After a long hiatus, director Bharathiraja is back with his bilingual (Tamil and Hindi) Bommalattam, starring Nana Patekar, Arjun, Kajal Agarwal and Rukmini Vijaykumar.
Scoring the music for the film is Bollywood's current favourite, Himesh Reshammiya, which obviously accounts for the Hindi film flavour in many of the tracks.
There is an explanatory prelude in chaste Tamil by the director, throwing insight into the theme of the film.
The five-track album opens with the number Oh Nenjil Dola Doliya, a romantic duet rendered by Tippu and Anuradha Sriram. It begins with guitar strains and western beats drifting into a melodious track. Tippu is his usual full-throated self, while Anuradha sings with boundless joy though in a lisping voice. The lyrics by Thenmozhidoss are full of soft sentiments.
Aaha Kannirendum by Karthik and Pop Shalini is a foot-tapping number in western style with pulsating percussion to Snehan's lyrics. The beats, especially in the lively chorus, has enough zing to make you shake a leg. Karthik's vocal mobility is praiseworthy.
Following this is Va Va Thalaiva by Gayathri Iyer, which has a 'belle dance' feel to it. The sound design has a strong Arabian touch especially in instrumentation. The chorus towards the end almost rises in a crescendo and then slowly tapers off. Interludes are embellished with flute and violin strains. Percussion dominates. Joy Mallury's lyrics have sensuous overtones.
Koyambedu Beans synonymous with the theme and Cinema, the title of the Hindi version of the film glorifies cinema. The number is like a journey back into the seduction pieces of the 1950s. Lyrics by Vivega are pedantic and at times, turn philosophical. Instrumental interlude with the cascading strains of flute and guitar, and Mathangi's good voice modulation are the redeeming factors. The Arabian flavour in the instrumentation of the previous number continues not only in this track but the following Check Check Checkda too.
Rendered by Suchithra, Check Check Checkda is an energetic piece with lyrics by Thenmozhidoss. Suchithra's bubbling effervescence coupled with vigorous percussion and western beats heighten the mood.
To conclude, Reshammiya's maiden attempt at Tamil music tries to conjure a youthful fare by employing trendy beats and contemporary style but hardly rises to exemplary heights.
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