Kaalai's music is pleasing

The Tamil film Kaalai has Silambarasan and Vedhika in the lead. Silambarasan has also tried his hand at singing as well as writing some of the lyrics of the songs from the film.

Directed by Tarun Gopi (of Thimiru fame), the film has a varied musical repertoire from talented composer G V Prakash Kumar.

However loathsome comparisons are, you have no choice when you see the stamp of the composer's uncle, A R Rahman, in many of the tracks.

Prakash follows the Rahman route in the very opening intro track, a rap number, Vandhuttanda kaala. The number starting and ending with factory and police siren sounds has trendy beats and catchy rhythmic patterns. However, loud vocals by Silambarasan, Benny and Rahul Nambiar create a cacophony making this adrenaline –loaded number somewhat tiresome. Moderation is not Prakash's forte here.

But the composer comes into his element and amply compensates for this aberration in Kaala Kaala. It is a beautiful blend of melody and power rendered effortlessly by actress Mamta Mohandas and Benny. The down to earth yet appealing lyrics are penned by Silambarasan. It is a fascinating piece which showcases the composer's mastery in orchestration, though as in the earlier track, he goes overboard sometimes. Mamta's voice is like mellow chiming of bells.

The composer goes into high speed in the next track Gutkha lakkadi which has a very brief rap prelude. Both Lucky Ali and Sunithi Chauhan with their frenzied rendition pump the vigour of youth in the number. This foot-tapping track with Sivamani's captivating percussion and Arabian flute segments has contemporary appeal and has the potential to be a disco favourite. However, the lyrics get submerged under the loud orchestra.

Vaali has penned the lyrics of Veeramulla too, rendered by   Manickavinayagam, Seerkazhi Sivachidambaram, Palghat Sriram and Tarun Gopi. The vibrant percussion and instrumental interpretation including nadaswaram strains compliment the folksy tune. The lyrics of this scintillating piece suggest and the singing and dancing at a village get together in front of the ancestral deity.

Eppo nee by Madhusree is a melody-soaked ditty. Snehan's lyrics picturise the girl's intense all consuming love for her sweetheart, in whom she finds strength and tenderness, and her blind faith in him. The instrumental interlude is mellow but inspiring. The number has a mild rural flavour, but the chorus has a Hindustani touch.

Prakash winds up the album with Kutti pisase, a fizzy number with lots of light-hearted teasing in kuthu pattu style. Silambarasn and Suchithra vigorously blaze away and impress with their open-throated execution in tandem with the heavy orchestra. Vaali's lyrics spiced with a smattering of repeated meaningless sounds and syllables are here too below average.

Prakash offers a pleasing youth-centric aural fare that traverses between the fast and the melodious.

Rediff Rating: