Rahman rocks in ATM

After the huge success of Sivaji, A R Rahman is back with another Tamil album, a rarity these days. Naturally much hope has been pinned on the music score for Azhagiya Tamizh Magan (ATM) starring Ilayathalapathy Vijay, who is described as the heir to the 'Super Star'. Interestingly, the heroine of this film is also Shriya, Rajni's heroine in Sivaji.

Bogged down by heavy financial setbacks, Malayalam film producer Sargachithra Appachan has turned to Tamil films for a lifeline. Azhagiya Tamizh Magan with Vijay as the hero marks his foray into Tamil filmdom.

The maverick composer himself has lent his voice to the opening number introducing the hero Ellapugazhum. The piece which is also the title track has lyrics by Valee who draws inspiration from Vijay's sobriquet Ilaya Dalapathy. The lyrics project not a larger than life of the protagonist but a logical and believable one. The smooth flow of Ballaielakka in Sivaji is missing here. The forceful chorus as a parallel track gives it added energy. Still instrumental pyrotechniques and Rahman's powerful and aggressive rendition changing the pitch and timbre make this a track suitable for the palate of today's youth and die-hard Vijay fans.

It is a pity that the gifted Rahman has also fallen into the remix trap. Ponmagal Vanthal is a remix of the popular song, Ponmagan Vanthan, written by Alangudi Somu and rendered by veteran singer T M Sounderarajan (from the film, Sorgam, a Sivaji Ganesan-starrer in 1970). Rendered by Benny Dayel and Ujjayinee, this track with modern sound designs like rap and  English lyrics, is the only jarring note in this otherwise rocking number.

The following Nee Marilyn Monroe has all the potential to be a sure-shot chartbuster. Arranged in Western style the number begins and ends in a light-hearted manner with giggling and pleasing alapana by Ujjayinee. The fire in Ujjayinee's voice is perfect foil for Benny Dayel's nasal twang. Na Muthukumar's lyrics like one day mattum girl-friend aaga varaya? (Will you be my girlfriend for just one day?) project the ephemeral nature of modern day love.

Nee nadaswaram pola vandha (valayappatti) by Naresh Iyer, Ujjayinee and Madhumitha is fast paced yet melodious. The lenghthy swara spells give it a classical touch. Naresh Iyer's fast paced rendition in full steam is well complemented by the teasing and playful velvetty vocals of Ujjayinee and Madhumitha. Kudos to Na Muthukumar for his lyrics; simple and full of quaint imagery.

Kelamal kayyile by Sriram Parthasarathy and Sainthavi is another melodious number in the same genre as Nee nadaswaram pola vandha with a Hindusthani touch in certain places. The song has an old world charm. Thamarai's lyrics are as usual oozing with soft sentiments. But deployment of various instruments make the lyrics get drowned and lose clarity.

Rahman signs off with Madhuraikku pogathadee by Benny Dayel, Archith and Darshana, a song and dance scenario with the newlyweds being received into the family. It is a folk number with fast rhythm and splendid chains of nadaswaram sallies. Pa Vijay's lyrics are simple yet remarkable with many layers of meaning; the lass is warned against going to Madhurai because the jasmine flowers there will cast eyes on her! Is there a more subtle way to describe a girl's beauty?

Rahman rocks once again.

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