Sadhanai is an interesting album

Sadhanai is an eagerly awaited film as it has the world's youngest ever director, Kishen, who is all of 9.

If the film is anything like the music by Ravi Dattatreya, the sceptics can relax. There is a pleasing, rhythmic quality to most tracks on the album, the only exception perhaps being the Chithra-Manickavinayagam number. But, more on that in a bit.

The opening number Mudiyum mudiyum, penned by Pa Vijay and powerfully rendered by SP Balasubramaniam, is a celebration of the human spirit. It is the theme song and gives us an idea of what the film is about. But what defies understanding is why music director Ravi chose a different singer, Premkumar, for a repeat rendition of the same song as the last number. Premkumar's rendering lacks the smooth-flowing melody of SPB's singing. At times, the former's singing borders on screaming.

A..aa…e…e..e, the oddly-titled Chithra-Manickavinayagam number, is rustic and in tune with the film's theme. Even though one usually associates Chithra with melody, she has proved once again that she is equally at home with fast beats. Manickavinayagam's voice, however, is jarring.

Ranga unmelae, the mazhalai (kids) song sung by Satyanarayanan (and chorus) has an endearing quality that will bring smiles from children as well as grown-ups. Although the lyrics may sound frivolous in places, they are entertaining and impart a message.

Sooriyanin oliye, starting with the chanting of the Gayathri mantra, is a sombre number rendered beautifully by Madhu Balakrishnan. Undoubtedly the best part of the album, it is repeated later as a dirge. Subsequent tracks Veyilum thooralum and Araro ariraro are also good, the latter evidently a lullaby with an instrumental follow-up. Unfortunately, before one can even get into the mood, the album is over.

Pa Vijay's Annai illaye thanthai illaye is credited to a 'chorus', though there is a lead female voice. It is a pity her name isn't mentioned, considering the track is really easy on the ear. Annai illayae and Sooriyanin oliyae are worth listening to repeatedly and, on the whole, Sadhanai is an interesting album.

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