CineGoer.com - Audio Reviews

Slow Redemption For Chakri

APK | January 23, 2008

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

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Chakri surprises the cinegoers. He gives at least three songs that strike a chord with the Telugu music lovers sometimes-Idiot, Desamuduru, etc. No mean task, that. Then he gives a half-hearted album like Krishna. Inconsistency may be an unfair way to put it. Surprising, that's what it should be called. Mr. Medhavi is a reasonably good album, with three hummable numbers. Nothing exceptional, but makes for a decent hear.

Kallu Kallatho Chitra renders this number beautifully. The song itself is lovely, but it reminds you of a song or two, most prominently that of Ilayaraja. Kandikonda's lyrics are good, except the unnecessary Hindi words that don't sit well. The end of the stanza is reminiscient of the end of the stanza (and a little of the chorus of) 'Jagada Jagada'. Even the musical instruments' choice is similar. It still remains a sweet solo by Chitra and good start of to an album by Chakri. ***.25

Raja and Genelia

Neeli Kannula Chinadana A good duet that has a medium pace rendered by SP Charan and Kousalya. One of those on-the-move songs, with that heartbeat rhythm. Kandikonda's lyrics describe the feel of the song effectively. We've heard this category of numbers quite a lot in the recent times, with varying quality. Overall, not a bad song but forgettable. **.75

Kala Kaaduga Chakri renders this number. So the first thing that crops up is whether it is one of those songs that suit his voice or no. Well, it is or rather, he makes it so. The gentle strumming used is quite nice and adds to that casual but moonlit night touch to the number. Kandikonda's lines are kept simple and straightforward. It's better off as a background number simply because Chakri's voice doesn't go with Raja. But we never know. As for the song, it is a good romantic song, with a female voice accompanying Chakri at the far end of the number. ***

Neeti Chinuku Harish Raghavendra pairs up with Sumangali to render this mix-n-match duet. It starts off slowly, then Harish quickens the pace and it slows down again. Kandikonda's pens in the whimsical Q&A lines to match the variable beats. **.75

Raja and Genelia

O Maguva The credits say 'Naveen, Suchitra' for the playback. But it sounds like Chakri's voice at the beginning, while Naveen takes over after the second stanza (and Chakri ends the number too). The instrumental in one part sounds like a part from 'Yeh Haseen Wadiyan' from Roja. Bhuvanachandra pens in the peppy lyrics. Suchitra does a good job at the mike. **.75

Ningi Nela Another solo rendered by Chakri. This one is a melodious fusion number and trademark Chakri. ***

Last Word Kallu Kallatho, Kala Kaaduga and Ningi Nela are good. The compilation is not exactly mind-blowing (to put it mildly). Just decent fare and not disappointing; not at all. Slowly, Chakri's getting back in the groove. Slowly but surely.