[32] Kochadaiiyaan by AR Rahman | Band of Legends

Wooohooo! Kochadaiiyaan has finally arrived and the album is WORTH the looooong wait. Disclaimer : The review below is entirely written as a Thalaivar’s fan and of course, namma AR Rahman sir’s fan. Couldn’t resist 🙂

[1] Engae Pogudhu Vaanam (Vocal : S.P. Balasubrahmanyam | Lyrics : Vairamuthu)

SP Bala and the introduction song of Super Star can never, I repeat NEVER go wrong. This song definitely falls into the row of Puthiya Manidha (Endhiran), Ballelaka (Sivaji), En Peru (Padayappa) and Oruvan (Muthu) with an extravagant touch. Even though the song was released way back last year for promotional purpose, it achieved its completion with the release of the full album. The high soaring composition pumps up the energy and gets you into the warrior-mood. This song visualized with the majestic-stylish walk of Rajini sir, it would be terrific! IMHO, this is the best introduction song with the ARR-SPB-Rajini sir combo, after Oruvan (Muthu). Will this be the opening song of ARR’s Infinite Love Concert next month in KL? *fingers crossed*

Ungalin vazhthukalaal uyir konde ezhunthuvittein

Vazhtiya manangalukku en vazhkaiyai valangivittein!

 

[2] Medhuvagathan (Vocals : S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sadhana Sargam | Lyrics : Vaale)

The beginning heavily reminds me of Maahi Ve (Highway), beautiful. And it gets magical with Sadhana Sargam’s soft vocal and SP Bala’s ever-youthful voice. I am still in awe on how SP Bala sounds very young, even at this age. This song satisfies the long wait of AR Rahman’s fans that have been longing for his 90’s –type of song. You get all the Roja- Puthiya Mugam-Gentleman –ish with this Medhuvagathan. Most probably being visualized for Princess Vadhana (Deepika Padukone) and Rana (Rajini Sir), this is going to be the soft-classical-romantic number with some grand visual treat – the royal warrior version of Vaaji Vaaji (Sivaji). The track starts off medhuvaga, but ironically it captures you immediately, on the spot!

 

[3] Maattram Ondrudhaan Maaraadhadhu (Vocals : Rajinikanth, Haricharan, Jathi by V.Uma Shankar | Lyrics : Vairamuthu)

What is a Thalaivar’s movie without punch dialogue? And here, to add in the uuumpph-factor of Kochadaiiyaan, we have a complete song with meaningful lines written by Vairamuthu. What’s more? All those lines being rendered by Rajini-sir himself! Haricharan accompanies the lines aptly, and gave the right amount of intermission between the lines crooned by Rajini sir.  Of course, just as told by Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin (the director), if Rajini sir says- the youths will definitely listen. A special credit to V.Uma Shankar for the jathi which features towards the end of the track to increase the magic of the song. And not forgetting the powerful chorus which accompanies Haricharan’s portion throughout the track. There’s a slight touch of Nenjae Ezhu (Maryan) every here and there, and I’m glad this song was not crooned by AR Rahman.

Nanba, *signature smile* ellam konjum kaalam.

 

[4] Manapennin Sathiyam (Vocal : Latha Rajinikanth | Lyrics : Vairamuthu)

As the title of the song indicates, it is song of promises made by the bride to her husband to be. Madam Latha Rajinikanth is the surprise factor here; her cute rendition gave life to the simple and sweet lines by Vairamuthu. With the shades of Kollaiyile Thennai (Kadhalan), the song would definitely be a perfect lullaby but of course minus those lyrics which are intended for husband-wife relationship. Another plus of this soft lullaby-ish vow is the use of nadhaswaram at the interludes, lovely as it sounds and definitely sets in the mood.

Azhagu pengal pazhaginaalum, aiyyam kollein. Reaaaally? OK :p

 

5. Idhayam (Vocals : Srinivas, Chinmayi | Lyrics: Vairamuthu)

Haunting. Intense. You will LOVE the feel this song leaves you with. The song deals with the bitterness and sorrow of the lady upon realizing her love being imprisoned. The usage of Sangam Tamizh in the songs is apt for the period film, and of course I was not aware of few words as such until I stumble upon the lyrics of the song together with the English translation which were released by Vairamuthu sir official through his twitter account on 20^th December 2012. Every time Chinmayi teases the nazhuvi nazhuvi nagarnthu nagarnthu nagarnthu poguthe line, I get goose bumps. She made the unique composition and the melancholy beat into a magical one. Srinivas adds in layers into the track and made it even more captivating. A perfect comeback for Srinivas in AR Rahman’s composition (i think after Minsara Kanna of Padayappa, right) ! Definitely, this is one of AR Rahman’s best melodies in the recent times.

Lyrics of Idhayam as written by Vairamuthu Sir.

 

[6] Engal Kochadaiiyaan (Vocals : Kochadaiiyaan Ensemble | Lyrics :  Vairamuthu)

Seems to me like the theme song for the Kochadaiiyaan mannan, in the battlefield or during the fight sequences. Powerful and keeps you in trance. The various percussions and instruments used made the track one of its kind, a tantalizing one. Additionally, it gives a clearer view that Kochadaiiyaan is a king whom worshipped Lord Shivan. Is the female vocalist is anyhow Malavika Sundar? She sounds very familiar.  

 

[7] Manamaganin Sathiyam (Vocal : Haricharan | Lyrics : Vairamuthu)

We had female version sung by Madam Latha Rajinikanth, and this is the male version, very beautifully crooned by Haricharan. Lovely lines, which I believe makes any girl smile from ear to ear. Why? We don’t always get to hear such humble lines as vows from the man especially lines which doesn’t refer to physical beauty entirely. It is just a matter of time until both versions by Haricharan and Madam Latha Rajinikanth are combined and used in the wedding photo montage and videos. With such adorably sweet lines being exchanged as wedding vows, who wouldn’t love it?

 

[8] Rana’s Dream (Performed by London Session Orchestra)

This is the instrumental piece of Engae Pogudhu Vaanam, impressively performed by the London Session Orchestra. A dreamy and softer version in the name of Rana’s Dream. Breezy.

 

[9] Karma Veeran (Vocals : A.R.Rahman, A.R.Raihanah | Lyrics : Vairamuthu)

And here comes the grand finale of the album, a track by AR Rahman and AR Raihanah. The song deals with the life of a warrior whom dedicates his life to his beloved country and personally, I felt it is applicable for any individuals whom are striving hard to achieve success despite unavoidable commitments in life. Meaningful lyrics, delivered with magnificent orchestration made the track entirely awe-inspiring. On a second thought, most of the lines in the song suits both Rajini-sir and AR Rahman for instance; vetrigalaley veri kollathey… / maalaigal kandu mayangathey…A perfect blend of music, lyrics and vocals. Soaring high!

My pick : ALL!!! (I told you, I’m a fan of both Thalaivars. Too hard to make choice. )

Every single artiste and crew associated with Kochadaiiyaan has successfully immortalized their work through this one film. Thank you, Soundarya for the MAGIC!

Listen to the songs legally here (Complete with lyrics and English translation) :

 

Kochadaiiyaan Teaser

 

Kochadaiiyaan Trailer

 

Love, SJT

[28] Aaha Kalyanam by Dharan Kumar | A Wedding Fiesta

[1] Kadha Kadha (Vocal : Chinmayi | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

Kadha Kadha, the first track of the album transports us to the Bollywood-themed wedding galatta. Simple yet beautiful lyrics woven together with foot tapping beat. Absolutely lovely rendition by Chinmayi. My two most favorite parts of the song: Ithu ithu ithu venum, athu athu athu venum (1.10 – 1.14) and un siripil avan semmaiya mattikithan (3.34-3.47). Getting married soon? Play this song out loud, and you’ll get everyone into the wedding mode in split seconds!

[2] Honeyae Honeyae (Male) (Vocal : Naresh Iyer | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

Honey coated and playful lyrics by Karky. A soft-romantic number and Naresh Iyer added the sweetness into the track. Both the lyrics and the tune of the song perfectly compliment each other. You get the feel of love, fun, festive and colors all in the same song.

Neptune ar nee irunthal un tune ar aghe naan irupen.

Caterpillar le cat-eh nee than, pillar naan thaney.

Email nee, naan ee. Was this line written on purpose for Nani with the reference of Naan Eee? Curious 🙂

[3] Bon Bon (Vocals : Haricharan, Sunidhi Chauhan | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

Sounds like a party-playful song which gets you shaking your leg in no time. If not the beginning of the song then, the fast-track-bale bale part will definitely get you engaged to the song. Haricharan is perfect and this is Sunidhi Chauhan’s next release in Tamizh right after Jingunamani (Jilla). She is marvelous. I wish she sings more Tamizh songs hereafter. Awesome dance number.

[4] Kootali Kootali (Vocals : Benny Dayal, Usha Uthup | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

Benny Dayal is a natural rock star of variation and he does it again in this track. Both soft and aggressive at the same time, loved his rendition here. Usha Uthup, the diva is back again to rock after quite sometime. Bold and phenomenal as she always does. A lively and energetic track this is.

[5] Padhiye Padhiye (Female) (Vocal : Shakthishree Gopalan | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

Shakthishree and deep-slow songs can never go wrong. She makes even the most heart wrenching lyrics into a poignant ear worm. The song revolves around the heartache and pain of a woman in the absence of her loved one and how she yearns for his love. Classy lyrics, no beating around the bush. Another feather to Shakthisree’s cap.

[6] Mazhaiyin Saaralil (Vocal : Swetha Mohan, Naresh Iyer | Lyrics : Thamarai)

A romantic duet with beautiful lyrics. This is definitely a custom-made song for Swetha Mohan, she sounds magical in this number. The English rendition sounds slightly awkward and Naresh Iyer doesn’t sound like himself at all. Makes me wonder whether it was really sung by Naresh Iyer. Else, this is one super lovely track that captivates you easily! Heavenly feel.

[7] Aaha Kalyanam (Instrumental)

This track summarizes the album as a whole. You don’t always get funky, refreshing and joyous theme music/song for Tamizh film. Looks like we will be stumbling across huge number of wedding montage videos this year that uses this track as its BGM. A colorful music gala.

[8] The Punch Song (Vocal : M.M.Manasi, Nivas | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

After the great success of the The Prayer Song (iDhaaba), Karky is back with The Punch Song which is a collection of famous and influential punch dialogues from Tamizh films in the recent years. Starts with namma thalaivar, Superstar’s andavan solran Arunachalam seiran and ends with naan oru thadava sonna nooru thadava sonna mathiri. Whatte! *rowdy whistle*  What’s punch dialogue without thalaivar’s dialogue, man! Brilliantly arranged.

Listen to this song once, and you will definitely get hooked to it. If not to the lyrics, the energetic music will do. M.M.Manasi (Stylish Tamizhachi fame) is super brilliant and her voice reminds me of Manasi Scott. Nivas’s recent Tamizh songs were mostly soft romantic numbers (Kathirundhai Anbe, Innika Innika) and here we have the athiradi-arpattam version of Nivas. Fresh vocals, refreshing.

[9] Padhiye Padhiye (Male) (Vocal : Abhay Jodhpurkar | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

It is lovely to listen to Abhay Jodhpurkar (Mooghil Thottam fame) crooning this magical number with ease. If the female version were intense, the male version is lighter. Both the versions handles the similar lyrics by the way.

[10] Honeyae Honeyae (Female) (Vocal : Supriya Ramalingam | Lyrics : Madhan Karky)

Same lyrics as the male version, but in slightly slower tempo. Not sure whether this is Supriya Ramalingam’s debut for Tamizh film industry or not (Someone please help!). Supriya’s voice is both smooth and bold at the same time.

Dharan Kumar is one of the most underrated music directors of Tamizh industry. Right from Unnai Kandaney to Siru Thoduthaliley to Oh Nenje and Poda Podi, he was a wonder. But, most of his compositions went unnoticed in general except for Unnai Kandeney (Parijatham) and tracks from Poda Podi. These 10 tracks of Aaha Kalyanam seem to me as Dharan’s rock fort and a milestone for his musical career. Foot-tapping dance numbers, song with mass-effect, soft romantic melodies. He has given the perfect package for a wedding-themed film. Additionally, he made the right choice of singers to enhance the freshness of the tracks and the visuals.

My pick : Kadha Kadha, Honeyae Honeyae (Male) and Padhiyea Padhiyea (Female). The Punch Song too! (Until I get tired of it 🙂 )

Love, SJT