Music Review: Megha (Tamil)

Composer(s): Ilaiyaraaja

Film: Megha

Perhaps wanting to recreate the Saayndhu Saayndhu (Neethaane En Ponvasantham) magic, Ilaiyaaraja ropes in Yuvan Shankar Raja and Ramya NSK not for one, but two duets. The first, Mugilo Megamo, has a gorgeous tune and stunning orchestration (those violins!) no doubt, but Yuvan's rendition mauls the song big time. He is however much more apt and in better form in Chellam, the soft rock touches adorning the lovely melody. While Yenna Vendum (Karthik, Priyadarshini) is your usual Raja fare, Jeevane Jeevane, sung by Ilaiyaraaja himself, is pathos at its best.

Kalvane's interesting tune shifts against a jazzy background are a refreshing departure from the composer's repertoire, and Haricharan's vocals are a big plus. That leaves us with Puthum Pudhu Kalai, the Alaigal Oivathillai song as evergreen as it was back in the eighties. Singer Anitha too does an admirable job behind the mic, though it's tough not drawing comparisons to the veteran S. Janaki, who had crooned the original. Isaignani's Megha is greatly satisfying, but could have turned out spectacular if not for those questionable choice of singers!