Mediocre

AVM has always been known for its commercial blockbusters. This time they're back with A Aa E Ee, a Tamil movie starring Vijay Antony [of Nakka Mukka song from the film Kadhal Vizhunthen]. So how is the album? Let's find out:

A Aa E Ee starts off with an Arabic melody, [possible a throwback to his Pandhayam number], and soon, Rahul Nambiar and Dinesh begin what's probably the signature number. Priyan's lyrics barely pass muster, and there're a lot of casually paced chorus beats, while the subsequent segments remind you off random feel-good gatherings extolling the virtues of humanity. The tune itself is rather commonplace, as though it had been hastily put together.

With a blend of sensuous voices and a voice proclaiming "another hit" begins Dingi Tappu, a typically Vijay Antony number which looks a lot like some folk song transposed into synthesised music; the effects are pretty weird, as though the composer has tried a wannabee A R Rahman number. Sung by Megha, Sheeba, Ramya, Vinaya, Maya and Vijay Antony himself, this song tries to rise from mediocrity, but succeeds only in some places.

Penned by Annamalai, Natta Nadu starts off interestingly -- though it's quite a familiar tune, sung by Sangeetha, Karthik and Cristopher. A neat flute interlude and violin segments remind you of Mike Murali's songs. This one follows a set romantic melody, predominantly of the raga Hamsadhwani. It's clean and sweet, even if it follows predictable lines.

Vijay Antony commences Kanni vedi in a suitably whining voice, joined by Sangeetha. Eknath's lyrics are typically sensuous and are all about lust-filled thoughts. Here the notes are re-cycled again.

Written by Vijay Antony himself, Maina Minukki is your kuthu fare. The track which is rendered by Vijay Antony, Suchitra, Suchithra Rahman and Sangeetha is predictable and lacks the Nakka Mukka punch.

Following this we have Tappo tappo, which starts off intriguingly, but swiftly descends into another mock-sensuous rhythm. The track sung by Bakshi and Sulabha has a violin segment which makes for an interesting listen -- there are shades of his Kadhalil Vizhunthen pieces here. Other than this, the track follows the well-trodden path.

Though Vijay Antony seems to want to go beyond his Kadhalil Vizhunthen tracks, it still looks like the hangover exists. Some numbers are passable, while others are down-right boring.

Rediff Rating: