Ulavacharu Biryani Audio Review

Movie: Ulavacharu Biryani - ఉలవచారు బిర్యాని 

Music: Isaignaani Ilayaraja

Director: Prakashraj 

Producer(s): K.S.Ramarao ( Creative Commercials )

Cast: Prakashraj, Sneha,  Samyuktha Hornad and Mandya Ramesh

One of its first of kind, a movie made as Trilingual which is a remake of Malayalam Film, Prakashraj directs and acts in this movie named in Telugu as Ulavacharu Biryani. In Tamil titled as "Un Samayal Arayil" and in Kannada as "Oggarane" . The film as caption says "Love is Cooking" is about a romantic story of two couples falling in love through their common interest which is food. The film story line sounds interesting. Sneha after a long gap acting in this movie as co-star to Prakashraj.

Prakashraj directing his third film, says he is enjoying directing movies which gives him chance to spend time with his family, identify something new in him and do something on his own. He pairs up with Ilayaraja again with this movie after his earlier movie "Dhoni". Though the movie didnt enjoy success, the music and movie was critically acclaimed. Prakashraj shows great respect and devotion to Ilayaraja and seems like he enjoys getting every opportunity to work with Ilayaraja. 

This movie has Chandrabose as single card lyricist. Prakashraj is known for having good lyrical values in his movies and obviously with Ilayaraja at the helm the expectations are more. Need to see how good he extracted lyrics from Chandrabose who these days is very limited in showcasing his skills by writing some words to tunes just to fit them in other than having great lot of meaning in those lyrics. The singers list consists of few less heard names, few regulars and Kailash Kher. There are only 4 songs in this movie which tells, they should be well made for situations as it defies regular commercial song count.

The movie visuals so far shows lot of cooking and visual feast of food. Whether music is able to create audible feast or not, lets see. 

1. E Janmame Ruchi 

Singer(s):  Kailash Kher

Lyrics: Chandrabose

There were many songs on food and food items that Andhra is famous for. This song is about different food choices Telugu people can enjoy. Chandrabose tried more of rhyming words and having a pattern. He was successful in listing few famous items added to the tune of Ilayaraja, will make listeners to go get them right away.  Visuals of this song also show lots of cooking during this song and this is really a feast in waiting.

Coming to singing, Kailash kher has a unique voice which suits perfectly for few types of songs very well. However not sure whose decision was to make him sing this song. The making video shows he struggled to bring stress on words/emotions that Ilayaraja wants. His voice suits the tune but the words from his voice doesn't fit the song, there by the song lost its charm. He mercilessly killed the words. The list of killed words might be longer than the song itself :(. The only times the song will appeal to listeners is interludes. 

The song is full of Telugu native food items doesn't sound like Telugu at all with Kailash Kher singing the song, there by the enthusiasm to hear the song again will disappear. The visuals show that this song is worth watch on screen.

Not sure why makers didnt take enough care? If this happens to Ilayaraja, then we can forget about Telugu Songs in future. We might need to start a Facebook page to "Save Telugu Song". 

2. Theeyaga Theeyaga    

Vibhavari & Ranjith

Lyrics: Chandrabose

Ilayaraja had luxury of singers at his hand who could make justice his tunes. We can see the difference of yesteryear singers and Ilayaraja tunes of that time versus current tunes and singers. The earlier generation singers not only did justice to his tunes, they elevated the songs to an extent that the song lived for many years. However the current singers are not even able to match his tunes. That shows clearly sad state of singers, even though there are thousands of singers coming thruough talent shows, they aren't any good singers that can sustain and meet singing challenges from music directors like Ilayaraja. Why does హృదయం sound as రుదయం? Even written in other language, the word shouldn't change.  Ranjith and Vibhavari lack energy and enthusiasm, unable to provide the feel of the mood of the song. Clearly this song could have been better for the tune that was composed. The humming is typical of Ilayaraja that sounds so pleasant.

3. Telisee Teliyandila

Singer(s): Karthik & Ramya NSK

Lyrics: Chandrabose

Ilayaraja has a unique signature tune for every movie, whether it is part of BGM or a song.  I guess this song is that signature tune. Its amazing to see how he comes up one everytime,  inspite of working for 950 odd movies. Each of them are different and makes mark. The start of this song is that tune I guess and instantly catches up. The guitar is always better at Ilayaraja. The tune will be so involved into the movie that this will fit the mood. He uses these tunes as BGM in many movies for few scenes too. I am not seeing the original Karthik  these days. Something is missing in his singing lately. Ramya too could have done a lot better than the way she has sung. In spite of having everything in this song, feels like something is missing that doesn't make this song hook listeners instantly. May be need couple of times listening is required.

4. Raayaleni Lekhane

Singer(s): Sarath

Lyrics: Chandrabose

Chandrabose who wore a different cap in this album has done decent job for the songs. This song is another example of being able to step aside from his usual non-sense lyrics he writes. Ilayaraja could have done tonnes of songs with this emotion and he does once again yet another time in great style. Guitar sounds so powerful. Sarath sounded like Yesudas a bit, which is limited to voice not singing wise.  His singing lacks power but within his limitations did fine. As always with Ilayaraja, the guitar bit in the ending again touches. A short song though.

Pick(s) of the album: Telisee teliyandila, Raayaleni Lekhane

Raja/Raj combination once again did justice to the movie with music providing support to the theme of the movie. The songs will suit the movie, but with changing times Ilayaraja moved to different style of composition which I guess will be liked by limited audience.  Not sure how much the general audience will like this music, The music will be embraced by Ilayaraja fans, but even they will have problems with singers being clearly the weakest link for this album. Prakashraj as a director he got what he want, depends on how he added visuals to these songs to make them more watched in theater.  

Some on in Audio release said, Ulavacharu a andhra dish and Biryani being Telangana dish, Ilayaraja became bridge between those by becoming "meegada". Not sure what it meant, as said by movie makers, this movie is not about regions. Anyways all the best to the team.

Racegurram Audio Review

Movie: Racegurram - రేస్ గుర్రం 

Music: S.S.Thaman

Director: Surendar Reddy 

Producer(s): Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji) and Dr. Venkateswara Rao

Cast: Allu Arjun, Shruti Haasan, Saloni Aswani and Shaam

Allu Arjun's latest offering Racegurram is said to be a youthful romantic action thriller. Surendar reddy first time working with Allu Arjun has roped in Thaman in music department.Shruti Haasan is female lead. Initially it was thought Samantha would be the female lead. This movie audio release was made simple and delayed due to Pawan kalyan's political debut. 

Surendar reddy and Allu Arjun are known for being stylish in their presentations. So they teaming up and the teasers released has set huge expectations on the movie. Thaman is working for the first time with Allu Arjun. Thaman worked earlier with Surendar, this would be their second movie. Thaman's last movie that released was Masala, This shows there has been some gap for Thaman who was busy otherwise scoring movies left and right. For Charan though Yevadu released in January, the music was released long back.

This movie has total 6 songs, one is title song of course. The lyrics department has a surprise name as Varikuppala Yadagiri who is known for his songs in Erra Sainyam and Veera Telangana. He is also a singer, so lent his voice for a song. Another surprise is Usha Uthup who featured in Title song.

Coming to music, in general I have been complaining about Thaman's music regarding the following. 

1. His music is repetitive, he copies music from others.

2. He uses wrong tunes for situations due to which the tune and mood are out of sync. 3. His music is perfectly within his template doesn't offer variety.

4. Most of the time, we cannot hear any of his singers original voice - he changes the voice sometimes so badly that it irritates listeners.

5. His music is very loud that singers voice is lost most of the times.

6. All songs sound same with his repetitive pattern of beats/rhythm.

7. Most of his songs are highly pitched half way thru the song.

8. His melodies doesn't sound like melody due to his style of orchestration, rhythm, choice of tunes, singers voice manipulation.

Apart from these issues which I don't have to repeat again, I will try to see whether Thaman offered anything different this time.

1. "Boochade Boochade"  

Lyrics:  Chandrabose

Singer(s): Shreya Ghoshal, Rahul Nambiar, Naveen Madhav

This is typical Thaman to start an album. He always make listeners to remember his old songs to just introduce himself. This song is perfect example of it. If you feel you are listening for first time, then you really don't know about Thaman or hearing him for the first time for which he might feel sorry for that. I guess he will keep doing that until entire Telugu audience is familiar about his music. The way the singer sings the song also exactly Same to Same. Chethade, Gilletode, Tegistaade, all the same style. No wonder we call him S(Same) S(Song) Thaman. The interludes, the beats all perfectly same - reused, rehashed put in a new wrap and is called a new song. There are many shades of his earlier songs done quite differently. This makes his life easy though :) Chandrabose is irrelevant here in this song.

2. "Sweety"

Lyrics: Varikuppala Yadagiri

Singer(s): Siddharth Mahadevan, Rabbit Mac

This song for a second appears better, but when the singer says freedom pondave, its again Same Song style. This doesn't have his template beats, but the singing style of singers doesn't make it a different kind of song. Rap in between is nothing different. Having said that this is perfect example of Thaman's trendy, youthful, new generation music for which people rave about him and are behind him.

3. "Cinema Choopista Mava"  

Varikuppala Yadagiri

Singer(s): Simha, Varikuppala Yadagiri

The song starts with an irritating singing style and then Thaman becomes himself. His famous dappulu are back. This song offers nothing new everything same to same. His alteration of singer voice is just irritating and makes singing so reckless. Not sure why he does that to a song. The lyricist has written perfect mass song, but Thaman doesn't add any value to the song. There is absolutely no variety in this song.

4. "Gala Gala"  

Lyrics:  Rehaman

Singer(s): Dinesh Kanagaratnam, Megha  

Heavily inspired by ARR songs. Thaman doesn't feel shy of copying himself or others. Not sure how movie makers are accepting and paying for music that is already made. Are they so naive or they don't care that no one complains and keep accepting what ever they give? Surprising to see so many people tweeting Thaman that the music is great for a song that is already made by someone and all Thaman has to do is to present in a different way. The moment its remade, there is nothing to write about this song.

5. "Down Down" 

Lyrics:  Viswa

Singer(s): S. Thaman, Shruti Haasan

This song is perfect play for any RJ/DJ in any dance party. Unfortunately for Thaman its everyone's unanimous guess about the original song. So if you guess it means you listen to same music that Thaman also listens. Shruti Haasan lends her voice for this song along with Thaman. Being a dancer this song will help Bunny a lot or we can say it other way. This is perfect song for onscreen. The tunes, the beats are heard in any dance party, so Thaman has nothing to do in this song either other than singing the song along with Shruti Haasan.

6. "Race Gurram"  

Lyrics:  Varikuppala Yadagiri

Singer(s): Usha Uthup, M. M. Manasi, M. M. Monisha

Thaman tries to be different in this song, but his dappulu and repeated tune doesn't allow to. This song has energy, pace, race for the horse that can dance. He added Usha Uthup to the song, but she is completely lost as told in one of the issues of Thaman. She didn't sound herself at all. Whatever the song has the energy, beats which Bunny needs and is short song in entire album.

Pick(s) of the album: Race gurram, Sweety

Thaman said he had completed composing the songs in January itself. Now we know why, 3 songs copied/inspired the rest typical template music so why does he need time to make them? The definition of successful music has changed, so if fans like the songs, I guess the album is successful. But music wise, not required to say again and again. Songs for Bunny and they are really for Bunny and his fans. Thaman still has his regular issues but who cares as long as movie is successful.

Legend Audio Review

Movie: Legend ( 2014 ) - లెజెండ్

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Director: Boyapati Srinu 

Producer(s): Ram Achanta, Gopi Achanta, Anil Sunkara and presented by Sai Korrapati

Cast: Balakrishna, Jagapathi Babu, Sonal Chauhan

Legend is an upcoming Telugu film in the combination which pleasantly surprised everyone last time, Balakrishna and Boyapati Srinu. This movie is produced by Ram Achanta,Gopichand Achanta and Anil Sunkara under 14 Reels Entertainment and Sai Korrapati will be presenting the film on Vaarahi Chalana Chitram. Along with Balakrishnna, Radhika Apte and Sonal Chauhan in lead roles and Jagapathi Babu playing a negative role in this film. 

There are huge expectations on this movie right from the day 1, the posters, trailers, feelers only increased them more. Devi Sriprasad has earlier worked with Boyapati Srinu, but hasnt worked with Balakrishna so far. It took so many years for him to work with few biggies, earlier with Mahesh Babu for 1-Nenokkadine and now with Balakrishna with this movie. For DSP's talent and success, not sure why it took so long.

Music in Balakrishna movies has been always or mostly one of the key factor for the success of the movie. His music appeals variety of listeners. Though mostly targeted for masses, music in his movies has a special appeal. Manisharma was one of key Music director who worked with Balakrishna for many musical hits, however his last hit Simha was by Chakri. DSP who can provide music various genres, was expected to provide the successful factor for this movie. 

No new faces in Singers list and Lyricist being single card by Ramajogaiah Sastry. RJS known for multilingual lyrics that appeals youth and masses, should be a right fit for this movie. There are total 6 songs, which includes one Slokam on Goddess Durga ( Om Sarvaani ) and an item song ( Hamsa Nandini was part of this song - Lasku tapa ). Lets see how DSP/NBK combination worked for the first time.

01 – Legend 

Singer(s):    MLR Karthikeyan

Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

Obviously the title song. DSP provides the rigor, vigor and energy yet doesn't go overboard. Rightly done. Boyapati and Balakrishna's screen presence should elevate this song to make fans go on their feet. RJS provides the words to describe the hero, telling even though he is legend, but still down to earth and easily approachable. Short song, but yet does what it is supposed to be. DSP has started the album with his mark and will appeal Balakrishna's fans. 

02 – Tanjavuru 

Singer(s):    Sooraj Santosh, Harini

Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

Now its turn for Fans what they expect from Balakrishna. DSP provides the trademark song for Balakrishna. Except for lyrics getting broken in the song, its a go merry for fans. It has beats that make one keep foot tapping and shake leg. Harini could have done better. DSP switches gear and speed in between the song, but when singers comeback to Tanjavuru, its the time for fans. Choreographers should do justice to this song and the on-screen energy of Balakrishna should be what everyone will be looking forward. 

03 – Om Sarvani 

Singer(s):    MM Manasi

Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

A Slokam on Maata Durga could be situational. RJS weaved different names of Ammavaru into a good slokam. DSP brings in the devotional look and feel to this song. Manasi and chorus did a decent job. DSP seems like yet again provided/adopted a nice tune and make this into a good song to hear. Devotional Content songs have to be simple, involve listeners in a line or two to get them connected, if one achieves that the song is successful. Seems like DSP was successful in that part. Singers too brought in the feel. Overall after nice adaptation in Attarintiki Daaredi, DSP does it again.

04 – Nee Kanti Chupulloo 

Singer(s):    Vijay Yesudas, Chitra

Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

Chitra shows what a legendry singing is. So effortless, expressive and the variations she provided were simply beautiful. Vijay Yesudas was just supposed to be there to support her, so that she can take care of the rest. However he did more that that. Overall this song leaves a beautiful feeling in the end for a feel good song. DSP provides yet another melody and he chose right singers this time to get this song elevated. The staring tune of the song touches the heart. RJS provides a little bit better lyrics which I guess the situation demanded. The rhythm is good, chorus is good and overall a very feel good song. 

05 – Lasku Tapa 

Singer(s):    Sagar, Malathi

Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

Here comes which is supposed to be a feast for fans. Sagar and Malathi did just as required. Jwaram, Naram melika, BP all have been standard phrases for such types of songs. NBK and HamsaNandini should make fans merry and all DSP had to do is to provide foot tapping tunes to them, which he did. Rest what RJS did doesn't really matter as long as they are decent, which are. Only screen can tell the range of this song. For now its a song for a decent  hear having all the elements required for an item song.

06 – Time Bomb 

Singer(s):    Narendra, Rita

Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

This song is a routine song from DSP. Compared to the rest of the songs, placing this song in the end of the album justifies its position in this album.  RJS also till now was wearing a different hat takes off and comes to his basics :) Anyway time pass song, strictly for fans and onscreen watch.

Pick(s) of the Album:  Nee Kanti Chupullo, Om Sravani, Tanjavuru, Legend. - 

Lasku tapa will sure pick up after movie gets released for now fans will enjoy to the core and 

Time bomb is for fans.

This album shows, DSP has worked with care since its first time for Balakrishna. He dedicated this album to his uncle who recently passed away, a right album to choose to dedicate to. Inspite of working with big heros DSP didn't miss any of his elements ( melody ) and Balakrishna's ( mass melody ). He provided a successful album that he can count on for future movies with Balakrishna. All the best to the team.

Basanti - Audio Review

Movie: Basanti ( 2014 ) - బసంతి 

Music: Manisharma

Director: Chaitanya Dantuluri 

Producer(s): Start Camera Pictures (Chaitanya Dantuluri)

Cast: Goutham, Alisha Begum

From the director of Baanam, is what this movie "Basanti" is publicized. Baanam indeed was well made and critically acclaimed movie. Brahmanandam's son Goutham after couple of movies (pallakilo pellikooturu, Vaareva) which failed to impress filmi goers, is trying out with Chaitanya. Chaitanya and Manisharma worked togather earlier for the movie Baanam which had couple of good songs like "Naalo nenenaa", "kadile Paadam" and the theme music. This time also the expectations would be that they will deliver great in music department. 

Mass Melody Brahma Manisharma is rarely seen these days. Its good that Chaitanya worked with Manisharma again instead of going somewhere else. The BGM of trailer that is released has proven that their combination will work this time too. Manisharma stuck with Telugu singers mostly which is fantastic. His choice of singers is interesting. Names like Krishna chaitanya and Sri mani ( aaradugula bullet fame ) in lyrics department is also good to see on the inlay card. This movie offers 5 songs one of which is theme music, same pattern as Baanam.

1. Tirugubaatidi

Artist(s): Srikrishna, Karunya, Hemachandra, Sahithi 

Lyricist: Krishna Chaitanya 

Manisharma starts the album with style that he is known of. Telugu film The way singers sings Tirugubaatidi is really good. Then slowly singers take on the control of the song and made merry. Though tune is beaten a little bit, but the singers and the lyrics makes the song really interesting. Sahithi who is out come of another singing reality show did very well. Karunya gets to hear in this song more than others. Srikrishna is lost in the crowd. Manisharma takes well control of the song though changes gear in between and it definitely grows on the listeners. Song is not too loud, and not too calm. It just belongs there and creates good impact. With this song Manisharma proves that he is still for reckoning and not going to go away easily. He indeed did Tirugubaatu on Telugu Music Industry with this song. Krishna chaitanya did well in lyrics.

2. Paaripothunna

Artist(s): Pawan 

Lyricist: Sri Mani 

Mass Melody Brahma Manisharma gives a melody with this song. Pawan was inconsistent. Sri mani added good flavor to the song. His lyrics are very good. The tune is very nice, lyrics are nice, if singing would have been little bit consistent, this song would have been great. Simple melody which is what Manisharma known for. The second interlude is very nice. Simple yet powerful song, could have been better.  These kind of songs have become rarity in telugu music industry.

3. Pratheekshanam

Artist(s): Dinker, Chaitra 

Lyricist: Sri Mani 

Another cool song. Manisharma made many of that kind, is sung by Dinker and Chaitra. Chaitra is not very much seen these days in the circuit. A very slow song, will grow on listeners only if they like these kind of songs. Sri mani again did well in the lyrics department. Dinker could have done better mainly when he goes high pitch and changes his voice, Hemachandra or Karunya could have done this song better. Not sure Manisharma limited them to group song. Chaitra has done well. 

4. Spirit of Basanti

Artist(s): Srikrishna, Karunya, Hemachandra 

Lyricist: Krishna Chaitanya 

Here comes the theme of the movie as made in Baanam.  This is trade mark of Manisharma. He rocks with this theme score. Picks up slowly gets pace and then the singers add voice to it and ends the theme with Vandemataram, which is very good to hear. Chorus too did job good.  Should be a visual treat too.  Manisharma proves once again what he is about.

5. Vellakura   

Artist(s): Deepu 

Lyricist: Sri Mani 

Seems like a situational song. Manisharma scored another technically well made song. Deepu not sure sounded different/odd at some places like twarapadara, jalleda padda, ( did he say right? ), parugidaraa? Srimani  once again done a good job. Chaitanya Dantuluri did very well in getting the songs lyrics and right. Even in this repetitive age, he stuck to Telugu songs and made sure they sounded Telugu. He should be commendable for this.

Pick(s) of the album: Tirugubaatidi, Theme music, Vellakura - to some extent Prateekshanam

Chaitanya Dantuluri and Manisharma has delivered what they have done earlier. This album will be liked by Manisharma fans and general music loving fans. It will not appeal the so called youth who are getting used to repetitive music in the name of variety. Manisharma fans get what they are looking for. Telugu audience have forgotten this type of songs, which are old style as per the latest standards, But Manisharma gives a feel to audience what they were missing, once in a while these types of songs are refreshing to the ears even though these cannot be labeled as his best songs. These songs appear better because these types of songs have become rare. Kudos to the team to keep Telugu music alive.