Movies by Tamil director Cheran usually deal with unique themes that have a strong message. His forthcoming Maayakkannadi deals with the life of a hair stylist in a 5-star hotel who nurses filmi aspirations.
The message? Instead of seeking greener yet unknown pastures through shortcuts, it is better to stick to the profession one is well versed in.
Cheran also acts in the film, alongside Malayalam actress Navya Nair.
Legendary composer Illayaraja has scored the music. The album has introductory musings by the maestro, including some interesting anecdotes about how he composed the music.
The six-track album opens with Konjam konjam by Karthik and Shreya. Illayaraja talks about the interchange of sweet nothings over a cellphone. Karthik's usually full-throated self (evident from his peppy numbers) is absent in this romantic duet. Here, he croons to a soft melody, with Shreya holding her own. There is tenderness in Pa Vijay's lyrics and the tune is listener-friendly. The percussion and instrumentation are restrained.
Following this, we have Illayaraja rendering Kasu kaiyil, the theme song. This philosophical piece emphasises the importance of money in today's fast-paced life. Without money, man is a big zero in today's world, he laments. Though the tune is old-fashioned, the maestro's flawless rendering and the pauses in between adorn the track with a mystic touch. Muthulingam's lyrics are meaningful, though a touch didactic.
Oru maayalogam by Tippu and Manjari is another love duet; this one has a slightly Western touch. Vibrant orchestration with fast drumbeats are the hallmarks of this track, with lyrics by Pazhanibharathi.
Ulakilae azhaki begins with the maestro humming the tune, with Vijay Yesudas and Nandhitha joining in later. Vijay initially sounds like his illustrious father K J Yesudas, then comes into his own style. Nanditha's dulcet voice has depth. The lovers pledge eternal love, which will 'last as long as the Bay of Bengal and the Tamil language exists in this world.' The number has an easy, fluid rhythm which bonds well with the lilting melodious tune. The guitar and flute patterns add allure to Mu Metha's prosaic lyrics.
Kadhal indru, sung in the composer's distinctive voice, is about how today's kadhal (love) is shortlived -- it begins and ends in ice cream parlours and air-conditioned theatres. There is no love as such, croons the singer, only a basic lust between a man and a woman. Relationships are based on materialistic considerations. A broken love does not mean the end of the world; heartbreaks, if any, are forgotten and new bonds are made in a jiffy. The tune is simple. The lyrics are by Muthulingam.
The concluding number Oelae enge vanthaan by Illayaraja and chorus is the surprise package. The song, moulded in the old MGR genre is neither folksy nor sentimentally melodious. Though the style takes you back by more than two decades, it fails to evoke any nostalgia. The track starts in lights-camera-action style, with the director giving instructions to the artistes. Like in MGR songs, the lyrics are more important than the tune.
Overall a good listener-friendly album, but not one of Illayaraja's best.
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