Music Review: Kaatru Veliyidai (Tamil)

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

One of Kollywood's most enduring combos, Mani Ratnam and A. R. Rahman, is here again, this time with a cheery guitar-laden a cappella'esque melody called Azhagiye. While it's nothing out of the ordinary, an earworm it is alright. Also is it just me, or does it remind anyone of Kandukondain Kandukondain's Smayiyai? More ethereal goodness follows in Vaan Varunvaan, which finds Shashaa Tirupati in astounding form, while an enticing mix of santoor, flute, ukulele and mandolin leaves its presence felt in Saarattu Vandiyila, a soft folky melody sung by A. R. Raihanah, Tippu and Nikhita Gandhi that brings to mind Rahman's tunes from Taj Mahal and Thenali (Alangatti Mazhai).

Sathyaprakash and Chinmayi, for their part, prove their mettle in an otherwise cromulent guitar-backed melody Nallai Allai, even as the Latino-inspired Tango Kelaayo makes a not so subtle nod to Michael Buble's Sway. The blend of strings, percussion and accordion is however doubtless arresting and lends the song a dramatic flourish. Perhaps the first full-fledged Hindi/Punjabi number to be incorporated in a Tamil film, Jugni brings with it a manic energy that pulses through its ambient backdrop and synthesized beats that A. R. Rahman and Tejinder Singh deliver in style. Kaatru Veliyidai is breezy, but fails to live up to the high standard we have come to expect from the famed director-composer duo.

First published on Feb 02, 2017, updated on Feb 19, 2017 Mar 01, 2017.
After Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, OK Jaanu and Raees, the singles craze seems to have finally hit Kollywood too. The staggered release of songs over several weeks means the soundtrack won't be out until it's time for the movie's release. Not sure how I feel about the move, but if it helps the movie attract more audience, by all means!

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