Congrats Karthik Raja for finding his form back, Though he made a promising beginning with movies like Ullasam, Aravindhan and Kadhala Kadhala, he faded away with some ordinary stuff in his consecutive movies. The young music-composer has taken his time to make a come back in a strong way.
Manadodu Mazhaikalam by Karthik has the substance and quality. With five songs sung by the likes of Sukhwinder Singh, Sadhana Sargam and Jassie Gift, he has cast a magic on the listeners. Good orchestration, peppy beats and catchy tunes find its place back in Karthik's works.
The movie stars Shaam, Nithya Das and Samiksha. It is being directed by Arputhan.
Kangal Theduthae Kavi Paduthae (Jassie Gift, Sadhana Sargam)
The vibrant Jassie Gift combines with Sadhana Sargam. It is an interesting combination. But it works, big time. The melodious tune accompanied by peppy beats make it work. Certainly Karthik Raja has proved that he has it in him to render catchy tunes. The music gives right space for lyrics. Jassie Gift has nothing much to do and it is Sadhana all the way.
Ayiram Vanavil ( Madhu Balakrishnan, Sadhana)
It's the title song of the album. With dholaks, tablas and violins used at its best, Karthik Raja has managed to recreate the feel of listening to his father's (Ilayaraja's) mesmerizing works of the late 1980s. Madhu Balakrishnan, perhaps the singer of the moment, and he shows his mettle. Sadhana is also in fine fettle. The class shows.
Panivizhum Kala (Karthik Raja, Premji, Madhusree)
A brisk song with Karthik himself rendering it in the company of Premji and Madhusree. Karthik Raja's husky but sharp voice combines with brisk Premji to create a new feel. Again a romantic song, the instrumentation by Karthik Raja deserves appreciation. He has tried a fusion of the East and West.
Welcome to Something (Sukhwinder Singh, Rahul Seth)
A foot-tapping number very apt to be played in disco floors. Peppy beats full of energy is the highlight of the number. Karthik seems to have been inspired by his young brother (Yuvan) in coming out with this number. Sukhwinder Singh gives life to the song with rap by Rahul Seth in between.
Unakku Enakkum (Saravanan, Priya, Ranjith, Priya, Reethu)
Perhaps the pick of the album. With no established singers, yet Karthik has managed to extract the best from them. It is a song which dwells on the days shared by friends in their college campus. Sure to catch the hearts of the youngsters specially students. Softly song but leaves a heavy impact on the listeners. Karthik's seems to have found his magic back.