Director Vishnuvardhan's made quite a name for himself with a string of appealing movies that have streaks of realism and fantasy in equal parts. His latest Tamil venture is Sarvam, produced by Ayngaran International and starring Arya and Trisha.
It's Yuvan Shankar Raja who is the music composer here, and Pa Vijay the lyricist. Here's what the album has to offer:
Neethane begins intriguingly, rendered by none other than Yuvan Shankar Raja himself. This number has faint twinges of Kadhal Valarthane. Crashing beats interspersed cunningly with violin interludes seem to be waver in between heavy-duty angst and mild romance, returning to the thumping rhythm that's by now become a Yuvan characteristic. It's a number which, even if it follows certain well-trodden musical paths, manages to retain its pep and appeal.
An almost Bhangra-esque beat begins Siragugal, rendered in a brisk fashion by Madhushree and Javed Ali; once again, heavy beats dominate the musical landscape. A deep satisfaction envelopes you as keep listening, even if Madhushree's humming is only mildly appealing. The charanam might follow predictable paths, but the startling background score and rhythm make it memorable. It looks like this one is going to top the charts in clubs; the jive-potential is quite intense.
Drums herald Vijay Yesudas's Sutta Suriyanae pretty impressively. The lyrics and even the tune itself mirrors Nimirndhu Nil slightly; inescapable, you suppose, considering the Saroja song become almost an anthem for success stories. Just when you think things are going to flatten out, there comes an interlude in the form of Megam Karukkuthu and a rather touching flute note, and you become immediately inclined to forgive the slightly repetitive musical phrases. By the time it comes to an end, you actually want to keep rocking to the appealing tune.
Sounds of droplets of water lead you to Katrukulle, rendered by Yuvan again in his characteristically nasal voice. More familiar territory, as this number seems a mish-mash of his earlier numbers. It's only mildly appealing.
Thumping rhythms make an entrance, pounding your ear-drums as Adada Vaa begins, courtesy the maestro Ilayaraja himself. A truly bizarre flute segment captures your attention, giving an almost surreal experience, something that snags your attention at once. Quite suddenly, Arabic music makes a brief appearance, interspersed with English lyrics, and there's that weird flute segment again. It looks like the maestro's had a blast.
It looks like Yuvan, after a couple of not-so-memorable efforts, is on his way to finding his groove again. Sarvam manages to snag your attention, in a good way.
Rediff Rating: 
