Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Kuruvi - The Audio Review

It is a very well known fact that Vijay's film songs are 50% audio and 50% visuals. Yet another known fact is that songs of Dharani-Vidyasagar combo are strictly for mass, and it has been proved through films like Dhool, Ghilli and Bangaram. That said, the trio of Vijay-Dharani-Vidhyasagar have delivered in "Kuruvi" more than what is expected out of them - An album that satisfies all Vijay fans and a good time pass for neutral fans.
Peppy, loud and full of energy, it is the right mix for Vijay fans if you leave aside senseless comparisions with things of past. Anyone who listens to the album in a low mood is sure to get an high spirit, to say the least. It is definitely a break away from the usual class-melody routine that Vidhyasagar has been through for the past couple of years.

Now over to the songs....

Happy New Year
Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Yogi B, Dr.Burn

Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar


The album starts with a loud bang with this number which I call in my terms as "Techno Kuthu". Sunidhi singing Tamil folk is something new and she is brilliant as ever. The Tamil Rap by Yogi B and Dr.Burn is equally enjoyable. The heavy percussions provide the perfect accompaniment for the song.

Rating: 8.5/10

Dandaana Darna
Lyrics: Kabilan

Singers: Sangeeth Haldipur


This is the third time in a row we get to hear Vijay's intro song in a different voice than the usual Shankar Mahadevan/Tippu. Use of new voice renders a fresh feel to the song and Vidhyasagar has rightly taken a note of this aspect. Sangeeth Haldipur, the famous Marathi music composer/singer and part of Channel [V] Pop stars 2, does the honours this time. For a first time non-Tamilian singer, he has managed to do a good job and delivered what is required of him - right feel, energy and heavy throated singing. What Pokkiri Pongal is for Pokkiri, Dandaana Darna is for Kurvi.

Rating: 8.5/10

Thaen Thaen Thaen
Lyrics: Yugabharathi

Singers: Udit Narayanan, Shreya Ghosal


Vidhyasagar's melodies always have a unique feel to it and he is at his usual best here too. The hindustani tune with Arabian style of orchestration gives the song a lilting touch. Shreya Ghosal yet again proves that nothing is sweeter than her voice, while Udit Narayanan too does a good job if you can forgive his awkward diction at a few places. This is one song that has the right elements to attract anyone after first few listenings. A slow poison.

Rating: 9/10

Palaanadhu Palaanadhu
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay

Singers: Vidhyasagar, S. Rajalakshmi


If you loved Thottu Thottu Pesum Sulthana(Edhirum Pudhirum) or Ithunoondu Muthathile(Dhool) of Dharani-Vidhyasagar combo, you will surely love this too. Composed in Bhangra style with lots of techno beats mixed with the Punjabi Dhol, this song will leave you dancing for the exitement it provides is magical. Thankfully, Vidhyasagar has chosen the right song for him to sing and Rajalakshmi of "Kokku Para Para" fame does a good job too.

Rating: 8/10

Theme Music
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

Singers: Praveen Mani, Dr Burn, Ranina and Suvi


With varying paces, possibly to be used at various situations in the film, this a rocking music bit filled with lots of mass lyrics, that will leave Vijay fans mesmerised. You may get a feel of Kabadi Kabadi of Ghilli westernised, but this song has more than that to offer. The heavy guitar fused with traditional folk percussions does what it is intended to do - rushing up the adrenaline.

Rating: 8/10

Mozha Mozhanu
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay
Singers: K.K, Anuradha Sriram


The least best is saved for the last. This is a song whose success is heavily dependent on the picturisation because the music has nothing great to talk about. Vidhyasagar-KK-Anuradha combo of the unforgettable Appadi Podu has done a mediocre job here. The disappointment leaves you searching for Srikanth Deva or Dheena as Guest composers in the credits. Completely folk in all aspects, this is clearly targetted for front benchers. Nothing without a reason, visuals will speak on that.

Rating: 6.5/10

Pluses: Fresh voices, simple and neat presentation
Minuses: Lyrics are mediocre, songs are targeted only at the youth

Overall Rating: 8/10

Verdict: Good

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Atlast!!! A tag...

Breaking my weeks of hibernation with this tag from Nirmal. Actually, should thank him for bringing me back Very Happy

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

"Azhagiya Thamizh Magan" in Santhi on a Saturday afternoon. It was a big get together of my online friends and I went just to meet them and give my presence. Smile

2. What book are you reading?

Bharathiyar Kadhaigal. Never knew that there are stories written by Bharathiyar. Lots of varieties.. Its like his personal diary compiled as a book.. Many stories are somehow incomplete. Some will be liked by kids, some are philosophical, some are sarcastic and some are exaggerated. On the whole a different experience of learning. I am reading it in parts for 1 hr, 30 mins, 15 mins for a long time Smile

3. Favorite board game?

Trade or Business whatever it is called… Used to play it with my cousins and I play the banker most times. Buying and selling cities, mortgages, money handling.. It was a fantasy for me. I liked playing it for hours even though my cousins wish to stop after some time. We count the property worth and end the game most times Very Happy

4. Favorite magazine?

Ananda Vikatan. I always feel some maturity in its presentation and it has lots of write up series that I enjoy reading.

5. Favorite smells?

Smell of new books, sambhar, Tiger balm and Brut Very Happy

6. Favorite sounds?

Violin. I get mesmerized every time I hear it.

7. Worst feeling in the world?

When people don’t trust you or the words you say even though you have been honest. Crying or Very sad

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

"Shall I go in 9.30 shuttle? Nah, sun will kill me.. ok... I shall get ready now.. but 6 PM bus atleast today" Rolling Eyes

9. Favorite fast food place?

Ram’s milky way near Panagal Park, T.Nagar.. Though I have been there only twice I liked it a lot.

10. Future child's name?

Will not be as long as mine and will have two parts in it to be used as first and last name Razz

11. Finish this statement. "If I had lot of money I'd....?"

Build an independent house in a peaceful residential locality and if more money is left would spend it on a travel to any of my favorite holiday spots.

12. Do you drive fast?

I haven’t driven anything Very Happy But I like traveling in fast vehicles (fast=fast and not rash)

13. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I stuff something at 12 midnight and sleep like an animal. I believe only girlies use stuffed things. Wink

14. Storms - cool or scary?

Scary. affraid I stay in a safe building. What about millions who don’t even have a house to live? No

15. What was your first car?

I don’t own one yet. The first one I traveled in was an Ambassador.

16. Favorite drink?

Orange juice and to drink hot, filter coffee.

17. Finish this statement, "If I had the time I would...."?

Take my mom to all places she likes to visit.

18. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

What is broccoli? confused

19. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?

I already have a receding hairline. I don’t wanna add chemicals to it and lose them early.

20. Name all the different cities/towns you've lived in?

Chennai and Bangalore. Chennai is da best and I love it like anything. cheers

21. Favorite sports to watch?

Tennis when I feel like watching it. And I never miss gymnastics during Olympics. Basketball

22. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?

Nirmal is a nice guy who I always see with full of energy. He always has this child-like smile on his face which makes you forget all tensions when you talk to him. Cool

23. What's under your bed?

A wooden Cot Razz

24. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Yeah.. And to the same parents but with lots of courage and good luck.

25. Morning person, or night owl?

Night owl. Typing this reply at 12.10 AM on a Saturday night or ahem, Sunday Twisted Evil

26. Over easy, or sunny side up?

I don’t eat eggs Razz

27. Favorite place to relax?

A window shopping in crowded streets of T.Nagar…

28. Favorite pie?

Apple pie Laughing

29. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Vanilla I love you

30. Of all the people you tagged this to, who's most likely to respond first?

I guess it would be Shrinivas SG.

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Now for the tagging part, I pass this on to Vikram, Shrinivas SG, Hell's angel and Venky.