[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

[16] Kochadaiiyaan Teaser | The Rise of Thalaivar

As promised by Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin, the director of the most awaited movie of the last 3 years, Kochadaiiyaan, the teaser of the movie was released yesterday on 9^th September 2013 for Vinayagar Chathurthi. Ever since the announcement was made officially by Soundarya through her Twitter account on 1^st September 2013, Thalaivar’s fans had virtually taken over the Twitter and Facebook as the platform in order to show their anticipation and support for Kochadaiiyaan, thus, the hashtag #MakeWayForRajiniSir trended on Twitter. Once the teaser was released, mixed views were received from the audience. (p/s : By audience I mean the number of people I follow on Twitter and through several reviews, thus, it is not a generalized statement.)

Here is the teaser of Kochadaiiyaan.

Being a huge fan of Rajinikanth Sir, I have always been fascinated by his talents on screen ever since I watched Uzhaipazhi (the first Tamizh movie I watched in theater) as well as his humbleness and principles he live by off-screen. I always had huge, really huge expectation when it comes to Rajini sir’s film and it has been a tradition in my family to watch his films strictly in theatres no matter how long we have to wait. Endhiran was the film which fulfilled the great expectation of mine and I believe all of Rajini sir’s fans, in fact I would say the film exceeded the fan’s expectation. 3 years after Endhiran, here I was once again eagerly waiting for Kochadaiiyaan’s teaser to get the glimpse of our Thalaivar in action.

As a Thalaivar’s fan, I am pretty sure I’ll enjoy this movie. Why wouldn’t I when we get to catch Rajini sir once again after 3 years together with the music by AR Rahman sir. Most importantly, Rajini sir will be ‘immortal’ and live on as a hero through this one film. As the buzz goes, Rajini sir will be spotted in 3 different roles whereby 2 of it has been shown in the teaser and looks like 1 more is in store for huge surprise for the fans.

1. I glanced at the runtime, too short. I know teasers are meant to be short, so OK.
2. The introduction of Rajini sir after breaking the door complimented by AR Rahman sir’s BGM gave goose bumps!
3. That final scene of Rajini sir walking was full of STYLE! My most-tu favourite part of the teaser.
4. Resul Pookutty sir’s sound mixing is really amazing and made wonders to the teaser itself.

On the other hand, I watch the teaser as a mere film-buff. The palace/kingdom reminds me totally of Magadheera and also the fairy tale, Alladin. The Colosseum-like of place, which of course reminds me of Gladiators/Ayirathil Oruvan where most probably the fight/competition scenes will be featured. A few actions sequences which hints us that Rajini sir is a warrior in the film and followed by his introduction. The horse riding scene looks slightly fake and there seems to be a group dance scene, followed by a scene where planks are being destroyed which I believe is by one of the female character. Ends with the typical stylish walk of Rajini sir.

Ever since Kollywood begun to adapt CG/VFX into their films, we have heard all the comments on how a film does not have to implement the most advanced technology in the world/ unique stories in order to produce a quality film. IMHO, one can also stay in their safe and comfortable zone for a long time and produce good movie. Yet, our people still has the tendency to label such person as non-risk-taker, safe-player and eventually get tired of such movies from the person. Variations and adaptations are crucial in order to produce unique films which will eventually act as the stepping stone for more innovation and creativity for the future film industry.

Kochadaiiyaan has been compared with Avatar at several instances by the audiences and also by the film’s crews themselves which I believe has slightly backfired them. Here, I have to agree that the standard of the CG/VFX used in Kollywood are still far below the expectation of our audience who are well aware of the animation/CG films from the west. The moment I watched the pink-human-eating-jelly-fish in Ayirathil Oruvan, I was made to accept that hard truth. Yet, here comes Selvaraghavan again with Irandam Ulagam. The trailer was impressive that I eventually started to believe in Kollywood’s CG/VFX standards once again. See? There’s never a straight way up to the sky, it starts with small steps. Same goes to Kochadaiiyaan, which might have some bummers here and there, yet this film will set the stage for upcoming films. Kochadaiiyaan being the brainchild of Soundarya, I believe it is unfair for anyone to judge the whole film through the mere 1 minute teaser. It is understood that for Thalaivar’s fans who are looking forward to catch him in live action, Kochadaiiyaan might slightly be disappointing as will be seeing Rajini sir as an animated character that does not look exactly like himself.

The audio is set to be launched in October and the film is most likely released on Thalaivar’s birthday, 12^th December 2013 as a gift to his fans, as per the producer’s statement. Keeping my fingers crossed, I really hope the audio and film releases on the dates which are announced to avoid the complications faced by several films/crews today who are unable to released the audio/film as promised. Kochadaiiyaan being the rise of Rajini sir, is the most awaited film of the year for his fans, at least for me.

Personally i felt that it was a teaser for Rajini sir more than for the film. Looking forward to the stupendous music and the film itself. The next few months is definitely going to be worth it. This teaser is just the beginning.

Love, SJT