 Pawan Kalyan is thirsting for success. He usually makes his film with the labored effort of a lazy elephant. The time lag between two of his films is usually as big and wide as Grand Canyon. So when is ready with a new movie just weeks after his last release, it means only one thing ---- he is desperate.
Balu ABCDEFG hits the theatre next month ---- hardly a month after Gudumba Shankar's release. After the failures of Johnny and Gudumba, tongues are wagging about his staying power. Though it is invidious to compare him with his overachieving brother, Pawan will always be seen in the same matrix as that of Chiranjeevi.
Coming to the songs of Balu ABCDEFG, Pawan has set much store on Mani Sharma's unquestioned versatility. Mani and Pawan's combination usually has delivered the goods. In Balu ABCEDEFG, Mani has come up with some cute numbers. But the problem, they don't surprise you. They don't have a unique feel. A sense of déjà vu both in terms of orchestration as well in tune is inescapable. Probably they are tuned for situations. But the songs on their own don't stand much scrutiny.
1. Athi Methani
Mahalakshmi, Ranjith are certainly singers to watch among the young lot. They have the right timbre in their voices, and they come up with the goods in this number. But they are hamstrung by a pretty average tune.
2. Hut Hutja
When you listen to this number, your immediate reaction is 'what's a Hindi song doing in a Telugu album'. For answer, we have to wait till the film's release. Anyway, the song is a bit of a let down as Kunal sings in a husky, affected voice. The rhythm is racy. But there is nothing else to redeem the number.
3. Inthe Inthinte
Whatever the situation, KK's voice is just perfect. It has the entire range and repertoire to suit any hero. The song is a confusing medley --- a trumpet here, a bagpiper there, some loud drumbeats in between. There are also some interludes involving instruments from the far-eastern countries.
4. Kannu Kottina
There is obviously a catchy beat all through the song. The sarod start sets up the tonal tapestry for Sujatha and Udit Narayan to wove in their magic. They are good and rise to the occasion. But then again, the tune is tame and a reminiscent of a popular Bollywood tune.
5. Lokale Gelavaga
You wonder who is singing as the lady voice comes across in a husky whisper. It's Chitra in a new avatar. For starters, it takes getting used to. But the virtuosity of the singer is such that she pulls it off with ease and style. The male singer, Murali, has a pronounced nasal twang. The low-throated effort may not impress many. The orchestration and tune is on
expected lines.
6. Neelo Jarige
The accent here is on beats. Hariharan is made to seek lower ranges. This is a style that doesn't suit his dulcet voice. His pronunciation is also stylized. Shreya Ghosal is good in patches. The rap interlude does not enhance the number.
On the whole, the album is good especially in terms of rhythm. But the feeling of repetitiveness undoes all the good work of Mani Sharma.
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