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 20th 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
Colours and Puzzles 