Music Review: Lingaa (Tamil)

Composer(s): A. R. Rahman
Listen to the songs online here: Saavn

Haricharan Seshadri is earnest in his rendition of the soulful pathos Unmai Orunaal Vellum even if the tune is typical Rahman, with the composer's simple arrangements letting Vairamuthu's touching lyrics do all the talking. Indiane Vaa channels its invigorating lyrics to deliver a rousing inspirational number and A. R. Rahman is fantastic, both in terms of singing and orchestrating the catchy tune. The inclusion of traditional percussion instruments and the change of pitch towards the end is anthemic to say the least! Srinivas and Aditi Paul are flawless in the extremely hummable melody En Mannavva, the Hindustani-style arrangements (Jashn-E-Bahaara immediately comes to one's mind) comprising sitar, shehnai and hand drums working tremendously in its favour.

The customary Rajini intro song Oh Nanba, in S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's ever energetic voice, goes for a Middle Eastern vibe a la Kadhalan's Mukkabla. Strangely, Mano, who had sung the latter, croons for Rahman after a long time (and Rajini too, the last was Alli Alli Anarkili from Arunachalam) in Mona Gasolina in what's undoubtedly the surprise package of the soundtrack. Accompanied by Neeti Mohan and Tanvi Shah on the mic, the undeniably experimental and wacky tune, a heady mix of thavil, techno, Latinate elements and elaborate chords, shows the singer's vocal prowess at his best. A. R. Rahman bounces back in much better form with Lingaa after a rather forgettable I.

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