There’s a brisk electronic sound in Ulakathin that is particularly alluring. Rahul, Arun Alat and Joju Sebastian sing it in a lively, upbeat mood, punctuated by Rahul’s joyous orchestration. Medapoompattum...
Continue reading...Badmaash (Music review), Kannada – Judah Sandhy
Bolo iska naam is energetic, but beyond Chandan Shetty full-throated singing, it’s commonplace. Ishta ishta is street-smart and catchy, with a brisk rhythm. Kannalliye savira is a crafty melody, with...
Continue reading...Rojulu Marayi (Music review), Telugu – J.B.
The title song has a Harris Jayaraj’ish appeal and sing-along’ishness, complete with ‘O o oooo’ flourishes. Nuvvu nenu anna‘s wedding-style orchestration—though synthesized—makes it endearing, as does Surendra and Nayana Nair’s...
Continue reading...Right Right (Music review), Telugu – J.B.
Alli billi has a gentle and instantly appealing lilt; Hymath’s vocals (but, with the annoying digital enhancement!) and J.B’s orchestration (particularly the 2nd interlude) only makes it better. Bhoogolam bantilaga...
Continue reading...Hitman – June 18, 2016
Originally published in . Neruppu da – Kabali (Tamil – Santhosh Narayanan) Much has been said about Santhosh Narayanan composing music for a Rajini starrer—usually reserved for more senior, well-tested...
Continue reading...Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (Music review), Malayalam – Prashant Pillai
Govind Menon offsets Peethambaran Menon’s mildly strained vocals in the title song, a pleasant-enough song with lovely violin phrases. Vaikom Vijayalakshmi headlines Neeyo njano, an enthusiastic song that seems to...
Continue reading...Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (Music review), Tamil – A R Rahman
There’s a whiff of MS Viswanathan in the simple and sweet melody of Avalum naanum! Vijay Yesudas rocks this solo, recalling his dad’s prowess more than once. But that this...
Continue reading...Run Antony (Music review), Kannada – Manikanth Kadri
Jhanak jhanak is a cleverly obvious and catchy take on and Puneeth handles it perfectly. Marula is a lovely duet, made better by Soham Chakraborthy and Supriya Lohith’s singing, and...
Continue reading...Hitman – June 11, 2016
Originally published in The Hindu. Pona usuru – Thodari (Tamil – D.Imman) Prabhu Solomon, who resuscitated Imman’s career with Mynaa, is back with another film, with his favorite composer in...
Continue reading...Kabali (Music review), Tamil – Santhosh Narayanan
Ananthu, Santhosh and Gana Bala are at their harmonious best in the bombastic opener, Ulagam oruvanukka! Roshan Jamrock’s rap verses around Kabali Swag add to the pulsating number’s impact. Gana...
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