If you are a Maestro fan, here is an album that doesn’t disappoint. It is not among his career’s best, but definitely the one for savouring.
Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam, Chitra, Baba Sehgal, Shreya Ghoshal, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Kailash Kher, and Chinmayee are the singers.
Madagajame
Artists: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chithra, Kailash Kher & Chorus
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
Ilaiyaraaja gets on board a range of singers in order make the opening song the best. Music-wise, it is like listening to a Chinna Rayudu song. But in terms of scale, it is truly mythical. Gunashekar uses his directorial sense to enlist SPB, Chitra, Kailash Kher to add a midas touch. Sirivennela’s lyrics come with a sense of history. Simple yet evocative, they mirror the culture of Telugu cinema historicals.
Avuna Neevena
Artists: Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
When Ilaiyaraaja enlists someone like Hariharan, can music lovers afford to miss the bonanza. Bonus is none other than Sadhana Sargam. The two singers render the melodious number to a mellifluous effect. Sirivennela’s poetic lyrics are baptized in literary purity. Excellent in terms of music, it is not hummable though. It’s for the discerning.
Choosukovo Theesukovo
Artists: Chithra, Baba Sehgal
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
To what is historical, Ilaiyaraaja lends a song that is a cross between trendy and vintage-style music. He moves further than what he did with Bapu’s mythological, complete with modern trappings. Gunashekar can’t ask for more. The choice of the singer, Baba Sehgal, is a masterstroke. Chitra’s vocals are in their best in recent times. Sirivennela mesmerizes with his lyrical strokes.
Punnami Poovai
Artists: Shreya Ghoshal & Chorus
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
The song could be from any romantic film set in the present day with ordinary mortals. Shreya Ghoshal’s mellifluous lyrics get a Maestro boost and can you ask for more. Like the other melody, this one is for the discerning. For a whole generation, it could be a long yawn if the picturization doesn’t do justice to the good music. Sirinivennela’s lyrics are laced with profound words. The Maestro is vintage best in terms of the instrumentation.
Allakallolamai Desam
Artists: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
The intense song is emotional and sure to raise the spirits in the film. SPB renders the song with aplomb. Sometimes a sense of déjà vu is the best thing to happen. The Maestro engages us with the music and delivers just what is required. Sirivennela’s lyrics are evocative.
Anthapuramlo Andala Chilaka
Artists: Chithra, Sadhana Sargam, Chinmayee & Chorus
Lyricist: Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry
The melodious song is playful in spirit. The instrumentation is apt for a historical and the visualization must be replete with beautiful women. Sirivennela’s lyrics come with a poetic feel, complete with reference to Nature.
Verdict: An Illaiyaraja musical that can’t be missed, especially if you are a discerning listener. Gunashekar has his musician compose a range of genres.
Rating: 3.25/5