CineGoer.com - Audio Reviews

A Soft Drizzle

APK | December 18, 2007

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

MS Raju likes rain. The good thing is, rain seems to like MS Raju and people seem to like that MS Raju likes rain. This doesn't make complete sense, but does one of your movies as Varsham and the other as Vaana have much meaning? Debatable. Vaana stars Vinay and Meera Chopra and is directed by the producer himself. Along with this debut, we have a musical one. Devisri Prasad's prodigy Kamalakar is the music director for Vaana. It's a remake of the Kannada flick, Mungaru Male.

Aakasha Ganga Karthik renders this soulful and soft melody. Sirivennela's lyrics accompanied by the rested pace make it a good hear anytime. It has the distinct sound of a Kannada song, and an old one at that. **.75

Yeduta Nilichindi Choodu One more solo, Karthik once again, accompanied by Sirivennela's lines once more. This actually sounds like one of those Ram-Lakhan's softer numbers. It's actually a slightly better than it's predecessor with superior instrumental. ***

Meera Chopra and Vinay

Dolare Damadam It's Ranjith's turn to go solo. This one is a fast-paced dance number, with Bhangra beats. This has Punjabi words like 'Chak De Shaava Balle Balle' and that trademark Punjabi instrumental. If you listen closely, it sounds like a rip-off, albeit an energetic one, of 'Maahi Ve' from Kaante. ***

Ventapadu It's Chitra's turn to hold the show. This one is a sad version of Yeduta Nilichindi Choodu, with the same tune but a complete change in the lyrics and mood. Chitra's voice sounds just lovely in the only female solo in the album. ***

Unnatta Lenatta A good composition, it is very interesting to listen to this one. Lyrics by Sirivennela add to the fun element and Ranjith's voice is best suited for this number. This could easily be the Pick of the Album. There's some mandatory English rap included in the package. ***1/2

Muvvanti Maina Devisri's old favorite, Mallikarjun, sings this solo number. Muvvanti Maina sounds good while it lasts but lacks freshness. Pros-Mallikarjun and the instrumental. Cons-Sounds like some old Telugu song. **1/2

Vinay and Meera Chopra

Aakasha Ganga This is the even softer (if possible) or rather the sadder version, and briefer version of the same song. **1/2

Sirimalle Vaana The only duet in the entire album, Chitra and Ranjith sing this modern version of 'Kurisindi Vaana'. Being the title track, it could have had been definitely better. Vocals are good. **1/2

Last Word Except for Sirimalle Vaana, all the numbers are sung solo! Eight numbers in all, with two 'sad' versions of previous numbers; not bad at all. Made up of mostly softer beats, the album is overall not disappointing. Just don't expect Varsham, Vaana is its humble cousin. Lot of the numbers lack newness. Subtlety and softness dominates the album. This is not one of those albums you like instantly-it takes time to grow on you. After a lot of Masala, eating mild food takes time to get used to. Three of the songs including Unnatta Lenatta and Yeduta Nilichindi Choodu stand out. For those revelling in the milder tones, this is a treat.