katamarayudu - Audio Review

Movie: Katamarayudu ( కాటమరాయుడు)
Producer(s):  Sharath Maraar
Cast: Pawan kalyam, Shruti Haasan, 
Direction: Kishore Kumar Pardasani
Music: Anup Rubens

Pawan Kalyan after a big failure in the name of Sardar Gabbar Singh, is coming back with Kaatamarayudu a remake of Tamil film Veeram. The making visuals, his attire, the sword and many others created a great buzz among the fans. The Tamil movie has Tamannah as female lead, vs Shruti Haasan in Telugu. DSP composed music for Veeram, whereas this time Pawan chooses Anup to compose music for this movie. This film also followed the latest trend - the Pre-release function even though in similar format as audio function, the songs were released one by one setting the hype and mood of the fans. 

This movie is set to be released as Ugadi special on 24th March, with premieres a day before. Pawan's movies doesn't need any introduction about the movie, as everyone is up-to date on the movie and its information. The entire audio is now released and it has 6 songs with a love theme instrumental as additional track. RJS, Ananth Sriram, Bhaskarabhatla share the songs along with Varikuppala Yadagiri. Lets see how songs fared.

1. Song: Mira Mira Meesam
Singer: Anurag Kulkarni
Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry

This song I guess is the first one to release. The songs supposed to start on high note based on expectations on the song, didn't do that, so falls flat. The words said in the starting of the song is reason for that. However Anup then compensates that issue  with a good Mira Mira Meesam and the lines follows were also good, then after pallavi, the way the next lines were made and sung was not very appealing. Probably this might be the reason that even though this was the first song to be release didn't catch up as much as it should have. Chiguru vagaru pogaru kind of the words and the kara kara kandalu, churuku saruku are used just for rhyming like space filling words for the tune. The trailer shows that its a massive song and the beats are powerful enough to match the trailer visual. Panche the way it is said denotes distribution not the dhoti. Overall this song is that leaves mixed feeling upon listening, but should definitely a feast on screen.

2. Song: Yelo Yedarilo Vaana
Singers: Dhanunjay, Malavika
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

The start denotes its kind of extension to the first song. Somehow felt this song was sung dull. Dhanunjay sounded very pale and lacked energy. Ballem Paakuto puvvula banaala pai gelichedi ela? was content for a great laugh. Not sure what was written and what was sung. Comparing the hero with Maharshulu and Veerulu is quite contrast. Movie should solve this puzzle. Anup should have chosen a better singer for the tune he made. The interludes are good and different. Lyrics by Ananth Sriram are decent. The tune for the song is also good. Overall a decent song would have been great if singer would have made a little more contribution. 

3. Song: Laage Laage
Singers: Nakash Aziz, Nutana Mohan
Lyrics: Bhaskarabatla

Nutana Mohan should replace Shreya Ghosal permanently in Telugu Filmy Music. Inspite of singing for more than decade Shreya neither can pronounce properly in Telugu nor she sounds Telugu in most of her songs. Except for her voice, there is no reason to listen to her and people not caring other issues is pathetic. Telugu singers not being able to sing in Hindi is pretty much reason for madness of Telugu movie makers for other language singers. Nutan was simply fantastic with her voice. 

Then the contrast comes in the form of Nakash Aziz, his voice is not a natural fit for this song. His NaaTyam shows why he is not fit. Some sarcasm is in built in the voice. Not sure what was the line at "Emaatram kudure undadu premato "raanaam"?? These days these issues are only for serious music lovers. Most of the listeners stopped caring about them. However this song sounds for sure a better. A decent song from Bhaskarabhatla as he deviated from his mass songs and gave a decent song to Pawan and his fans already embraced it. Anup should have give more space to Nutana than limiting her to croon couple of lines. 

4. Song: Emo Emo
Singers: Shreya Goshal, Arman Malik
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

We just talked about replacement of Shreya and here she comes. Every movie we are hearing a new singer name. And 99% of them are non-Telugu. Not sure whats the fetish of non-Telugu singers, which none of the other languages would do as much as we do. This is something movie makers should think. Arman Malik type singers are definetely good singers but the songs they sing in Telugu doesnt sound Telugu. Perfect example is chandaaa mama, instead of chandamam.. As I said Shreya cannot say many Telugu words. Adhrushtam, Chantodu, artham, are few of them. Pretty shameful for a singer singing more than a decade in Telugu. This shows purely lack of hard work and sincerity in efforts. Yet another decent song from Anup. This album is more focused on soft melodies except for the title song. This is good. 

5. Song: Jivvu Jivvu
Singer: Dhanunjay
Lyrics:Varikuppala Yadagiri

I wish Pawan would have himself sang this song like Katamarayudu in Attarintiki daaredi Or some one like mandu babulam by Kota. This song is a situational song with mass touch and beats. Kallu compound songs aimed at masses probably and it will reach them. 

6. Song: Love Theme
Instrumentation with Love theme as denoted. A very short audio clip. 


7. Song: Netha Cheera
Singers: Sai Charan, Sahithi
Lyrics: Bhaskarabatla
Additional Vocals : Simha

Singers voice doesn't match the level of beats. Found the voice levels of singers are very low. Is it intentional? Not sure. Nayikaa/Nayakaa repeats for every line based on who sings. Bhaskarabhatla now comes with a mass song. Anup adds the beats required to the tune he came up. This should be an effortless song to make for Anup. Enta has become Entaa. Most of the tunes made these days for sure are messing up words and then singers are adding up to it. Why makers dont take enough care I am not sure. This happens only in Telugu and doesnt happen in other languages. Some one from TFI should really look into it. 

Pick(s) of the album: Laage Laage, Mira Mira Meesam, Emo Emo

For most of the movies by Pawan kalyan, the music was provided by Devi Sri Prasad. After Gopala Gopala Anup Rubens gets another chance to compose music for Pawan Kalyan. This is a very great oppurtunity for Anup to take the album to a differnt heights, so that his future with Pawan and others will be decided. I cannot say Anup provided extraordinary music, but for sure this is a decent album. Three songs sound good and the rest are not bad. The songs were not in a particular pattern and I guess they must have catered the situations in the movie. Pawan's movies always had great music and this one doesn't let him down. His fans are waiting to recover from SGS and hope this movie is a good comeback and will satisfy the fans.

Winner Audio Review

Movie: Winner ( విన్నర్ )
Producer(s):  Nallamalupu Bujji & Tagore Madhu
Cast: Sai Dharam Tej, Rakul Preet & Jagapathi Babu
Direction: Gopichand Malineni
Music: SS Thaman

Sai Dharam Tej is gradually occupying his own space even though the its a huge pack of heroes emerging from Mega family. He had couple of decent hits until now and coming up with latest movie named Winner. Accompanied by Rakul Preet and Jagapathi Babu, under direction of Don Seenu fame Gopichand Malineni. Advertised as an action packed movie that matches the energy of SDT, the pre-release hungama has created enough buzz. These days a new trend is catching up to release songs slowly one-by-one and audio functions are replaced by Pre-release function. Even though the purpose is same. After Thikka, this is another SDT's combination with Thaman.

In 2016 other than Sarrainodu, there was not a big name movie that Thaman worked. His other movies were Thikka of SDT, one Kannada movie which is bilingual and Srirastu Subhamastu, probably one other movie. For sure there was a break to the speed he was working. With the gap and slowdown, the expectations are that Thaman will be back with a bang. This album has 5 songs and 17 singers and 4 lyricists. The number of singers is quite amazing for 5 songs. Lets see whether Thaman was a winner or not. 

1. Suya Suya
Singer(s): Anurag Kulkarni, Suma Kanakala
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Whether its Manchu Lakshmi or Suma Kanakala, when auto tuner is used, it doesn't matter any one can be singers. Is Thaman using the popular TV anchor to get enough mileage for the song?? Already there are 16 other singers named in this album, why he needed Suma Kanakala? Definitely It adds to get enough craze and visibility for the song. Thaman breaks the words as per his wish, as he wants the tune to be Winner. Neither Anurag nor Auto Tuned Suma were good enough for the song. Song is on Anasuya another TV Anchor turned movie artist. The intentional nasal voice of Anurag with a wierd pronunciation of words doesn't go well at all. The beats are beaten, the interludes are as well and Thaman is back with a bang with this song. Its been a while we heard him. And we dont miss him. 

2. Sitara
Singer(s): Yazin Nizar, Sanjana Kalamanjie
Lyrics: Ananth Sriram

Why Thaman cannot find good singers is a big question. Sanjana was not a good pair to Yazin at all. She was very feeble. Her start was not good. Thaman sounded a lot better in this song compared to the first. Somehow felt that Yazin Nazir was not at his usual best,. as many of his words are not clear. A better song doesn't sound right due to various reasons. 

3. Pichonne Ayipoyaa
Singer(s): Deepak, Christopher Stanley

Lyrics: Srimani

Thaman has this typical style of song making where he makes singers sing with additional sounds in the end which sounds as shouting, sometimes it appears as odd, high pitch voice with sound breaking in between, hurrying up saying few words, and then adding auto tuner. So no matter how he makes songs, as long as he sticks to this style every song sounds same. This song is no different. Every one got used to this style of making thinking its techno, hi-fi music and any one who feel otherwise are branded outdated. Using the same instruments is not an issue, making songs in same style is the issue. After listening Pichonne ayipoya might sound apt for this song. It will be either ways.

4. Bhajarangabali

Singer(s): MLR Karthikeyan, Naveen Madhavan, Srikrishna, Aditya Iyengar, Sarat Santhosh, Hymath, Arun Koundinya

Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Thaman for sure needs a translator so that he understands Telugu lyrics. తెగువెరా is not a Telugu word. There are many words like this I guess for sure he doesn't understand. Ramajogayya Sastry garu starts with Bhajarangabali and then to rhyme తెగువేరా did he use చేగువేరా in the song? Some word filling to the tune I guess. Not sure whether anyone knows about Che Guvera other than Pawan Kalyan refers to him? పోరాడు పోయేది ఏమి లేదు , Thaman crushes phrases like these the way he wanted. 7 singers totally loose their identity. Seems like an intense song, which Thaman is good at given that the advantage of electrifying techno instruments in his hand. In-spite of that song doesn't sound fresh. 

5. Naa B C Centerlu

Singer(s): Nakash Aziz, Sharmila, Anthara

Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla

Bhaskarabhatla who is capable of writing sensible lyrics like "oka lalana" in Jyo achyutananda is branded to write out and out mass songs. Not sure why this branding is predominant in Telugu Film industry. I feel sorry for Bhaskarabhatla whenever I hear mass song from him. Not sure who will hear, but hope he gets to write many types of songs not just mass songs. He might have written around 500 songs so far out of which for sure 90% are mass romantic songs. Now coming to the song, this just doesn't sound like Telugu Song, other than that it has everything to be called as mass song. A mass song and the visuals show that SDT has worked enough to get the moves right to appeal his fans and movie goers. 

Pick(s) of the album: Sitara, Bhajarangabali 

Thaman after a decent gap, comes back to work with Sai Dharam Teja trying to be a winner and make the movie winner. However the gap didn't make him introspect, so he offers pretty much the same. He must realize that the gap shouldn't become permanent. In-spite of many music directors in place, still there is a void for a winner and that spot is vacant. Hope he realizes and tries to get there. On the other hand, the combination of songs make sense for the movie and Thaman doesn't deviate to offer what movie needs. The issues are pretty much on the music side not on the movie side. Hope SDT gets a good success with this movie.

Pelli Choopulu Audio Review

Movie: Pelli Choopulu ( పెళ్లి చూపులు )

Producer(s):  Raj Kandukuri, Yash Rangineni
Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Ritu Varma
Direction: Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam
Music: Vivek Sagar

Due to various reasons I have missed writing reviews for few albums, even though I wanted, time didn't permit to write in timely manner. This album is one of them. I will the movie part as the movie is already released, will go directly to the songs.

1. Song: Ee Babu Gariki 

Singer(s): Suraj Santosh

Lyrics: Rahul Ramakrishna

Retro made contemporary is probably right phrase for this song. This song instantly catches one who listens. So refreshing to hear this song. There were few songs made this style but this song stands out due to various reasons. This song since made on the lead, his life style perfectly matches everything. Some witty situations, words makes this song unique. Suraj did perfect justice to the song. Here and there some elaborations might not be the right ones when compared with the word, but that quickly fuses out. The interludes are perfect as the start. After pallavi, the silence too was perfectly set. Tharali instead of tarali, gaaradanta at some places could have been better. Anyways Vivek Sagar perfectly starts the album not only its unique, but catchy too..Well done.

2. Song: Chinuku Taake

Singer(s): Amritavarshini KC 

Lyrics: Shreshta

A decent melody by Vivek Sagar. The flute sets the tone of the rest of the song. Amrutavarshini's voice is good. Shreshta writes a perfect love song. The background music volume could have been low as at time seems like it dominated the singer. The interludes are perfect. The charanams are well made too. A beautiful melody to sum up to describe this song. Vivek has made another good song, two in a row is very good for the 2nd time film music maker. Overall its a good listen. 

3. Song: Raalu Raaga Poolamala

Singer(s): Shri and Wilson Herald

Lyrics: Shri and Rahul Ramakrishna

When an old van is made contemporary with all modifications, this song perfectly resembles the scenario. Using Ghantasala similar sounding voice and then the mix of the contemporary types of tunes, things cannot get any better. People might go and search whether this song exists and was remix of old Ghantasala song, people will fail to find I guess. The singer should be commendable. And Vivek should be too for making some symbolic to the situation. The mix of various styles has become a good blend which people can enjoy. The rhythm was in sync with the voice and the chorus behind is also mixed very well. Again another well made unique song which sound refreshing and surprising for the voice. 

4. Song: Merise Merise

Singer(s): Haricharan and Pranavi Acharya 

Lyrics: Shreshta

This song again is made in different style. Vivek might have some influence on the style of making this song, but it just stops there. He presents very well. but female singer should have done better. She seems to be struggling at some places. Probably not her comfort zone. Haricharan does fine except for Kasurutu kadile kaalam but he compensates with the words after. When they both sing together, they are just fine. Vivek once again provides a song that is pleasant and enjoyable.

5. Song: Aanandamayenu

Violin: Tejas Mallela

Singer(s): Ranjani Sivakumar

A small bit song, that lasts over a minute. Ranjani does just fine. Violin is also good. This song perfectly syncs the situation. Made in classical style everything just works out fine. 

6. Song: Spitfire Friends

Singer(s): Nikhil Bharadwaj

Lyrics: Nikhil Bharadwaj

After making different songs, Vivek sticks to Rap, and he does well this one too.Non stop Telugu words sounds different. Nikhil Challagunda.. Videos on youtube are available with lyrics for song but I guess they couldnt get the Telugu words as they had only English words. That much pace this song had. Rap lovers will love this song for sure.

Pick(s) of the Album: Entire album.

Vivek Sagar I guess this is second album and he provides so much refreshing and unique songs that he should make it pressing to get more chances. Unfortunate that repeated tune providers are getting chance than music directors like Vivek who did lot better those ones. Vivek for sure has confirmed that given a chance he is here to stay. Hope he stays. This albums is a lot better in the time this was released and helped the movie a lot. Hope a bright future ahead for Vivek.

Head Constable Venkatramaiah Audio Review

Movie: Head Constable Venkatramaiah ( హెడ్ కానిస్టేబుల్ వెంకటరామయ్య )
Producer(s):  Chadalavada Padmavathi
Cast: R.Narayana Murthy, Jayasudha
Direction: Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao
Music: Vandemataram Srinivas

Due to various reasons I have missed writing reviews for few albums, even though I wanted, time didn't permit to write in timely manner. This album is one of them.

Head Constable Venkatramaiah probably didn't get noticed among big movies during the festive season. R Narayana Murthy who usually makes his own stories and movies probably first time acted in some one else's movie. Give the typical movies he makes, he has his own fan base and he sure will satisfy them. Vandemataram Srinivas gets back to business after a long time and he gets Suddala Ashok Teja and Goreti Venkanna, the writers of the similar background made the album interesting already. He also gets KJYesudas and SPB together in one album after long time. Lets see how the album did. 

1. Song : Unda Gnapakamunda
Singer(s) : Dr.Vandemataram Srinivas, Geetha Madhuri
Lyrics : Suddala Ashok Teja

Seems to be a tussle between Head Constable and his wife about the different priorities at home/office. Suddala Ashok Teja has beautifully put forward the standard conflicts at home of a typical sincere employee whose priority is duty. Wife asks whether he remembers the responsibilities and vows he made, but the husband talks about his vows that he made during the job. Both go in their own path, but that their paths are well explained by Suddala Ashok Teja. Geeta Madhuri appeared to struggle singing this song. She was out of place at couple of places too. One says, Medal, other says Medalu, similarly school, sthupam, car, kaallu, fantastically written by Suddala garu. Hope every police thinks the same way to take the society a different level. Song appears cinematic but this is just picture perfect for a typical police, what is expected out of one. Vandemataram Srinivas did his best in this song to make it adapt to the situation.

2. Song : Chattam Dharmam Nyayam
Singer(s) : Dr.Vandemataram Srinivas
Lyrics : Goreti Venkanna

Its good to see Vandamataram Srinivas in full force and form. Probably he is one of the singers who can do justice to such songs and Goreti garu is one who can get the feel thru his words. This is trade mark of Vandemataram to effortlessly make and sing such songs. This song should bring a great respect towards police, with the words that are used in this song. It will elevate their undeniable role in the society. The chorus has done great job to accompany Dr Srinivas. Some comparisons of police is really fantastic and touches the heart. Probably one would end up saying Salute to the Police at the end of the song, such is the elevation feeling that was brought in by Vandemataram in this song. A very very well made song.

3. Song : Enduku ra jeevuda
Singer(s) : K. J. Yesudas
Lyrics : Suddala Ashok Teja

This album is at best for the singers. SPB, KJY in one single album probably long time after Midhunam. Accompanied by Suddala Ashok Teja and Goreti Venkanna, one cannot ask for better. These two singers are ageless as is their voice. Look at the variations he brings in the song? Probably a pathos by Head Constable and who else can sing this song to best other than KJY? Its not that what ever they sing is great, they make songs great. Suddala Ashok Teja writes few extraordinary lines. He brings in the philosophy of the life in very simple sentences. Kirayi intilo talupu doolam kitiki manadante, devudu navvutaadu, brings in a great thought. Needa chetikandadu, edi neeto undadu.. This song is food for thought for sure. 

4. Song : Akasaniki Bhugolaniki
Singer(s) : S.P.Balasubramanyam
Lyrics : Goreti Venkanna

Not sure what is the conflict about. SPB brings in right expressions as per the song. Goreti garu brings in the situation very well in the singer. When these are good, the composer has to just play along, which he does. Probably an on screen song, which will bring in the emotion that audience can feel. Song wise this keeps listeners guessing what is this intense emotion is all about. I am sure R Narayanamurthy and Jayasudha would have excelled well in the situation of the movie.

5. Song : Nadi dhanakshetram
Singer(s) : Dr.Vandemataram Srinivas, Geeta Madhuri
Lyrics : Suddala Ashok Teja

Not sure why Vandemataram Srinivas chose Geeta Madhuri, She is totally unfit for this song. She couldnt start it well either. Her voice sounded too immature for these type of songs. Mainly she is not in sync with the male singer. Her pitch variation also didn't sounded very well. This song seems to be extension of first song, where wife is more interested/focused in money, money, where as husband is all about people, people. Except for Geeta Madhuri, this song is perfect for the situation. Probably Vandemataram should have composed this song in comfort zone of Geeta Madhuri instead of the way it is. Anyway this song doesnt appeal as along as Geeta is singing, rest is all just fine. 

Pick(s) of the album: Everything except Geeta Madhuri. 

Good to see Vandemataram Srinivas after long time. Singer Composer like him who gave better melodies but not sure why he was branded for revolutionary music. Never mind as long as he is heard. He brings in a lot of value for the movie. Except for choosing a better singer other than Geeta Madhuri, he did his best in this album. He sure helped the movie with the song perfectly matching the situations/moods of the movie. Hope we hear more of him in future.