Expectations were sky-high, quite reflecting the title. The reason is simple- It's double Oscar winner A.Rahman's first Tamil album after bursting to fame in the international music stage thanks to the Oscars.
Also, filmmaker Goutham Vasudev Menon has joined hands for the fist time with Rahman, after presenting chartbusters by joining hands with Harris Jayaraj for more than a decade; Saying Rahman has fulfilled all expectations would be cliched. As the songs are not just stunning and scintillating, but are totally different from the usual stuff.
And he seems to have served a warning very much about the album at its launch itself. "It is an experimental attempt - Songs are not set in Charanam or Pallavi. They are quirky," he said at the function.
Listen to it and one would endorse his views instantly. The songs in 'VTV' are unconventional but trendy and chic. The Mozart of Madras seems to have combined international music with Tamil film music to appeal to music-lovers.
With Thamarai's lyrics lending a helping hand, the songs in the movie are sweet and superb. With two master craftsmen (Goutham Vasudev Menon and Rahman) coming together in the film, the album has managed to create right ripples.
A young brigade of singers, trendy music and catchy lyrics is all what the album has got.
1. Omana Pennae
Singer: Benny Dayal, Kalyani Menon
Amazing number for it creates a great feel among the listeners. The chorus rendering Omana Pennae is soothing. The song begins with a soft touch reminding one of Far East music, but settles down to a rhythm. Rahman's mastery in harmony is evident. Wonder how lyricist Thamarai comes up with such poetic lyrics within a commercial format. The Malayalam lyrics have been penned by Kalyani Menon (Rajiv Menon's mother). Benny Dayal is okay for the song.
2. Anbil Avan
Singer: Devan Ekambaram, Chinmayee
Rahman, a man of few words, is always vibrant and enthusiastic when it comes to his music. It is reflected in the song. It is a refreshing number with synthesised sounds that mesmerise. Thamarai's lyrics are again to the point speaking of a couple falling for each other. Chinmayee's chirpy's voice coupled with the dynamic Devan Ekambaram is just apt.
3. Vinaythandi Varuvaya
Singer: Karthik
The title song of the track rendered by 'bubbly' Karthik. He is right there doing what his master (Rahman) has ordered. Though the tune is so unconventional, the string instruments gives the song the soul and life. Watch out for the way Karthik renders the key line Vinnaithandi Varuvaya. It is awesome.
4. Hosanna
Singer: Vijay Prakash, Blaze, Suzanne
The brilliant composer in A R Rahman has woven a lovable song around the word Hosanna (considered auspicious by Christians). With rap interludes in between by Blaaze, the song sticks to hearts instantly. Thamarai's lyrics describes the joy in the heart and soul of a guy who comes across his beloved. A soulful romantic number, the song with Suzanne chipping in with her best is the USP of the album.
5. Kannukul Kannai
Singer: Naresh Iyer
Again a soft but sophisticated number. A love-lorn youth yearning for the love and affection of his beloved is what the song is all about. Thamarai once again impresses with her poetic lyrics. Rahman has not disturbed the lyrics with his music, which otherwise flows freely complimenting Thamarai's works. Naresh Iyer is just the right choice by Rahman for the song.
6. Mannipaya
Singer: A R Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal
The big man is at it. Rahman has crooned the song along with Shreya Ghoshal. It is about a woman in love seeking apology to her lover. Interestingly the music composer in Rahman has opted for couplets in Thirukkural which signifies the theme of the song. Apt couplets chosen by the music composer. A song that has no charanam or pallavi, Mannipaya has Shreya Ghoshal going gaga with her soft voice to the accompaniment of guitar and violin.
7. Aaromalae (Malayalam song)
Singer: Alphonse
A full-length Malayalam song in a Tamil movie sounds interesting. Since the female lead Jessi played by Trisha is Malayalam Christian, obviously the song finds a place in the album. Acclaimed Malayalam lyricist Kaithapram has penned the song with Malayalam music composer Alphonse singing it. High in instrumentation and quick changing rhythms, the song makes one brisk at the first listen itself. Mixed emotions flow as we listen to it.
On the whole, Vinnaithandi Varuvaya is a cute little album that has experimental score by Rahman. The man with Midas Touch, Rahman is at again. The album is a rich treasure not just for Rahman-fans but to genuine music-lovers too. The music composer seems to have set a trend which others would soon emulate.
Verdict: ****
4 / 5
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