Aravinda Sameta Audio Review

Movie:            Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava ( అరవింద సమేత వీర రాఘవ )
Producer(s):  S Radhakrishna
Cast:              Tarak, Pooja Hegde, Jagapathi babu, Sunil
Direction:      Trivikram Srinivas
Music:            SS Thaman


1. YEDA POYINADO 
Singers - Nikhita Srivalli, Kailash Kher, Penchal Das
Lyrics - Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, Penchal Das 

Sirivennela garu and Penchal Das, has been part of lyrics for this song. We have seen this type of lyrics with combination of writers earlier too. Here there is a little difference I guess.If the unpolished Diamond is Penchal Das, the polishing to make the diamond glow is done by Sirivennela garu. Overall, this song proves what Telugu literature is capable of. Sirivennela garu and Penchal Das explained the song and how the song starts with "Ram", ( the beejaksharam and the words coming there after rhyming to "Ram").  Penchal Das shows the power of Telugu in words as well as power of rural folk in the voice as well. His voice has that rustic beauty of the village which is sincere. There are many notable phrases in the song which will make one think.

Coming to the song/singing perspective, Thaman starts this song with a violent silence a total surprise from Thaman. However there are shades of other songs there after probably an inspiration. The voice of Nikhita is not heard quite well, clear and loud, her voice is shadowed by over powered instruments. These kind of songs, voice should be the clear winner. He did take that care when penchal das was singing, but Nikhita's voice would have been more powerful, Sivamani's percussions are class as always. I wish Thaman could have used the percussion more in interludes. A little bit consistency would have been better, but cant ask more from Thaman. He almost nailed it to bring the mood of the song, with Penchal Das adding not only value, but he brought the soul to the song. A perfect song for a possible perfect situation in the movie, probably well designed by Trivikram. Thaman must be commendable for taking care of both the song and its lyrics.  

2. ANAGANAGANAGA
Singer - Armaan Malik
Lyrics – Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry

Thaman has a habbit of starting a song prelude on different note, and the song on a different note. He has done this quite many times. Here too he does the same. Armaan Malik as any other singers, have tough time singing a Telugu song. Thaman who is more of sound based, wants variety voice for each song, probably opted to him. Otherwise there is no reason. The interesting part of the song is Sirivennela gari lyrics, all Thaman has to do is go with the flow of lyrics. Not sure why the female voice was not given credit in the song. Even though its a pakka commercial duet, a routine, the choice of words by Sirivennela garu makes him miles a part. The song, tuning as such there are no issues, except for the singer who couldnt say few words properly. The violin stands out in this song, Thaman has really used it effectively. The song even though routine, the lyrics adds a lot to the beauty of the song.

3. PENIVITI
Singer - Kaala Bhairava
Lyrics – Ramajogayya Sastry 

Now comes the much appreciated, talked about song in social media. Kaalabhairava who got name from the Bahubali-2 song, got to sing this song. Thaman again delivers one of the most emotional song heard in recent times. He tunes it as best as he can. Kaalabhairava's voice too is very apt to this song even though he was feeble at few place. 

This comes as 2nd situational song, and the song says it all. The tune, the voice and words all go well together to bring a perfect emotional song that should connect everyone who listens it. Thaman doesn't deviate from his style of song making where its seen in the interludes. He takes it to a pitch after the charanam ends and goes from there to design the interludes. He does it exactly the same, but without his usual additions, so it is heard very natural. Thaman has a habbit of complicating the song unnecessarily, I would have written many times in past reviews suggesting sometimes he needs to keep it simple. This is perfect example, how simple can take song to next level. He adds a nice western flavor in the second interlude. 

Ramajogayya sastry needs a special mention, to use few words in the song that are becoming rare to hear these days. He was able to bring the emotion thru words. He does a commendable job.

On the other side, a small observation. This song seems to be an emotion of lady, who has so much pain in the heart missing her husband. A koyila(cuckoo bird ) is known for joy, and ecstasy, A song in pain might not sound as pleasant as cuckoo bird.  Cuckoo bird singing has "Maadhuryam", where as we dont search madhuryam in pain. 

Not sure as we hear a cuckoo bird who usually sings during the aggressive growth season matches the situation here other than comparing the singing perspective. I might not be in sync with what lyricist thought writing the song, neither the situation, so just listening to the song, cannot probably think right in the context. 

4. REDDY IKKADA SOODU 
Singers - Daler Mehndi, Anjana Soumya 
Lyrics - Ramajogayya Sastry

Trivikram has a habbit of introducing one of golden era songs thru his movies. This time he chooses the some from "Sri krishnarjuna Yuddam" in the start of the song. He uses the song as is in the voice of S Varalakshmi garu. ( music by Pendyala Garu ). Switching gears from a  classic song to this age song, we see how we transformed in music. Probably this will tell where we have reached. How we came sound based than melody based. Now coming to the song, did everyone relax after working hard on other songs? Everone came back to their routine. Be it Thaman or Ramajoggayya. Anjana Soumya is notable in this song. He unique voice makes difference in the song. Daler does his usual stuff. 

Pick(s) of the album:  Peniviti, Yeda Poyinado, Anaganaganaga

Trivikram with Agnaathavaasi, faced a life time failure and how has pressure to deliver and comeback to show what he is known for. Then Tarak who is doing good with different selection of scripts, needs to continue that path. Thaman on the other hand is showing great variety these days with few albums showing where he is heading to. This album he got rid of auto-tuner, got in Penchal Das, Kalabhairava, he should have avoided Armaan Malik. This album consists of two situational songs, and two routine commercial songs. Trivikram's movie having 4 songs shows this is a story intense movie. The two situational songs are intense too. This movie should give a lot of scope to Tarak to emote. Hope he succeeds and give Trivikram a much needed comeback. Thaman scoring to what is required is in right track, hope he continues in for his upcoming movies as well. 

Mahanati Audio Review

Movie:            Mahanati (మహా నటి )
Producer(s):  C. Ashwini Dutt
Cast:              Keerthy Suresh,Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya,Samantha,Vijay Devarakonda
Direction:      Nag Aswin
Music:            Mickey J Meyer


1. Mahanati
Singer(s): Anurag Kulkarni
Lyrics: Ramajogayya Sastry

Mickey starts with a terribly made song. Mahanati Savitri gaaru is absolute everest in Telugu Filmy industry. When a song has to be made as a tribute to her, it has to sound Telugu, There should be no second option to that. The singing is very bad. The tune is also disappointing. The way Telugu words are said is horrible to listen. I am pretty harsh as the lyrics has "Mana Telugu" and this song doesn't sound Telugu at all.  Surprised to see the singer faltered at few places. The care that needs to be taken in making a Tribute to Such an actress is not there. Not knowing the background in the movie where this song comes may be the reason that the lyrics sound pretty ordinary. On the top the singer singing the words added to make words sound pretty ordinary. Again RJS focused on praasa in most of the song, instead of writing something different. Totally disappointing song in all aspects. 

2. Aagipo Baalyama
Singer(s): Ramya Behara
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry

Tuned and sung in yesteryear backdrop, this song should take to yesteryear. Sounds like few songs in those days. Ramya Behara was able to bring in that feel, but couldn't sustain throughout the song. She could have elevated the song. but with few issues here and there ( like paatalo raagama) due to lack of consistency, she doesn't standout. Given an excellent chance she missed it. Anyways the steering control of lyrics came to Sirivennela garu is itself a good feeling. At-least we dont have to worry about lyrics and focus lyrics instead of focusing on singers and Mickey J Meyer. Its a better made song than the first song. A huge jump for sure. 

3. Mooga Manasulu
Singer(s)s: Shreya Ghoshal, Anurag Kulkarni
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry

Sounds like soft romantic melody, with Sirivennela garu penning the lyrics, all Mickey J Meyer needed to do is to make sure the lyrics are heard. He added a little bit additional added flavors that took off the softness from the song. The extravaganza was not required at all. He could have kept is very simple and let the lyrics talk. He didn't do that so this song lost it basic characteristics, which should be a soft romantic melody. Anurag was extra cautious to sing this song, and Shreya's voice was lost in instruments. Well this song will leave a mixed feeling. Whoever like that additional extravaganza will like this song for sure. 

4. Sada Nannu
Singer(s): Charulatha Mani
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry

Once again if this song doesn't click, its Mickey's fault as his tuning and words didn't match due to the breaks he got and words flow doesn't match. Seems like he extended one of his earlier songs. Anyways. this song will be a treat for just the lyrics and the power of traditional tune. How they make one mesmerize irrespective of issues one can inject into song whether its tuning or singing, the core cannot be disturbed. Sirivennela gari words in this song are like pearls in the sea. How can one dive deep and gather them, they will get that many. His most of the songs are in the form of questions, if some one can get those questions right, they will have fantastic feel left behind. Its really huge question to everyone, how can he succeed doing this repeatedly over 35 years. Charulata Mani being a renowned carnatic singer, has rendered it what she is been known for. However at some some places she brings in Tamil flavor into the song even though that doesnt matter. Anyways Sirivennela gari lyrics, classical/traiditional style of song making and a classical singer singing this song, what else we can ask for? In such a magnanimous scenario, small issues wont be even visible.  

5. Chivaraku Migiledi
Singer(s): Sunitha
Lyrics: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry

Chivaraku Migiledi probably during the climax of the movie to depict the ending of Mahanati Savitri gaaru. Once again Sunita and Mickey falter in making it grand. Sunita with her over expressive and not so comfortable singing, doesn't impress. She struggles at high pitch too. There is lot missing in this song. Doesn't bring correct emotion too. Sunita was clearly lost somewhere in the song. A short song which doesn't impress anyone. 

Pick(s) of the album:  Sadaa Nannu, Aagipo Baalyama

A lot will be expected when a movie is made on Mahanati Savitri gaaru, whose name attracts lot of express for her contribution to Telugu cinema, the legendary who has no match, skills that are unparalleled, who can emote just with eyes, perfect definition of an actress with beauty and so on. One can explain for ever about her. Music for a movie like that cannot be anything lesser that doesn't match her.  One or two songs doesnt work to match her name. All of them have to be perfectly made, and this album stands very very sub-standard just that it couldn't match the name. Hope this short coming is made up in the movie making. Having said that, any attempt to make a biopic of the legendary is commendable, and the entire team will need support just for their passion to make this movie. All the best to the team.

Rangasthalam Audio Review

Movie:            Rangasthalam ( రంగస్థలం )
Producer(s):  Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Sankar, Mohan Cherukuri

Cast:              Ram Charan, Samantha Akkineni,Aadhi Pinisetty,Jagapati Babu

Direction:      Sukumar
Music:            Devi Sri Prasad

1. Yentha Sakkagunnaave
Singer: Devi Sri Prasad
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Sukumar has always been top notch director for selecting right songs for his movies. And saying DSP as his soul, both sync so well that whenever they are in such sync, the output will be these type of songs. This song can easily be said as one of best made songs in recent times, whether its in musical sense or lyrics wise. However any brand new singer whose voice is like the voice who sang the starting alap of the song "Seetamma vakitlo sirimalle chettu" type voice would have made this song live for ever. 

DSP has got the right mood of the song, but he has lot of limitations either singing, or pitching or expressions. The starting guitar beats are perfect setting either for the song or the pitcurization. The beats and guitar go hand in hand for a while and DSP start is also very good. The problem comes only when he elevates the pitch. The chorus sounds a lot better. Not sure why Chandrabose writes everything in slang except for "sakkagunnave", I expected "Enta sakkangunnave". At some places, DSP was not able express properly. Actually even though his comparisions are fine, he reminds me of Vairamuttu, he is known a lyricist with formula. Like Kannuku kaatuka andam song, he finds one phrase and with that formula, he keeps writing which all are beautiful. Just as a coincidence, I felt Chandrabose followed the same route. Not to limit this song, but the entire song is comparison on the same lines. 

Very few songs these days touches the heart. May be due to loud noise, repeated tunes, singers messing up entirely or bad lyrics with mixing other languages. This one sure does. Reason is tune and lyrics are written close to Telugu nativity. The second interlude for example is perfectly made. Just imagining the beauty of Godavari, or a village and listening to the interlude makes one feel nostalgic. The beats that accompanying the interlude are so soft that doesn't disturb the feel. This is what all DSP and Sukumar are about. Chandrabose had to just cater there needs to get fame for himself. He easily recovered some damage of his image with this lyrics. While listening to this song and enjoying, if each time the listener thinks that how this song sounded without DSP, thats not their fault. Just saying :) :) 

2. Ranga Ranga Rangasthalaana

Singer: Rahul Sipligunj
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Rangasthalam is the stage for drama. Our life is nothing but drama, where we dance to the tunes of destiny. On a bigger canvas, yes we all are artists performing our characters in the drama directed by director called the invisible Supreme Self. Chandrabose again gets the formula based lyrics by telling each instrument we use is coming from one or other God/Goddess. Basically telling we are not capable of acting on our own and we cannot control anything in this world. For enacting this drama, yes we dont come prepared. We just be there and everything happens on its own. That has been told very well in the song. And no bigger drama is there without reference of Ramayanam and MahaBharatam. However "padi talalu unnavadu Ravanudu, chedu talapu leni vaadu ramudu", comparison doesn't sound very well. 10 heads doesn't mean one will have bad thoughts. Chandrabose might have gone with praasa for tala, talapu. A different comparison would have clicked very well. But who cares. The references are nicely tied up in this song. Chandrabose succeeds in that aspect. Also vinapadettu kaadu, kanapadettu kottandi, is very apt for the movie, where lead is more comfortable seeing than hearing. Well said. 

DSP continues his magic with this song taking help from Rahul instead of singing himself. Again the beats are perfect, the singing is much better. Rahul mixes the slang at some places and non-slang at places written by Chandrabose, very well. The interludes are typical village beats. More heard in southern part.  This song gels well for a stage play scenario, the dungroo is heard in few hindi songs, but thats ok, it goes well too. 

3. Rangamma Mangamma
Singer: M M Manasi
Lyrics: Chandrabose

Now comes the typical DSP, who is best not only at melodies, but these type of songs. This song will keep everyone on toes. Chandrabose goes back to what he is known best for. Oorko bettaduuuuu, is typical DSP style of extending. Manasi's voice kind of suited the style of the song. The song aimed at masses as the lyrics say so. Sometimes Chandrabose doesn't write it with inherent meanings. Of-course he reaches his goal though. The complains from female lead can be told with subtle meanings but Chandrabose has a different style of writing such songs.  DSP weaves magic in the song, with his typical style of tuning this song. This song will be another feather in cap for DSP. He made is so appealing to mass, that they will embrace it right away.

4. Aa Gattununtaava

Singer: Shiva Naagulu
Lyrics: Chandrabose

When there is a confusion among people that colludes to choose between the right and wrong, this songs comes into picture. This is typical way of explaining people in villages how to make right choice. Chandrabose even though goes the formulatic approach, he uses that effectively to explain what is in offering between the good and bad, so that it will be easy to understand.  However he uses words Baddamu, just for Abaddam, even though its not opposite like other words. Kallu ki virugudu majjiga, Chandrabose might have meant, if you get drunk and spoilt there, we can set you right with offering butter-milk. Which means even if you are spoilt, we have ways to fix you. Shiva Nagulu shows the prowess what a folk singer can offer. The authentic voice is real strength for this song. The folk song always brings the electrifying power. Its pretty sure this song will remain close to the listeners.

5. Jigelu Rani

Singers: Rela Kumar, Ganta Venkata Lakshmi
Lyrics: Chandrabose

This song brings back the DSP the perfect item song maker. His initial days of item songs were just fantastic, mainly the ones that were offered to Sukumar. He finally gets there after loosing that track. This song is not perfect singing wise, but this is what required for these type of songs, as it sets the mood of village atmosphere, the recording dances, where the song doesn't matter, the atmosphere is more important. The song sets it perfectly. Chandrabose too goes back to his specialty area, writing these kind of songs with great skill. Rela Kumar did very well compared to Venkata Lakhsmi. However she brings the rustic nativity that gels well with song. In the name of different sounds of singers, people go else where. This album proves how singers like Siva Nagulu, Rela Kumar, Venkata Lakshmi can bring authentic Telugu sounds which the industry is missing past decade. 

Pick(s) of the album: Entire album

Its been a while that one had offered a complete hit album. DSP/Sukumar did couple of times, but lately DSP has reduced his offerings to 50% unlike his initial days. This album is hit in entirety much before the movie released and post release this just got better. Hope DSP/Sukumar continue their contribution to music world like this as long as they make moves either together or individually. Hope DSP re-records Enta Chakkagunnave with some different singer just to see how it sounds different. 

Naa Peru Surya Audio Review

Movie:            Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India ( నా పేరు సూర్య నా ఇల్లు ఇండియా )
Producer(s):  Sirisha Lagadapati,Sridhar Lagadapati,Bunny Vasu,Sushil Choudhary,K. Nagendra Babu 

Cast:                 Allu Arjun, Anu Emmanuel, Arjun Sarja, R. Sarathkumar
Direction:         Vakkantham Vamsi
Music:              Vishal-Shekhar

1. SAINIKA

Singer(s) : Vishal Dadlani

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

Seems to be designed as a powerful song. Obviously about the hero. However just shouting will not make a song powerful. These kind of songs needs Shankar Mahadevan kind of singers who can emote very well. Vishal Dadlani misses that power of singing. Vishal Shekhar are known for many hits, but they probably didn't understand the importance of Telugu songs and their difference of making. This song starts powerful, but the singing there after doesn't match the start. The reference of Illu, Dillu, and so on are just for rhyming, thats again a turnoff. Lyricists should stop this unnecessary efforts on praasa, should give importance to tell the theme in a better way. The beats are power packed. The importance of soldier is unmatched and anything said about them will be short. And if lyricists just tells it short, then doesn't appeal much. As lately the songs having same problems, this song too lacks good singing and powerful lyrics. The focus was elsewhere, for a song that had to be an instant hit. This song fares somewhere between.

2. LOVER ALSO FIGHTER ALSO

Singer(s) : Shekhar Ravjiani 

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

I am lover also, fighter also, this what movie is all about probably. A fighter who has a side of love angle. Also was said differently and emotes funny side. Shekhar himself sang, not sure why. He sings ok except for the Also part. The beats are reused probably. Again lyricist puts effort on praasa, "chinna godave, sanna godave sallabadave". The funny side is RJS always uses household items in his lyrics. Like Talagada, Pattakara, now lighter. He wants to be close to people to remind these items which are part of life I guess. To remove darkness, get lighter. His creativity is always different in writing lyrics. So close to this generation. Vishal-Shekhar goes fine with tune, but he should have avoided singing. There are so many singers out there, who would have done better job. 

3. BEAUTIFUL LOVE

Singer(s)  : Armaan Malik, Chaitra Ambadipudi

Lyrics : Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry

Taking detour, this song is made as a soft melody. Armaan Malik and Chaitra brings the emotion to listeners. Not sure the music makers got the meaning, that they made this song different to the rest? This is where lyricists have to take a cue కనుబొమ్మ విల్లు తో విసిరేవు ఏవిటో  సూటి గా నాటు గా సుమ శరం ("kanubomma villu to, visirevu evito, sooti gaa naatu gaa suma saram"), Listeners want to listen these kind of phrases more and more, so that they get a feeling to listening to a real song. Not the lighters and household items. Lyricists bring this kind of great feeling of what magic words can do, All in simple words. Thats why Sirivennela garu remains as someone whom current generation of lyricists can never dream of coming close to. The song leaves a nice romantic feeling both singers were able to do justice to song and also it appeared Vishal-Shekhar got the flavor of the song. A song that is well made, written and sung and instantly haunts the listener.

4. SONG : MAYA SONG

Singer(s) : Arijit Singh, Ramya Behara 

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

Arijit Singh needs no introduction. The magic in his voice is known to everyone. Ramya Behara with her beautiful voice adds the required flavor to the song. She brings the native feeling what Arijit couldn't. Good thing is Arijit gets to start the song, but his Telugu was not that good, so he gets to sing in Hindi/Telugu mix. Jara Dekhlo and then the folkish tune gels very well. It will be a surprise that Vishal-Shekhar could pull this off being non-native. Of course music has no barriers. Arijit's Maaya sounding was deviated from rest of the flow of song, but rest quickly catches up. This song mixes two different flavors very well. How singers can make the difference can be seen clearly in this song. As a Telugu Listener, I will have problems with non-Telugu Singers, but here its that Arijit sings mostly Jara Dekhlo and in those lines so this song should go very well with audience. 

5. YENNIYELLO YENNIYELLO

Singer(s) :  Malavika 

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

A fighter who goes to border, when he comes back to family, it should obviously a festive time. Seems like this is same scenario. A short song made to celebrate the hero's home coming. This song is again very well made. Krishna is universal and the tune is just made around Krishna and yasodha. Malavika did very well and this song probably makes people sentimental. Short and sweet song. 

6. IRAGA IRAGA

Singer(s) : Rahul Sipligunj, Mohana Bhogaraju

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry

The album closes with probable item song. Rahul and Mohana does the needful. The "iraga" beats indicates in all. The pace of saying iraga iraga, and there after for sure should be treat to Allu Arjun fans as it gives a great scope to showcase his dancing talents. This song should be in lines of the earlier movies. but this has much higher pace than earlier songs. Hope the fans will enjoy this song on screen than offscreen. Vishal-Shekhar just gave the hero and fans what they want. For sure this will be a treat. 

Pick(s) of the album: Beautiful Love, Maya, Yenniyello

Vishal-Shekar combo has been successful combination, they made many hit movies won many awards. This is their second film in Telugu after Chintakayala Ravi. Even though its a surprise to rope them, they did justice to the movie by providing the required music and offering good music to the movie. 3 songs and an high paced item song would be more than to ask. The other two songs could have been better made, but they should also be working well with fans. Overall they for sure have offered the fans a different album and music lovers couple of songs that keep them haunting. They might get more continuity going forward. The only complain might be the title song could have been made better to make it a complete album. Anyways all the best for Allu Arjun's team. Music wise they are good.