After the critically acclaimed hit of 'Angadi Theru', director Vasantha Balan has come up with Aravan, a film in which he has put almost a year-long effort in scripting. His new project is based on Su. Venkatesan's novel 'Kaaval Kottam', depicting the history of Madurai during 1310-1910. The director explains 'Aravan' as a man who has all the qualities of a macho hero. This period film stars Aadhi, Pasupathi, Dhansika in lead cast. Vasantha Balan who introduced G.V.Prakashkumar in Veyil, is now doing the honors to Karthik. Lets see if, Karthik who has proved his mettle in singing, could make a mark in the music department as well?

Nila Nila Poguthae...  
Singers:  Vijay Prakash, Harini
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

A soft-duet 'Nila Nila' takes off as a starter attempt to entice the audience. This mild-paced composition brings out the talented Vijay Prakash in tender huskier tones to the fore with Harini's luring singing support. Karthik's composition is a decent effort with lovable veena plucks that sync efficiently to churn out a feel-good melody.

Unna Kolla Poren...
Singers: MLR. Karthikeyan, Bhavatharani
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

Composer Kathik shows his folksy style by presenting this number that is expected to have more takers among commoners. Bhavatharani sounds a little different yet refreshing and joins MLR.Karthikeyan to add some zest to the ethnic piece. The song also features some old school cheesy lyrics from Na.Muthukumar like 'Neeyum naanum paartha pathu pulla purakum' .

Oruvaan Irruvaan...  
Singers: Karthik
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

In 'Oruvan Iruvan' Karthik shows his resilience and potential to introduce the lead protagonist 'Aravan'. He displays his technical finesse by the impressive use of instruments like harmonium and violin in delectable arrangement. Karthik himself takes over as lead soloist to accentuate the raw feel in the track. A surprise number that sets itself apart from the other tracks, for its bold experimentation.

Oore Oore Ennapetha...
Singers: Krishnaraj, Mukesh, Periya Karuppu Thevar, Rita, Priya 
Lyrics: Viveka

Festive village mood is well painted and captured in 'Oore Oore Ennapetha' track. Karthik produces a likable composition by making optimum usage of lively rural lyrics that set up a much desired rustic ambiance. An extensive list of singers ( Krishnaraj, Mukesh, Periya Karuppu Thevar, Rita, Priya ) in loud tones works perfectly to the situation.

Kalavuda...
Singers: Mano, Pasupathi, Kottaichami, Karunanidhi, Rahul Nambiar, MLR. Karthikeyan, Vijay Narain, Malathi, Harish
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

Like the previous number, 'Kalavu' is another rural offering that relies heavily on the aggressive lyrics. It is a thematically oriented narrative track sung by a more expansive array of artists that includes Mano, Pasupathi, Kottaichami, Karunanidhi, Rahul Nambiar, MLR. Karthikeyan, Vijay Narain, Malathi and Harish. With crazy sounds of horns and trumpets, this song is packaged as a situational number.

Naagamalai Sanchuidchu...
Singers: Gopal, Seerkazhi Sivachidambaram, Narayanan
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

The next track 'Naagamalai' turns as a composition which is nurtured with melancholic shades of orchestrations. It collages well with the 'Avan thaan Aravan' (Oruvaan Irruvaan) previous track to deliver out a somber tale. Gopal, Seerkazhi Sivachidambaram and Narayanan's voice evokes pathos and its painful hues.

Nanadakumara...
Singer: Subhiksha
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

The last to arrive is an impressive number by Subhiksha that is expected to go well among classy listeners. Presumed to be the classic (Bharathnatyam) dance number of this period film, which should work on-screen.

Without doubt, the music album of 'Aravan' will satisfy the taste buds of the patrons of true music. Favorites are 'Oruvaan Irruvaan', 'Nila Nila Poguthae' and 'Oore Oore Ennapetha'. Our suggestion is to give the album some time, for Karthik looks a good entry into the list of promising talented composers.

Verdict: Aravaan - Worth the listen.