Producer: Ramesh Babu G
Director: Surender Reddy
Cast: Mahesh Babu, Amrita Rao
Music: Mani Sharma
Singers: Naveen, Rita, Rahul, Jarthik, Anushka, Ranjit, Deepu, Usha, Dharmna, Rahul Sambiyaar
 
Tollywood’s jumbo star Mahesh Babu’s next big screen venture is the enormously ambitious and puffed up project ‘Athidhi’. Directed by Surender Reddy of ‘Athanokkade’ fame, this film pairs Bollywood muse Amrita Rao opposite him. Ramesh produces this flick under his home banner Krishna Productions Pvt Ltd. Mahesh Babu’s blue-eyed music director Manisharma has been roped in to stir melodious magic with his musical wand. With clutter-breaking ideas, groundbreaking campaigns and other exciting stuff centered on ‘Athidhi’, the musical success of this film is already a big assurance.

The album begins with ‘Khabadaarani’, a massy track to start with. Crooned by Naveen and Rahul, it has a contemporary jazzy feel with groping music and fine lyrics. Modern English humming before the stanzas also lends a juvenile feel. A good start by Manisharma.

‘Ornayano Pichi Pichigaa’ is a foot-tapping duet by Naveen and Rita. Manisharma’s contemporary arrangement in conjunction with Chandrabose’s thriving lyrics makes it for a great hearing. Although at times it tends to sway towards routinely done up tracks, nevertheless Manisharma’s musical efficiency saves it from being another run of the mill affair.  

Another duet comes up as ‘Satyam Emito’ rendered mellifluously by Deepu and Usha. Fine rendition offers a tranquil soothing feel alongwith musical thumps managing to capture a rhythmic tempo for it as well. Sirivennela Sitaramasastry lyric is loaded with ample literary values.

Karthik and Rita hold the mike for ‘Khiladi Koona’ that oozes with youthfulness and vigor. Manisharma tries to impart a novel feel by playing on his musical skills but sadly this time the result isn’t very winning and the track closes on an average note.   

‘Rathraina’ upsurges as the item number in the album. This suave and sultry song rendered in the throaty voice of Ranjit and Anushka is electrifying with sizzling lyrics by Bhaskarabhatla. Interesting arrangements with vigorous percussion tends to make the audience jive to its saucy tune. On the whole, a modest effort!

‘Valla Valla’ the concluding track is a dance number doled out by Rahul Nambiyar and Dharmna. It gives out the flavor of Manisharma and Maheshbabu’s earlier hit ‘Pokiri’ and seems specially designed for the super star to exhibit his dancing talent. Immersed with a country feel, this brazen track makes for a good tiptoe.

Manisharma hopes to repeat his success story with this film. And going by the verdict, the album looks promising enough.