They cast their spell on West. Now they are eyeing to capture the hearts and souls of music-lovers down south. Colonial Cousins (Hariharan and Leslie Lewis), the duo credited with taking Indian pop to overseas, are making their debut as music-composers in Tamil cinema with director Saran's `Modhi Vilaiyadu'.
The movie starring Vinay and Kajal Agarwal in lead roles is a romantic thriller produced by Media One Global Entertainment Ltd in association with Gemini Industries and Imaging Ltd.
With half-a-dozen songs, the album boasts of some big names Bombay Jayashree, Shaan, music composer Deva besides Hariharan himself crooning the songs. In tune with the times, the album has songs that is trendy and chic. It is a combination of rhythmic beats and nice blend of Classical and Western stuff.
Colonial Cousins catchy numbers shine more thanks to the scintillating lyrics of Vairamuthu, who share a good rapport with director Saran. The two have teamed up many times before to meet success.
Latcham Varthaigal
Singer: Ranjani
A right beginning. Oozing with energy all through, this westernised number is racy and groovy. Ranjani voice provides more life to the song. The percussion instruments and strings of guitar decorate it well.
Ottrai Varthaiyel
Singer: Shaan
A soft and soul-stirring one. With less instrumentation and more thrust on vocals, the song is just perfect to make the listener to go silent. Hariharan and Leslie has allowed the singer to dominate and Shaan is right there giving the song a lift. A soft but a strong one indeed.
Paathikadal
Singer: Bombay Jayashree, Sunitha Sarathy
A blend of Classical and Western song it is. Takes the listener to a state of joy, the song has acclaimed Carnatic vocalist rendering the song in Classical version. Imagine listening the same in a Western version. Sunitha Sarathy has been roped in for the purpose. With her unique accent, she does it with aplomb. Colonial Cousins have treaded a new path here.
Velaikkari
Singer: Leslie, Achu, Hariharan
Three is a company. When energetic trio comes together what else can we expect but for a bubbly number. The song, with Leslie and Achu contributed from the sidelines and Hariharan at the helm of affairs, is simply sticks on us. The casual rendition by Leslie and Achu with Hariharan at top form is indeed the pick of the album.
Modhi Vilayadu
Singer: Deva, Hariharan
The title song throws enough surprises on the listeners. A song with lofty lyric by Vairamuthu has been sung by Deva and Hariharan (both appear on screen too). If Hariharan's voice is soft, Deva's deep-throated rendition gives it a new flavour. The additional beats by the music composers duo is just perfect.
Chikki Mukki
Singer: Leslie, Surmukhi
Leslie is in prime form. He occupies the centre stage with his casual rendition. Interestingly his Tamil diction is also convincing. The Anglican accent of Surumkhi fits the bill well. The interludes are indeed very catchy.
All said, `Modhi Vilayadu' is a one more from Hariharan and Leslie stable which is sure to impress everyone. They have proved that language is no barrier for good music.