Saguni  (Tamil) music review

Directed by N. Shankar Dayal
Produced by S.R.Prabhu
Starring Karthi, Pranitha, Radhika Sarathkumar, Prakashraj, Santhanam
Music by G.V.Prakash Kumar
Lyrics by Viveka, Paramu, Na. Muthu Kumar, Annamalai and Shankar Dayal
Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Karthi, Sonu Nigam, Saindhavi, G.V.Prakash Kumar, Baba Sehgal, Priya Hemesh, Velmurugan, Pushpa Kuppusamy, Maya Manikandan
Audio: Gemini Audio

Saguni, a Tamil ‘masala’ political satire/pot-boiler with Karthi in the lead is due for release along with its’ Telugu dubbed version Sakuni on June 22^nd in theaters worldwide.  Young G.V.Prakash Kumar, (nephew of A.R.Rahman) is the music director.  Prakash who is just 25 years old has been composing for films since he was 17 – the music of some of his earlier films like Kireedam, Aayirathil Oruvan, Aadukalam and the recent Mayakkam enna have had great response - Aadukalam in particular has some amazing music. 

Saguni’s audio is definitely an audience pleaser for most part and very popular and hugely talented Shankar Mahadevan and Sonu Nigam feature in this album as do the well known Indian rapper Baba Sehgal, Pushpavanam Kuppusami (Tamil folk singer) and young Saindhavi who is Praskash’s fiancée.

Kandha Kaara Vadai – this ‘koothu’ number is definitely a crowd puller – with lyrics to go with the genre of song – street dance with plenty of thumping beats and whistles – the lyrics with a tinge of cynicism and philosophical contemplation are straightforward with no pretension to pure poetry.  Shankar Mahadevan, as always, shows how easy it is for him to sing any genre or language or mood– be it soft or upbeat, slow or fast, poignant or happy, classical or folk!

Manasellam Mazhaiye – That romance and raag Kanada go together is evident in this song that drips sensuousness and tenderness – Sonu Nigam and Saindhavi compete for honours in this lovely blend of semi-classical and light with some beautiful flute and strings interludes.  Sonu’s Tamil accent is perfect as are his vocals – Saindhavi exudes freshness and sweetness.

Vella Bambaram has a lovely flute intro that leads the song into an out and out dance number – the tune and rhythm, chorus sections and orchestration bring to mind some songs of similar flavour especially 'uppu karuvadu'….   As always Baba Sehgal effortlessly carries the song and again it is amazing to see how neatly he sings Tamil lyrics – even when it’s colloquial or slang….

Pottadhu Pathalai by Velmurugan is the much flogged drunken bachelor party /dappangkoothu style song - the tune and beat are reminiscent of older numbers especially the old hit ‘Oram Po’ – the lyrics are colloquial and generously splashed with innuendo and English words.

Annachi Ammachi - yet again a street dance number that serves as a tongue in cheek commentary on the political situation, election hangama and corruption – sung by renowned Tamil ‘naatupura paadal’ (folk music) singer Pushpavanam Kuppusamy – it begins with the announcement of the elections on ‘All India Radio’ news and then goes into a sardonic and scathing review of the political scenario…a number to fit into the theme of the film – foot-tapping and vigorous but not that remarkable a song.

All the songs in Saguni save the duet by Sonu/Saindhavi duet are fast and brisk and upbeat– even if the songs might suit and fit in well with the storyline the narrative and might hit the charts, I suspect they will soon fade away from the listener’s memory.  Most probably will be popular in the DJ circuits and dance parties for a season…To sum up, the album is not totally disappointing especially due to the presence of vocals by Shankar and Sonu and is a cheerful and mood and mass pleasing package of songs!

Sudha (Lakshmi) Rao is a homemaker and singer – freelances (with live and track based accompaniment) and is part of the music groups Saptaswar, a New England based group and Friends’ Orchestra in Chennai.  She is an overseas advisory member of TANKER FOUNDATION (www.tankerfoundation.org), a Chennai based NGO that helps the poor and needy suffering from kidney ailments.  Sudha’s music website:  www.youtube.com/user/sudsless

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