Rahman needs no introduction. Neither does Vijay, or as he's fondly called by his fans: "Illayathalapathy."
After smelling success with Sivaji the Boss, Rahman dishes out with Azhagiya Thamizh Magan. Coming up with 6 numbers that are picturized with the likes of Vijay, Namitha and Telugu star, Shriya, fans have been eagerly waiting to see if the Mozart of Madras has more in store after his last outing.
First things first: Rahman's ATM is indeed a STEP better than Sivaji. I have given him every pot-shot for his laziness in Sivaji and as a dedicated Rahmaniac from his debut days, I had him on my number 2 list, number 1 being Isaignani Ilaiyaraja (who could forget those Agni Natchathiram, Dalapathi, Nayagan, Mouna Raagam, Idhaya Kovil, Vikram, Varsham 16, and other classic hits?) Rahman then continuded to surpass my expectations and from then on, he began to dish out chartbuster after chartbuster after chartbuster. For that reason, we must credit heavily to Mani Ratnam [ROJA-GURU] and to directors like Shankar [GENTLEMEN-BOYS], K.S Ravikumar [MUTHU, THENALI, PADIYAAPA, VARALAARU], Ram Gopal Varma [RANGEELA], and Subhash Ghai [TAAL, KISNA]. Why? For their ability to visualize the music that synched beautifully with the film. It was like that for the majority of the 90s. Today, Rahman manages to give us the good stuff but honestly, he had faltered in the past. Rang De Basanti was peppy, Guru was class but Sivaji the Boss wasn't extraordinary. It was okay music. Barring Sahara and Vaaji to a certain extent, the rest of the album dissappointed big time. Balleilakka was something that he took from Devuda of Chandramukhi, the majority of the numbers were more or less rap numbers indianized and that Athirade song was just...ambiguous to understand with all the mumbo-jumbo going in the background.
Aside from all that nostalgia, let's have a look at the songs.
ELLAAPUGAZHUM (A.R Rahman) Rating : 4/5
The song is most likely Vijay's staple intro song. The whole song as a whole has heavy shades of Anbe Aaruiye's title track. It's got Vaali's lyrics so you know the song will have some meaning. Despite being a sentimental song about poor people and thangachi doting and etcetera etcetera. Probably the best of the Vijay songs after that sad Pokkiri and his recent crop of masalas.
KELAMAL KAIYILE (Saindavi & Sriram Parasarathy) Rating: 3.8/5
It's a more or less your eurobeat number mixed with some addicting choral sirens. It's got a Rahman stamp all over it. However it's got a heavy "Sahara" hangover from Sivaji mixed in and "Ilamai" from Varalaaru. Nevertheless, Vidyasagar favorite, Sriram Parasarathy and newcomer Saindavi excell here.
MADURAIKKU (Benny Archal and others) Rating: 2/5
Remember that popular song from Thenali, "Hoja ye" and that recent Pokkiri mass number "Pokkiri Pongal?" It's basically that with Pravin Mani's version of "Baila Re" from Little John. Skippable as it's your staple village track. It's strictly so-so.
NEE MARLYIN MONROE (Ujjanee and Benny Archal) Rating: 3.9/5
Pretty good song and I would've rated it even higher if it weren't for the dubakoor english thrown into the song. Is it me or did you guys get shades of Boys songs "Girlfriend" and "Maro Maro". Cause I did. It's a good song and I have a feeling that the female voice, Ujjanee is from that Zee TV Winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa : Ek me aur Ek Tu. Because if that's not her, I don't know who is. Only the mozart can confirm this ;)
PONMAGAL (Aslam and others) Rating: 2.9/5
How ironic it's sounds so familiar to Bluffmaster's "Sabse Bada Rupaiya." It's a passable track but the beats and background music make up for it and the grace rating. It's your typical remix like song but Aslam is a good singer. Some later parts of the song has the tune from "Inisai."
VALAYAPATTI (Naresh Iyer, Ujjanee, Madhumitha) Rating: 3/5
Your average duet. No more shall be said.
On the whole: AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN is a TRUE Rahman album that you leave a lasting impression. Forget Sivaji, AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN can be added as one of the top albums of 2007 along with the likes of MOZHI, CHENNAI 600028, KIREEDOM, KUMARAN, BHEEMAA, KANNAMMOCHI YENADA, SATHUM PODATHEY and now this. Only con of the album has to be the Madurai track.
Rating: ***.5/5
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
[SATIRE] The headlines of Kollywood
[CASE: Rajni's antics]
Behindthewoods report - Today the SuperStar ate a cheese sandwich today! It was filled with masala podi and mahalapodi and chickpeas. Fans of the Superstar were rumored to know that it tasted good. However, Rajni denies he said that as he was not available to comment.
Sify.com report - RAJNI EATS SANDWICH! The superstar today had a delightful lunch at a local hut where only middle-class indians can afford. Today, our superstar was seen eating a masala sandwich while his desperate fanbase was watching gleefully. There were rumors going around that Rajni had planned to eat a sandwich as he was fed up with masala dosas and idili's. Remember that Rajini ate a Pizza at Pizza Hut when he got tired of living with rasam rice and sambar!
[CASE: Vijay's ATM]
CATEGORY: ATM Launch
Behindthewoods report - After that blockbuster hit BAKERY, our Ilayathalapathy has signed onto his next venture entitled, NALLA THAMIZHA. There are reports that it's another Telugu import from PRAMANDHA CHEPPANDI but this time, Vijay borrows it from Hindi flop, ACHA HINDUSTANI. Vijay was unavailable for comment as he's too busy watching Mahesh Babu act so that he can copy his style too.
Sify.com report - ILAYATHALAPATHY'S NEXT! Our Ilayathapathy is enjoying the 10 day run of Bakery but now he seems to be in a rush for his next venture, Nalla Thamizha. Rumors are going agog that it's a remake of a Telugu blockbuster Pramandha Cheppandi while disclosed sources claim that it's a copy of hindi hit, Acha Hindustani starring Abhisheshtan Batchan and Kuppaiwarya. Remember that Vijay has a knack of copying films from Telugu such as Naan Okkadu, Pathi, Thirrutu kuchi in the past. Only our Ilayathalapathy can confirm this.
CATEGORY: ATM heroines
Behindthewoods report - Telugu import Shreeka has found success in Baaji: the dish along with Superstar. Even though she can't speak tamizh or have any good sense of acting, she was bagged by our Ilayathalapathi Vijay, who found success with Bakery for his next recycler: Nalla Thamizha. She plays a vulgar lady opposite to our Vijay who's half naked and dances for Ilayathalapathi's front benches and have no lives. Shreeka comments: "I love Tamizh cinema. It gives me good opportunities to do nothing but be concubines to the superstars, the thalapathis and whatnot. Plus, I'm shedding my wardrobe to win acclaim with biased reviewers." Also casted opposite Vijay is Vambitha, the obese actress with 0% of talent. She also comments, "Finally, I get to play Vijay's bodyguard in a song sequence. It's my long time dream to shake my flabby body along with Ilayathalapathi even though I've made claims that I'm not fat in the press releases."
Sify.com report - Sreeka and Vambitha bag Vijay's next! Baaji the dish is still making waves thanks to repeat audience and piracy! Sreeka, the vulgar heroine has bagged her next recycler opposite to our Ilayathalapathi in Nalla Thamizha. Vambitha, the obese Shakeela, has also bagged Vijay's next as well. Sreeka comments that she needed some money after wasting all her Baaji collections on skimpy wardrobes. "In Nalla Thamizha, I have a 5 reels of appearances before I get chopped off for Vijay's sequences." Vambitha couldn't comment on her acting as she's too busy showing off to the public more that what they bargain for...
Behindthewoods report - Today the SuperStar ate a cheese sandwich today! It was filled with masala podi and mahalapodi and chickpeas. Fans of the Superstar were rumored to know that it tasted good. However, Rajni denies he said that as he was not available to comment.
Sify.com report - RAJNI EATS SANDWICH! The superstar today had a delightful lunch at a local hut where only middle-class indians can afford. Today, our superstar was seen eating a masala sandwich while his desperate fanbase was watching gleefully. There were rumors going around that Rajni had planned to eat a sandwich as he was fed up with masala dosas and idili's. Remember that Rajini ate a Pizza at Pizza Hut when he got tired of living with rasam rice and sambar!
[CASE: Vijay's ATM]
CATEGORY: ATM Launch
Behindthewoods report - After that blockbuster hit BAKERY, our Ilayathalapathy has signed onto his next venture entitled, NALLA THAMIZHA. There are reports that it's another Telugu import from PRAMANDHA CHEPPANDI but this time, Vijay borrows it from Hindi flop, ACHA HINDUSTANI. Vijay was unavailable for comment as he's too busy watching Mahesh Babu act so that he can copy his style too.
Sify.com report - ILAYATHALAPATHY'S NEXT! Our Ilayathapathy is enjoying the 10 day run of Bakery but now he seems to be in a rush for his next venture, Nalla Thamizha. Rumors are going agog that it's a remake of a Telugu blockbuster Pramandha Cheppandi while disclosed sources claim that it's a copy of hindi hit, Acha Hindustani starring Abhisheshtan Batchan and Kuppaiwarya. Remember that Vijay has a knack of copying films from Telugu such as Naan Okkadu, Pathi, Thirrutu kuchi in the past. Only our Ilayathalapathy can confirm this.
CATEGORY: ATM heroines
Behindthewoods report - Telugu import Shreeka has found success in Baaji: the dish along with Superstar. Even though she can't speak tamizh or have any good sense of acting, she was bagged by our Ilayathalapathi Vijay, who found success with Bakery for his next recycler: Nalla Thamizha. She plays a vulgar lady opposite to our Vijay who's half naked and dances for Ilayathalapathi's front benches and have no lives. Shreeka comments: "I love Tamizh cinema. It gives me good opportunities to do nothing but be concubines to the superstars, the thalapathis and whatnot. Plus, I'm shedding my wardrobe to win acclaim with biased reviewers." Also casted opposite Vijay is Vambitha, the obese actress with 0% of talent. She also comments, "Finally, I get to play Vijay's bodyguard in a song sequence. It's my long time dream to shake my flabby body along with Ilayathalapathi even though I've made claims that I'm not fat in the press releases."
Sify.com report - Sreeka and Vambitha bag Vijay's next! Baaji the dish is still making waves thanks to repeat audience and piracy! Sreeka, the vulgar heroine has bagged her next recycler opposite to our Ilayathalapathi in Nalla Thamizha. Vambitha, the obese Shakeela, has also bagged Vijay's next as well. Sreeka comments that she needed some money after wasting all her Baaji collections on skimpy wardrobes. "In Nalla Thamizha, I have a 5 reels of appearances before I get chopped off for Vijay's sequences." Vambitha couldn't comment on her acting as she's too busy showing off to the public more that what they bargain for...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
[RANT] Kollywood's heroines [PART I]
Sivaji, ATM, or (insert any big budgeted film with superstars.) What do these films have in common? SuperStars like Rajini and Vijay. Anything else? How about those heroines, hmm? Remember them? Really? Tell me what their so called part of the film is?
.....Time's up! The correct answer is "absolutely nothing!" That's right. Nada, zilch, zero! What they claim to say about themselves in interviews and press? Bullshit. Absolute lies. Today's Kollywood is more or less the "money-spinning " machine for the superstars because nobody cares about "story" anymore. They care about "sleaze", "iterm numbers" or better yet, "hero's figure."
Have a good look, no seriously a GOOD look at the cinema Kollywood MANAGED to give us: Mozhi gave us Jo's blind character, ParuthiVeeran had scope on Priyamani's character, hell, look at Mani Ratnam's films for god damn sakes! Those films actually gave a damn about portraying strong female characters. Even Kireedom had Trisha portrayed as a comical character and that was a tad better than sitting around for Santhanam's crass comedy or Vivek's repeated acts.
Case in this point: Sivaji the Boss. The film was a blockbuster no doubt, but only because of 2 things. 1) Rajni's over-obsessed fanbase and 2) Shriya's sleazy looks. Period. The film didn't boast of a great story or characterization or plot (those who haven't seen it, my advise: avoid it. It's Mudhalvan, Gentleman and Indian remixed.) Every tamil forum site I visited during the film's release period, they all rave about Shriya's performance. What performance? Did I watch a different film or were they just wiping the drool off their faces from watching her vulgar dance steps and skimpy costumes that makes the film border an U/A rating. In fact, the irony here is that Rajini's character in the film boasted of her as a simple "tamizh" girl, yet the song sequences have a different story to tell.
Still don't buy it? How about that rumbum called "Thiruyadhal Arambam?" It's got Dhanush playing that shady version of Rajni's Mr. Bharath right? Nope. Go ask anyone in the blasted forums or ask any cinema crazy person down South. Nope. People remember Shriya's designer looks, that's about it. As it is, she can't utter a single tamil word [read Koffee with Anu episode] nor manage any kind of acting skills. She's basically another "wooden face." She's only face for her "valley girl" roles that REALLY don't boast much off. Going by the latest "ATM" snaps, it's basically Sivaji Mark II only Masala Monkey Vijay's taking over Rajni's role. I pray that the film gets bankrupt.
Speaking of "ATM" how about that "Namitha?" Remember that *big* article about how she's "reportedly" lost all that weight and crap?" Guess what? You've been BS'd again! I love it how the media sites like to mess with the human mind whenever the news of "ZOMG! Rajni's doing a film with t3h Mani Ratnam!" Yayz!" OR "Rahman's t3h awesome's cauz he's got better muzak skillz than copy-cat Jeyaraj!" Back on Namitha, just have a good look at this pic: http://www.behindwoods.com/image-gallery-stills/photos-4/tn-award/tn-govt-film-award-12.html.
So in closing, would the directors and writers of the film actually give a damn about the heroine instead of portraying her as a "front-bencher", or a "pointless' character, cause it really beats the purpose of making the movie. Heck, I think this is why directors like Priyadarshan and Mani Ratnam vowed to never come back to Kollywood again cause of this kind of situation. Going by our present situation, it sure looks like it.
Be sure to catch Part II, where I'll slam more on portrayals in movies [Asin, Bhavana, Jo] and more!
.....Time's up! The correct answer is "absolutely nothing!" That's right. Nada, zilch, zero! What they claim to say about themselves in interviews and press? Bullshit. Absolute lies. Today's Kollywood is more or less the "money-spinning " machine for the superstars because nobody cares about "story" anymore. They care about "sleaze", "iterm numbers" or better yet, "hero's figure."
Have a good look, no seriously a GOOD look at the cinema Kollywood MANAGED to give us: Mozhi gave us Jo's blind character, ParuthiVeeran had scope on Priyamani's character, hell, look at Mani Ratnam's films for god damn sakes! Those films actually gave a damn about portraying strong female characters. Even Kireedom had Trisha portrayed as a comical character and that was a tad better than sitting around for Santhanam's crass comedy or Vivek's repeated acts.
Case in this point: Sivaji the Boss. The film was a blockbuster no doubt, but only because of 2 things. 1) Rajni's over-obsessed fanbase and 2) Shriya's sleazy looks. Period. The film didn't boast of a great story or characterization or plot (those who haven't seen it, my advise: avoid it. It's Mudhalvan, Gentleman and Indian remixed.) Every tamil forum site I visited during the film's release period, they all rave about Shriya's performance. What performance? Did I watch a different film or were they just wiping the drool off their faces from watching her vulgar dance steps and skimpy costumes that makes the film border an U/A rating. In fact, the irony here is that Rajini's character in the film boasted of her as a simple "tamizh" girl, yet the song sequences have a different story to tell.
Still don't buy it? How about that rumbum called "Thiruyadhal Arambam?" It's got Dhanush playing that shady version of Rajni's Mr. Bharath right? Nope. Go ask anyone in the blasted forums or ask any cinema crazy person down South. Nope. People remember Shriya's designer looks, that's about it. As it is, she can't utter a single tamil word [read Koffee with Anu episode] nor manage any kind of acting skills. She's basically another "wooden face." She's only face for her "valley girl" roles that REALLY don't boast much off. Going by the latest "ATM" snaps, it's basically Sivaji Mark II only Masala Monkey Vijay's taking over Rajni's role. I pray that the film gets bankrupt.
Speaking of "ATM" how about that "Namitha?" Remember that *big* article about how she's "reportedly" lost all that weight and crap?" Guess what? You've been BS'd again! I love it how the media sites like to mess with the human mind whenever the news of "ZOMG! Rajni's doing a film with t3h Mani Ratnam!" Yayz!" OR "Rahman's t3h awesome's cauz he's got better muzak skillz than copy-cat Jeyaraj!" Back on Namitha, just have a good look at this pic: http://www.behindwoods.com/image-gallery-stills/photos-4/tn-award/tn-govt-film-award-12.html.
So in closing, would the directors and writers of the film actually give a damn about the heroine instead of portraying her as a "front-bencher", or a "pointless' character, cause it really beats the purpose of making the movie. Heck, I think this is why directors like Priyadarshan and Mani Ratnam vowed to never come back to Kollywood again cause of this kind of situation. Going by our present situation, it sure looks like it.
Be sure to catch Part II, where I'll slam more on portrayals in movies [Asin, Bhavana, Jo] and more!
Monday, October 15, 2007
KUMARAN (2007) MUSIC REVIEW [TAMIL[
Dubbed Telugu films continue to make a mark in Kollywood. Be it "Udamba Eppadi Irukku" from Dr. Rajashekhar [Their version of the Sarath Kumar release, "NamNaadu"] and the latest Trivikram release, "Nandu"[Athadu], this next one is also a dubbed film and it's got the common factor of Trisha and Telugu Superstar, Mahesh Babu [Last seen in dubbed latter.] This one hails from the Telugu disaster of last year, SAINIKUDU. Aside from that, the film boasts of creative numbers from Kollywood's happening maestro, Harris Jayaraj. After Bheema, Jayaraj dubs his Telugu chartbusters into Tamil witht the help of Viveka Snegan, Paruthi and Na. Muthukumar [KIREEDOM fame]
Tippu and wife Harini give it their best with "Oru Banaram." Originally sung by Indian Idol 2 Runner-up, N.C Karunya, one wished that the latter could've re-sung the popular chartbuster in the Tamil version. Nevertheless, Tippu manages to emulate Karunya while Harini supports aptly. Malathi also joins in with a viliage tone during the song. The song is somewhat inspired from the popular A.R Rahman hit, "Chaiyya" from "Dil Se."
Newcomer: Senthil Dass joins in with "Go Go". A phenomenon in Telugu, one wonders if did justice to the Tamil dub as well. Supposidly, it's the title track. You're the judge for this one!
The other numbers: "Nizhal Endrum" and "Byla Baylamo" are good mass numbers that would give people a run for their money, or better yet, an encore.
Sadly, Anuradha Sriram falters with "Sorgathil". The Telugu version was apparently a big hit next to "Banaram" but as far as the Tamil dub goes, it's more or less an average track.The last one "Pombala" by Anu Sriram and Karthik is a good duet number. Should also be a chartbuster as well.
Overall, Jayaraj does a decent job in dubbing the tracks from the Telugu film. One wishes that him or the associates had recycled his singers from the original into this album. It is what Mahesh Babu [who has marketed the Tamil dub] should've thought of before dubbing the songs into Tamil. Nevertheless, enjoy "Oru Banaram", "Pombala" and "Go Go" while the others are time-pass. Unfortunately, the film bombed badly last December and it's uncertain how it's fairing in Tamil Nadu. Still, the album's worth a hear.
Rating: ***.5/5
Tippu and wife Harini give it their best with "Oru Banaram." Originally sung by Indian Idol 2 Runner-up, N.C Karunya, one wished that the latter could've re-sung the popular chartbuster in the Tamil version. Nevertheless, Tippu manages to emulate Karunya while Harini supports aptly. Malathi also joins in with a viliage tone during the song. The song is somewhat inspired from the popular A.R Rahman hit, "Chaiyya" from "Dil Se."
Newcomer: Senthil Dass joins in with "Go Go". A phenomenon in Telugu, one wonders if did justice to the Tamil dub as well. Supposidly, it's the title track. You're the judge for this one!
The other numbers: "Nizhal Endrum" and "Byla Baylamo" are good mass numbers that would give people a run for their money, or better yet, an encore.
Sadly, Anuradha Sriram falters with "Sorgathil". The Telugu version was apparently a big hit next to "Banaram" but as far as the Tamil dub goes, it's more or less an average track.The last one "Pombala" by Anu Sriram and Karthik is a good duet number. Should also be a chartbuster as well.
Overall, Jayaraj does a decent job in dubbing the tracks from the Telugu film. One wishes that him or the associates had recycled his singers from the original into this album. It is what Mahesh Babu [who has marketed the Tamil dub] should've thought of before dubbing the songs into Tamil. Nevertheless, enjoy "Oru Banaram", "Pombala" and "Go Go" while the others are time-pass. Unfortunately, the film bombed badly last December and it's uncertain how it's fairing in Tamil Nadu. Still, the album's worth a hear.
Rating: ***.5/5
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