While the title song has the usual grooviness that accompanies a kuthu song, composer Imman also employs a strong raaga base here (shanmukhapriya, possibly) to superb effect. The guitars are brilliantly employed (the Carnatic one and the bass in particular), and Jayamoorthy and MK Balaji maintain the energy levels high in their singing too. Another actress jumps on to the singing bandwagon with Kukkuru Kukkuru, Lakshmi Menon this time. And a pretty neat debut she does too, confidently delivering the folk tune with Sathyan for support. Imman uses a predominantly folk arrangement for this one, highlighted by that ravanahatha type bowed instrument, spicing it up with the occasional techno addition. Mazhakaatha is a very hummable, Mediterranean-flavoured track built over the Pungi style rhythm – lovely guitars as expected, and also some naadaswaram which is unexpected. The singing is top notch; Haricharan and Vandana Srinivasan being the ones responsible here. Odum Rayilae is a complete winning package – a melancholic, haunting tune that is adorned with some gorgeous violins and harmonium, set to a very sufi rhythm. And a brilliant vocal effort from Abhay Jodhpurkar. Imman takes the sufi flavour to an out and out maappila paattu style in Sundari Pennae – claps, harmonium, tabla and a mod twist with the electric guitar. Not as brilliant as the previous song, but Shreya Ghoshal’s flawless (as usual) singing helps take the song that extra distance.
Oru Oorla Rendu Raja. Composer Imman’s best work this year!
Music Aloud Rating: 8.5/10
Top Recos: Odum Rayilae, Oru Oorla Rendu Raja, Kukkuru Kukkuru
