- Sreya Sunil

Chandra Siddardha, having adapted Anurag Mathur's popular novel 'The Inscrutable Americans' into an English movie, now makes his foray into the Telugu film industry with Appudappudu. Though I haven't got a chance to see Chandra's version of Mathur's book (actually I did search for the movie here in the US but could not find it), I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. Taking into account Chandra's very own words about the number of film festivals his maiden movie has graced, which boasts about his work as a director, Appudappudu looks like a promising movie. Also, as per him, it simply just doesn't deal with college love story or a faction oops action movie. Like many movies hitting the silver screen these days, this one also has newcomers - Raja and Shriya Reddy - in the main lead.

RP Patnaik, who was once in the same strugglers league as Chandra, pitches in to be the music-man for this movie. RP, indeed, strives to deliver different kind of music from the likes he has dished out so far. Though he partially succeeds in doing so, the orchestration in some of the songs reminds us of his previous numbers. And for once, there is no teen-mar/folk song in this album (Is this the air of freshness that Chandra was talking about?). But RP still hasn't recovered from the 'I-sing-my-own-songs-and-why-not?' bug.

RP makes use of two lyricists Chaitanya Prasad and Peddada Murthy in this album giving them equal share of three songs each. While Chaitanya Prasad pens lighter vein/love songs, Peddada Murthy is asked to take care of some serious/situational songs. And both of them do a decent job.

1. Wahwa Wahwa (Listen)
This song sounds more like a composition inspired by a plethora of Middle East songs. The kind of beats it has, the manner in which Natasha Gulmohar sings it, only add to that. Lyrics by Chaitanya Prasad are barely audible amidst the loud beats.

2. Nee kalalu kaavali (Listen)
A simple and sweet melody sung by RP and Sunitha. Lyrics by Chaitanya Prasad, though are in the groove of a typical love duet, are decent. Sunitha shines in this song with her sweet voice. RP succeeds more as a music director than as a singer here.

3. Neekem Telusu (Listen)
A funny song written well by Chaitanya Prasad that talks about the 'attitude' of the lead characters. Usha sounds absolutely cool (especially when she utters 'eh! po bhe') while RP gives her decent company.

4. Idigo Ipude (Listen)
Another melodious number with a pathos undercurrent where Peddada Murthy pens good lyrics about a separated couple. Usha and RP sing this one in a beautiful manner. While RP not only sets the mood perfectly with a mellow tune and a good orchestration, he also takes us on a soulful ride accompanied aptly by Usha.

5. Gudugudu Gunchem (Listen)
A marriage song written by Peddada Murthy and sung by Usha, Lenina, Gayatri, RP and Ravi Varma. An okay number, this one.

6. Nandalala Nandalala (Listen)
A dandiya number that is not so common in Telugu movies. Though it isn't any great if you've heard any of the dandiya numbers before, but it definitely gives work to your feet. Peddada Murthy's lyrics mostly revolve around some naughty sweet nothings. Usha, as always, does her job effectively but it is RP who at times mistakes this number to be his quintessential folk song and sings it with unnecessary high-pitched rendition at some places. RP should restrict himself to soft numbers, if at all he "wants" to sing, no matter what!

Over all, the album is a passable fare except for two songs (Nee Kalalu Kavali, Idigo Ippude), which are instant winners. The popularity of the other songs is highly dependent on the success of the movie. If the movie succeeds then the audio would be benefited otherwise these songs would traverse our minds as long as the movie loiters in the theaters.

It's only once in a while that we get to see good and different movies where the director doesn't fear to tread the unpaved paths. Hope Chandra's Appudappudu is that appudappudu (once in a while) kind of movie.

Sreya's Picks: Nee Kalalu Kavali, Idigo Ipude

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