After Kollywood went on a huge strike for about two months in the first half of this year, disrupting release schedules of several films – and music, things started blooming up in the last month. Though not a particularly impressive month in terms of numbers and quality, the month saw one big audio release for the Rajinikanth starrer, Pa. Ranjith directed movie Kaala (music by Santhosh Narayanan). There were a couple of low-key releases such as Oru Kuppai Kathai (music by Joshua Sridhar) and Koli Soda 2 (music by Achu Rajamani). Here is a list of a few singles that stood out, though that doesn’t mean much.
Sam CS – Kannanin Leelai (from Vanjagar Ulagam)
Easily the best song that came out last month, from the happening Tamil composer, Sam CS (who has had a successful streak this year so far: Iravukku Aariyam Kangal, Dhiya and Mr Chandramouli). Sung by Swagatha Krishnan (Sam CS-find), the song is a wonderful fusion, and harks back to Yuvan Shankar Raja’s heydays in Kanda Naal Mudhal.
Joshua Sridhar – Mazhai Pozhindhidum (from Oru Kuppai Kadhai)
Joshua Sridhar hardly disappoints. And excels in at least one song of every album he puts out. It is a mystery he doesn’t get to compose more often. The latest offering has a few good tracks, and ‘Mazhai Pozhindhidum’ is the kind of sound you want from the composer. Sticking to a familiar template, and overcoming singing issues, the song still manages to be an ear-worm.
Achu Rajamani – Kannamma (from Goli Soda 2)
This is the second popular Kannamma track of last month (the other one from Kaala), composed by Achu Rajamani, who dazzled us with a couple of albums. This track holds promise for his return to that form.
Santhosh Narayanan – Thanga Selai (from Kaala)
This song (and Kannamma) stands out in the soundtrack that is otherwise replete with rap. A simple and catchy folk, sung effortlessly by Shankar Mahadevan (who was last heard singing for the superstar in the 2002 feature film Baba), the song gets all right nods (and also promises Rajinikanth shaking a leg on screen).
D Imman – Veera Thamizhan
The first song of the 7Up Madras Gig project, composed by D Imman, was out recently. Set in the form of an anthem, the song’s highlights are Nithyashree Mahadevan’s portions. About half a dozen songs are lined up in this series, featuring mainstream Kollywood composers.
