudu, with his last hit. Seems like he got the formula for success. The expectations are huge based on trailers, posters, videos released so far. NTR is wanting a huge hit for himself. Post Dammu, his fans are too looking for a movie that would answer his critics and anti fans. So far everthing is looking promising and everyone is eagerly waiting for the music which they can cherish till the movie arrives.
 

Thaman who is on the roll, released music of movie Shadow for Venkatesh couple of days, listening to the music, we can expect what is going to come out of his pocket. Positive side of Thaman is that he never disappoints anyone including his critics.
 

Without going much details of Thaman's team lets look for this songs, as he has his standard persons, Daler Mehendi, Jaspreet Jasz, Baba Sehgal, Suchitra and Shefali. With this combination of lyricists RJS, Bhaskarbhatla, we already know how the album is going to look like, lets complete the formality.

1. Sairo Sairo

Singer(s): Rahul Nambiar, Ranjith, Naveen
Lyrics: Krishna Chaitanya

 

This song was leaked earlier before the audio release. Somebody when this song was released said, this is inspired as if this was the only song he got. The song starts with a catcy tune and beats for a promising song, but then Thaman kicks in with his standard template music, The singers were fully energetic, but something is missing. Instruments are louder than 3 singers. అణిచా has become అని చా. When they said Saira in between not sure why they end with Sairo. when will these lyricists stop going behind prasa. Dil me hai dum, kyon hai ye gum? Sairo, Yaaro - may be that's why Saira has become Sairo. The chorus or singers in interludes just said whatever they wanted. Anyways this song is loud, powerful, energetic perfectly suits NTR. Fans only care about that much and rest of us has to go with that. Fans dont worry, We feel your heart.

2. Diamond Girl
Singer(s): S.T.R, Suchitra
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Shadow had Naughty girl, this movie had Diamond girl. Pattern is same, style is same, sounds are similar. I am getting tired of listening the singers singing in same style. High pitch, voices changed. Thaman is the only music director who had only one pattern and is stuck to it. People are expecting variety, but Thaman only produces variety in sounds and singers. The interlude again he made different sounds with his new synthesizer he bought few months ago.  Is STR chosen just because its NTR movie? STR for NTR rhymes? I was thinking what was STR for MTR until I heard closely. Why Simbu had to sing with a fake style accent I dont understand, may be Thaman can explain. Simbu otherwise can sing much better than what he sang in this song. RJS was a usual, wrote whatever he wanted. As per Sirivennela garu's prophecy, if things are going the way right now, after a year or so, Telugu songs revolve around just 30-40 words. With RJS type of writers and Thaman kind of music directors it is already happening.

3. Baadshah
Singer(s): Hemachandra, Shefali Alvarez, Geeta Madhuri
Lyrics: Viswa

One more high volume, high paced, High pitch everything high song. If we forget about tune sounding familiar, Geeta Madhuri's singing, the rest is treat for fans. But the song appears that it has ended soon may be because of the pace. Srinu Vytla and NTR can elevate this song and add value to this song, normally otherway happens where song elevates the scene. The future of song depends purely on picturization.

4. Banti Poola Janaki

Singer(s): Daler Mehndi, Renina Reddy
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Oh Boy, isn't there any better singer than Daler Mehndi? He sounded so irritating when he was saying Deniki and Janaki. Thaman has to be commended for successfully reusing the tunes from different songs. He for sure knows how to make his life easy. If any one answers correctly how many inspired songs that this song consists of, they can get a bumper prize from Thaman. Mass song perfectly apt for NTR and his dances.

5. Welcome kanakam
Singer(s): Sowmya, Jaspreet Jasz
Lyrics: Bhaskara Bhatla

Again there is nothing new in this song. Jaspreet was horrible when he sings Telugu. Sowmya mostly sounded like Geeta Madhuri, may be its Thaman's magic. Thaman is making a point to prove that changing a song here and there will become another song. He knows Music is nothing but playing around with Keyboard to get different sounds and then playing with seven notes to make a tune. He is trying to make a template and changing here and there. Thats why he is so consistent in his music. Once again a loud song for fans, masses, NTR's choreographers. As said in earlier song, "Shana" will be one of the 30-40 words that will be frequently used in Telugu songs.

6. Rangoli Ragoli
Singer(s): Divya Kumar, Sonu Kakkar, Baba Sehgal, M.M.Manasi
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

I heard that Thaman gave around 50 tunes for a single song, before NTR selected one, Not sure which one of these. I don't see any song worth of that hardship. The problem I have with hearing Thaman's music is that all of them sound same, all singers sound same or every song appears to be heard somewhere. On the top the multilingual lyricists, just adds multi-lingual words. This song is fast, out and out mass song, passable song for normal audience. Movie might add some value to this song if there are some dance movements aimed at fans. Not sure where is Baba Sehgal in this song. Happened same thing for Shadow too.

Pick(s) of the Album: None - For Fans - Sairo, Badshah.

I might be running out of words writing the same stuff after listening to each and every movie of Thaman, but movie makers, directors, Thaman and audience are not. If Thaman doesn't change( I doubt if at all he knows something else other than doing the same songs), he cannot stick to the industry too long. Getting top hero's movies, will make him unnoticed if movie is hit, but when movie's fate is otherwise, he will get noticed. With this kind of mediocre music he is giving, if he is getting too many offers, that means its not just about his music, there is some other factor. I guess this will remain as one of the lowest quality album of NTR. This music will be if at all hit, it is becaue of fans or movie's success. Non fans of NTR can easily stay away from this album.

Shadow (Telugu) - Audio Review

Movie: Shadow ( 2013 )
Music:  SS Thaman
Director: Meher Ramesh

Producer: Paruchuri Prasad

Cast: Venkatesh, Tapsee, Srikanth, Madhurima

 

Touted as costliest film of Victory Venkatesh, Shadow, movie comes after super hit SVSC. Venkatesh plays a role of Mafia Don, Tapsee Pannu playing female lead, is directed by Meher Ramesh known for stylish making of movies. Produced by Paruchuri Kireeti under United Movies banner. The audio is launched on 15th March 2013 and is all set to be released.

 

Thaman has a busy week ahead first releasing Shadow and then the other prestigious project "Baadshah". Thaman is know for his standard template Out of the Box music. Each time we hear his music, the expectations is whether he offered different music by disappointing us or by sticking to his template music there by there are no surprises. Lets see. Chandrabose is a single lyricist. We all know how chandrabose writes lyrics. Lets see whether he deviates or stays put. For Venky calibre artists, music doesnt impact the success of the movie anyways.

01 – Shadow

Singers : Baba Sehgal, Naveen
Lyrics : Chandrabose
 

Thaman Scored this title song, the most electrifying way, suprisingly not heavy, loud he used to. The issue is that its his template music. Chandrabose again tried to put in words to the tune whether it rhythms, rhymes or not he doesnt care all finally ends with "He is the Shadow". Rest all some illogical words. Trying to find something is a useless task. These two have re-defined the Telugu song to Telugu words with some noise. Tried hard to find Baba Sehgal in this song.

Ilayaraja in one of the concert said, every song has its own identity, if one song reminds another song then the song is the other song, not this song. There cannot be two same songs. This is the first lesson current crop of Music directors should learn. They might not be tired of making the same music again and again, infact its easy for them, but we cannot hear the same again and again. This is what happens to this song.

This song you can hear, but cant like, you can like but you cant enjoy, you can enjoy but you cant hear, because Oh NO "He(Thaman) is the Shadow" :-)
 

 02 – Gola Gola
Singers : Ranjith, Ramya
Lyrics : Chandrabose
 Chandrabose is trying to compete with Ramajogayya Sastry which is a futile attempt. RJS has made a brand of himself in multi lingual lyrics. The sounds in between was it kissing or Pedavi virupu? As said before any singer when they sing Thaman's song sound exactly the same. It doesnt matter who sings, his tunes maintain the same standards. Finally Thaman only ends this Gola by agreeing it is Gola. :-)

03 – Pilla Manchi Bando Bastu
Singers : Rahul, Suchitra
Lyrics : Chandrabose

The tune and singers broke the words into multi dimension pieces. "Got it" guys. BTW Suchitra has become a permanent singer in Telugu industry. Chandrabose garu, have you tried any time to write without prasa, ఎత్తుకెలత , నిన్ను లేపుకెలత నా చేతికి చిక్కినాదే చుట్టుకొలత. కొల్ల గొడత ఈడు దుళ్ళ గోడత నీ కంటికి నిద్దరింక ఎల్ల గొడత. Then ikkado, ekkado, pakado -and many more. Ravi teja is named Mass Maharaja, but I think you should get one too. What is the big deal any way. Coming to Thaman, cant say anything about his music, its like saying same thing again and again. Singers let down this song big time.

04 – Naughty Girl
Singers : Geetha Madhuri, Haricharan
Lyrics : Chandrabose

Thaman looks like he is experimenting his new instrument he got few months ago. He is trying out all different sounds. Coming to Geetha Madhuri, her voice many times sounds too childish, and when she changes her voice it doesnt sound good at all. Girl or Gaal both are same anyways. Chandrabose, tried to use the Gabbar singh famous dialog, and movie titles just to prove he is upto date on movies as well as Venky's movies. Haricharan, the way he said Naughty girl was so funny. This song can easily skipped one for Geeta Madhuri singing and the experiments Thaman did for the song, both irritates us. Most amaeturish ever song by Thaman.

05 – Aythalaka
Singers : Hemachandra, Simha, Vandana
Lyrics : Chandrabose

Teenmar, not sure how many understand what it is, but lately every one is uses left and right. Now dinka chikka is making rounds. Anyway, what is song about that uses all rhymes and alphabets only chandrabose or Meher Ramesh should know. Tried to imitate Gangham style in between or want to remind this has something in the movie? Mass song that goes so so. Simha I thought was limited to stage shows, but made to movie somehow. Not sure how. Hemachandra lost identity in the crowd. Anyway an energetic song, standing out of the rest of the songs. Only relief in the album.

06 – Revenge of Shadow (Instrumental)

Revenge of Shadow, the label is looking fancy. Why the slow down while signing "Ganesha" something the movie should tell us. Yamudu, Narudu, Sivudu, then Ganesh and the revenge of Shadow ends and is the album.

Pick(s) of the album: Aythalaka and then I would say revenge of the shadow as it was the shortest.

Thaman should have completed winding up composing songs for this movie in a day, there by saving lot of time to Producer and Director. He is exactly where he started his career. He didnt move a single inch and is not getting things right even after doing so many films. But he is the leading music director in Telugu industry, which shows the sad state of Industry and audience eventually loosing to know what good music is all about.

Good luck and God Bless Telugu Films Music !!!