But with Urumi you are introduced to a completely refreshing soundtrack.
The first track Araanu Araanu starts with high octane you expect from a film set to be renowned for its fight sequences and frothing patriotism. Set in country music genre of Kerala, lyrics matching perfectly, its a treat to the ears.Its significance grows since till recently, the rhetorics from Kalabhavan Mani is what gets touted as country music of Kerala. Virtually unknown voices-of Job Kurian and Reeta- contributes to seal the mystic feel.
It is followed by Aaro Nee Aaro. The track starts and is interspersed with an awesome rendering by a female, who is unfortunately not credited. Yesudas and Shweta, the lead singers do a little less justice to the tone that is set in the song. Unsurprisingly, the track is good when lead singers are absent from the scene.
Appa a solo by another newcomer Reshmi Sathish which is the 3rd track, is probably the most revolutionary track of the whole album along with Thelu Thele. Another song in country genre but on the opposite end of spectrum from the first track, this is a song of longing. A song of things missed in a life, it is unmissable.
Now comes the 4th and surely the ensured 'hit' track of the album. Chimmi Chimmi reminds one of Pinakkamano (from Ananthabhadram) at first hearing, but is on an entirely different strata. It has naughty but superb lyrics, while meaningful simple lyrics have almost been absent in Malayalam movies of late. Manjari shows that you need not be Shreya Ghoshal to strike a chord in mens' hearts. My pick of the album. I expect, having watched the trailers of the movie, the song to center on gorgeous Vidya Balan. It would be a huge disappointment if Genelia has acquired the raunchy number.
The fifth track disappoints, and how! Shockingly out of place with rest of the album, one is hurt at selection of such a track. Vadakku Vadakku has lyrics which may justify a situation in the movie-celebration of friendship- and blatantly indicate to feature Prabhudeva and his eponymous dance, but its lyrics and music is new-generation.And ofcourse Urumi is NOT set in new generation. Later a 'Rock' version sung by none other than Prithviraj just make matters worse. Nevertheless, the song is not poor, only the need of the same in the film cannot be justifed.
Normal service resumes in between two versions of Vadakku Vadakku with another country song Thelu Thele, set in the same mood as Appa but sung by male voice- K R Renji, it makes your soul weep.Rest of the soundtrack aside, for the two pure country genre songs alone Deepak Dev must be applauded.
The final two tracks-Chalanam Chalanam (named Theme Music) and its Humming version- are good. They cannot compete with remaining tracks but since they are aimed at the big impact on-screen in cinemas and hence acceptable.
Multiple lyricists do wonders for the OST. Kaithapram has penned Aaro Nee Aaro and Chimmi Chimmi. Appa is credited as a Traditional Song. I would love to know the origins of the song. Engadiyur Chandrasekharan has penned tracks Araanu Araanu, Vadakku Vadakku and Thelu Thele. He definitely has a appreciable range as his songs are vastly different. Rafeeq Ahmed penned Theme Song's punching lyrics- Chalanam Chalanam.
Santhosh Sivan movie seldom follows the beaten path. Deepak Dev is consistently good, but today, on the whole he is just too good. Prithviraj Sukumaran, a producer of the film, has clearly got good value for his money. With 75/- price tag so will the people who buy the album.
