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The Tamil film Deepavali directed by Ezhil (Thullatha Manamum Thullum) boasts of an impressive star cast with Jayam Ravi and Bhavana in the lead roles. Another major attraction for the film is the soundtrack by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
The composer has given enjoyable fare, loaded with melody. It is simple music without any frills like hip-hop, rap etc. And most importantly, no remixes of earlier hits which had become the bane of Yuvan's recent efforts. Another plus point is gentle percussion, which lets the lyrics remain prominent.
The opening number Dol baajae is a love duet. It is a celebration of love and young lovers. Lyricist Muthukumar has picturised their all-consuming love through some very expressive verses rendered by KK and Swetha. The tuneful humming and impressive chorus are added embellishments. The percussion is in synch with the moderately fast rhythm, but without being overbearing.
Thoduvaen thoduvaen by Hariharan and Maya is another romantic duet. Prefixed and interspersed with swara delineation -- with a single guitar as accompaniment -- the number is very explicit about lovers longing for intimacy. Kabilan's lyrics have both tenderness and passion. The number has a very Rahman-like flavour.
Kannan varum naeram keeps you hooked with its sweet melody and pleasing rhythm. Both tune and rhythm is in kolaattam (dandiya in North India) style, creating visuals of beautiful belles in multi-coloured pavada-davani costume beating together coloured sticks and dancing in happy abandon. The ear-caressing voices of Madhusree and Anuradha Sriram add grace and felicity to the number. Yugabharathi's lyrics are poetic.
Tragically the Pokaathae pokaathae number rendered by Yuvan Shankar Raja is the only jarring number in this otherwise pleasing album. Yuvan sings so lazily he almost goes off-key numerous times. The extended guitar interlude provides some relief. Muthukumar's meaningful lyrics describe the pain of parting and betrayal, and the sad plight of the lover tormented by memories.
The grand finale is fittingly saved for last. Vijay Jesudas' Kaadhal vaithu is a melodious number, full of pathos. It is a track to look out for, with Vijay's soulful rendition and Muthukumar's meaningful lyrics. The brief raga segment with an element of gloom in the beginning signifies what is to follow. The guitar strains and the emotion-filled chorus add to the wistfulness of the number.
After some not-so-impressive compositions recently, Yuvan has reinvented himself with Deepavali.
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