Kireedam is a benchmark Tamil film. The Malayalam original earned National Awards for its star Mohanlal and singer M G Sreekumar for his poignant number Kannuneer Poovinte in 1990. Later, in 1993, came Gardish, director Priyadarshan's Hindi version of the same with Jackie Shroff in the lead role. Now, the much-awaited Tamil version, starring Ajith and Trisha, will release shortly.

The Tamil version is directed by debutant A L Vijay. Na Muthukumar's evocative lyrics have been set to tune by young and upcoming composer G V Prakashkumar. The five tracks in the album showcase the composer's mastery over his craft. Almost all the numbers start with an impressive instrumental prelude.

The opening track Vizhiyil vizhiyil is a romantic melody by Sonu Nigam [Images] and Swetha. The lyrics soaked in soft sentiments bring alive the dreams of the lovers about a resplendent future together. Sonu Nigam's chaste Tamil diction is praiseworthy. But what keeps you spellbound is the sublime instrumental interludes with sitar strains giving it a beguiling feel.

Kanavellam is a gem. Starting with a sustaining chorus, the track is replete with swaying rhythm. The instrumental stoppages fortified with pauses and excellent flute patterns make this an absorbing track. The lyrics are all about the hopes and aspirations of a father-son duo, with the father dreaming of his son going places in life and the son promising to fulfill those dreams. Singers Jayachandran and Karthik are very good here.

Sadhana Sargam's Akkam pakkam turns the clock back to her Snehithanae from Alaipayuthe. Her rendition in hushed tones, aided by good instrumentation with violin and flute spells and lively chorus, make it a delightful track. The lyrics are all about a girl in love fantasising about a life in a world in which only she and her lover are present. The number concludes with soft humming and guitar notes.

Vilayadu vilayadu with the loud vocals of Shankar Mahadevan [Images] follows koothu style. Vigorous drums gives it a martial touch in the beginning. With all its lively percussion and peppy beats ends up as just a routine number.

Vijay Jesudas's Kanneerthuliye follows next. The thumping of the drum in the prelude of Kanneerthuliye creates a sense of tragic foreboding in tune with the lyrics. Vijay with his mellow, soul-touching rendition successfully brings out the pain, grief, loss and longing of a beaten soul. His excellent tonal modulation traversing the highs and lows is another high point of this track. The lingering flute strains towards the conclusion add to the pathos.

The album comes to a close with an extended heavy instrumental arrangement as theme music. The ensemble piece starts with fast rhythm, vigorous but monotonous drum beats, then mellows down, again warms up with meditative pauses and ends on a poignant note. All perhaps symbolic of the turbulence in the tortured soul of the protagonist and others affected by his tragic fate.

An enjoyable album tempting you to press the rewind button.

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