Kochadaiiyaan Music Review

After months of rescheduling, the album of 'photorealistic-performance captured'-Rajini-starrer Kochadaiiyaan is out. The movie has been in the news ever since it was announced for its cast and magnum opus production. Starring Superstar Rajinikanth and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles, the movie has an all-star cast. Each person working on the movie has a mutually exclusive fan base of his/hers, making this movie BIG in every sense.

The second biggest mutually exclusive fan base is that of A R Rahman's. His previous album Mariyaan was well received. However, the music for the movie was thematic. With Kochadaiyaan, Rahman returns to commercial cinema music, after a hiatus, much to the delight of his fans. 

The album consists of nine tracks - seven penned by veteran lyricist Vairmuthu, one by Vaalee and one, instumental.

Most of us are familiar with the opening track of the album. Enge Pogutho Vaanam is the mandatory SPB sung-heavily-orchestrated-introduction song for our Superstar hero. The line "Ellai Unakku Illai Thalaivaa" describes what the song is about. The song gives a magnificent reception to its hero with its heavy orchestration, especially the brass section, with the trumpets and trombones. SPB gives a powerful rendition of a song that carries the pressure of describing its hero's glory.   

The second song of the album is Methuvaagathaan, sung by SPB and Sadhana Sargam, which begins with a riff very similar to the one from Maahi Ve. The non-experimental approach to the album is evident right from the beginning. Say, you wouldn't find a romantic song as slow paced and simple as Innum Konjam Neram in a Rajini starrer. The vocal chords lend grandeur to this song. The Veena interludes sit beautifully in the beginning. Sadhana's voice, is as fresh as ever and a delight to listen to. SPB renders mellifluously. The mridangam rhythm track is beautifully synced into the song. Thumbs up! 

Maatram Ondrudhaan Maaradhadhu. Were you waiting for a goosebumps moment? "Ethirigalai ozhikka mothal vazhi...mannippu", Rajinikanth begins, giving way to the orchestra - there it is, a whistle moment! Haricharan takes over proceedings with energy, his voice screams it. The song is well orchestrated and the chorus lines make it grand. Lyrically, it is a conversation between Rajini and his fan-listener, as she/he listens to Rajini's advice. The song ends with jathi by Umashankar. Hoots will make this song un-hearable in the theatre. Thumbs up!

Manapennin Sathiyam and Manamaganini Sathiyam sung by Latha Rajinikanth (yes, surprise!) and Haricharan respectively, share the same tune. Haricharan's unique nasal voice has made him a favourite. The female rendition is impressive too. Lyirically, the song(s) is/are a promise made by the lead actors to each other. The Ghanjeera beats and Nadhaswaram interludes add beauty to this soothing track. The song, with its familiar classical tune stays true to its roots - the slow pace and simplicity, all through. Likable, right away.
(Update : I've listened to the Hindi version of the same song sung by Karthik. The composer uses Shenai in place of Nadaswaram in this version for the Hindi audience. Such detail. Hats off.)

The next song in the album is Idhayam. Sung by Chinmayee and Srinivas, it takes off energetically post the deftly rendered recitation by Chinmayee, especially the lines nagarndhu nagarndhu..poguthey. Srinivas's voice reminds one of Minsara Poove. The song is high on emotion and points at the pain of the lead pair in the movie. It is not catchy and soothing to the ear right away, but it is a Rahman song. Thumbs up? Time will tell. 

Engal Kochadaiiyaan worships its hero as the title suggests. The song sounds like it signifies Rajini's rise against the antagonist post interval. Rendered by an ensemble named after the title, the song/score when coupled with visuals of a fierce Rajinikanth, could be a treat on screen. It is almost as though Rahman had to use a choir in every song to glorify the larger than life hero. But the glorification is what we want, don't we? Powerful!

Rana's Dream, with its western orchestral arrangement feels like a Hollywood movie score. Based on Enge Pogutho Vaanam, the track is an inspiring and pleasant listen. The track describes the hero's ambition and justifies its title aptly. The track is soothing to the ear and leaves behind its emotion in the mind. We don't get to hear such tracks in Tamil movies. Thumbs up!

Karma Veeran, rendered by A R Rahman and sister A R Reihana is the signature Rahman-sung motivational song. If the rest of the album glorifies its hero, this song, to me, glorifies the Karma Veeran, its composer. He renders with elan and carries the larger-than-life theme till the end. The deja vu factor is undeniable, the tune bears resemblance to Nenje Yezhu. However, "Kaatre kaatre nee thoonguvadhe illai", you're sure to be left humming. 

The album lives upto expectations easily. Five out of eight tracks are impressive and the rest adding to the list on repeated hearings is known fact. The album is sure to please fans and they wouldn't be left feeling a void till the composer releases his next album.