Music Review: Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (Tamil)
Composer(s): A. R. Rahman
Listen to the songs online here: JioSaavn
The biggest surprise that A. R. Rahman stages in Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is not only bringing back Madhushree after years but also making her sing a gaana song, a genre that was popularised by composer Deva in the 90s (remember Meenatchi Meenatchi from Anantha Poongatre?). The mellifluous concoction, with a generous sprinkling of mugaveenai (a precursor to modern-day nadaswaram), is a folky mishmash that's addictive and foot-tapping, even as Madhushree's vocals brilliantly brings out a tinge of melancholy to the proceedings. It also made me think of the last time Rahman experimented with Madhushree's voice in Yaar Mila Tha (Blue). Shreya Ghoshal gets behind the mic for another retro-leaning throwback with Unna Nenachadhum after Mayava Thooyava (Iravin Nizhal), a wispy, sweeping piece of work that also gains from Sarthak Kalyani's excellent company. Kaalathukkum Nee Venum is Rahman channelling his 90s repertoire again, resting on a soundbed of flute, strings (charango) and a thavil-backed percussion that complements Rakshita Suresh's exceptional rendition. The choice to rope in actor Silambarasan TR, on the other hand, does disservice to the song and almost undoes everything else that has going for it. Rahman's singing is also the weak link in Marakkuma Nenjam, even if it's offset by a rich palette of soft guitar riffs, melodious harmonies and heart-swelling choruses. The song benefits further from the inclusion of ghata-singhari, a variant of ghatam in which the clay pot's mouth is covered by a skin parchment, lending it a brand-new sheen and texture. Like Cobra, Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is one of Rahman's most accessible soundtracks in recent times, but one that could also have been taken to the next level with a better choice of singers.
Listen to the songs online here: JioSaavn
The biggest surprise that A. R. Rahman stages in Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is not only bringing back Madhushree after years but also making her sing a gaana song, a genre that was popularised by composer Deva in the 90s (remember Meenatchi Meenatchi from Anantha Poongatre?). The mellifluous concoction, with a generous sprinkling of mugaveenai (a precursor to modern-day nadaswaram), is a folky mishmash that's addictive and foot-tapping, even as Madhushree's vocals brilliantly brings out a tinge of melancholy to the proceedings. It also made me think of the last time Rahman experimented with Madhushree's voice in Yaar Mila Tha (Blue). Shreya Ghoshal gets behind the mic for another retro-leaning throwback with Unna Nenachadhum after Mayava Thooyava (Iravin Nizhal), a wispy, sweeping piece of work that also gains from Sarthak Kalyani's excellent company. Kaalathukkum Nee Venum is Rahman channelling his 90s repertoire again, resting on a soundbed of flute, strings (charango) and a thavil-backed percussion that complements Rakshita Suresh's exceptional rendition. The choice to rope in actor Silambarasan TR, on the other hand, does disservice to the song and almost undoes everything else that has going for it. Rahman's singing is also the weak link in Marakkuma Nenjam, even if it's offset by a rich palette of soft guitar riffs, melodious harmonies and heart-swelling choruses. The song benefits further from the inclusion of ghata-singhari, a variant of ghatam in which the clay pot's mouth is covered by a skin parchment, lending it a brand-new sheen and texture. Like Cobra, Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu is one of Rahman's most accessible soundtracks in recent times, but one that could also have been taken to the next level with a better choice of singers.
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