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APK | September 29, 2007

Rating: ***.5 (***** Very Good, **** Good, *** Fair, ** Average, * Bad)

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After a blockbuster Pokiri and a damp squib Sainikudu, Mahesh Babu latest is Athidi. Mani Sharma composes some good and mediocre songs, with repetitive tunes. But overall, it's a good album and after Chirutha, this will catch on fast too.

Khabaddharani Naveen and Rahul render this intense number, pacy and westernized song. It is in the same league as 'Jagadame' from Pokiri. It is as good as that song; the vocals and instrumental is very good, full of drums and church bells for that extra effect. Two good voices and a good chorus are added assets. Very fast, zealous and powerful. ***.5

Gona Gona Naveen and Rita lend their voices to this peppy duet. The second stanza sounds like a take off from 'Haire Haire Hayirabba' from Jeans. The chorus and bass guitar is used well. The song is hummable but the lyrics by Chandrabose are commonplace. **.75

Maheshbabu

Satyam Emito This song reminds one of 'Saahasam Swasaga' from Okkadu. It doesn't exactly sound like that, but the song's mood and tone is such. It is a good composition and the lyrics are totally philosophical. Lyrics by Sirivennela and Tippu-Usha playback works for the song. ***

Rathraina This is a good club number, and doesn't really come under the usual Item numbers league. The Arabic influence is evident, and this is one of the better numbers in the album. It has some quirky Hindi lyrics like 'Chal Hat Saali Pagli' and similar lines by Bhaskarabhatla. Ranjit and Anushka do a good job with the playback. If it is in fact an Item song, then it is of a superior standing, in the same league as 'Mayya Mayya' from Guru. ***.5

Khiladi Koona Another peppy duet, one obviously influenced by a pop song or two. Karthik and Rita sing this song with enthusiasm. If songs have colors, then this song is bubblegum pink. Lyrics by Viswa are good, and Karthik's voice stands out. Again, one of the better songs of the album, in spite of a familiar sounding chorus. Energetic and youthful. ***.25

Amrita Rao

Valla Valla This song starts off with a 'Hit It' from 'Pretty Woman' in Kal Ho Naa Ho. Rahul Nambiar and Dharshana render this number with good drum beats in it. ***

Last Word Most of the songs remind one of other songs from other albums or Mani Sharma tunes itself. Because of that, the freshness element is not present. But the album in entirety is satisfactory, with two very good songs. Khabaddharani, Rathraina, Khiladi Koona are songs that will grow on you as you listen.