With the Tamil film, Vellitheirai, Moser Baer is making its foray into film production in collaboration with actor Prakash Raj's Duet movies.
Vellitherai is the remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Udayananu Thaaram, starring Mohanlal and Srinivasan. Prithviraj and Prakashraj are doing the corresponding roles in the Tamil version.
Music director G V Prakash Kumar has added another feather to his cap with his great music score in Vellitherai. Excellent western style orchestration is one of the plus points of this album.
The five-track album makes a flying start with the song Sooriyanae by Lucky Ali and Rahul Nambiar. The number has a Rahman (Prakash's illustrious uncle) touch. Yet, the composer retains his own individual style. The brisk, full-throated rendition by the singers has been perked up with good keyboard harmony, frenzied percussion and female chorus. The highly narcissistic lyrics, penned by Yugabharathy, are in consonance with the theme of the film.
The protagonist builds castles in the air about reaching the pinnacle of popularity, with the media queuing up to lap up his utterances and him even becoming the Chief Minister one day! The subtle hint at the irrefutable bond between the Tamil film industry and Tamil Nadu politics is not to be missed.
Uyirile, which comes next, is a melodious love ditty, but with a melancholy note. The muted orchestration in the beginning reaches a crescendo with jazz accompaniment. Naresh Iyer responds to the composer's take by dropping and strengthening his voice in the right places and delivers this enjoyable number brilliantly. Yet, the song has echoes of Rahman's Uyirae from Bombay. Na Muthukumar's lyrics paint the guy's intense love and the resultant pain, pathos and hopelessness with appreciable sensitivity.
You find an entirely different Shreya Ghosal in the next track Dhayyare dhayya. Leaving aside her soft crooning style, Shreya renders this racy number in the rock 'n' roll genre with a lot of energy. Excellent rhythm and instrumental programming, especially lilting flute presentation are the other highlights of this piece, which is full of youthful exuberance. Kabilan has penned the meaningful lyrics.
Up next, is the melodious piece, Vizhiyile, a solo by Chitra. The number exuding a Hindustani flavour has lush western orchestration with muted drumming and flute interlude. Pazhanibharathy's sentimental lyrics are an added attraction.
Prakash concludes the album with the playful duet, Kanjipaanayin mel. Chitra joins Jassie Gift to render this piece. The number is very different from Chitra's previous solo, and successfully showcases her range. Jassie's powerful voice has a slight raspy tenor which suits the track. The explosive orchestration with fiery drumbeats adds vigour to the piece. The composer has added a Karaoke version as a bonus.
In nutshell, Vellithirai is a highly engaging album, and has the potential to do well at the turnstiles.
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