SPB’s magnificent vocals, that unconventional rhythmic lilt and that flute-based second interlude…all work in perfect sync in Jagadanandha karaka to create absolute magic! Sri Rama lera opens with a blast of Hamsanandhi that Raja has used earlier and with that familiarity, it works brilliantly! Devulle mechina and Sita seemantham are pleasant, nostalgic throwback to Raja’s Chinna Thambi days, with orchestration largely unadulterated by modernity, barring the interludes which too impress with their sheer melody. Chitra and Shreya Ghoshal deserve a special mention in these songs! SPB aces the sweeping Keeravani-based pathos in Gali ningi neeru, propped by splendid use of violins in true Raja style, while the serene Sindhu Bhairavi-based Ramayanamu is again Chitra and Shreya Ghosal’s magnificent show, even as the composer makes his presence felt with highly imaginative progressions in the tune. And though Rama rama ane sounds filmy, it is a thoroughly likeable tune with mesmerizing vocals by Swetha and Anitha. Of the eight short tracks, Tippu’s Kalaya nijama clearly leads and is one of the singer’s best songs yet! The other short track that impresses is Surabhu Sravani and Keerthana’s Dhandakam. Sri Rama Rajyam is a masterpiece; totally befitting the expectations from the formidable Bapu-Raja combination!
Keywords: Ilayaraja, Bapu, Balakrishna, Nayantara, Nageswara Rao, Srikanth, #200
