Vishal's certainly got the never-say-die spirit. After the debacle of Sathyam, he and GK Film Corporation are back with the Tamil flick Thoranai -- a story reportedly, of a man's arrival in the city in search of a long-lost brother!
This time around, the music's been scored by Mani Sharma and titled, rather flamboyantly, a "Musical." With four lyric-writers dividing the honours among them for songs, here's a look at what the album has to offer.
Vedi Vedi Saravedi rendered by Ranjith and Naveen begins predictably with chorus and brisk beats, which sings praises of the hero and his way of life. Viveka's lyrics have liberal references to the hero's many excellent qualities and his previous films! This nadhaswaram along with the ururmi and thappu, is a number calculated to please the front-benchers and an intro-song, all rolled into one. The orchestration right before the end reminds you a lot of Cheena Thaana from Vasool Raja MBBS as well. Pretty run-of-the-mill.
In a striking resemblance to the beginning of Mundhinam Parthene from Vaaranam Aayiram, Vaa Chellam begins with a slew of guitar notes and Vishal murmuring romantic words. Udit Narayan has sung in his typically nasal voice to Pa Vijay's lyrics, that genuinely make you laugh. The melody is very similar to an earlier Vishal song from Malaikkottai -- Oh Baby, and the number from Sanda Kozhi. It's obvious that the star's very partial to them. The interlude leading to the charanam surprises you with an enthusiastic medley but the lyrics turn laughter-inducing again. Despite being liberally borrowed from several sources, it's a catchy enough tune, the kind that's clearly meant for you to dance your feet off, with its nods to Latino music in the second segment.
Vijay Yesudas and Janani sing the markedly rural Pattucha and with lyrics by Kabilan. It actually is likeable, even if it's been heavily inspired by Paakaatha Enna Paakkaatha, the Trisha-Suriya chartbuster. It's quite melodious; the casual pace, the colloquial tongue and simple melody go a long way towards making this a pleasant listen.
Mani Sharma is back at what he does best at the start of Peliccan Paravaikal with its synthesised music, rap and thundering beats. Certainly Vaali's words get off to an intriguing start, rendered with practically closed lips by Ranjith, Rahul, Rita and Jai. The keyboard instrumentation is certainly varied but this is clearly meant for the jiving set. Its rhythms are its greatest plus.
Yet another number meant for the edification of the front-benchers: Manjasela Mandakini, rendered by Tippu and Sainthavi is your generic erotic number with its numerous allusions to every part of the female form, written by Pa Vijay.
It's clear that the composer has put in some effort to satisfy both the classes and masses, so to speak but there's only so much you can do in a Vishal starrer that's obviously a complete commercial entertainer. Fans of Mani Sharma and Vishal are likely to be entertained. Oherwise, there's nothing much here for the discerning music-lover.
Rediff Rating: