It’s perhaps Ananthu’s incredibly affecting vocals. Or, it could be the beautifully layered strings. Or, is it the Celtic-infused prelude that sets the context and carries across the song? Vaanam is one heck of a title song! Selvaraghavan’s lyrics have a unique challenge – to write about a grandfather! And the lines take a refreshingly different approach, while also trying to eulogize the titular character aptly. Soorakaathu, with its delightfully cheeky chorus and folk base, reeking heavily of Ilayaraja, is a knockout! The song seems tailor-made for Dhanush’s voice and the rhythm is hard not to sway to!
Paarthen and Venpani are the kind of songs that scream, ‘Adei Dhanush, why dodn’t you go to Ilayaraja directly?’. But, Raja’s essence, coming from Sean’s mind has its undeniable charm. Paarthen is straight out of say, Mudhal Mariyaadhai, with Sean and Shweta doing an incredible job. Venpani—both versions—is drop dead gorgeous! The constant violin backdrop significantly accentuates the already-mellifluous tune, particularly the way Sean sashays it around the Venpani line while bridging it at the end of the anupallavi! Dhanush makes up for all his absurd lyrics in the past by writing this one! He captures the sensation of a post-youth man’s love in a beautifully expressive package.
Veesum kaathodadhaan has an infectitious energy as Sean and Anthony Daasan play off each others vocals perfectly. The smaller nuances, like the flute bits during ‘Engo paadhaigal’ are stuff of Raja’ish brilliance! Ditto for the swingy ‘Adadaa’ in the anupallavi! Sean ropes in his ‘Joker’ director Rajumurugan for the lyrics and he brings forth the aimlessness of a senior citizen, called a nomad in the song, beautifully, likening it to the freedom of direction in birds. Joker, last year… and Power Paandi, this year! Composer Sean Roldan is truly, and incredibly, on a roll!
Keywords: Sean Roldan, Power Paandi, 300, #300
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