Dictator Audio Review

Movie: Dictator ( డిక్టేటర్ )

Producer(s): Eros International, Sriwaas

Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Anjali, Sonali Chauhan

Direction: Sriwaas

Music: SS Thaman

Balakrishna's 99th movie is almost there. His fans might be waiting for getting this movie out of way as soon as possible and paving way for 100th film. Loukhyam and Lakshyam fame Sriwaas is directing this movie and co producing with Eros International, their first movie in Telugu. With Sonali Chauhan and Anjali casting opposite to Balakrishna. The audio release was the first movie to be held at the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Noting the 99th movie, there was a car rally held before the audio release after getting special permission from government of Andhra Pradesh. The audio officially released on 20th December 2015, but one song "Gam Gam Ganesha" was released long time ago. Gopi Mohan and Kona Venkat after series of issues with their films failing at box office, are pretty much eyeing on this movie to fare well at the box office, so that this will help them a lot. For Balayya Babu, this movie result pretty much is irrelevant as even fans are aiming for his 100th movie. 

The trailers released so far received mixed responses from his fans and audience.  After Sher Thaman tried to make a point that he is trying to fix issues, but whether he continued that or whether he was back to where he was is what we need to see. Lyrics wise I guess Ramajogiah Sastry can only make justice to Thaman's tunes and the album shows the same. Only one song goes to Varikuppala, one goes to BhaskaraBhatla, rest all 4 are written by RJS. Lets see how the music fared.

01 – Gam Gam Gam Ganesha 
Singer(s) : Divya Kumar
Lyrics:  Ramajogayya Sastry

This song was released way long ago before audio was released and it was instant hit. This song starts with and promises lots of energy. There is speed, energy, beats, and all what is required to be played at Ganesh Pandals. This song was indeed the mostly played song for Vinayaka Chaviti 2015. The timing of the release of the song was perfect to become so popular. Now coming to issues of this song, Heramba has become Hey Rambha, changing the meaning, Aaku Pacha the color has become aku and pacha making it two words. Nothing to be said on already popular song, but Thaman's tunes at many places didn't match the lyrics. Couldn't get what was said by chorus in between. The shouting of ha was not required. Changing voices are also not required. This is a song on Ganesha and he likes originality not artificiality. Having said all these this song is all super duper hit. Whatever the issues doesn't matter at this time. How this voice suits Balakrishna, need to seen on screen. It was said that this song was shot on thousands of Junior artists and grandiere all over its place. Wish that this song could be original as much as possible with original voices instead of artificial voice of Divya kumar. Ramajogayya lyrics are good, he excels in these types of song and the highlight is that he asks Lord Ganesha why the issue of coming every year why don't you stay with us permanently. Taking away the standard issues with Thaman, its well made song for the lyrics and energy in the song.

02 – What's Up Baby
Singer(s) : Naveen ,Malavika
Lyrics:  Ramajogayya Sastry

This song is all stylish, with unchanged template beats from Thaman. Whatsapp, Selfie, Cellphone are the latest buzz words for every movie maker. Scenes are made, lyrics are written on these words, Even though its Whats Up, it will be correlated to Whatsapp. Malavika sounded more like Geetha Madhuri. Naveen is just ok. Multilingual Ramajogiah sastry, is at his standards with all words he could find to fill the song. Balakrishna I guess wanted to be latest and catching up the latest trends of music and lyrics quite unusual for his songs, braces this stylish song like old wine in new bottle. Thaman's music doesn't offer anything other than tune revolving around Whats Up, rest all made around that. Except for the style, this song has nothing to offer.  

03 – Chura Chura
Singer(s) : Sanjana ,Sri Krishna
Lyrics:  Ramajogayya Sastry

Thaman tries to offer a melody, his singing is more like sarcasm than singing. Somehow felt his singing and the song were way off like going in separate tracks. He should have given this to some polished singer. The chorus did much better job than him. SriKrishna in this song was pretty much limited. Sanjana's voice is at times like Sadana Sargam and at times Shreya. She should have tried to be more natural singing this song. The instrumentation is quite simple, the beats are simple. A good tune, but not very well made song. Mainly there is some disconnect, not a good continuity in the song to keep it haunting. This appears an amateurish composition. This should have been standing out, but the issues makes it to stay simple. 

04 – Tingo Tingo
Singer(s) : Kousalya ,Geetha Madhuri ,Simha
Lyrics:  Varikuppala Yadgiri

Thaman back to his routine template dappulu. He might have done "n" times similar songs, but he doesn't feel bored. Regarding Geeta Madhuri her singing these days is not upto mark. Her voice modulation is not suiting many songs. If not for the routine beats, this song has few things to offer. Simha struggles at places to sing. Out and Out mass song in terms of lyrics. Just for difference, Varikuppala Yadagiri got chance to write this song. And he perfectly writes as required the mass song that Balayya needs. Even though it has the template dappulu and singers not contributing much to this song, this will be enjoyed by masses as it is made for them. Thaman even after 50 odd movies, not trying to get away from his branded name in social media as Same Song or Same Sound. I thought he took the feedback from Social media very well and that change was visible in "Sher" movie. But unfortunately things never change probably due to movie makers demand he is stuck in the template tiger and not able to find a way to get out of it. Since people got used to these issues, this song will be enjoyed both off and on screen.

05 – Dictator
Singer(s) : Sathyan, Solar Sai Sharan ,Naveen ,Sri Krishna
Lyrics:  Ramajogayya Sastry

This song has shades of many songs, sounds from games. Some how Thaman songs mostly sound artificial. No power, no energy pure techno sound with lack of soul. Not sure how he tries not to be different in tunes, sounds and singing formats. Lyricist might have had very tough time to fill in the words to make this song. The tune is even though has pattern, the tune itself is odd to write lyrics. No clarity in singing, background music is loud and non-stop. He programmed some tune and was made into a song. This song doesn't sound right at all.

06 – Gana Gana
Singer(s) : Sameera Bharadwaj, Deepak ,Simha
Lyrics:  Bhaskara Bhatla

Once again a routine mass song. Not sure how different can one compose songs to such situations. Balakrishna means mass songs, but doesn't mean they all have to be same. Simha's singing range is very limited, only clever music directors will know how to use him. This song he is pretty average. But we never know due to lack of competition, he might win another filmfare for this song if it becomes popular on screen.  Gana is different to Gaana. Not sure what lyricist was thinking writing this song. However he wanted to cash in based on regions and places. Nothing to say about Thaman's music in this song, nor singers nor lyricist. One pretty routine song aimed at masses, if on screen something works out this song will work other wise pretty much for audio, this can be skipped as we heard many songs like this.


Pick(s) of the album: Chura Chura, Tingo. ( Gam Gam Ganesha is already picked long time ago )

Balayya looks young and energetic even at this age. He might have wanted to be different in music and tried Thaman to match the energy he has. However things didn't work the way he wanted. Thaman's music issues shadowed the energy Balayya possesses. The music is different at places, repetitive at places, energetic at places. However that will not be enough as it goes no where with the mix that was provided. Thaman getting chance first time to work with Balayya should have focused more to give a better output. Singers are pretty ordinary and didnt help either. Simha getting major pie has nothing to offer. Geetha Madhuri needs lot of hard work. Hope movie meets fans demands and be successful.

Kumari 21F audio review

Movie: Kumari 21F( కుమారి 21F)
Producer(s): Sukumar
Cast: Raj Tharun, Heebah Patel
Direction: Palnati Surya Pratap ( story, screenplay: Sukumar )
Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Sukumar unlike directing, announced that he will be producing this movie called Kumari 21F, which means the name is kumari who is female of 21 years old. His standard team DSP, Rathnavel are roped in as he himself is the producer. Rathnavel who will be busy with many movies accepted this as a short gap movie which was completed in very short time. Raj Tharun after couple of successful movies, landing with Sukumar is completely lucky for him. He should be able to prove himself with this movie too as he has proven with other movies.DSP Sukumar combination always rocks, they have delivered some fantastic hits and their combination is enough to generate interest in the album. They have a great music understanding that their songs were mostly hits. This album even though not directed by Sukumar, shouldnt be different. DSP writes and sings a song. He has been doing this lately and he is succeeding. Lets see how this movie songs are.. 

1. Bang Bang Bangkok

Lyrics: Devi SriPrasad

Singer(s): Devi Sri Prasad, Ranina Reddy, Rita

Given the backdrop of Bangkok, the OK even though appears odd, due to the backdrop should fit well. This song having. The female singing in bangkok style is very interesting. DSP writes some funny lyrics. Good boy goes to heaven, Bad boy goes to Bangkok is really funny and the way female singer sings adds to it. DSP mixes everything perfectly well that this song is made well. The rhythm is foot tapping, the style is fine. Overall the bangkok flavor makes this song special to otherwise a normal song.

2. Meghaalu Lekunna

Lyricists: Sreemani ( Pallavi), Charanam: Ananth Sriram

Singer(s): Yazin Nizar

This song is one of the best in recent times. The guitar is so awesome it will be just loved.One of the best in recent times The simple rhythm and violins are perfectly used. Yazin is so perfect fit for the song. He brought in one of the finest melody from DSP to the ears. Two lyricists writing a song that blends so well is very difficult to say who wrote what. DSP melodies are having special place in music world and this proves why. Who ever extracted this from DSP should be commendable. It is clearly one of the best song made by DSP after Arya. If DSP delivers such song one in a movie, he will stay very long in the industry. This song will top every chart and will haunt listeners and asks for playing in continuous loop. This song is so huge, and who ever listens will have unlimited fun with this song. Its such a treat.There is some magic in this song for sure. 

3. Love Cheyyala vadda

Lyricists: Ramanjaneyulu
Singer(s): Narendra

A genuine dilemma that lead actor has is put forth as a song.This song is made with all trendy youthful lyrics and tune. Though there is nothing much that DSP offers in this song, the lyrics makes interesting as it talks more about latest buzz words like selfie, whatsapp, facebook, smiley and what not. There is not much extravaganza in making this song as it goes around one simple question whether to love or not. A situational song that should appeal in the movie. Given the good actor Raj Tharun is this should be enjoyed on the screen. 

4. Baby u gonna miss me

Lyricists: Krishnakanth
Singer(s): Sagar

Its a dance floor song. Lyrics sounds a pathos song. So as per the movie backdrop this is made as a dance song. Hero turns single and he says its not his problem but the problem for female lead as she will be missing. Sagar was not natural singing this song. Some places not sure why he wanted to give a fake accent. But overall he was ok. DSP didnt trouble him much with the tune. He made this song 

5. Breakup Patchup

Lyricists: Chandrabose
Singer(s): MM Manasi, DSP

Item song and DSP are synonym. He can make as many as one want but still appeal with his item songs. Manasi did good justice to the song. Chandrabose ditches his substandard double meaning or straight meaning songs, but catches up to the latest trend and probably writes to the situation. DSP this time even though the item song doesn't appear completely refreshing, he uses a little rustic style that makes the song appear different. The beats just fit the song. The interludes are different. The ups and downs are good to hear. Overall an enjoyable song.  

Pick(s) of the album: Bang Bang Bangkok, Meghaalu lekunna, Breakup Patchup

DSP definitely gave a decent album. Since there are only 5 songs he could have scored 5/5 if there was something special with other 2 songs. The Melody he offers stands as one of the best in recent times. This album can be just heard for that song. He has some special bonding with Sukumar and he delivers his best to him. Not sure what is the mystery or secret behind that. This album is for sure is a decent hit and DSP is consistently reaching the expectations. Hope he continues with that. Sukumar has put up a good team for making this movie and they have succeeded half already. Hope they score the rest when movie releases.  

Sher Audio Review

Movie: Sher ( షేర్  )

Producer(s): Komara Venkatesh

Cast: Kalyan Ram, Sonal Chauhan

Direction: Mallikarjuna

Music: SS Thaman

Nandamuri Kalyanram after huge success of life time in the name of Pataas should be riding high. His next movie automatically sets high expectations. Known as perfect gentleman for his sincere and down to earth attitude the success in terms of Pataas was welcomed by everyone since it took so long for him to get success. The trailers, teasers looked good so far and the audio too set some expectations as Thaman got huge success for Brucelee. Both combining together after success by default the expectation is the music has to be success.

Sher, directed by Mallikarjuna and produced by Komara Venkatesh. The female lead for this movie is Sonal Chauhan supported by Brahmanandam and Nora Fatehi.The music department as said, Thaman working with Kalyan ram. He is supported by Srimani (3 songs), Kandikonda and Varikuppala for lyrics. Singers are fine not having surprises or new names.

Lets see whether the songs were pataas or tapaas.

1. Hare Rama

Singer(s): Deepak

Lyrics: Srimani

Thaman starts the album with his typical high pitch auto tuner voice with echoing effect for the Hare Rama, Hare Krishna.. This sounds really good. Then he shifts gear and now sound as if this song was for Ravi Teja. The song has simple beats, nice lyrics and well sung by Deepak. However the words didn't fit the tune so singer had to hurry saying them like some one pressing ffwd button for that word.Thaman himself said his tunes are difficult for lyricists. It appears that the second interlude is repeated from "Darlinge" song. There is slang here and there for the words that didn't appear good. The beauty of the song is Thaman being unusual kept it simple without being lound. Simple beats, simple tune, with no side effects will makes this song instantly likable. 

2. Surangani

Singer(s): Deepak, Malavika

Lyrics: Srimani

Deepak sounds a lot like Karthik in this song. This song even though doesn't appear fresh, its highly fast and energetic. The rhythm seems to be borrowed from yesteryear hindi songs. The song being, Slow, silence and then picking up energy is very well done by Thaman. This song gets a big boost from the programming skills of Thaman. Once again Thaman made it very simple and yet powerful. Singers did good job. Srimani was fine within his limits. Overall a good package from Thaman. 

3. Chal Chalona

Singer(s): Suchith Suresan, Sameera Bhardwaj, Sanjana Kalmanje

Lyrics: Srimani 

Thaman comes up with a catchy tune that will get addicted. His techno interludes added a lot of strength to the song. This song will be embraced by youth. Female singers added a lot of weight to the song. Nuvvante Ishtam sundara was done and sung very well. The non-stop words before that phrase is also done well. This song stands as very decent composition from Thaman in recent times. The guitar is perfect to the mood of the song. Simple rhythm added to interludes are good to listen. Male singer was a little out of sync in terms of tune with female singers at elevated singing. Thaman scores yet another decent song. So far so good. Touch wood.

4. Naina Naina

Singer(s): Anudeep Dev, Sanjana Kalmanje

Lyrics: Kandikonda

The start of the song is fantastic, Thaman should have used a different beats so that song appears fresh and Anudeep's start too might have be done slightly different to avoid being redundant. Having said that these issues doesn't create problems to the song at all. Once again Thaman stressed on being simple. A melody added with nice flavors makes this song a very pleasant song. Its ఉగాది not  ఉగాధి . Thaman should avoid such simple mistakes while recording the songs if he needs to be professionally perfect. Non Telugu singers write it as Ugadi, they wouldnt know the difference. Anyways thats a minor issue these days. But Thaman scored yet another decent song, nice catchy, haunting melody keeping everything simple and sweet. 

5. Naa Pere Pinky

Singer(s): Simha, MM Manasi

Lyrics: Varikuppala yadagiri

A routine item song. If a little bit freshness added to the song in tuning, this album would have been perfect score in terms of hits. Some how this song remains as a routine item song. Simha and Manasi should have been let them sing by themselves. Felt Manasi was ok, but she could have added more energy to the song. The beats and instruments were successful but not singers. Varikkuppala got a chance to write perfect mass song and he was fine. No complaints on this song other than appearing as routing composition from Thaman. Somehow this doesnt meet the standards of the other songs in this album. Thats the only limitation, other wise song is fine as such. Its fine on screen as the visuals show. 

Pick(s) of the album: Songs 1-4. Would have been entire album if not for Naa pere pinky. 

I would say after Jabardast, this is album that meets similar standards of Thaman's work. At that time I said that Thaman was still raw talent and need right people to squeeze good work of him. His recent interview before Brucelee audio release confirms that all the issues in music was caused by the movie makers. Hope he comes out of that shakles, be independent and his music command the movie makers instead of others commanding him. Not sure trolling on social media by lot of people helped too, but this album should be the starting point of Thaman's music career to go on a positive side. Kalyanram gets a very decent album The music is Pataas and its now in his hands to make the movie Pataas too. Wish the team a huge success. 

Brucelee - Audio Review

Movie: Brucelee (The fighter ) -  (బ్రూస్ లీ - the ఫైటర్  )

Producer(s): DVV Danayya

Cast: Ram Charan, Rakul Preet Singh, Kriti Kharbanda

Direction: Srinu Vytla

Music: SS Thaman

After being a family man with GAV, Ramcharan decided to be a fighter. Srinu Vytla tasted a career disaster with Aagadu, trying to recharge with Ramcharan, who also didnt get huge success with his last film. Thaman who has slowed down a bit now trying to regain his space with this film. Being a critical for all the three, this film has already set the bar and raised the expectations to sky high. Fans are extremely confident on this movie, that it would beat latest hit Srimanthudu and after MD would collect good amount in movie collections.

This movie has many names announced and replaced. First its Samantha, who was replaced with Rakul Preet and then music director Anirudh with Thaman and so on. Kona Venkat and Gopi Mohan who left Srinu Vytla had come back and Srinu Vytla had to work with them due to Mega Intervention. This way the confidence of success is already ensured.

Rakul Preet Singh is getting lot of offers lately, tasting success to go to next step in the ladder and in the race, then kriti Karbanda is playing sister to Ramcharan. Again the Mega Atta is back again in this movie after Attarintiki Daredi. The cast is heavy, the expecations are heavy, fans are just waiting for the movie.

Coming to Music, Thaman has been candid on the allegations on him agreeing most of the stuff going on social media. He tweeted he is tense and excited for this audio as the success of this album might clear away some of the criticism. He teams up with Ramajogiah sastry (RJ) who wrote most of the songs and Srimani. I guess for the tunes Thaman gives, only RJS can fill in words. Most others will fail, where RJS is successful. Anchor Suma during Audio release function said, RJS is annamayya of TFI, even though she talked non-sense, atleast for Thaman it makes sense. 

Apart from singers, Thaman has additional singer called auto-tuner. So he doesnt have to worry about who sings the song. The album has 5 songs. Le chalo has already become widely popular after its release in youtube for Srinu Vytla's birthday.

Lets see what Thaman did this time for Brucelee.

1. Run

Singer(s): Sai Sharan, Nivaz

Lyrics: Sri Mani

Thaman starts the album with nice rhythm, energetic tune which is quite pacy. Good news is no auto tuner and thaman's template beats. The singers voices are original and energetic. The rhythm is highly addict-able and  Srimani has filled in some good words here and there. However singers seems to struggle at higher notes. "Yehe run" could have been avoided and replaced with something else. This song should be heard in a good music system for greater effect. Thaman starts the album with completely different to what he is known for. However he could not bring freshness in the song. The tune seems to be beaten. Srimani should be commendable for the flashes in the lyrics of course he could have done a lot better. This song is completely designed for Charan who will rock in terms of dance movements and should be done well by Srinu Vytla to give a treat to fans. Else only Srinu Vytla will be blamed as this song has everything that it needs to be successful.

2. Ria

Singer(s): Rabbit Mac, Deepak

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Rabbit Starts the song, blaming the lead that she broke the heart. Did Thaman sing in between? This song has issues with singing the words. నాతొ is said as నాటో. Also didnt get what singer said after "Sunny Sunny morning laa". Anyway keeping singers issues apart, a pathos song composed in a different style. This is something made different. Trendy as it is called. Thaman though made it differently didnt take care much with rest of the song. Flute interlude changes the gear. After watching the bit song of Le chalo and this song having flute, is something related to story I guess. Singing issues makes this song ordinary. Only refreshing is this song being made different. But has many issues to keep listening repeatedly. Having said that this song has buzz words for youth, the rap makes them happy.

3. Kungfu Kumari

Singer(s): Ramya Behara, Deepak

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Ok, now back to the terms, Thaman back to basics with his template beats auto tuner and tampering the voices, and familiar tunes. This song has "Mega""Chiruta" written all over it. RJS when he looks back to this album regarding lyrical achievement, there will be nothing other than he filled the tune with rhyming words. Is this Deepak different? His voice doesn't sound the usual him. Ramya who is known to be suited for soft melodies, does well for this song too. This song doesn't offer much and needs help from Ramcharan. Probably designed that way.  

4. Le Chalo

Singer(s): Thaman, Megha

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

The song is already hit before it was released officially, as the bit that was released had everything. This song had the flute step by Charan which will become a rage for sure. The song is so well until Thaman's voice is heard. There were comments made in youtube asking Thaman to replace the singer (LOL), with autotuner on, listeners couldnt realize it was Thaman. Thaman's voice was really "Shreik" ("keechu") when he sang "Veechu gali", "Konta Kalam". Not sure how a music director can live with this kind of issues, when he cannot sing, he should accept and give to a better singer. How can some one let this song to a substandard singer? Obviously listeners are unhappy with this. 

Whatever it is this song is different, has visuals, has excellent steps from Charan which can be benchmark, Ignoring Thaman this song is hit.

5. Bruce Lee

Singer(s): Simha, Sameera Bharadwaj

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Again usual Thaman. Simha after Racegurram will aim for another Filmfare award. Brucelee will bang his head if he listens what Ramajogayya wrote after using his name Brucelee and lyrics after that. "టెంపో ట్రాలీ", "బెల్లం పల్లీ ". anything that rhymes with "లీ" Song aimed at masses, so this should work. Thaman doesnt offer anything in this song too. This is standard template mass song. Singers were fine and they did justice to the song.

Pick(s) of the album: Run Run,  Ria , Le Chalo ( have to ignore Thaman - onscreen pick)

Charan and Srinu Vytla has aimed this album at masses and youth. So they will be successful in that. Music wise, I guess Thaman is saturated and has nothing to offer other than a song or two which he kills them either with auto tuner or singing himself. He cannot get away with repeating tunes. Even though he satisfies his heros, movie makers with their demands, he is not going to go anywhere with these kind of albums. Mega fans will like this album and they will make it hit. That is more than required. Hope Charan gets the success he is wanting/waiting for.