After giving musical superhits like Gajini, Anniyan and Vettayadu Vilayadu, Harris Jayaraj is riding the crest of success.
The latest from the composer is Oscar Films' Unnaale Unnaale, which was earlier slated to be called July Katre. In this film, cinematographer-turned-director Jeeva adds additional strings to his bow: besides the cinematography and direction, he is also responsible for story and screenplay.
Vinay, a newcomer from Bangalore, and Sada are in the lead roles, while on the female side Tanisha, younger sister of Bollywood veteran Kajol, makes her Tamil debut.
One of the major plus points of this six-track album is that Harris Jayaraj has eschewed remixes, which have become the order of the day in Tamil films. He offers highly enjoyable fare, enhanced by the lyrics of Pa Vijay and Valee.
The track opens with the marvellous piece June pona by Krish and Arun -- a number that effortless jumps between genres, starting out with a short rap interlude, switching to melody, hip hop, and then rap again.
To the composer's credit, he blends them all in seamless fashion, in a song that is themed on the love versus friendship idea. Krish vocalizes with emotion, conveying even the subtle points of Pa Vijay's lyrics; the singer has good backing from Arun.
Hello Miss by G.V.Prakash and Anushka, a fusion of hip-hop and rap, testifies to the composer's orchestration skills. Prakash dominates in this number, while Anushka's voice oozes oomph. Lyrics of this track and the following Vaikashi malare are by Valee.
Vaikashi malare rendered by Haricharan and Madhusri, along with June pona, form the cream of this album. A romantic duet throbbing with sentiments and intense love, it is free flowing melody with no impeding hip-hop or rap. The interlude of western instrumentation and the gradually receding soft strains of the single guitar at the end take the listeners on an enthralling trip. Madhusri's silken-soft but deep voice feathers over you like cool breeze.
Muthal naal has Mahalakshmi and Shalini singing about 'kadhal' which robs the lovers of their sleep. Lyrics are by Pa Vijay. Instrumentation is again typical of Harris Jayaraj - a combination of Indian and western including tabala, flute and guitar.
Ilamai ullaasam is in hip-hop style, by Krish and Shalini. Orchestra is embellished with strains of saxophone, a favourite instrument of the composer.
Harris Jayaraj wraps up the album with the title track Muthal muthalaga. Karthik, Krish and Harini sing about the devastating effects of love. Lyricist Pa.Vijay has used metaphors from nature. The whistling at the conclusion adds a carefree feel.
Altogether an enjoyable album, with at least two numbers sure to top charts and win plaudits.
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