Producer: Swagachitra Appachan
Director: Bharathan
Cast:  Vijay, Shreya, Namitha, Santhanam, Sayaji Shinde, Ashish Vidyarthi
Music: A R Rahman
Singers: Saindhavi, Sriram Parthasarathy, Archith, Benny, Dharshana, Benny, Ujjayinee, Aslam M D, Ember, Madhumitha, Naresh Iyer, A R Rahman

Vijay is one of the most saleable names in the industry these days. His film sells like hot cakes and is the best bet for the producers to go by. AR Rahman, on the other hand, is one of the biggest names in the singing arena today and is well celebrated for his exquisite musical outing that caters to no run-of-the-mill affair. This film credibly brings in together these two stalwarts with very different temperaments for a big draw. One may recoil with initial apprehension regarding the musical scene, but after a full earshot it is convinced that this is nothing but another big shot from the crafty musical genius.

Rahman in his usual musical trance whisks out six delectable tracks that undoubtedly speaks of his signatory style. He dishes out an appetizing palette of rhythm, sync, melodies and interludes that makes for a stupendous musical outing.

The numero uno track in the album is ‘Ella Puzhal’, a massy number that has Rahman’s grandeur written all over it. True to its massy genre, the track has a good helping of uplifting lyrics, beguiling beats and apt tempo that catches up instantaneously but Rahman reflective notes impart a class to it as well. Rahman’s high note nasal pitching further adds to the grandiosity of the song. This one is not at all deafening with over the top beats and rather drives the mood forward with snappy strums and bewitching beats.

AR Rahman is one of the few musicians who have never shown any fetish for remixes. But his next offering ‘Pon Magal Vandhal’, unlike his previous works, is somewhat a remix track where he takes the freedom to blow it up with a bizarre rap interlude. Aslam renders this track with full oomph, and Embar doles out the rap bits.

Rahman’s next delivery is a typical razzmatazz number ‘Nee Marilyn Monroe’ that is high on vim and vigor. True to the style of the song, this has got some incessant catchy lyrics by Na Muthukumar with a generous helping of English lyrics that just adds to its perky, nutty flavor. Benny Dayal and Ujjaini coughs out his zany number that is laced with an intoxicating refrain. A foot-tapping number that will set the listeners jiving.

‘Valaiyapatti’ is blown out by Rahman’s blue-eyed boy Naresh Iyer who renders this meaty track without any inhibition. His adorable voice leaves an enigmatic impact while the Carnatic ragas by Bageshwari, Saraswathi and Neelambarimakes for a pleasurable earshot. Ujjaini and Madhumitha’s voices climb the higher octaves with fortuitous fervor while Muthukumar’s lyrics adds to elevate the tempo of the track.

‘Kelammal Kayile’ stands out as another testimony to Rahman’s brilliance. Queer musical arrangements supported by brilliant enchanting vocals by Sriram Parthasarathy and Saindhavi uplifts the tracks and transcends the listeners on a different plane altogether. This song goes down slowly and smoothly with every single hearing and towards the end you are completely drunk by its beauty. Thamarai’s lilting lyrics bear that love sentiment rather slickly.

‘Maduraikku Pogathadee’ is an unsophisticated track that coalesces the timbre of Goanese beats, but is alive with stout energy and rhythms. Benny Dayal, Archith and Darsana croon out to Pa Vijay’s lyrics with élan and ease. This innate waft into the pastoral symphony is a knock of musical genius.

Vijay’s films most often than not cater to masses and Rahman try to keep up to his fan constituency by doling out massy tracks but with a dash of his own style. And the result, needless to say, is a convincingly successful one. Some great music to trip on.