Chandramukhi Songs

After a colossal disaster “Baba” (both movie and music), here comes the music album of the most expected and comparatively less hyped movie of Rajini called “Chandramukhi”. This time the chance of scoring music for Rajini film went to Vidhyasagar as it is obvious that all his recent past music albums are major hits in Tamilnadu. Scoring music for a Rajini film is an acid test for any music director not because music should be of set standards but because of its reach, the music reaches a wider audience and also it has to satisfy all the kinds of fans of Rajini. From age 6 to 60, from rich to poor, from a novice in music to a music buff we have all kinds of fans of Rajini. So there lies this big challenge for a music director to score music that satisfies all audience and also to some extent gel well with the situation (if at all any) in the movie, he should retain his own identity in music and also should deliver the music with a preset formula for these stars and many more. Has Vidhyasagar who have become one of the most successful music director of 2004 done it? Let us see

4) Rating for a song when you hear after watching the movie (AFM)

Devuda Devuda

S.P. Balasubramanian

This is a typical introduction song of Rajini. No other singer is eligible enough to back Rajini than SPB for numbers like this. The elegance, charisma and energy in SPB’s voice are unmatchable. The Punjabi type beats in this song easily reminds us “Koduva meesai” song from “Dhool”. The song has got right tempo, rhythm and foot tapping beats to become a chart buster. As per the formula, the song starts with a grand orchestration, increasing the hype and expectations before the first scene in which we see Rajini opening his eyes on screen. The lyric penned by ever reliable Vaali is simple, philosophical and add value to the song.

Rating: MB – 2, FAN – 4, BWM – 4, AFM – 5

Konja Neram

Asha Bhonsle, Madhu Balakrishnan

This is a typical Vidhyasagar melody. The song has got a very pleasant tune. The prelude with piano is excellent. The interludes are rich in orchestrations with violins, flute and piano pieces. The lyrics by Yugabharathi are really sweet and an added advantage creating the romantic mood in the song. Asha Bhonsle is a surprise entry in this album; her voice is as sweet as any young new singer and her diction and expressions are adequate in this duet. Madhu Balakrishna seems to be the obvious choice of Vidhyasagar for melodies these days and yes he has done full justice to this song with his mellifluous voice and rendition. Vidhyasagar has a formula for composing melodies and this song is a signature of Vidhyasagar’s style. The song will start with vocals alone with some mild sounds but without any instruments in the background and when we start liking the tune, the lyrics and sweetness in the voice of the singers the rhythmic mild beats will join the song later and enhances the melody and stops us from going to sleep. He has used this formula again in this song and it has worked well.

Rating: MB – 5, FAN – 5, BWM – 5, AFM – 5

Athinthom

SPB, Vaishali

The moment song starts, it takes us to IR’s folk numbers in 80’s especially the beats are same as that of popular “Maguyilae Poonguyilae” song. Though the beats are same, Vidhyasagar has got a sweet different tune for this song. This song is the pleasant number of the lot and adds to the variety of the songs in the album. But the violin orchestrations, flute usage are in typical IR style. It is always very difficult to deviate much from IR style when it comes to authentic folk music. In spite of all similarities and inspirations, I credit Vidhyasagar for a fresh melody in this song. SPB is at his expressive best. A light fusion of folk beats and classical tabla beats towards the end of the song is noteworthy. The harmonium pieces added subtly with the thavil beats are nice. On the whole, it is a very different song for a Rajini movie.

Rating: MB – 5, FAN – 4, BWM – 4, AFM – 5

Kokku para para

It is a very light peppy number with medium tempo. It seems to be sung when they are playing by flying kites and the kids vocals in the background clearly sounds the ambience of the song. The beats could have been different but the tune is okay. The plus point of the song is the lyrics by Na. Muthu kumar which convey simple philosophies of life with reference to flying kites. Rajalakshmi’s voice is innocent and sweet. On the whole, not-so-bad number in the album.

Rating: MB – 2.5, FAN – 3, BWM – 3, AFM – 4

Raa Raa

Binny Krishnakumar, Tipu

It is the most shocking song of the album, not because of the music but because of the language in which the song is written. It is a complete Telugu song in a Tamil album and that too in a Rajini film. Being the climax song in the movie, it has got lot of importance and with the song in Telugu completely, Will the audience accept it? Let us get into the quality of music now. It is yet another excellent semi classical number from Vidhyasagar. The sound of Telugu itself gels well with this melodious situational song like music. The grand orchestrations in the interludes are well arranged and should gel well the visuals.

Binny is a great find, she is too good in this song and Tippu is at his expressive best. The song may be a major disappointment for hardcore Rajini fans but I think they will like after watching the visuals.

Rating: MB – 5, FAN – 1, BWM – 1, AFM – 4

Annanoa Pattu

K.K.Kathik, Sujatha

Starts like a rustic folk song but suddenly turns into a usual dappanguthu number. The beats are very ordinary and lack mass appeal but anyway the inclusion of the popular “Ennadi rakkamma” tune played in Trumpet in the interlude is a tricky move and adds some grace to the otherwise mediocre number. The basic tune of the song fails to impress. Rajini fans may like this song after watching the movie.

Rating: MB – 1, FAN – 3, BWM – 3, AFM – 4

On the whole, the album is above average. Vidhyasagar could have done a better job in the mass numbers by which I mean he could have tried different beats in the mass songs. The album will definitely be a winner all the way no matter how bad or good is the music as Rajini is the only factor for the sales.