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| Music
review By
Malathy Sundaram |
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Produced
by K.S.Srinivasan, directed by Bala and starring Arya
and Pooja in the lead roles. This film's tagline 'Aham
Brahmaasmi' ( an upanishadic line) says it all—the
search for God inside you. The movie is supposed to
portray the life of an Aghori, of a saiva (?) sect which
practices cannibalism. Suitably the movie has Varanasi
as its backdrop. Bala has crafted it painstakingly for
almost three years now and with maestro Ilayaraja handling
the music department, this film has generated a lot
of curiosity. Bala is well-known for his intense films.
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Om Sivoham...
Vocals: Vijay Prakash.
Lyrics: Vaali.
A rather longish song, but very well conceived, full of
siva-bhakti. The use of appropriate native percussion instruments,
sankha, drums and some fascinating tabla work add the right
amount of awe to the presentation of Shiva as the fearsome,
all-destroying Rudra. You hear a bit of 'rudram' and some
descriptions in praise of Shiva in his varied manifestations.
The swirling beats, now dipping, now blazing, bring to your
mind's eye the thandava of the Lord. Quite well sung too.
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Kannil
Paarvai...
Vocals: Shreya Ghosal.
Lyrics: Vaali.
Gentle, pathos-laden lyrics—is it sung by a
visually challenged girl? The song itself moves on
a slow rhythm with curving sangatis, in what appears
to be Tilang raga with a generous Hindustani touch.
Is that the dilruba we hear at the start and in the
first interlude? This too adds pathos, The violin
pieces too are sober. When Shreya goes to a higher
pitch, the words are not distinctly heard. The dholak
–like rhythms suit the mood of this song. Haunting.
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Madha un...
Vocals: Madhumita.
Lyrics: Vaali.
A tiny number set to native rhythms. Must be his own
old hit.
Picchaippaatthiram...
Vocals: Madhu Balakrishnan.
Lyrics: Ilayaraja.
The cry of a deeply anguished soul in search of lasting
peace. Sung with lovely 'vinayam' by Madhu Balakrishnan.
Again some pleasing tabla work. Is that the guitar
that is made to sound like the 'tundana' that the
mendicants use? Adds a startling touch. The violin
and the flute sangatis too flow along as if afraid
to break the pensive mood of the number itself. Looks
like Mayamalavagowla, but could be Vagulabaranam raga
too.
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Amma Un Pillai...
Vocals: Sadhana Sargam.
Lyrics: Vaali.
The same mettu of song no.3, but notice the different feel
of the rhythm—here it is all tabla. Again a sober number,
that of a woman crying out against loneliness. Also observe
how the dramatic violin sangatis are quietly set off by soothing
notes from the veena and other instruments. You get to hear
guitar and keys too. Clear articulation from Sadhana.
Oru Kaatril...
Vocals: Ilayaraja.
Lyrics: Vaali.
A repetition of song no.2, with very few changes in lyrics.
Ilayaraja sounds flatter after you hear Shreya. At least he
has articulated the words well.
Verdict:
The songs look very purposeful and thankfully not frivolous.
The theme of the movie itself is obviously a serious one,
going by the mood the album conveys. Of course there's nothing
new or striking here, but there is an indefinable mellowness
about the music itself. Frill-free and polished Ilayaraja
stuff!
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