Chella, who earlier worked as director-actor SJ Surya's associate, makes his directorial debut with Aalwar. The film has Ajith and Asin in lead roles and music by Srikanth Deva.

Music has always been a major attraction of Ajit movies, right up to his previous release Varalaru. But Aalwar is a let-down. The lyrics, penned by veteran Valee, are the bane of most of the tracks, with the possible exception of Unnikrishnan's classical Pallandu pallandu.

The five-track album starts with Sollitharava, a romantic number with trendy beats and melodious tune, that is repeated on the reverse side of the album. Valee's lyrics are erotic, meant to please the youth No harm in that, really, but the maudlin alliteration and words and sounds tumbling all over one another distract. Sadhana Sargam's honey-coated voice blends nicely with Muhammad Salamath's resounding voice; traditional percussion and a pleasing rhythm which changes track midway are the redeeming points. The orchestra, including nadaswaram and chenda, is traditional.

Valee goes the same route in the next song as well. Pidikkum Pidikkum has ridiculous lyrics painting an effeminate picture of the hero. The girl compares her lover's cheeks to `Kashmir apple', eyes to `Kabool grapes', body to 'roses' -- you have to remind yourself that this is a girl describing a guy.

As a concession, there is praise for the hero's 'race-car like swiftness', a definite nod to Ajith's fetish for car racing. Srikanth Deva's melodious tune, with a faint doleful touch, has somewhat compensated for this anomaly. The song is rendered by Madhusri in her deep, dulcet voice. The soft strains of the sitar add wistfulness to the number.

Anbulla kadhali by Kunal and Khusboo is again a sensuous number, with a Goanese flavour. The beats are fast, and will find favour with youngsters on the dance floor. Khusboo's voice when she goes high, becomes impossibly shrill, though.

Pallandu pallandu, which comes next, is an extremely pleasing classical number. Percussion, with mridangam predominating, is also in the classical genre. Unnikrishnan's excellent rendering and the alluring strains of the flute and violin transport you to a spiritual realm. Unnikrishnan has not been in the cinematic spotlight for quite some time, but makes up for his absence with this number; Senthildas is good in support.

Mayile mayile is a highly suggestive, peppy number in kuthupattu style with a spatter of rap. The frenzied rendering by a slew of singers led by the composer himself, earsplitting percussion and fast beats combine to hit you like an avalanche.

Overall, Aalwar is only slightly better than pedestrian.

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