Santhosh Subramaniyam is another addition to Raja's remakes, which marks the coming together of the successful sibling duo director M Raja and actor 'Jeyam' Ravi. The film is the Tamil remake of the Telugu super hit Bommarillu.
Genelia who was in the female lead in the Telugu original is Ravi's heroine in the Tamil version.
Music in both versions is by Devi Sree Prasad.
In Santhosh the composer has replicated the tunes used in the original version, which is not such a bad thing. The lyrics have a subtle lighthearted touch throughout by various wordsmiths, blending well with Devi's music.
On the flip side one can say the rhythmic pattern is a bit monotonous with not that much variation in its structure. However, this does not mar the auditory quality of the tracks.
The opening number Senthamizh pesum azhagu Juliet rendered by Ranjith and Andrea starts off in rock and roll style. It then progresses into a foot-tapping piece with classical thillana chorus and then moves over to a western genre towards the end. This practice of mixing genres is seen in almost all the tracks.
Pa Vijay's lyrics with most modern imagery like computer and cell phone are typically youth oriented. Though in no way Senthamizh pesum is a copy, still it somehow reminds you of Rahman's popular piece Enakkoru boyfriend venum from Shankar's Boys. The ending after a powerful chorus is again in Rock and Roll style. Another plus point regarding not only this one but every other track in this album is that instrumentation is alluring but never drowns the lyrics.
Atata atata atata is another melodious romantic piece. Na Muthukumar's lyrics paint the picture of the guy bitten by the love bug. The swara helpings and engrossing instrumentation add sheen to the track. But the pleasing surprise element comes in the choice of the singer of this piece. Siddharth of Boys fame, who also did the lead role in Bommarillu has rendered this piece in an appreciably crisp style. The tiny rap bit in between and some more swara cameos at the end rendering the number a classical touch are other embellishments.
Kadhalukku kankal illai is a noteworthy piece both for its lyrics and interesting rendition by the composer himself. The lyrics subtly laced with humour show how perspective of love changes once you fall in love. It has a simple tune very engagingly rendered by Devi bringing to life every subtle nuances and meanings of the lyrics. This track has the potential to become a chartbuster and a favourite of the youth on the campuses.
Up next is the lengthy and lively number America anaalum Andipatti endralum rendered by a slew of singers like Naveen, Manickavinayagam, Pushpavanam Kuppusamy, Premki and Priya.
"Love makes life beautiful" is the message Viveka's lyrics convey. In fact that is the theme of this album and perhaps the film itself. This is the only track which has aggressive beats and reverberating percussion which fortunately never drown the lyrics. The number really tickles your funny bone. The composer mixes genres like mild hip-hop, rap bit, melody, semi-classical, rustic and so on generously, but all blending seamlessly. The chorus and instrumental segment make an effective conclusion.
Uyire uyire piriyathe soulfully rendered by Sagar has poetic lyrics by Na Muthukumar. The parallel track, enchanting chorus and instrumental support make this an enjoyable piece.
The concluding track Eppadi iruntha em manasu by Gopika and Poornima has alluring instrumental interludes and fast beats. This foot-tapping piece will be a favourite at music concerts during weddings. Viveka's lyrics are again about the changed mindset of the lovers.
The album comes in a premium pack, which includes a CD, cassette, a booklet, a brief introductory note and complete lyrics of all the tracks -- all of which are a bonus. But more than anything, listening to Santhosh Subramaniyam music really gives 'santhosham'(happiness). Go for it.
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