It is an interesting coincidence that music director Deepak Dev is making his foray in Tamil films through Sadhu Miranda... directed by Malayalam hit-maker Siddique.
Deepak was initially on the brink of selling his keyboard and calling it a day because in his own words 'nothing worthwhile was happening. Then came Siddique who introduced him as the music director in his Malayalam film Chronic Bachelor.
Deepak's output as music composer in Malayalam films like Symphony, Naran, Udayananu thaaram etc has been quite impressive. Reason enough to evoke great expectations regarding his work in Sadhu Miranda with Prasanna and Kavya Madhavan in lead roles and Na Muthukumar as lyricist. But unfortunately the spark Deepak showed in Malayalam is more or less missing in his Tamil debut.
The album starts with Nee thaana nee thaana, a happy love duet with lot of hip-hop elements delivered emotionally with remarkable ease by Ranjith and Swetha. Swetha's voice -- oozing tenderness -- is a perfect foil to Ranjith's deep and gripping tone. The sentimental and simple lyrics by Na Muthukumar and well-woven rhythm patterns add to the charm of this piece.
Ramana poranthalum by Jassie Gift and Vinitha is a mish mash of hip-hop and rap elements with lot of platitudes in the name of lyrics. The composer has tried to embellish the number with resounding drumbeats and guitar notes but there is nothing extraordinary about the whole exercise. However, in the midst of all this, Jassie's voice manages to stand out.
The smoothly cascading down melodious duet Aagayam kaanamal about everlasting love by Srinivas and Jyotsna is the best of the lot in the album. The tune and the singers' impressive rendition strangely create a feeling as if you are listening to a devotional song and a lullaby at the same time. Special mention should be made of Jyotsna's tonal manipulation. Instrumental prelude with western touch, soft guitar strains, captivating chorus and a soft instrumental finale, all please the senses.
Most notable feature of Habibi habibi number is the different timbre of Vijay Jesudas' voice. Though a racy piece with good rhythm, the track remains pedestrian. Instrumentation and vocals are not well-coordinated. The composer has failed to create a homogenous effect. Muthukumar's lyrics also are inane here.
Puyalodu modhidum is a lively duet rendered crisply by Sujith Sureshan and Sayonara. Vibrant orchestra with energetic drumbeats and good vocals are the highlights of this piece which has a qawwali flavour.
It has become a common practice by composers to add a theme piece to their repertoire. Deepak also has attempted one blending instrumental, vocal and brief hip-hop passage. This has managed to create an also-ran attempt and nothing more.
Deepak winds up the album repeating the earlier Ramana poranthalum though it has absolutely no rewind value.
Nothing much impressive about Deepak Dev's Tamil debut, Sadhu Miranda...
Rediff Rating: