Bhai (Telugu) - Audio Review

Movie: Bhai ( 2013 )
Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Director: Veerabhadram

Producer: Akkineni Nagarjuna

Cast: Akkineni Nagarjuna, Richa Gangopadhyay, Kamna Getmalani

Bhai is the latest offering from Nag. Nag is trying to portray different characters and he is pretty lucky to have such variety at this age and time of his career. This movie claims to have too many female actors adding a lot of weight to the movie. His movie is coming with lot of expectations. DSP who is roped in for the music department is on high with latest hatrick he scored with Powerstar. He got few movies to his kitty this year and has been working hard in Tollywood. Nag and DSP's combination was good in past and this movie raised the bar of expectations. RJS and Bhaskarabhatla in lyrics department shows that this album would be youthful mass entertainer. Did he provide another hit is what we need to see. Lets take a look at the songs.

01 – Bhai 
Singer(s):  Suchith Suresan
Lyricist:      Ramajogayya Sastry

RJS is perfect fit for this song. Bhai song has to be multilingual. Bhai and Playboy is it for rhyming the words or Nag character in movie is like that we have to wait. RJS tried hard to make sense in the song, but he cannot help himself much. "Mee Bratuke Bhasma" avunu Sir lyrics sangate bhasma mee chetilo. Mass and Class will never go away from songs these days even though they don't make much real/reel sense. DSP starts the song with tune being repetitive but adds some Arabic flavor in between. DSP's creativity is limited to that much in this song. Suchith Suresan just got nowhere with this song. He didn't do any good to the song by not providing any of his contribution. Since title song, Nag and picturization might help this song.

02 – Nemmadiga 
Singer(s):  Venu Srirangam, Swetha Mohan
Lyricist:       Ananta Sriram

Now its turn of Ananta Sriram. He had the entire song run with his Prayasa of Praasa. Maaku enduku Sir ee pechi. Please continue with your free style of writing. DSP made this song simple. Rhythm is beaten up. But not making much hungama of this song makes pleasant to hear. Ananta Sriram helps this song with his lyrics. DSP tune again sounds repetitive with nothing to mention in this song. Just keeping simple is the help DSP did for this song. Singers are so so. Nothing to say about them. May be a duet on lead pair. Nag troubled Female lead for not able to provide dance skills. Is it this song? May be not.

03 – O Pilla Pilla  
Singer(s):   David Simon, Rita
Lyricist:       Ramajogayya Sastry

RJS back again with another multilingual song this time a mass masala song. David Simon and Rita teared the song apart with their fake accent and unnecessary stylish singing. DSP Sir, please take care of this fake things in the song. This will not do any good. RJS Sir, why you are still stuck with Titanic Heroine? Since you write for youth, write some thing latest. This question to female lead that what you have eaten to be like that has been heard "n" number of times. I am not sure about the fetish lyricist has for this words. falling/bowling/roaming/perfuming/dating/nighting/waiting  RJS sir do you have any electronic dictionary handy. Do you pick words and write song around that? DSP provides another pretty ordinary song. Nothing much to say about it.

04 – Aibaaboi Nee Choopu 
Singer(s):  Tippu, Geetha Madhuri
Lyricist:      Bhaskarabhatla

Bhaskarabhatla did exactly what he is known for Mass songs. The choice of words are not very good. His songs day by day are going no where. May be he too is out of words and got saturated. Geeta Madhuri's voice hasn't matured as a singer. Still voice is childish. On top she has some accent which doesn't appeal much how much hard she does try to sing. DSP just did another routine job. Tippu doesn't have much to do in this song. Nag's movie so it should have a "king" word in the song. 

05 – Most Wanted 
Singer(s):   Narendra, Mamatha Mohandas
Lyricist:       Ramajogayya Sastry

Seems like an item song as it has "Item" in it. RJS  attached different words to make it an item song. Mamata Mohandas sang fine, but her Telugu doesn't suit the song. DSP who is famous for item songs, doesn't live upto the mark. He doesn't provide yet another great item song, he seems to be lost here. He tried to add different flavors but doesn't have any impact so leaves the song not making a mark. May be this will click on screen as this might provide some visual treat to viewers.

Pick(s) of the album: Nemmadigaa, Aibaboi Nee Choopu

It is said that Nag claimed that the songs of this album are better than Attarintiki Daaredi which are also composed by same music director DSP. By saying so Nag might have been either dreaming or he never heard Attarintiki Daaredi Songs. Though it is not relevant to this music album, RJS and SSThaman brought the Telugu songs to the lowest level. DSP with this album is going in the same path by being repetitive, not providing fresh tunes and variety. The songs are pretty ordinary. Singers didn't do much in the album. Lyricists charged producer for writing something that they called it a song. DSP definitely is out of inspiration or lacked demand to provide good songs. Now its time for director and actors to support the move as music has not given enough support.

Ramayya Vastavayya (Telugu) - Audio Review

Movie: Ramayya Vastavayya ( 2013 )
Music: SS Thaman

Director: Harish Shankar

Producer: Dil Raju

Cast: Tarak (Jr.NTR), Samantha, Shruti Haasan

Ramayya Vastavayya is the latest offering from Tarak ( Jr. NTR) who had a decent run at box office with Baadshah, and Harish Shankar who is sky high after Gabbar Singh. Both working together with Dil Raju raised the bar in terms of expectations to a new level. Dil Raju is known for a good musical sense and his music has been always decent.

With the pace Thaman was going, seems like it was a break compared to the number of movies he was doing. May be he took a break after Media providing feedback that his music was repetitive. Thaman has worked with Harish Shankar with Mirapakayi, NTR worked with Thaman earlier for Brindavanam. So this combination of Hero, Director, producer and Music director is nothing new. The question comes whether they made it right again or not.

In Lyrics department, Sreemani (Aaradugula bullet fame ) gets major pie, supported by Sahiti and Ananth Sriram. Singers are no surprises, atleast Thaman didnt sing which is good. Lets see how this combination worked.

1. Jabilli Nuvve 
Artist(s): Ranjith
Lyricist: Ananth Sriram

In Audio review one of the guest was complimenting Thaman that till now he had problems listening to words in his music, but this movie he was able to clearly hear the words (Was it a compliment or complaint?). But hearing the words just will not be enough. Some nice lyrics needs justice in terms of emoting the feeling of the lyrics. This song doesn't do that. The tune selected has no relation to the words. There by the song loses its charm. 

The starting tune is again rehashed by Thaman from his previous movie, then changed the gear. Ranjith singing wise was fine, but could not get the feel of the lyrics. He had trouble with few words. Thaman gives a catchy tune and as usual his high pitch fascination doesnt go away. He adds all elements in between. With whatever the issues in the song, this song is already a hit. When this song was released on YouTube there were 1.2 Million views and about 10k likes. I guess every credit has to be given to the new look of the Hero and the picturization and the lyrics by Ananth Sriram.

2. Pandaga Chesko
Artist(s): Kay Kay
Lyricist: Sree Mani

Another Thaman routine song. SreeMani who got fame for "Aaradugula Bullet" song, had this song with rhyming  words ending with "sko" (స్కో ). So we will find all those words that song can accommodate not to worry too much about the meaning. There was a discussion why there are so many Hindi words making into Telugu songs. One of the lyricist explained that because of the tunes they are getting these days, it is becoming very difficult to fill in Telugu words. Hindi/English words has an advantage of fitting them so they are writing songs with more Hindi/English words in it. In this globalization everything is getting accepted. Youth is liking so movie makers don't have issues in continuing with this process.

Coming to song, Kay Kay has all the energy required for this song. Guess this song had got more pace than required could be that the Hero wanted this to showcase his dancing skills. The tunes/beats in second interlude is just typical Thaman. He never disappoints. Sreemani in second stanza uses "ted" in his praasa kosam prayaasa. Not sure why lyricists are so fascinated about the rhyming words forgetting about writing a meaningful lyrics that makes sense. Dont know who made festival of this song.

3. O Lailaa
Artist(s): Rahul Nambiar
Lyricist: Bhaskarabhatla Ravi Kumar

Full mass song, could be feast for fans with Tarak lending voice in between. Perfect template music of Thaman. And he doesnt deviate an inch of it. In the pace and beat of the song, సొట్ట has become సొట and రకరకాలుగా  has become రాకా రాకాలుగా and many such more. Thaman never gets tired of redoing his music. How many programs, how much feedback he gets he doesn't change, his music doesn't change. Tarak Sir మీరు ఏమి అనొద్దు అన్ని మేమే అంటాం, అంటున్నాం. 

4. Neneppudaina
Artist(s): Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal
Lyricist: Sahithi

This song is touted as one of the best song by the director of the movie. He repeatedly said in each and every language he knows and in every program that the location were this song was shot, was never caught by camera. This song is so special to him :-) The visuals confirm that. This song (interlude) reminds a song in "Duet" of ARR, and other tunes reminds other songs, beats are beaten types. Harish Shankar told that he got this song composed quickly because of location and Thaman's turnaround for this song is pretty quick. Obviously, if he rehashes, it can be done in an hour or so. Thaman has redefined the definition of music and this song proves that. His fascination towards high pitch and the variations he provides in that is what he is about.

Shreya Ghosal inspite of singing over a decade in Telugu doesn't know the how to pronounce రవ్వంత, మువ్వంత, గువ్వంత. No matter how great she sings, how melody her voice is, if one lacks dedication to sing a song properly, then there is the turn off for the song. This is the difference between yesteryear singers and current generation singers. This generation never got the singing basics right. Shankar Mahadevan is right fit for this song and he does perfect justice. Of course he provides unnecessary improvisations which worked only at times. The chorus was much more pleasant to hear. This song will definitely get help from visuals.

5. Kurrayeedu
Artist(s): Shankar Mahadevan, Suchitra
Lyricist: Sree Mani

Another template music from Thaman. Sreemani could do whatever he can in his limitation of the tune. But unfortunately had to hear all types of non-sense words. Suchitra sounds exactly like other songs of Thaman and for a minute we go back to that song. Shankar had to strain in this song. Thaman should have taken care of this. Another songs for the Hero to make his dance moves. Since hero will engage the viewers how this song fares doesn't matter.


6. Idhi Ranarangam
Artist(s): Ranjith, Rahul Nambiar, Naveen
Lyricist: Sree Mani

SreeMani after Attarintiki Daaredi gets another title song. As he has done in other song, he uses good words but overall looses the flavor to make them togather for a feel good song. The words individually sound good but somehow confuses listener when put togather. Thaman as usual reuses the song#4 and gives the pace and energy, but as one of the guest said, we cannot hear words so clearly when the song is made in hurry and sung in a hurry. I dont understand why all title songs have to be fast paced, high pitch and super fast beats. Anyways thats how music is made these days.

Pick(s) of the album: Jaabili Nuvve, Nenepudaina, Idi ranarangam  ( taking away issues from the songs )

One of the guest who spoke in audio release function exaggerated during his speech that the songs of this movie are here to stay for 100 years. I really doubt these songs will stay more than 100 days or even till the movie ends its run at box office. Thaman inspite of media feedback, doesn't change. The music of this movie is exactly "As it is". His template music doesn't change, his rehashing/re-using tunes doesn't change. The only change was that he doesn't add sound effects to the singers voice which is replaced by high pitch singing. When the music definition is changed, the definition of success is also changed and this movie is success for all those who redefined these terms. Wish the film team a success run at box office as Dil Raju is known for it.

Attarintiki Daredi - Audio Review

Movie: Attarintiki Daredi ( 2013 )
Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Director: Trivikram Srinivas

Producer: BVSN Prasad

Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Samantha

Power star Pawan Kalyan is a rage among fans. After Gabbar Singh, he got a great place in the film industry and fans. He is working with Trivikram again after successful combination in terms of Jalsa. When this combination is working again after Gabbar Singh, the sky is limit for the expectations. Pawan's movies have been consistent enough providing good music, whether be it Ramana gogula, DSP or some one else. DSP and Pawan are on a hattrick with their past two movies were successful in terms of music. Trivikram who is known for his sensible dialogs have been good at lryical department extracting good songs and tunes for them. This movie has 6 songs, one is a bit song and rest all made for Pawan. RJS gets major share in songs as one song goes to Sree Mani and other to DSP himself. Surprisngly Trivikram leaves out Sirivennela from this album. They both share a different relationship. It would have been nice if Sirivennela would have written a song. Singers are different than routine. Malgadi Subha is recalled. Surprisingly DSP writes, composes and sings a song.

Lets see how songs are made, whether it is strictly for fans or everyone in general.

1) Aaradugula Bullet
Singer(s) : Vijay Prakash , M.L.R Karthikeyan 
Lyrics : Sree Mani

Power Star movies needs to have a power ful intro song. Till now he succeeded in providing great songs that have lyrical values, powerful singing, energetic tunes and electrifying songs. This song was tuned differently by DSP without missing any trademark standards of Pawan Kalyan. This song is brilliant at times in terms of lyrics and falls flat at others. Vijay Prakash, MLR karthikeyan sang the song just the way the song demands. DSP, Pawan, its only sky is the limit for picturisation for Trivikram. If he make great justice this song will remains for a while. Its definetely a power packed song. DSP gets full credit for this song for correctly mixing everything in right proportions and not going overboard, over loud.

Coming to the lyrics, the intro line of the song sounds powerful when the lyricist says, గగనపు వీధి వీడి వలస వెళ్ళిపోయిన నీలి మబ్బు కోసం తరలింది తనకు తానె ఆకాశం పరదేశం. నీటి చుక్క కోసమే విడిచింది నగమే తన వాసం వన వాసమ్. This line appears for a moment great and powerful with tune and singing, however this line on whole not sure what lyricists wanted to say. The same is with the lyrics overall. The words are there but overall confuses a little bit.  Lately the lyricists give the impression is that they are good in pieces, but definetely lack the full package to make a mark.

2) Ninnu Chudagane
Singer(s) : Devi Sri Prasad 
Lyrics : Devi Sri Prasad

DSP has written, composed, and sung this song, which is itself an achievement. However writing a song is no big deal lately as the significance of lyricist of the songs has gone down pretty much in a song. If some one can write some words instead of humming a tune, people will croon some words. Thats all a song is about lately except few. However DSP cleverly mixes some right words and makes it better but the lines like "చీర కట్టి చిందు లేస్తే చీమలా నేను వెంట పడనా and then "కృష్ణ రాధలా నొప్పి బాధలా ఉందాం" as with other lyricist, only DSP knows what he wrote in the song.

Then since he wrote he did good justice in terms of tune and sung it with care. Whenever he thought he has issues, he got support interms of instruments or chorus. But still he cannot be a better singer as he was reckless at places and dull at other. Some one says, Once more with feeling? If at exists he can provide, but thats just something we cannot take it seriously. The saxophone was good. This song is longest in the album, How come "Attaleni kodalu" came in between? Whatever it is they sang it better. These type of songs prove why they are classics. Then the song changes its pattern filled with energy. Though he said Telugu bhaasha lo padaalu, he song and wrote. Even with these issues, this song has "sarasam", kypu, mattu and kavvimpu which should impress on the screen.


3) Deva Devam
Singer(s) :  Palakkad Shreeram , Rita  
Lyrics : Rama Jogayya Sastry

DSP shouldnt have made Shreeram struggle, he should have made him sing in his comfort zone. MS voice is bliss, what is the context of using this and modifying it a little bit not sure, movie might tell.

4) Bapu Gari Bomma
Singer(s) :  Shankar Mahadevan 
Lyrics : Rama Jogayya Sastry

DSP starts the song with a tune that sounds yesteryear tune, Then Shankar adds his voice. Ramajogayya sastry tries to explain heroine as bapu gari bomma, but with further description goes no where close to how a bapu bomma would look and feel. Shankar Mahadevan inpsite of singing in Telugu more than a decade and having at one time more songs than any one, it is sad to see he still struggles to sing proper Telugu. That shows these guys dont have dedication the yesteryear singers have. vidyut teega, poyinanta dooram, oohallo and many more are surprisingly hard for him. Why are these singers paid hefty amount to sing whatever they want only producer/director and the team should know. This song reminds a bit of Nuvvostanante nenoddantaana just a coincidence. DSP plays safe with this song, he uses clarinet which goes well with the song. The beats add to it and overall this song passes with average marks.

5) Kirraaku
Singer(s) : Narendra , David Simon 
Lyrics : Rama Jogayya Sastry

I thought Kirrak is just as it is, kir raaacku is tailer made for Power Star I guess. Kir raacku is used for keka by RJS. Anyways DSP tried to be different in this song. David Simon rap and Narendra combination worked out well, except Narendra's nasal ending for each line modifying the end should have been done well. The interludes are an extension of few other songs of DSP. The instrumentation for Kirrack starting is foot tapping. RJS is at his peak in his multilingual lyrics. Glaad that this song by saying kirraku puttinchaavu, didnt get the listeners feel chirraaku puttinchave DSP. This song if aided by Pawan, will fare very well.

6) It’s Party Time
Singers : David Simon , Malgadi Shubha 
Lyrics : Rama Jogayya Sastry

Good to see Malgadi Subha again. This song might be for the forgotten actress called after 12 years. When on one side, Malgadi sings effortlessly, other side, David tries to impress with many voices like Adnan, Udit, DSP and other, but his hardship doesnt work. DSP was soft in this song, without adding too much energy and vigor. The beat was fine, the rhythm was fine, but sounds routine and heard else where.

Pick(s) of the album: Aaradugula, Ninnu Choodagane, Bapu gari bomma and the rest all for fans.

DSP and Pawan scored a hattrick. This songs are much better than DSP's last album. The trio DSP/PK and Trivikram worked out once again. Singers could have put more effort to make the songs even better. Ramajogayya Sastry has written almost every song except the intro song. He didnt deviate much from his multi-ligualism. At a stage where everyone is saturating and getting their tunes reused, this album is a relief. Though DSP all togather didnt provide all refreshing tunes, he was better than before. Even though Pawan's movies is all about himself, songs are just an appetizer for his hunger filled fans who never get tired to see him on screen and are waiting for him. All the best to the team.

Yevadu - Audio Review

Movie:         Yevadu (Telugu - 2013)
Producer:    Dil Raju

Cast:            Ramcharan, Shruthi Haasan, Amy Jackson, Allu Arjun, Kajal Agarwal

Direction:    Vamsy Paidipally
Music:          Devi Sri Prasad

With all big names in the industry, another movie is coming up with Ramcharan in lead pairing up with Shruthi Haasan. Obviously the expectations roared upto sky when Dil Raju has taken the control and working with Ramcharan for the first time. Infact DSP also is working with Charan for the first time. It was said initially Samantha was chosen to be the female lead but later on when she backed out of this project, it was Shruthi Haasan. Allun Arjun and Kajal playing cameo as per director is very critical for the movie. If both Ramcharan and Allu Arjun shake their legs togather, then fans will go crazy and that would be more than enough for them to watch the movie. DSP composed 6 songs for this movie with Ramajogayya Sastry taking lead with 2 songs and rest like Sirivennela garu, Krishna Chaitanya, Sri mani and Chandrabose writing a song each. DSP's last hit for Mega family was Gabbar Singh though he worked with Allu Arjun for Iddarammayilato and Julayi they didnt make huge impact than Gabbar Singh. Lets see whether he strikes gold again for Mega family with his latest offering Yevadu.

1. "Freedom"
Lyricist: Krishna Chaitanya
Singer(s): Suchith Suresan

DSP starts the album with a perfect routine song which offers nothing for listeners. Seems to be the initial or intro song for Hero. The interlude techno sounds are becoming common these days. Not sure what is so fancy about it. In the name of youthful music, we are introducing some sounds into songs which doesnt go good with Telugu songs. Krishna Chaitanya comes up with some words and ends with మాదే. Else what would it mean when they say వేదం వేగం  మాదే. Suchith Suresan was a not upto mark in singing this song, he lacks energy, clarity. "Freedom" said by chorus is standard DSP types, and then as we hear the song and go along with it,  at a later time in the song when Freedom was said it was total unpleasant to ears. We would end up thinking after listening the song, oh what a freedom the song ended soon.

2. "Neejathaga"
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
Singer(s): Shreya Ghoshal, Karthik

Once again Sirivennela stands out in lyrics department. This one song tells why he is where he is. There is nothing complicated in lyrics, with simple words, he weaves magic. తెలిసి తెలియక వాలింది నీ నడుము ఓంపుల్లో నలిగింది  నా చూపు ఏమి చేస్తాం చెప్పు తోచక తొందర పుడుతోంది తెగ తుంటరి గా నెడుతోంది నీ వైపు, నీదే ఆ తప్పు. Then female says కల్లోకోస్తా వనుకున్న, తెల్లార్లు చూస్తూ కూర్చున్న రాలేదే, జాడైన లేదే? Male replies రెప్పల బైటే నేనున్నా, అవి మూస్తే వద్దామనుకున్న పడుకోవే, పైగా తెగ తిడతావె?.  What a thoughtful lyrics. Sirivennela garu please keep wiritng the songs atleast once in a while. We cannot afford to miss this magic. DSP known for his melodies, has given perfect justice to the tune. The interludes sync perfectly with the tunes. This song is far better than the earlier one. Shreya Ghoshal and Karthik did their job well. The only flip side is Karthik pronounciation of "చ" was very odd and full of fake accent. Inspite of singing so many years and so many songs, still if these seasoned singers sing like this not sure how others can sing? whatever it is DSP/Sirivennela steal the show to provide a magical melody.

3. "Ayyo Paapam"
Lyricist: Ramajogayya Sastry
Singer(s): Ranjith, Mamta Sharma

Multi lingual is synonym for Ramajogayya Sastry. Standard Item song from DSP. Aimed at fans/mass and they will have merry of it. DSP/RJS and team needs to be commended for getting a key word that songs revolves around. We cannot analyze this songs for lyrics singing, and breaking words. DSP cannot create wonders with each item song it is pretty much clear from this song. This song is DSP trademark. Charan got the dance number every one will enjoy thats what it matters.

4. "Cheliya Cheliya"
Lyricist: Chandra Bose
Singer(s): KK

This is touted/hyped as song of the year. The grandeur in the tune while starting this song doesnt continue where it started. As this song doesnt offer freshness, this song falls apart. Then KK doesnt sing to the extent that this song makes a mark. The lyrics and tune doesnt match. He adds extra emotion, stress, voice to the words, there by lost the feel. Lyrics and tune sound better separately but doesn't gell well. This song has brilliance in flashes, but overall cannot be an instant winner. Chandrabose's lyrics are not that effective. పువ్వేదో నన్ను తాకితే నవ్వేదో నన్ను చేరితే, నువ్వేదో అన్న తీపి జ్ఞాపకం. వెన్నెల్లు వెన్ను మీటితే కన్నీళ్లు కన్ను దాటితే నన్నల్లు కున్న చూపు జ్ఞాపకం. Lines like these didnt appeal well. Leaves us to feel there is something missing. Overall DSP tried something different, but didnt work very well because of above reasons.

5. "Oye Oye"
Lyricist: Sri Mani
Singer(s): Andrea,David Simon

Song has become something between Rap and Reading. This is perfect example of unfortunate changing trends in Telugu music. With these trends one cannot offer different and everything sound same. When you say Aha, Oho, how many different types one can say. This song is easily made by DSP without any effort. May be visuals add some value to this song. As beats suggest, there is a dance number in offer.

6. "Pimple Dimple"
Lyricist: Ramajogayya Sastry
Singer(s): Sagar, Ranina Reddy

Waiting for Ramajogayya Sastry to write a Telugu song is something like wanting water in desert such a rarety to find. Again DSP offers a song that is heard somewhere. Sagar and Ranina Reddy whatever they do to this song, doesnt really matter as it has nothing special in it. DSP tried some thing different in interludes and offer some mass beats to help the hero. Other than that this is another perfect routine song.

Pick(s) of the album: Neejathaga

Fans might like: Cheliya, Ayyo papam, Freedom.

Even though DSP also got lost in providing youthful, trendy and catchy music that appeals masses, he still holds on to what he is known for with "Neejathaga" perfectly supported by Sirivennela. Else this movie album proves the down trend of DSP and Telugu music in general. The songs of this movie might not appeal but they dont irritate as lately the movie songs are making us to. Dil Raju's mark music is totally missing. DSP and Dil Raju has produced wonders and they clearly missed their magic in this album. May be its Charan effect to satisfy his fans they had to take this route which obviously didnt work. Mainly when any music appears repetitive, there ends the road for the album. Hope Telugu Industry recognizes this.