Agnyaathavaasi Audio Review

Movie:              Agnyaathavaasi ( అజ్ఞాతవాసి )
Producer(s):    S. Radhakrishna
Cast:                 Pawan Kalyan, Keerthy Suresh, Anu Emmanuel, Aadhi Pinisetty and Boman Irani
Direction:         Trivikram Srinivas
Music:               Anirudh Ravichander

After Attarintiki Daaredi, Pawan and Trivikram are getting together again. Pawan who didnt have good success after AD, so fans are eagerly waiting for this combination again. On the other hand, Trivikram had success with A Aa with Nithin. This movie is casting two heroines Keerthy Suresh and Anu Emanuel, apart from other supporting artists. Pawan/Trivikram combination always worked so they cannot go wrong. Anirudh, who is known to Telugu Audience many ways, is first time entering Telugu Industry directly. There are 5 songs of which one is classical, one song written by Sirivennela garu and the rest by Srimani. 3 songs are sung by Anirudh himself and he surprised many as the songs got released.

Trivikram always had been successful with the audio in his movies, lets see whether he managed to maintain same or not.

Based on the changing trends of releasing songs, the review also will take its path. Will update the page as the rest of songs get released. It is said Pawan Kalyan will sing another song and release it on 31st December.

1. Dhaga Dhaga Mane
Singer(s): Anirudh Ravichander
Lyrics: Srimani

Power star movie should have a powerful message oriented title song or a lead song. So far most of his films have followed this trend. The album seems to start with that. Anirudh singing this powerful song himself and lyrics are by Srimani. He uses some powerful words to explain the character of the lead in the movie. Trivikram seems to be working with Srimani after Srimani's song in Attarintiki Daredi. This song goes in a continuous flow that sometimes the lines get sung without reasonable pause. This has caused some confusion with instruments getting louder. Anirudh's voice was contrast to the words or tune. He showed strain in saying words instead of flowing freely. This makes the song less appeal. The Tune was good, the power was there, but the mix of voice, words, tune didnt get well making it miss something. However it meets what is needed for Powerstar powerful song requirement. Could have been better.

2. Baitikochi Chuste
Singer(s): Anirudh Ravichander
Lyrics: Srimani

This song released more than just a month ago, got 7 million views tells the range of this song and power of the star. Anirudh composes this song so youthful that Powerstar cannot be youthful than this. Bayatiki vachi chooste 3 o clock was totally different start that no one would have thought this kind of song would be fit for Powerstar. It comes as pleasant surprise sounding so youthful. Need to see how Trivikram weaves his magic over this song. However 12B route is famous in Chennai, not sure how this is related to movie or Telugu states. The Vadapalani route is so famous for any bus goer in Chennai. The first stanza has mismatch in lyrics and tune/singing until "FM lo evaro paadite" There after its fine. Anirudh provides many surprises in this song, first singing by himself, on first hearing doesnt sound like it fits Pawan Kalyan, then the way the tune and lyrics goes are totally refreshing for Pawan. Next the guitar was so pleasant through out the song that this cannot get any better. Srimani uses some good phrases like " FM lo evvaro paadithe, Vollantha endhuko voogene". However there is some connectivity issues for the lines "Nuvvunna kitiki ye vaipo vethiki, WhatsApp chesthava, Mabbulni kadhipi mohamaata petti, Chandhrudni thesthaga" probably movie has to tell. Anirudh Singing in Telugu has its own issues, but doesnt matter for the tune he gave and was so refreshing to youth, that the fans who mostly are youth will embrace this song like never before.

3. Swagatham Krishna

Singer(s): Niranjana Ramanan

Original Lyrics: Oothukkadu Venkata SubbaIyer

Trivikram has a habit of bringing old popular/not so popular songs/kirtanas in his movies. I am sure there will not be any person who is familiar with Carnatic music who havent heard this rendered by KJ Yesudas. His version was so adorable, that people say Krishna will come running to him even though he is not allowed to enter any temple. His version has so much devotion to it. In AD, Trivikram uses MS Subbulakshmi sung version of a keertana, and here he uses similar song. He used the Swagatam Krishna for the teaser released recently. For sure it was a surprise. This kruti is so much lovable by music lovers and when they heard it was a pleasant surprise. Now coming to the rendition, Niranjana has gone perfectly to the core that she made no mistake as directed by Anirudh. She didnt loose the classical touch, yet met the requirement from Anirudh/Trivikram. She had the Tamil flavor of rendition but thats fine. Any given day music lovers will love any version of this song as long as it doesnt deviate from what they have been hearing. The flavor was intact so they will go all for it. The ending was cinematic which was intended.

4. Gaali Vaalugaa
Singer(s): Anirudh Ravichander
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitaramasastry

This song was released on December 10th. The lyrics of this songs are just treat to listen. There are many phrases that Sirivennela garu writes that mesmerizes the listeners. Anirudh even if he would have read the lines this would have become a hit. Having said that Anirudh adds his own flavor to make this so youthful. Once again he injects a new fresh feel to the song that people will instantly embrace it. Even though the entire credit goes to Sirivennela garu for this fantastic lyrics, Anirudh too did his own job in a different way to appeal the fans/listeners. Any situation Sirivennela garu comes up with brilliant upamanalu, that it still puzzles many, how he can manage this that too not letting down his own standards, yet with so simple not so complicated words. Some try to write heavy lyrics, but cannot bring this effect that Sitaramasastry garu brings. This song will have more to talk on lyrics than singing and composing as Anirudh had some issues with few words like Nuvvilla, instead of Nuvvilaa and then extensions like Koraa, churaaa. Also he was not able to match the tune to the beauty of lyrics. He compensates with interludes by adding good interludes, nice accompanying guitar and beats that gel well. Overall yet another refreshing song from Anirudh, need to wait for more. Third song from Anirudh himself singing in this album.

5. AB Yevaro Nee Baby

Singer(s): Nakash Aziz, Arjun Chandy

Lyrics: Srimani

This movie has two female leads. This song is something related to both and the male lead as the song says "Oka vaipu cyanide, oka vaipu uri taadu" "Naari Naari Naduma muraari etu nee daari ". Then yevaro nee baby.. Srimani is projecting the leads as troubles obviously, then movie will decide what is about. Is AB the name of power star in the movie? The words in the song should make it interesting watch on the screen. The singing might have been more expressive and better. Dhaari for daari kind of mistakes could have been avoided when Trivikram is at help. This is some differently made song with all youthfully written words and sung by Naakash, Arjun. Probably more focus would have been made on singing then would have been better.

Pick(s) of the album: Gaali Vaalugaa, Bayatiki vachi, Swagatam krishna

First time when Anirudh's name popped up there were many questions, when DSP gave so much musical hit for Attarintiki Daredi, why Trivikram was deviating from DSP. When the first song came out, it was interesting and different and the second song nailed it. Even though Anirudh sang both songs, one for variety and the other for Sirivennela garu were instantly hits and liked by every one. However many had doubts that how Anirudh's voice will suit Pawan Kalyan. Then the teaser impressed everyone with the classical song, but also the refreshingly looking Pawan Kalyan that the fans embraced the album. Now that the album is out, it is refreshingly different, that Anirudh's made an impressive debut in Telugu Film industry. Getting such an opportunity to work with Power start/Trivikram Combo, happens only once in a while and Anirudh seems to have used it effectively. Trivikram/Pawan's combination never failed so far. hope this one will see the same result, given that audio met the expectations.

Hello Audio Review

Movie:              Hello ( హలో )
Producer(s):    Nagarjuna Akkineni
Cast:                 Akhil Akkineni, Kalyani Priyadarshan
Direction:         Vikram K Kumar
Music:               Anup Rubens

Akhil Akkhineni after making a disastrous debut with Nithin as producer and VV Vinayak as director, Nagarjuna took it as challenge to re-launch Akhil and the result is the movie called Hello. Nagarjuna this time gives the task to his close to heart movie maker Vikram Kumar, the maker of Manam.  Vikram Kumar takes this oppurtunity to debut the daughter of Priyaradarshan, Kalyani as casting her as female lead opposite to Akhil. The movie is said to be a romantic action thriller, the kids in the teaser and the action series of Akhil indicates the same. Anup Rubens who worked for Manam too once again joins hands with the Producer director team to re-create the magic. Akhil also lends his voice to a song with rest of the 5 songs  goes to different singers. Vanamali and Shreshta combination writes two songs. Chandrabose who got many awards for song in Manam writes the critical song in this album. Lets see whether Anup recreates the magic or not. 

1. Hello

Singer(s): Armaan Malik

Lyrics: Vanamali, Shreshta

Album starts with Title song, Hello for many things. There are two lyricists Vanamali and Shreshta.. Not sure what each of them wrote. Probably the lyrics are written by Vanamali and Shreshta the rap part. The start of the song is typical of Anup Rubens. Armaan Malik sings pretty decent, except for extending the words like enta, chota, jaada, chenta, . The interlude before the rap also is typical of Anup Rubens. The rap didn't gel very well with the song, also the ending also was not good.  This comes as an obstacle to the free flowing song with a good feel. Anyways thats what youth wants. The second interlude alaaps are good. Anup as usual provides a feel good song to end it abruptly. 

2. Anaganaga Oka Uru 

Singer(s): Sri Dhruthi

Lyrics: Chandrabose

Chandrabose after Manam, comes up with another song. Kids chorus singing song is an asset. The lead singer was ok, but chorus dominates very strong. Seems like the story in backdrop when the screen play goes. This song is longer than normal standard song length. The orchestration is strong to set the mood of the situations. However felt that Anup rehashed the second stanza. Once again Anup plays is feel good seems like this is the motto of the album. Kids to a commendable job. I liked the chorus better than other elements of the song. The piano ending was also good. Overall another feel good song by Anup, well sung by kids. 

3. Thalachi Thalachi

Singer(s): Haricharan

Lyrics: Vanamali

The starting of song is standard signature style of Anup, we can recognize that this is his song. Lately Haricharan hasn't impressed much the listeners, but this song he seems to be fine. Another nice feel good song in this album. Vanamali tries to elevate the scene with his lyrics. So far Anup's instruments selection and using them in right place has been good in this album. The interlude says so. This song has Anup's style written all over. whether its instruments, making singers sing, the tune, the interludes all say its Anup. Once again a song that has length more than standard 2 stanza song. Yet another feel good song.

4. Yevevo

Singer(s)s: Akhil Akkineni, Jonita Gandhi

Lyrics: Chandrabose

Akhil turns singer. He said he took 3 months to get this song right. Not sure whether this is required for him at this stage of his career. His singing should draw a mixed reaction from the listeners as it will take few hearings to get used to the song. He is for sure not a professional singer, but he did lot better than what one would expect out of him. He started off well but then looses track to comeback again to where he started. He was able to bring in the feel in this song and this is much better. One good thing is that he didn't take use of auto-tuner, Which is commendable. On the other side, Jonita who is a professional singer, sounds nothing much different to Akhil, so Akhil has nothing to worry about. Anup relies mostly on electronic instruments and piano. So the pattern is seems to be fixed, the motto is feel good and everything is fit into that format. This song again is pleasant to hear and impresses for various reasons. 

5. Anaganaga Oka Uru (Female Version)

Singer(s): Shreya Ghoshal

Lyrics: Chandrabose

Shreya Ghoshal never impresses me with her Telugu in-spite of singing so many years. She still has lot of issues singing the words. The kids are much better. Somehow this song too doesn't impress me. Given a professional singer she had to do lot better than kids, which she was not able to. The command over the words was missing, the expression was missing overall she misses to elevate the song to next level. She was not comfortable either. Chitra garu would have been so apt for this song, not sure why music directors fail to choose right singers, instead choose to down play their songs with wrong choices. The movie seems like the friendship started in the childhood turns to love as they grew. The teasers so some hints and the wordings too. The tune creates a great feeling, but words doesn't match the feel. This song is outclassed by the kids version. I prefer kids version than this version. Movie needs this song version, but we have a choice while listening. 

6. Merise Merise

Singer(s): Haricharan, Srinidhi Venkatesh, Shruthi Ranjani

Lyrics: Vanamali, Shreshta

Again its a combination lyricists. Two lyricists, three singers make this song. Backdrop of this song seems to be connected to some marriage. Didnt feel singers are comfortable singing this song. Haricharan too was not at this normal. The female singer is feeble. Not the singer comes once a while. ముళ్ళు  is different to ముల్లు . Anyways these are like picking non-existing issues of these days. Singers fail to impress with this song. Rest all fits to the format of the movie, so Anup keeps this song to fit into his format. This song might sound better on screen. 

Pick(s) of the album: Hello, Anaganaga oka ooru ( kids version ),  Talachi Talachi, Yevevo.

Anup has fixed that he needs to give a feel good album as he did for Manam. Nagarjuna and Vikram too might have demanded for the same. So the end result was a totally feel good album. Anup/Nagarjuna/Vikram kumar combination once again provided a feel good album after Manam. Hello is said to be a romantic action thriller, but the songs provide the romantic side of it. Which should be fine. Nagarjuna has taken utmost care in this movie and the songs prove that. Hope the rest of the departments too come out the same as audio.  

MCA Audio Review

Movie:              MCA ( మిడిల్ క్లాస్ అబ్బాయి )
Producer(s):    Raju, Shirish, Laxman
Cast:                 Nani, Sai Pallavi, Bhumika
Direction:         Sriram Venu
Music:              Devi Sri Prasad

Nani probably is the only Telugu Hero who is running on a high success note. Most of this recent films did very well at box office and also few of them are critically acclaimed. His latest project paired up with Dil Raju's team obviously has created a lot of buzz among the Telugu audience. Directed by Venu Sriram, this movie casts Bhoomika and Fida fame Sai Pallavi. Venu Sriram's earlier movie was with Sidharth, Oh my friend. After that he didnt have any movie, and Dil Raju producing a movie with him is something to note. This movie is slated to be released on 21st December, followed by Nagarjuna's Hello starring Akhil. So this movie has to be really good to sustain at box office. 

DSP was roped to compose music for this movie. This album consists of 5 songs. Srimani gets major pie writing 3 songs and the rest shared by Chandrabose and Balaji. Singers are standard from DSP's team, making no mistake, Sagar sings one song. Shravana Bhargavi gets to sing probably after a long break. Lets see how the songs are from DSP.

1. MCA 
Singer(s): Nakash Aziz
Lyrics: Chandrabose

The album starts with title song, Chandrabose starts the song with explanation of what Middle class abbayilu is about. Its a routine fare for DSP. Nakash Aziz's expressions could have been better at times. These kind of songs demands expressions, but Naakash just goes flat. Chandrabose brought in Middle class families issues rather than middle class abbayila issues. Few things what he wrote doesn't fit for abbayilu, its for families. As usual he was more on praasa. The song doesn't impress on first hearing, as DSP goes on template mode. Naakash doesn't provide any add on to the song. So probably this will be impress when seen on the screen or repeated hearings. 

2. KOTTHAGA KOTTHAGA 
Singer(s)s: Sagar & Priya Hemesh
Lyrics: Srimani

Sagar needs to get a song in DSP's albums. Seems like DSP again goes out in template mode, takes one out of his standard templates and provides variations to make this song. Kshanam oka nimisham, nimisham ganta is beaten phrase that Srimani uses. Interludes are better in this song. The song if a little bit slower tempo would have been more pleasant I guess. Somehow this song too doesnt impress on first hearing. Probably the already heard feeling might be the reason. Sagar and Priya did their job. Priya could have focused on pronunciation a little bit more.

3. FAMILY PARTY 
Singer(s): Jaspreet Jasz 
Lyrics:  Srimani

Its a family party song, also seems like out of DSP's standard routine fare of song. Srimani tries to provide situational lyrics which describes the scenes in the movie. Something to do with party at home in replacement of going outside and partying. Not sure whats the song about, but the words gets lost in singing and tune. Ille was sounding like Illai.. The beats create energy for sure. 

4. YEMAINDHO TELIYADU NAAKU
Singer(s)s: Karthik & Deepika V
Lyrics:  Srimani

Srimani like DSP tries to reuse standard phrases of expressing love. Peru paata, prati varsham chinuku, Deepika doesn't sound like a right combination to Karthik. DSP who tries to provide melody in his albums struggles to get the right one so far. The beats accompanying the song intermittently also doesn't suit well. It sounds alien to the song. Except for Karthik, there is nothing much to get from this song. Srimani writes routine song, so is DSP. Deepika was not fit for this song in combination with Karthik. So far its not upto DSP's standards of songs. All appear routine songs including lyrics.

5. YEVANDOI NANI GARU
Singer(s)s: Divya Kumar & Shravana Bhargavi 
Lyrics:  Balaji

Its been a while that Shravana Bhargavi sang in Telugu. Seems like another situational song. Once again played safe by DSP. Singers expressions also doesn't help the song, could have been better. Nothing much to say about this song. As seen in the teasers, Nani is also called as Nani in the movie. So this song goes on Nani obviously. However what is this song about should be seen on the screen. 

Pick(s) of the album: Not sure what to pick, nothing really impresses.

Seems like DSP played safe by providing template songs. Not sure whether the movie didn't demand different tunes or the situations in the movie didn't require different songs. Not the DSP who gives at-least 3 out of 5/6 good songs and rest as routine songs. Here he didn't do that even. Not sure whats the reason, normally he helps the movie with his songs, but probably first time, he needs help from the movie. These songs if movie is hit should get noticed. Hope DSP will be back next movie/year.

Mahanubhavudu Audio Review

Movie:              Mahanubhavudu (మహానుభావుడు)

Producer(s):     V. Vamsi Krishna Reddy

Cast:                Sharwanand, Mehreen Pirzada

Direction:         Maruthi Dasari

Music:              SS Thaman

Sharwanand is always clashing with biggies during the festival season. Last time he was colliding Chiru and Balayya, yet scored a hit. Now its among Mahesh babu and Tarak. And his fans hope this one to do the same. Maruthi after super success with Bhale Bhale magadivoi, did Baabu Bangaram and didnt meet the same result as Bhale Bhale magadivoi. Now he is coming up with combination of Sharwanand naming the movie Mahaanubhaavudu along with Mehreen Pirzada. He roped in Thaman for music which was surprising as lately Thaman is not seen much compared to what he used to be. Probably Thaman has to blame himself for that. However whether this would be a comeback for Thaman or whether he offered routine music, is what everyone interested to know. The initial songs that were released gave a pleasant surprise for sometime before web media went to explore further. But his fans were so happy to see the kind of songs from Thaman. Now since the album is released, lets see how they did. The comparisons with other big albums will be there among fans, but that will not really help any one. 

1. Rendu Kallu

Singer: Armaan Malik

Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

Starts with a nice melody, guitar beats accompanying the tune, but when the singer starts singing it appears it is heard somewhere. As usual Thaman doesnt keep us forgetting his style. Nannu Lagesaye, Oopiraapesaaye, the way he makes singers sing doesnt deviate from his standard template. His style of song making is to make sing in high pitch, stop the singing add instruments to it. So as long as he follows this pattern, the songs will be same. Meghana Meghana and words before and after are slow rap? The tune at times when saying this dominates the words. At one place the voice is not heard. Probably recording could have been done better. First interlude sounds better than the start and the rap. Rendu Kallu Rendu Kallu the way its said is not very pleasant. Krishna Kanth got "Rendu Kallu" and weaved song around that. Armaan Malik as usual got confused with lyrics and makes this song so so.. However this song can be heard for 2nd stanza inspite all these issues. Also I can say this is a decent start for the album. This song appears to be deliberately made a normal song, which otherwise would have been a better song. 

2. Mahaanubhavudu

Singer: Geetha Madhuri, MM Manasi

Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

When this song was released, people got pleasantly surprised looking at the name on this song that this was from Thaman. However immediately people found the source of the song that it was from a KV Mahadevan's composition.  Thaman's fans supported him, saying that he only got heavily inspired from the original source. Questions were, Did he copy, Answer was No, Did he Program it?? Answer was yes. Every song in the album label has a special mention as Programmed & arranged by Thaman S. This is what probably he did for this song. He got the base and then programmed it to different song. Excessive stress on each word to add "Ehhh" makes this song not very pleasant to hear. He also unnecessarily accompanies the singers with instruments at many places this doesn't go well. 

"Dont you wanna come and get me now" is for sure well done and well sung. Coming to singers, One has to understand the word "Mahaanubhaavudu" to sing it well or fit into the tune well. I dont think neither the singer nor music director did. Manasi and Geetha Madhuri combination worked well. Geetha Madhuri had few minor issues, but that gets suppressed by the interludes arranged by Thaman. Again Thaman lacks the skill of making an extraordinary song. He himself limits the song by inducing some small issues into the song. Else this song has every capability to be one of the decent composition from Thaman, even though its heavily inspired or copied. 

3. Kiss Me Baby

Singer(s): Thaman S, Manisha Eerabathini

Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

Thaman singing this song is very unfortunate. He is no professional singer by any means and he sounds so amaeturish in this song. He misses notes in few places. At some places its not singing its reading and added to his not so good voice. Not sure whether its intentional or not. Thaman doesnt forget the auto tuner to this song probably to coverup his mistakes. Manisha doesnt get enough footage, but her presence is felt. He brings in template rhythms, adds in different sounds to make this different. Manisha is Paaduta Teeyaga Product who was a finalist in USA version. Glad to see that she is getting oppurtunities to sing for movies. Even though she is limited in this song and her voice is not really heard. If not Thaman, this song might be heard once or twice. For now this can be easily ignored. 

4. My Love is Back

Singer: Rahul Nambiar

Lyrics: Krishna Kanth

Once again back to typical song making style of Thaman. This song is not so refreshing as others. Appears to be rehashed. Not sure why Thaman is comfortable making songs at this pitch. Not every song can work in that range. Even singers will never be comfortable. Probably thats why he uses AutoTuner. Krishna Kanth got 4 of 6 songs. However he doesnt make much impact. As none of the song stands out in lyrics. Probably this is what the best he can do for the tunes or situations provided to him. Rahul Nambiar as usual lacks the right saying words. The way "My love is back" is definitely heard somewhere. One routine song from Thaman. Not sure what is the back drop of the movie. Thaman at times took classical route along with his routine style of song making. He is good at making song sound stylish with all modern sounds brought into the song, and voices sounding alien to Telugu. Youth are getting caught to this and this style is appealing them. Probably this will catchup with Youth. 

5. Bhamalu Bhamalu

Singer: Nakash Aziz

Lyrics: Bhaskarabhatla

Once again Bhaskarabhatla gets to write a song which he is made to be known as good at. The phrase, Pony tail vesukunna domalu, probably fits the situation. Nakash Aziz had the required energy to sing the song. One mass song, with added rhythms, patterns, rightly programmed and arranged by Thaman, this song should appeal on screen than off-screen. This song some how appears as other music director style of composing not typical style of Thaman. Not sure why. But it appeared better. 

6. Eppudainaa

Singer: Swetha Pandit

Lyrics: Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry

Sitarama sastry garu writing a song is anyday better to listen. Even for a routine commercial song, he makes his mark and difference to others. However Thaman has taken no care making this song, neither the singer. She was not comfortable at all singing this song. Her voice was not in comfort zone. This is where Thaman misses to either choose right singers or compose to the singers comfort level. What ever one adds to the song, if singer is not pleasantly heard, the song goes to drain. This shows the capacity of composer and the difference between one who understand the lyrics and who doesnt. Just adding a good tune doesnt help. Her voice is fragile which didnt suit the song. Thaman doesnt fail, in making this song but arranging the song is where he fails. Anyways lately not many understand these issues, so it will appear fine to them. There is no complain about this song other what is said before. Unnecessarily he adds additions to already feeble voice which messes up the overall feel of the song. Having said that Thaman composes this song very differently keeping aside his routine hat. He should be commended for that. 

Pick(s) of the album: Mahanubhaavudu, Eppudainaa

The last album which Thaman made an impact was Jabardast, where he stayed outside his routine stuff and provided different music. Its took so much time to comeback and offer such stuff again. Earlier it was Nandini Reddy who made the impact and probably its Maruthi's turn now. Whatever it is, he still has issues here and there, which needs to be fixed. Else he will have to fade in and fade out like what happened to him lately. Also a music director shouldn't wait for director to make an impact on him. Anyways this album is different to what Thaman usually offers and it should help the movie a lot.