Haricharan and Manasi’s sprightly Kaadhal oru starts normally enough, but it is in the anupallavi that the tune’s full flow reveals itself – wonderfully addictive. Yelelo‘s music arrangement is first rate and so is the catchy tune that blends beautifully with the rhythm and orchestration. Nanban is an excellent combination of Yugabharathi’s moving lyrics and Girish’s serene music in the background – sung really well by Vijay Prakash. Marina marina theme, with Madras Youth Choir, Manasi and Monissha, and the Life in Marina theme work as fabulous showcases to Girish’s composing skills; the youth choir do a particularly good job in the former, while Vishnu’s flute and Bhaskar’s violin form an integral, dazzling part in the latter. The highlight of the soundtrack is the intriguingly tuned anthem for Chennai, Vanakkam vaazha vaikkum Chennai, perhaps the best ode to the city since Anubhavi Raja Anubhavi’s Madras Nalla Madras, back in 1967! Na.Muthukumar’s lyrics strike the perfect balance between telling us the inevitable truth about the city and expressing heartfelt gratitude for just being itself! The tune is strikingly complex, with long-drawn lines and a curious sound, but it all adds to making the song truly memorable! Remarkable debut by composer Girishh!
Keywords: Marina, Merina, Pandiraj, Girish G, Girishh, #200
