Nanban is the remake of the 2009 cult classic “3 Idiots” in Hindi directed by Rajkumar Hirani. The involvement of some of the biggest names in the industry like director Shankar, Vijay and Harris Jeyaraj combined with the original’s status as one of the biggest blockbusters in Bollywood history, has sent the expectation meter soaring. The audio released on 23^rd December. Vijay’s movies always have good songs. Director Shankar and Harris are teaming up for the first time with the hero, and let’s see how this super-hit trio has fared.

Asku Laska...  
Singers: Vijay Prakash, Chinmayi, Suvi
Lyrics: Madhan Karky

This is the much hyped 16 language love song that Madhan Karky has penned for Nanban. Turkish, Slovak, French, Spanish, Chinese, Icelandic, German, Hebrew, Lingala, Malay, Arabic, Meile, English, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and of course Tamil have been used. Some ‘Harris’ special words that are incomprehensible to the human mind are there in this song too. The tune for this duet perfectly suits Vijay Prakash’s casual style of singing and Chinmayi’s super sweet company.  On the whole, a foot tapping melody.

En Frienda Pola...  
Singers: Krish, Suchith Suresan
Lyrics: Vivega

The song begins with very catchy whistling and proceeds with some very poignant yet simple lyrics that emphasize the value of a good friend. The beats are similar to the sound of claps. The usage of the mouth organ also adds to the haunting effect of this song. The song ends with some guitar notes that have come to symbolize Harris. On the whole, a short and highly impactful song. Krish infuses the same feel that he showed for 'June Ponal'

Endhan Kann Munnae...
Singers: Aalap Raju
Lyrics: Madhan Karky

The tune is so typical of Harris. We have heard this tune in many movies before like Unnale Unnale and Vaaranam Aayiram, to name a few. It is like a short and sweet lullaby that might pick up once the visuals are out.

Heartiley Battery...  
Singers: Mukesh and Hemachandran
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

Nanban’s version of ‘All iz Well’. Very catchy with a constant beat and some funny noises that run in the background. The lyrics emphasize the value of living life in a positive and optimistic manner. Another chartbuster that will rock the screens for sure. Hemachandran and Mukesh have had a blast singing this. It is quite evident from the energy and positive vibes that this song generates.  This song has definitely lived up to the Hindi cult classic “All iz Well”.

Irukaana Illaiyaana Idupaanaa..  
Singers: Vijay Prakash, Javed Ali and Sunidhi Chauhan
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay

A song dedicated to Ileana’s svelte figure and waist-line. Vijay Prakash sounds so much like Hariharan in this song with his energy and enthusiasm. A sure shot super-duper hit song that will show the heroine in all her glory, the hero’s dancing prowess and director Shankar’s liking for grandeur and magnificent sets. It has some nice catchy lines in the form “Olli Jelly Belly Malli”. Another USP of this song is national ‘item number’ sensation Sunidhi Chauhan’s voice.

Nalla Nanban...
Singers: Ramakrishnan Murthy
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

Total sentimental sojourn from Harris and the lyricist. Given the original’s reputation for inciting tears in the emotionally charged scenes showing Sharman Joshi’s suicide attempt, this song will also go on the same lines. A nice classical touch all along, through the choice of the singer and the usage of mridangam. The piano and flute before the 2^nd stanza are very pleasant on the ears.

Verdict: A winner all the way. Good variety all through the album from Harris Jeyaraj and ample scope for festivities in the theater when Nanban scorches screens for Pongal. Harris Jeyaraj continues his envious winning streak with another sure-shot.