Dhoni is Prakash Raj's debut directorial venture. His passion for good cinema is well known and his banner Duet Movies is synonymous with clean family entertainers. His debut focuses on the conflict of interest between a son and his father over the former's path in life. The movie has some relevant messages for the society. Recently the audio launched with Maestro Ilayaraja conducting a live orchestral performance of the movie's songs. Let's see how the legend has fared with Dhoni.

Chinna Kanniley...
Naresh Iyer , Shreya Ghoshal

This song has the signature Ilayaraja touch to it, the tune, the chorus or the lovely instrumentals. A slight old world flavor is present for sure. The beats make it sound like a nursery rhyme, while the vocals are on. The song talks about the joy that parents have at seeing their son grow up in life. Shreya sounds awesome as always while Naresh’s voice is a bit nasal.

Vaangum Panathukkum...  
S. P. Balasubramanyam

Time to welcome SPB sir once again. The song starts in a very unconventional way with guitars and the instrumental interludes are classy to say the least. A song that talks about the ironies of a typical middle class man’s life. Another song that brings back the old world charm. It must be said that SPB has softened his generally majestic voice for this song. The way he sings those inexplicable “chakaku chanthaku” is delightful. Has scope for some light hearted picturization.

Thaavi Thaavi Pogum...  
Illayaraja

The number that Raja sir has handpicked to sing in this album. His soft voice sounds the same even after so many years. The song mellows you down and has a calming effect on you. Raja’s prowess at instrumentals has been evidenced once more in this song.   

Vilayaattaa Padagotty...  
Shreya Ghoshal

Shreya at her mesmerizing best. The song has an unhurried pace and some lovely violin interludes that only Raja sir is capable of. Get ready to be swayed by the Ilayaraja magic in this song. Would be fascinating to see how the visuals have been translated on screen. It’s fascinating to see Shreya maintain her level in song after song.   

Vilayaattaa Padagotty...
Hariharan

An exact male replica of the song sung by Shreya. Hariharan is a competitive match and he delivers the goods in his typical effortless style. No idea about which version would come in the movie.

Verdict: Ilayaraja’s trademark is present all through the album. Good emphasis on the lyrics, mesmerizing instrumental interludes and light percussions that don’t drown the voice of the singers. A treat for Raja fanatics. The emphasis on melody is there all through.