Though
it has just been two days since I bought the cd, nevertheless for some reasons,
I feel as if I've been having an age old "relationship" with the
album. To tell the truth, when I first heard the songs, I did like the album
for the overall presentation. However, as the songs kept playing in my cd
player, I noticed that there was something extra special about this
album. The more I listened to it, the more I'm engrossed with it. And the more
I'm engrossed with it, the more I'm unwilling to part from it. In fact, I
happen to come across a mail written by our fellow friend who claimed that he
now takes a longer route back home in order to have some time alone with the
soundtracks. The moment I read it, I just couldn't help but smile...because
that's exactly how I felt when listening to the album myself...to spend some
time alone with the album and to uncover the truth of what's making it so
spellbinding!
The followings are merely my thoughts on my "new-found friendship"
with VTV. I'm not a professional commentator nor do I have a profound knowledge
as far as music is concerned, thus kindly pardon me if there's any inaccuracy
or mistake in the expressions and words used below.
1.
Omana Penne
Omana
Penne starts on a blissful tune coupled with the soothing voice of Benny
Dayal. I've always preferred Benny in soft melodies rather than in
fast beats or folk numbers. And as expected, Benny has done a wonderful job
here. The first saranam was given an "under-water-singing"
effect which reminds me of Blue, nevertheless the similarities
ends there.
The
Kerala portion on the other hand, has a heavenly rhythm which leaves you asking
for more. It's always a privilege to hear ARR's usage of ethnic music, even if
it's only for a few seconds and he has done an excellent job here as well. And
needless to say, Kalyani Menon was the perfect choice for this. On a
further note, the nadaswaram used throughout the song was just mind blowing.
Initially I had my doubts if the real nadaswaram was used for this particular
number
nevertheless clarifications given by fellow friends and a quick check
with ARR's official website cleared my doubts. Kudos to ARR and Natarajan
for churning out an essentially ethnic and yet modern tune. Omana Penne is
definitely here to stay!
2.
Anbil Avan
The
techno sound at the prelude seems to have traces of Santhipoma of Enaku 20
Unaku 18. To
tell the truth, I didn't find this song to be particularly astounding at first.
However, repeated hearing has made me to change my mind. Trust me, this
song is "highly addictive". Devan did a great job,
needless to say. I couldn't think of any other singer who would have given the
song the same level of energy that Devan accomplishes. Nevertheless, I
must say that Chinmayi was a revelation. I've always had difficulties
identifying Chinmayi's voice as she has the talent of modulating her voice
texture and style according to the mood of each and every song of hers. While
she was soulful in Oru Deivam (Kannathil Muthammittal) and angelic in En Uyir
Thozhiye (Kangalal Kaithu Sei), here she seems to present a western-based
singing. In fact, when I heard this song for the first time, I had mistaken
Chinmayi's voice to Vasundhara Das'. A check on the credits revealed the truth.
She sounds amazing!
Coming
back to the music arrangements, ARR has again surprised everyone with his
choice of genre for a song such as this. The song basically expresses the
lovers' dreams of their marriage. While most would have settled for a
melody for such a situation, ARR decided to grant a peppy, foot-tapping number.
And what an apposite choice that was. He effectively brought out the elation
felt
by the lovers in a vivacious manner, while the inclusion of the marriage tunes
at the interludes provided a wonderful, jubilant feel to it.
3.
Vinnaithandi Varuvaya
I
was pleasantly surprised that ARR used Karthik instead of Hariharan for
this soothing number. This would have been a cake-walk for Hariharan
who's a master in playing with the ragas. Nevertheless, I must say that Karthik
has done a commendable job. In fact, full credits goes to ARR for using
Karthik's voice in a very unconventional manner to such great effect. Instead
of opting for the open-throat singing (which I believe is Karthik's plus
point), ARR has brought out a rather husky side of Karthik here. Truly amazing!
ARR
has used minimum instruments here, letting the string arrangements to do
the wonders. And wonders they did! I was instantly attracted to it from the
first moment I heard it. In fact, I must say that I was amazed with the whole
presentation of this song. Definitely one of my favourites!
4.
Hosanna
Vijay
Prakash is back after the amazing job
rendered in Fiqrana. Among all the songs, Hosanna attracted me from the moment
I first heard it. The song started on as a slow melody but ARR
quickly transformed it to a fast tempo at the
pallavi. Vijay sounds refreshing and he seemed completely at ease with the
high notes. I especially loved the way he presented the "idhayam"
portion which comes at the beginning and at the end of the
song. Absolutely delightful!
By
the way, who said Blaaze sounded repetitive?? I don't
usually like rap and I was never a big fan of Blaaze, but I dare
say that he was great here! He seems to have adopted a more
"Caribbean" feel this time which sounded cool to the ears. Suzanne
on the other hand has added charm to the song with her blissful humming
and chanting of "Hosanna". A highly lovable number, I must say!
5.
Kannukul Kannai
The
song started with great violin score coupled with the usage of percussion at
the right places. The beautiful string arrangements at the interlude needs to
be specifically mentioned here as I felt ARR has done a wonderful job with
them. Naresh Iyer was truly amazing! The boyish-sounding Naresh is
now back with a matured and well-developed voice and he handled the
fast-pacy number gracefully. I admit that the lyrics of the song
have yet to grow on me but the amazing harmony of sounds projected here is
too extraordinary to give this a miss. Definitely has potentials to hit
the chartbusters!
6.
Manipaya
The
moment Shreya Ghosal rendered the first line, I knew that this is
going to be a special number. But nothing prepared me for the surprise I was
about to face. The whole experience of listening to this song just left me
speechless. So much so that the moment the song ended, I had the urge to play
it again
and again. Shreya was just amazing. She totally connected with the song.
Not only had she improve her pronunciation to perfection but the emotions she
conveyed through her voice was so intense that you can't help but feel the pain
and grief she executes soulfully. And ARR...what can I say about him?
He just took the song to a higher level with his emotive singing.
Truly, this song is just made for them.
The
lyrics didn't particularly sound poetic, nevertheless, they spelt out the
characters' feelings exceedingly well. The girl seeking forgiveness for
failing her lover, and the guy responding by attributing each and every success
of his to her was expressed poignantly here. In fact, the whole song has a
pathos feel lingering around it that eventually leaves you emotionally
drained. ARR
has created a whole new dimensions to his music by not only evading the usual
pallavi-saranam-pallavi sequence, but by giving each and every stanzas a life
of its own. And adding to the magical effect is the inclusion of the
wonderfully crafted and meaningful Thirukural. What more can you ask?
I
would whole-heartedly agree that this song is definitely the best of the lot!
Face it, "beautiful" is just too lame a word to define this song!
7.
Aaromale
When
Rahman infused rap into folk numbers, everyone was left awed by the final
product. So how would you respond now that he blends rock with ethnic music?
You can't respond, of course. You're just left flabbergasted with the sheer
brilliance of ARR. Alphonse was an apt choice for this number. His powerful ,
solid voice suited the mood and style of the song marvelously. I loved the
slokas-like tunes which gives the song a native touch and ARR inserts them well
with the excellent support of percussion. If there's anyone who can blend
rock and ethnic music exceedingly well, then it has to be ARR. The
more I hear this number, the more I'm drawn to it. Phenomenal!
Overall,
Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya left me feeling completely contented and excited. ARR
has never failed to surprise me with each new projects he ventures. This time
around, I was not only elated, but I was thoroughly absorbed and captivated
with the final product. God bless ARR for triggering a special feelings in our
hearts through his magical music once again!
