SNS Movies' Dhanam, directed by Siva and starring Sangeetha, an actress ever-willing to experiment seeks a peek into the life of a woman who doesn't confirm to society's rules.

As such, this Tamil movie demands the hand of a composer who can come up with music that ought to be sensitive, yet catering to the demands of commercial music.

Maestro Ilayaraja has taken up the gauntlet. Let us see how he fares.

Ilamaik Kanavugal begins with Rita's melodious humming followed by a fast paced rendering by Karthik. A violin interlude flows along in notes that you haven't heard for a long time, which makes for an interesting hearing. Heavy beats, a la 80s disco-esque music thunders assaults your eardrums though the nostalgic feel remains throughout. Vaali's lyrics add to the feeling. Presumably, it's a song that describes the hero's first brush with love. A refreshing number.

Sunitha Sarathy's strong voice begins rather in opera fashion, belting out Vaali's lyrics in I-don't-care style in the following number, Ulagam Kidakkuthu. This number too is peppered with blasting rhythms that change track before the interlude. The composer has put in considerable effort to veer away from the conventions. And it has worked.

Slap-bang rural beats kick-start the song Dhanam, Dhanam, as Karthik and his crew begin a rousing number penned by Vaali, that sings the praises (good or bad?) of Dhanam, the protagonist. The maestro is on familiar ground here; very few can beat his ease with rural tracks, especially with the enthusiastic percussion. It's a number with tunes you've heard before, but is likely to become a favourite kuthu pattu -- depending on the movie's success, of course.

Pazhanibarathy's number Koothu Onnu Koothu Onnu begins with sibilant whispers between Ilayaraja and Feji, that remind you somehow of Ilangathu Veesuthe from Pithamagan, and then, thankfully, shifts to 80s music again. Obviously meant to titillate, the song shifts from yearning to romantic sighs. The harmonica makes a surprising and rather pleasant addition, before conceding its place to the singers. A number for the frontbenchers.

Unakkulle Irukkinraen is a return to Raja's favourite tune, a melody that suits romance to a T, and Mu Metha's lyrics make sure that the spice is intact. Bilshande's soft voice and Sriram Parthasarathy's mellow one fit the general tone correctly. The latter half reminds you of the refrain of Akaya Vennilavae from Arangetra Velai along with snatches of Nadodi Thendral -- but no matter, this one is a melodious number, even if it's oft-heard, and Raja's comfort-levels show.

Bhavadharini's rather tinny voice starts Kannanukku Enna Vendum, written by Vishali Kannadasan and which is accompanied by the veena and flutes. It's a softer, slower number, with a steady, lilting beat and considerable importance to the female lead. Sriram Parthasarathy joins in much later, after a rather neat veena interlude; the female and male leads begin a concerted effort at spinning a kalpanaswara segment that is really beautiful to hear. Finally, a touch of vintage Ilayaraja, and one that's sure to make the top ten lists.  

Kattilukku Mattumthaan starts off with weird ghost-music, and Ilaiyaraja's mournful voice, spelling out the woes of women penned by Muthulingam. A steady, modernistic beat accompanies the rather old-fashion tunes, but it fits. It's not a tune to write home about, but manages to make you hum along.

Dhanam, with its off-beat theme, has demanded a similarly off-beat offering from Ilaiyaraja, and much will depend on how these songs are picturised.

Though some of the tunes are meant to titillate the front-benchers, you can't deny that the maestro has turned in a rather good album.

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