FROM RIGHT ACROSS THE SKY...

VINNAI THAANDI VARUVAAYA...The interest that this music album has generated even before its release is phenomenal. The hype surrounding the ARR- GVM combination was given even more fuel by the composer himself when he openly stated that he felt at home and peaceful while composing for VTV. So, has the album lived up to the yearning of countless fans who took sarcastic digs at it with status messages such as “Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya… Nee Studio Thaandi Varuvaaya?”

Omana Pennae (Benny Dayal, Kalyani menon): The immediate attention catcher in this song is the mesmerizing use of Nadaswaram (has it been digitally modified?). Benny Dayal simply makes his voice flow with the instruments that at times there seems to be no distinguishing factors. Kalyani menon is another surprise package who renders the Malayalam classical bit in the song with awe inspiring beauty of voice. The last minute and a half of this number is sure to take you to your fantasy world where your “Omana” might be waiting for you.

Anbil Avan (Devan, Chinmayi): Chinmayi all the way in this one!! She is inimitable once again and simply eases away through the song. I think the song, at least in some parts like the chorus “Nee vaanavilaaga”, is influenced by Gautam Menon, in whose every movie there is inevitably such a fast, energetic number with a catchy chorus. Devan of ‘Smiyai’ fame makes a comeback with this song and makes full use of this “GOD” given opportunity. The clever use of the famous south Indian song “Aanandam Aanandam” in between suggests that the number is themed on a marriage ceremony.

Mannipaaya (A R Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal): Shreya haunts us with her lilting voice once again. The sadness in this song is easily felt, especially when Rahman starts singing. The number beautifully captures the pangs of guilt and sorrow between troubled lovers. The song will not top the charts for sure, but it might be the perfect foil to some intense visuals which can always be expected from Gautam.

Kannukkul(Naresh iyer): A potpourri of instruments (Violin, Guitar and brilliant percussions) coupled with an Energetic Naresh Iyer makes this number a worthwhile listen. But Rahman has nothing new to offer by way of this song, just plain enjoyable music.

Hosanna (Vijay prakash, Blaaze, Suzanne): The start of this one is a complete camouflage of what the song actually has in store. A slow start by Vijay prakash followed by some soulful humming by Suzanne gives the feel of a magical melody. But what follows is not exactly a melody, but indeed magical. Vijay gets into his usual verve to give a cracking start. Blaaze, of course, ‘hip-hops’ his way to steal the limelight of this sure shot chartbuster. The inspirational traces of Rahman’s Multi-lingual song ‘One Love’ is easily evident in this number, especially the female humming part.

Aaromalae (Alphonse): The innovative genius of a musical prodigy is written all over this number. What can be said except “Wow!!” Hard Rock Music meets Kerala Back Waters and is interspersed with mind stirring chants of Sanskrit Verses. When the chorus “Swasti Swasti Sumuhurtham” starts, just close your eyes, let the music fill your head and feel the hair on your hands raise in acknowledgement of a ‘once in a lifetime’ musician filling your earthly life with heavenly interruptions in the form of his albums. When the song ends you will be in that curious state of exhilaration coupled with disappointment; the former for having listened to a mind boggling number and the latter for the fact that it has come to an end.

VERDICT: When all you faithful Rahman fans listen to his latest offering for the first time, you are sure to have a puzzled expression on your face. There will be a hint of smile when you listen to it for the second time. But, trust me, when you will eventually attempt a third listen (which any faithful Rahman fan is sure to do) you will be ecstatic, for such music does indeed come from right across the sky…Vinnai Thaandi…