Based on the well-known raga Darbari Kanada, this song takes off smoothly into the higher octaves every now and then. Roop Kumar has sung with such a relish! Harini is faultless too. The lyrics lovingly paint all the delectable confusion that is so much a part of falling in love. The caressing tabla beats, the flute and santoor interludes, all deserve to be relished here.

Vaama Duraiyamma...
Vocals: Udit Narayan, V.M.C.Haneefa, Amy Jackson
Lyrics: Na.Muthukumar

This number subtly exposes the ‘sticky’ role of the ‘Dubashees’ (Dwi-bashis-those who spoke two languages) who were appointed to assist the English in their interactions with the locals. This Dubash cuts an amusing figure, which contrasts with the innocence of the warm-hearted Native. Drums and flute add the ethnic touch and pianica(?) and guitars suitably suggest the western touch.

Feel of Love...
Performed by Seenu and Naveen Iyer

Soft as-a-feather movement of notes with santoor and flutes imparting the right emotional appeal. It winds up with choral voices at the end. Tender visuals could add appeal.

Meghame O Meghame...
Vocals: M.S.Viswanathan, ‘Chiyaan ‘Vikram, Nasser, Na.Muthukumar and Ajayan Bala
Lyrics: Na.Muthukumar

A song composed solely for the Dhobi Ghat area. The well-chosen rhythms reflect it so nicely too. Cheerful lyrics touch you as you listen.’ Oru maagaani maagaani---‘is cute. Very apt that Viswanathan-ji sings the line’ Anubhava paadam padichom’. References to ‘dhaayam’ and ‘Emden’ reinforce the ‘period-feel’ of the movie. A rather colourful number which could make it to the charts briefly.

Aaruyire...
Vocals: Sonu Nigam, Saindavi
Lyrics: Na.Muthukumar

The wrenching sorrow of parting finds expression in this soft duet and the thudding rhythm is suggestive of the painful thudding of the hearts. Sonu Nigam falters ever so slightly in sruti occasionally. Seems to be based on the Charukesi raga. This song could appeal to some.

Kaatrile...
Vocals: Hariharan, Zia, Augustin Choir
Lyrics: Na.Muthukumar

The assertive tone of this song explodes onto our ears after the slightly fatalistic tone of the earlier number. What we see here is the determination of the lovers to brave it through their ordeal at any cost. The trumpets, strings, the wafting notes of ‘Vande Matharam’ and the choral voices add a certain amount of drama to the scene.

The Dance Theme of Madrasapattinam...
Music by Naveen Iyer

Just a wee bit from the first song. Delightful flutes.

Verdict:

Carefully chosen percussions and other instruments try to shore up the ‘period’ feel of this film, but the musical idiom still sounds a trifle modern, never mind the instruments. Also a couple of songs sound rather familiar in their mettu. Anyhow, we are sure this young composer would have enjoyed doing this challenging assignment and we look forward to more achievements from him.